Comparison of Tumor Enucleation and Standard Partial Nephrectomy According to Trifecta Outcomes: A Multicenter Study by the Turkish Academy of Urology, Uro-Oncology Working Group.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the impact of the resection technique (tumor enucleation (TE) or standard partial nephrectomy (SPN)) on trifecta outcomes in patients having undergone partial nephrectomy (PN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and pathologic parameters in patients with localized renal cell carcinoma (pT1-2N0M0) who had undergone PN between January 2001-December 2018 at one of 15 different tertiary referral centers. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to investigate independent predictors of trifecta failure, decreased postoperative renal functions (decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 10%), perioperative complications (Clavien-Dindo > 1), and positive surgical margins. RESULTS: A total of 1070 patients with a mean age 56.11 ± 11.88 years were included in our study. PN was performed with TE in 848 (79.25%) and SPN in 222 (20.75%) patients. Trifecta failure rate was 56.2% for TE and 64.4% for SPN (p = 0.028). On multivariable analysis, TE was associated with less trifecta failure (p = 0.025) and eGFR decrease >10% rates (p = 0.024). On the other hand, there was no statistically significant difference between TE and SPN according to positive surgical margins (p = 0.450) and complication > Clavien-Dindo grade 1 (p = 0.888) rates. The only independent predictive factor for complications > Clavien-Dindo 1 was the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: TE is associated with less trifecta failure than SPN. This result is mainly due to better preservation of renal function with TE.

Early Experience with Salvage Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy in Proton Beam Radiotherapy Failures.

AIMS: To assess the perioperative and short-term functional and oncologic outcomes of the salvage robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (sRARP), after recurrence following primary proton beam therapy for clinically localized prostate cancer. METHODS: Ten patients undergoing sRARP after failure of the prior definitive proton beam therapy for localized prostate cancer were included. BCR is defined as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value of 2.0 ng/mL greater than the absolute nadir. All of the individuals had a diagnosis of prostate cancer via biopsy after proton beam therapy, with negative findings on magnetic resonance imaging/computer tomography of the pelvis and abdomen, and a bone scan. The sRARP procedure with pelvic lymph node dissection was performed by a single surgeon in all patients. RESULTS: The median age of the cohort at sRARP was 66.8 years, and the mean BMI was 29.2 kg/m2. The mean duration from proton beam therapy to sRARP was 58.4 months; the mean preoperative PSA level was 5.5 ng/mL, the mean operative time was 230 minutes, and the approximate blood loss was 745 mL. Anastomotic leakage occurred in half of the individuals, and bladder neck contracture developed in 6 patients. For 8 patients, the continence results within 6 months followup were available. Overall, 24 complications occurred in 9 patients. At follow-up in the 32nd month, the overall survival rate was 80%, and the BCR-free survival rate was 90%. CONCLUSION: sRARP after proton beam therapy is an applicable procedure, but has a high risk of serious complications.

A very easy technique of stenting for laparoscopic pyeloplasty: penbegul intravenous cannula (PICA) technique.

INTRODUCTION: Double-J stent insertion during laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a difficult and time-consuming process and several techniques were defined to perform a double-J stent with an antegrade approach. In this study we present the technique (PICA) of antegrade double-J placement during laparoscopic pyeloplasty by using 14 gauge intravenous cannula. Surgical technique: After we complete the suturing of the posterior wall of the anastomosis during laparoscopic pyeloplasty, we first puncture the abdominal wall with a 14-gauge "intravenous cannula" from a location that provides most suitable angle for inserting the double-J stent into the ureter. We remove the metal needle of the cannula, and the sheath which has an inner diameter of 5.2F remains over the abdominal wall. The double J stent is then advanced from inside the cannula sheath to the intraperitoneal area; under laparoscopic imaging the stent is gently grasped at its distal end using an atraumatic laparoscopic forceps to insert it into the ureter. The stent is then pulled down to its proximal end, and after the guidewire is removed, the proximal end of the double-J stent is placed inside the renal pelvis with an atraumatic forceps. With this technique we can apply the double-J stent in just one step. Additionaly we can use a 14-gauge IV cannula sheath as a trocar when needed during laparoscopic pyeloplasty to retract an organ or reveal an anastomosis line. COMMENTS: Our new technique of antegrade double-J placement during laparoscopic pyeloplasty by 14 gauge intravenous cannula sheath, is very easy and quick to perform.

