The pedicled Antero lateral thigh flap for gender affirming surgery: what is different? First case series outcomes of a single center from Turkey.

The aim of this study is to share our preliminary outcomes of the pedicled Antero Lateral Thigh flap (ALTf) phalloplasty technique, which we presume to be the first reported case series of a single center from Turkey. A cross-sectional study, comprising all cases who underwent pedicled ALTf phalloplasty in our clinic, between January 2015 and December 2019, was designed. Demographic data, case characteristics and surgical details including complications were recorded. The mean age of our 26 cases was 30 (28-34) years. The mean penile length and diameter were 15.07 ± 0.98 cm and 3.9 ± 0.34 cm, respectively. Tactile sensation was evaluated by touching the radix, corpus and tip of the neo-phallus showing response in 17 (65.4%), 7 (26.9%) and 2 (7.7%) of the cases, respectively. In 14 (53.8%) of all our cases no complication was reported at all. However, in 12 (46.1%) cases, although no intraoperative complication occurred; postoperative complications were observed as Clavien-2 (3.8%), Clavien-3a (3.8%) and Clavien-3b (71%). Postoperative satisfaction rates were found 77.14% (38-94). Although relevant studies are limited, in addition to low complication rates and high satisfactory outcomes, by leading to a concealable donor site, the pedicled ALTf can be used as a preferred phalloplasty technique, especially in transmen with religious or cultural sensibility.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Percutaneous Microwave Ablation Therapy versus Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for Early-Stage Renal Tumors.

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of percutaneous microwave ablation therapy (MWAT) and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) in early-stage renal cell carcinoma (RCC) classified as T1a; a retrospective analysis was conducted on patients treated between January 2017 and November 2023. Oncological outcomes, radiological recurrence, length of stay (LOS), and costs were evaluated. The study included 110 patients, with no significant differences between the two groups regarding residual tumors, local tumor progression, and disease-free survival rates (p > 0.05). The LPN group showed significantly lower pre/postoperative serum urea and creatinine and higher estimated glomerular filtration rate values, whereas the MWA group experienced significantly lower mean costs, complication rates, LOS in the hospital, and procedure durations (p ≤ 0.05). However, post-procedure residual tumors and local tumor progression rates did not differ significantly between the LPN and MWAT groups (p > 0.05). MWAT is as effective as LPN for T1a RCC lesions. In addition, MWAT has lower costs than LPN and is a cost-effective treatment method. Therefore, MWAT minimizes hospital stay and complications and since the oncological results are similar to LPN, it might be considered as the first choice of treatment in young patients.

"Modified" Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty: First Case Series of a Turkish Single Center.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to share our outcomes, including complications and their management, of a "modified" penile inversion vaginoplasty (PIV) technique applied to transgender individuals, which we presume to be the first reported case series of a single center from Turkey. Methods: A cross-sectional study, including adult transgender cases who underwent male to female gender-affirming surgery in our institution, between January 2015 and December 2019, was planned. The same "modified" PIV technique, in which the spatulated urethra was incorporated to the penile skin flap, was applied to all cases. Demographic data including case characteristics, medical history with prior operative details, and complications detected during follow-up examination were collected prospectively. Results: The mean age of 30 cases included in the study was 31.03±7.05 years. The mean length of hospitalization after the surgical procedures was 10.13±2.24 days. The mean vaginal depth measured at postoperative 1st year follow-up examination was 14.2±2.95 cm. Satisfactory neovaginal moistening was reported by 24 (80%) cases. In 8 (26.6%) of 30 cases, no complication was reported at all. Intraoperative (rectal injury) and postoperative (meatal stenosis, vaginal narrowing, scars, infections, etc.) complications occurred in 22 (63.4%) cases. Postoperative satisfaction rates including mental, physical, and social health in general were found to be 81.84% (66-98%). Conclusion: The "modified" PIV can be used as a preferred technique showing high satisfactory outcomes, especially in cases with short penile skin or circumcision, due to the achievable lubricity and vaginal width/depth.

Linguistic and clinical validation of the Turkish version of Acute Cystitis Symptom Score for the diagnosis and patient-reported outcome in acute uncomplicated cystitis.