A very easy technique of stenting for laparoscopic pyeloplasty: penbegul intravenous cannula (PICA) technique

ABSTRACT Introduction: Double-J stent insertion during laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a difficult and time-consuming process and several techniques were defined to perform a double-J stent with an antegrade approach. In this study we present the technique (PICA) of antegrade double-J placement during laparoscopic pyeloplasty by using 14 gauge intravenous cannula. Surgıcal technıque: After we complete the suturing of the posterior wall of the anastomosis during laparoscopic pyeloplasty, we first puncture the abdominal wall with a 14-gauge "intravenous cannula" from a location that provides most suitable angle for inserting the double-J stent into the ureter. We remove the metal needle of the cannula, and the sheath which has an inner diameter of 5.2F remains over the abdominal wall. The double J stent is then advanced from inside the cannula sheath to the intraperitoneal area; under laparoscopic imaging the stent is gently grasped at its distal end using an atraumatic laparoscopic forceps to insert it into the ureter. The stent is then pulled down to its proximal end, and after the guidewire is removed, the proximal end of the double-J stent is placed inside the renal pelvis with an atraumatic forceps. With this technique we can apply the double-J stent in just one step. Additionaly we can use a 14-gauge IV cannula sheath as a trocar when needed during laparoscopic pyeloplasty to retract an organ or reveal an anastomosis line. Comments: Our new technique of antegrade double-J placement during laparoscopic pyeloplasty by 14 gauge intravenous cannula sheath, is very easy and quick to perform.

A novel percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) set: The 'Economical One-shot PCNL Set' (Ecoset).

OBJECTIVES: To suggest a novel disposable percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) set that we named the 'Economical One-shot PCNL Set' (Ecoset), which consists of a single 30-F dilator, 30-F sheath, and 8-F polyurethane dilator, as use of a 'one-shot' dilatation technique during PCNL is becoming widespread. PATIENT AND METHODS: The medical records of 42 patients with kidney stones who had undergone 'one-shot' PCNL from February 2014 to June 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and analysed. Demographic data, as well as the stone size, radiation exposure time, operation time, hospitalisation duration, rate of treatment success and complications, were recorded. RESULTS: The mean (SD, range) age of the patients was 44.43 (16.54, 11-72) years. The mean (SD) stone size was 35.12 (17.53) mm. The mean (SD) operation time was 54.58 (22.24) min. The mean (SD) fluoroscopic screening time was limited to 154.72 (117.48) s. Treatment success was achieved in 32 (76%) patients. The mean (SD) hospital stay was 3.09 (0.75) days. None of the patients had any major complications. Bleeding requiring blood transfusion was required in three patients. The cost of a disposable dilatation set for a single PCNL operation with a balloon set, a standard Amplatz set, or an Ecoset is ∼$137, $120, or $27 (American dollars), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The one-shot dilatation technique using the Ecoset for PCNL can be feasibly, safely, and effectively performed in almost every adult patient. The Amplatz dilator set and balloon dilator set have the disadvantage of relatively high cost, whereas the Ecoset is the cheapest 'disposable set' that can be used during PCNL surgery.

Salvage prostatectomy for post-radiation adenocarcinoma with treatment effect: Pathological and oncological outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate biopsies following localized radiation therapy for prostate cancer often demonstrate residual prostatic carcinoma with treatment effect (CTE). The final oncological outcome of prostatic CTE is currently uncertain. We studied the pathological and oncological outcomes for a large cohort of patients who had CTE on post-radiation therapy biopsy and subsequently underwent salvage radical prostatectomy (SRP). METHODS: A single-centre retrospective review of all SRPs performed from 1995-2014 was performed. Cases were selected for this analysis if they had had a post-radiation "for-cause" biopsy. Biopsy results were compared to final pathology results following SRP. Pathological and clinical outcomes were compared by extent of treatment effect seen on the post-radiation biopsy. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients who had salvage prostatectomy at MD Anderson Cancer Centre from 2007-2015 met study criteria. CTE was found on biopsy in the absence of other adenocarcinoma in 16 patients. Among them, one (7%) patient had no evidence of carcinoma at the time of salvage prostatectomy, four (27%) had CTE, three (20%) had adenocarcinoma with minimal or partial treatment effect (PTE), and seven (47%) had adenocarcinoma with no treatment effect (NTE). For those with CTE on biopsy, 69% had biochemical recurrence at a median time of 0.4 years (interquartile range [IQR] 0.22-1.52) vs. 52% for all patients (median 0.44 years, IQR 0.11-1.70) and 47% for those with no treatment effect (median 0.62 years, IQR 0.05-1.90). Metastasis developed after salvage prostatectomy in 11.8% of the whole cohort (8/68, median time to metastasis was 3.03 years, IQR 2.45-4.47), 26.7% of patients with CTE (median 3.2 years, IQR 1.96-4.44), and 6.7% of patients with NTE (median 2.45 years, IQR 0.98-2.86). Median recurrence-free survival was 2.78 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84-5.43) for all patients, 0.51 years (95% CI 0.22-2.35) for those with CTE, and 4.95 years (95% CI 0.95-7.08) for those with NTE; the difference was not significant (p=0.13). On multivariate analysis, pre-SRP biopsy Gleason grade <7 (hazard ratio [HR] 0.38; 95% CI 0.14-1.02) and number of biopsy cores positive for carcinoma (HR 1.11; 95% CI 1.00-1.22) were significant for prediction of cancer recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing salvage prostatectomy for CTE or PTE demonstrated in a for-cause biopsy after radiation therapy had pathological evidence of viable, untreated cancer in more than 50% of cases and were at significant risk of adverse pathological features. Patients with CTE may therefore benefit from salvage radical prostatectomy. Our study is limited by its retrospective nature and sample size. More studies are required to further validate our findings and assess the benefit of SRP in this population.

Effectiveness of ureteroscopy among the youngest patients: One centre's experience in an endemic region in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the incidence of urinary stone disease reportedly has been increasing. The use of shockwave lithotripsy has seen low success rates, the inefficacy of a single session, and the need for general anaesthesia in children; additionally, children are exposed to radiation. These suboptimal treatment conditions have all led to ureteroscopy (URS) becoming the treatment method of choice for paediatric ureter stones. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of 4.5-Fr URS when used on children younger than 1 year of age. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The operation results of 34 patients (12 girls and 22 boys) who had undergone intervention for ureter stones at our clinic were retrospectively evaluated. For URS, a 4.5-Fr semi-rigid ureteroscope was used; a Holmium:YAG laser machine was used as a lithotripter. RESULT: The mean patient age was 9.6 months (range 4-12 months) (Table). The mean stone surface area was 25.39 mm2 (range 11.84-84.78 mm2). In six cases, a ureteral catheter was inserted, because of minimal oedema in the ureters; in nine cases, a Double J (DJ) stent was inserted. The mean operation time was 45.3 min (range 22-87 min). In the first week of control with urinary ultrasonography and kidney-ureter and bladder radiograph, a stone-free condition was determined in 28 (82.3%) patients. In two cases-in which sufficient fragmentation could not be achieved, because of minimal bleeding during operation-during the exertion of a DJ stent, another URS was performed. In the first postoperative month, a stone-free condition was established in 32 (94.1%) patients. The mean hospital stay period was 28.6 h (range 12-72 h). There were seven cases (20.5%) with Clavien II-III complications. CONCLUSION: Use of a ureteroscope is safe and effective with paediatric patients: we found that a 4.5-Fr ureteroscope can be safely used on children under 1 year of age. We therefore consider a 4.5-Fr ureteroscopic instrument to be an appropriate tool for treating URS in children within this age range.

A novel drainage technique during micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric patients: double angiocath.

Micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy (microperc) is a recently introduced percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) technique that has the smallest tract size. The absence of an amplatz sheath during the microperc technique is a fundamental difference that distinguishes it from all other types of PNL (standard, mini, ultramini). Increasing of the intrarenal pelvic pressure (IPP) was demonstrated by the authors in adult patients but this problem may be even more serious in pediatric patients. Previously, the authors defined the use of a 14 gauge angiocath needle and sheath (microsheath) during microperc surgery for pediatric patient to reduce the IPP. In this novel technique, a second angiocath is used to access the renal collecting system to drain fluid during surgery. This technique is more effective in reducing IPP during microperc, especially in pediatric patients.

Sequencing robot-assisted extended pelvic lymph node dissection prior to radical prostatectomy: a step-by-step guide to exposure and efficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel, step-by-step approach to robot-assisted extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) at the time of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for intermediate-high risk prostate cancer. PATIENT AND METHODS: The sequence of ePLND is at the beginning of the operation to take advantage of greater visibility of the deeper hypogastric planes. The urachus is left intact for an exposure/retraction point. The anatomy is described in terms of lymph nodes (LNs) that are easily retrieved vs those that require additional manipulation of the anatomy, and a determined surgeon. A representative cohort of 167 RARPs was queried for representative metrics that distinguish the ePLND: 146 primary cases and 21 with neoadjuvant systemic therapy. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range, IQR) LN yield was 22 (16-28) for primary surgeries and 21 (16-23) for neoadjuvant cases. The percentage of cases with positive LNs (pN1) was 16.4% for primary and 29% for neoadjuvant. The hypogastric LNs were involved in 75% of pN1 primary cases and uniquely positive in 33%. Each side of ePLND took the attending surgeon a median (IQR) of 16 (13-20) min and trainees 25 (24-38) min. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted ePLND before RARP provides an anatomical approach to surgical extirpation mimicking the open approach. We think this sequence offers efficiency and efficacy advantages in high-risk and select intermediate-risk patients with prostate cancer undergoing RARP.

Micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy in infants: a single-center experience.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and reliability of micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (micro-PNL) for the management of kidney stones in pediatric patients. This retrospective study included 24 infants that underwent micro-PNL for renal stones between March 2012 and April 2015. The inclusion criteria included: age younger than 2 years, stone size <20 mm, absence of urinary tract malformations and active infection, and no coagulopathy. Stone-free rates were assessed one month postoperatively by ultrasonography (USG) and kidneys, ureters, bladder (KUB) radiography. Complications were classified according to the Clavien classification system. The mean age of the patients was 15.8 ± 7.8 months (range, 8-23) and the mean stone size was 13.5 ± 3.84 mm. Intra-renal access was achieved using USG in 11 patients and KUB fluoroscopy in 13 patients. The operation time and fluoroscopic screening time were 53.7 ± 10.35 and 1.4 ± 0.9 min, respectively. The mean hospital stay was 2.5 ± 0.8 days, and the mean drop in the hemoglobin level was 0.51 ± 0.34 g/dL. Bleeding requiring blood transfusion was not observed. A ureteral J stent was implanted perioperatively in four patients because of stone burden. Four patients complained of postoperative renal colic (Clavien grade 1) and postoperative fever was observed in two patients. Definitive success rates were as follows: the stone-free rate was 83.3% (n = 20) and residual fragments were observed in four patients.

Micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of pediatric nephrolithiasis: A single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to clarify the applicability and safety of micro-PNL (microperc) in the treatment of pediatric kidney stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single center prospective trial was initiated, and microperc was performed in 40 children using the same two methods: the classical all-seeing needle and microsheath method. Stone fragmentation was performed using a 200-µm holmium:YAG laser fiber. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 6.3±4.4years (range: 7months-16years). Fourteen were less than 3years old. The average calculous size was 16.5mm (range: 10-36mm). In 20 patients, access was achieved through the all-seeing needle method. In the other patients, access was achieved by the microsheath method. Conversion to mini-PNL was required in 2 patients due to intraoperative bleeding in one and a high stone burden in the other. The mean hospital stay was 3.8±1.2days (range: 1-10days), and the mean hemoglobin decrease was 0.7±0.3mg/dl (range: 0-1.7mg/dl).The duration of surgery and fluoroscopic screening was 75min and 3.7min, respectively. A DJ stent was placed in 11 patients due to a high stone burden. A ureteral stent was left for 1day in the rest of the cases. Complete clearance was achieved in the other 32 children. None of the patients required transfusion caused by renal hemorrhage. In 1 patient, extravasation of the irrigation fluid caused abdominal distention. As assessed by KUB and/or an ultrasound, the overall stone-free rate at 6weeks was 80%. There were residual fragments in 6 patients (15%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that microperc is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of pediatric kidney stones. Children with small renal calculi and with nonobstructed collecting systems are suitable for microperc.

Potential biomarkers for the early detection of acute kidney injury after percutaneous nephrolithotripsy.

This study aims to investigate the role of urinary biomarkers in the determination of the potential risks of renal parenchymal tubular damage in adult patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) with the indication of renal stone. A randomized and prospective controlled study was performed between June and December 2013. We enrolled 29 consecutive patients with renal calculi > 2 cm and who underwent PNL, as well as 47 healthy control subjects. Urine samples, including 2 h before surgery, 2 and 24 h after surgery were collected from the patient group. Freshly voided urine samples were collected from the control group. Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG), and liver-type fatty acid binding protein (LFABP) levels were measured from these urine samples. The mean KIM-1/Cr value that measured 24 h after the operation was statistically significant, higher than its preoperative (preop) level (p = 0.045). A significant difference was detected between the mean preop and postoperative (postop) 24 h NAG/Cr values (p < 0.001). Also, postop 24 h NGAL/Cr levels were statistically significant, higher than its preop levels (p = 0.013). According to the comparison of preop and postop levels, an increase in LFABP/Cr values secondary to surgical intervention was observed without any statistically significant difference. Besides the LFABP/Cr levels do not change after percutaneous kidney surgery, KIM-1/Cr, NAG/Cr, and NGAL/Cr levels increase postop period, especially at 24 h. Further studies with a larger series and repeated measurements should be performed to clarify if they can be used to demonstrate renal damage after percutaneous surgery or not.

The Role of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Quantification in Differentiating Benign and Malignant Renal Masses by 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) is a widely-accepted diagnostic modality whose efficacy has been investigated by numerous past studies in the differentiation of malignant lesions from benign entities. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the characterization of renal lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Diagnostic accuracy study. METHODS: A total of 137 patients with renal lesions were included in this study. The median apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values as well as the b 800 and b 1600 signal intensities of normal kidneys, solid components of mixed renal masses, and total cystic lesions were evaluated. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the ADC values of lesions and normal renal parenchyma, and between the ADC values of benign and malignant renal lesions on DWIs at b values of 800 and 1600 s/mm(2) (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). There were significant differences between the ADC values of Bosniak Category 1 and 2 cysts and the ADC values of Bosniak Category 1 and 3 cysts on DWIs at b values of 800 s/mm(2) (p<0.001) and 1600 s/mm(2) (p<0.001). A cutoff value of 1.902 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s for the ADC with a b value of 800 s/mm(2) provided 88% sensitivity and 96% specificity for differentiation between benign and malignant renal lesions. A cutoff value of 1.623 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s for the ADC with a b value of 1600 s/mm(2) provided 79% sensitivity and 96% specificity (p<0.001) for the differentiation between benign and malignant renal lesions. CONCLUSION: Accurate assessment of renal masses is important for determining the necessity for surgical intervention. DWI provides additional value by differentiating benign from malignant renal tumors and can be added to routine kidney MRI protocols.

Which treatment method should be used in pregnant patients with ureteral calculi? Two center comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare ureterolithotripsy and inserting only ureteral-j stent in terms of efficiency, safety and patient comfort in treatment of ureteral calculi in pregnant patients. METHODS: Seventy patients who developed hydronephrosis due to ureteral calculi during pregnancy, and on whom endoscopic intervention was performed were included in the study. In a center, the stones were broken up by ureteroscopy, and then ureteral stents (JJ) were placed if needed. In the other center, nothing was performed on the stones, and only ureteral stents (JJ) was placed. For the statistical analysis, Pearson's chi squared test and the Mann-Whitney U tests were used and the significance level was determined as p < 0.05. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 26.2 years (18-39) and the average gestational week was 23.4 weeks (8-36). While no significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the frequency of complications (p=0.381) and post-operative pyelonephritis (p=0.2), the need for additional intervention in the group on whom ureteroscopy was performed was found to be less (9.7% vs. 31%; p=0.032). Moderate or severe LUTS or flank pain during the period between the procedure and the birth was found to be significantly less in the group in which ureterolithotripsy was performed (14% vs. 55%; p=0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Ureterolithotripsy is a safe and more comfortable procedure than only ureteral double-j insertion on pregnant patients with ureterolithiasis.

Comparison of Monoplanar and Biplanar Access Techniques for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the positive aspects and complications of monoplanar and biplanar access techniques used in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) based on the modified Clavien complication grading system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data from patients who underwent PCNL using either monoplanar access (group 1) or biplanar access (group 2) techniques were analyzed retrospectively. For the biplanar technique, puncture is adjusted based on different fluoroscopic projections, including vertical and 30 degree positions. For the monoplanar technique, a C-arm fluoroscope was brought into vertical position, the collecting system was visualized with a contrast agent, and the most appropriate calix was selected to extract the targeted stone. RESULTS: The monoplanar technique was performed for renal access in 310 patients (group 1), and the biplanar technique was used for renal access in 351 patients (group 2). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to demographic data. The mean puncture time was significantly lower in group 1 (monoplanar) when compared with that of group 2 (biplanar, P=0.04). The overall success rates of the monoplanar and biplanar groups were 88% and 89% (including clinically insignifican residual fragments in 9% and 7%), respectively (P>0.05), and the complication rates of both groups were similar. CONCLUSION: The monoplanar access technique, which is safe to use, decreases puncture time, minimizes the surgeon's direct exposure time to radiation, and has similar success rates as the biplanar access technique.

Minipercutaneous nephrolithotomy in infants: a single-center experience in an endemic region in Turkey.

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PNL) method in infantile patients <3 years of age diagnosed with renal stones. We studied 48 renal units in 40 patients of infantile patients <3 years of age who underwent mini-PCNL at our institute. The mean age of the patients was 24.02 (5-36) months. The mean diameter of the stones was 22.3 mm (11-45 mm). Intrarenal access was achieved under fluoroscopic (n = 43) or ultrasonographic (n = 5) guidance under general anesthesia. A 20 Fr peel-away sheath, a 17 Fr rigid nephroscope and a pneumatic intracorporeal lithotripsy were used. Mean operative time for PNL was 85 (25-135) min. Mean fluoroscopy time was estimated as 3.7 min. The mean hospital stay was 4.3 days (2-10). Mean hemoglobin loss was 0.89 g/L (11.56-10.67) and three of the patients, including one case during the perioperative period, required blood transfusions. Colonic perforation developed in one case. In two patients, urinary drainage persisted for more than 24 h after withdrawal of the nephrostomy tube. Seven patients developed urinary tract infections (UTI). At the end of the postoperative first week, the stone-free rate was estimated to be 81.2 %. In conclusion, for percutaneous management of renal stones in the infantile age group, mini-PNL is an applicable treatment modality that can be applied through small incisions. It has higher stone-free rates, shorter hospital stays, and excellent esthetic outcomes. In this age group especially, surgical exposure to hypothermia and radiation should be avoided.

Association between neuropathic pain, pregabalin treatment, and erectile dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: The pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction (ED) may be vasculogenic, hormonal, anatomical, neurogenic, drug-induced and/or psychogenic in origin. Neuropathic pain (NP) may facilitate ED, because it is frequently associated with anxiety, depression, and its drug, pregabalin, may also contribute ED. AIM: The objective of this study was to determine whether pregabalin treatment for patients with neuropathic pain promotes erectile dysfunction. METHODS: The study sample consisted of a total of 102 male subjects that were subdivided into three groups. Group 1 patients (n = 31) had a pre-existing diagnosis of NP and was treated with 300 mg/day of pregabalin for at least 3 months. Group 2 patients (n = 34) were diagnosed with NP for at least 3 months; however, neither were they treated with pregabalin nor did they received physical therapy throughout the study. Lastly, healthy age-matched control subjects comprised group 3 (n = 37). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients in all groups completed the International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean age and mean body mass index did not differ significantly between each of the three groups. The cause of NP and the mean duration of having a diagnosis of NP did not differ significantly in groups 1 and 2. However, IIEF scores were significantly lower for group 1 when compared to group 2 in terms of erectile function, orgasmic function, overall satisfaction and total score. Yet groups 1 and 2 did not diverge significantly in the intercourse satisfaction and sexual desire scores. Overall IIEF scores for group 3 were significantly higher than those of group 2 except for mean erectile function scores. CONCLUSION: Taking pregabalin for the treatment of neuropathic pain poses an increased risk for developing ED in male patients. Thus, clinicians prescribing pregabalin to patients diagnosed with neuropathic pain should assess for ED before and during treatment with this medication.

Micropercutaneous cystolithotomy in children: our experience with the transillumination technique.

AIM: We present our experience with micropercutaneous cystolithotripsy (mPCCL) using transillumination-guided access in children with bladder stones and evaluate the safety and efficacy of this procedure. METHODS: Twelve children who underwent mPCCL for bladder stone removal in our department between January 2011 and September 2013 were included in this study. Percutaneous access was performed using the transillumination technique. The chief complaint, age and sex of the patients, stone size, operative time, complications, stone-free rate, and stone composition as determined by radiography diffraction analysis were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 2.6 (1-7) years. One out of 12 patients was a girl. The mean stone size was 14 mm (7-32 mm). The mean mPCCL procedure time was 38.7 (15-65) minutes. The mean hospital stay was 1.4 (0.5-4) days. The stone-free rate after one mPCCL intervention was 91.6% and increased to 100% after two sessions of mPCCL. The notable complications were transient macroscopic hematuria in one patient, acute urinary retention in one patient, and the need for a second session of mPCCL in another patient. The stones were composed of calcium oxalate (3), ammonium acid urate (1), calcium phosphate (1), cystine (1), struvite (1), and unknown (5). CONCLUSION: Transillumination-guided mPCCL is a safe and effective technique, does not require the use of ionizing radiation, is technically easy, and is a minimally invasive alternative for the management of bladder stones. It has many advantages, especially in pediatric patients, such as decreased urethral injury, no need for postoperative catheter insertion in most cases, and shorter operative time.

Carvacrol prevents methotrexate-induced renal oxidative injury and renal damage in rats.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of carvacrol (CAR) on methotrexate (MTX)-induced renal damage in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four male rats were equally divided into three groups: group I, control treatment; group II, MTX-treated; and group III, MTX+CAR-treated. A single dose of CAR (73 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to group III on the first day of the experiment and a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to groups II and III on the second day of the experiment. Blood samples and kidney tissue were obtained from each animal on day 8 for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI). Light microscopy was used for histopathological examination of kidney specimens. RESULTS: MDA, TOS and OSI levels were significantly greater in the group receiving MTX alone relative to the control animals, while the TAS level was significantly reduced in the MTX group compared with the control group. The administration of CAR was associated with significantly decreased MDA, TOS, and OSI levels and increased TAS levels relative to the rats treated with MTX alone. Animals treated with CAR exhibited decreased tubular degeneration and architectural impairment relative to animals treated with MTX alone; however, the difference in histological scores did not meet the threshold of statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: MTX treatment results in oxidative damage to the rat kidney; damage which is partially abrogated by the administration of CAR.