PURPOSE: The Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS) was developed as a self-reporting questionnaire for diagnosing and monitoring acute uncomplicated cystitis (AC) in female patients. The study aims at the translation of the ACSS into Turkish from the original Uzbek including its linguistic, cognitive and clinical validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After forward and backward translation of the ACSS from Uzbek to Turkish and vice versa, the cognitive assessment of the Turkish ACSS was performed on 12 female subjects to achieve the final study version. RESULTS: The clinical validation was performed on a total of 120 female respondents including 64 Patients with AC and 56 controls without AC. For clinical diagnosis of AC, the predefined summary score of the typical symptoms of >6 showed high values (95% confidence interval) for sensitivity (0.88 [0.77-0.94]), specificity (0.98 [0.91-1.00]), and diagnostic accuracy (0.93 [0.86-0.97]). All patients were followed up between five to nine days after the baseline visit. Forty-four (68.75%) patients used antimicrobial treatment, whereas the rest (31.25%) preferred non-antimicrobial treatment. The severity scores of the typical symptoms and the quality of life were reduced significantly at follow-up. Using different (favored) thresholds for successful and non-successful treatment a clinical success rate between 54.7% and 64.1% (60.9%) was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: After translation from the original Uzbek and cognitive assessment, the Turkish ACSS showed similar good results for clinical diagnosis and patient-reported outcome as in other languages validated so far and could therefore now be used for clinical studies as well as in everyday practice.

Radionuclide Therapy Videos on YouTube as An Educational Material: Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed the Quality, Usefulness, and Interaction Features.

Introduction: Current treatment approach aims to achieve greater efficacy with fewer side effects, by targeted cancer therapy as much as possible. Radionuclide therapy is a modality that uses cancer theranostics and is increasingly applied for various cancers as a targeted therapy. YouTube is a preferred tool for obtaining medical information from the internet. This study aims to determine the content quality, level of interaction and usefulness as education material of radionuclide therapy YouTube videos and to reveal the impact of the COVID-19 process on these parameters. Materials and Methods: The keywords were searched on YouTube on August 25, 2018, and May 10, 2021. After removing duplicate and excluded videos, all remaining videos were scored and coded. Results: Majority of the videos were useful educational material. Most of them were high quality. Popularity markers were unrelated to quality level. After COVID, the power index of videos with high JAMA scores increased. The COVID-19 pandemic did not have a negative effect on video features; the quality of the content increased even more after the pandemic. Conclusion: Radionuclide therapy YouTube videos have high-quality content and provide useful education material. The popularity is independent of the content quality. During the pandemic, video quality and usefulness characteristics did not change, while the visibility is increased. We consider YouTube to be an appropriate educational material for patients and healthcare professionals to gain basic knowledge of radionuclide therapy. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the power of radionuclide therapy YouTube videos as an educational material.

Could "Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery" be Used as an Efficient Technique in the Treatment of Calyceal Diverticula Stones.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and holmium laser lithotripsy in the treatment of symptomatic renal calyceal diverticular (CD) stones. STUDY DESIGN: A case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Urology, Hisar Intercontinental Hospital, from 2008 and 2019. METHODOLOGY: Patients who underwent holmium laser lithotripsy with RIRS to manage symptomatic CD stones were evaluated retrospectively. Demographics, stone size, operation and hospital stay duration, the success of treatment and complications were noted. RESULT: Among the 30 treated patients, 13 patients were female and 17 were male. The mean age was 45.4 ± 11.9 (26-64), the stone diameter was 14.4 ± 4.1 mm, operation time was 70.47±35.7 (35-155) minutes, and mean length of hospital stay was 1.27±0.5 (1-3) days. In those patients who underwent RIRS, 26 (86.7%) were successfully treated while in 4 of 30 patients (13.3%) the procedure was not successful. Complications were observed in 10 (33.3%) patients. Clavien-I complications were demonstrated in 6 patients, Clavien III complications were demonstrated in 3 patients. One patient had urosepsis, 2 patients had ureteral laceration, and one patient with Clavien IV complication had perirenal hematoma. CONCLUSION: Laser lithotripsy therapy with RIRS is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic calyceal diverticular stones and can be offered as the first-line treatment for calyceal diverticular stones. KEY WORDS: Calyceal diverticula, Stone disease, Flexible ureterorenoscopy, Holmium laser, RIRS.

The clinical significance of abnormal ejaculation by silodosin. Is it important?

We aimed to evaluate the effect of the abnormal ejaculation (AEj) on patients using silodosin in terms of drug cessation. We also analysed the possible factors that may affect the decisions of patients with AEj to proceed or change their medication. The patients (n = 118) treated with silodosin 8 mg daily were prospectively analysed. In order to evaluate the erectile function, ejaculatory function, depression and sexual satisfaction; IIEF, MSHQ-EjD, Beck's depression and Golombok-Rust questionnaires were given to patients respectively. Patients were re-evaluated at the 3rd month of their treatment. The rate of AEj was 52.5%. Nearly 42% of the patients with AEj desired to stop their medication whereas it was 7.1% at patients without AEj (p < .001). The pre-treatment International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the decrease in IPSS score were significantly lower in patients who demand to stop their treatment (p < .05). AEj was significantly higher in patients who wanted to stop their medication (p < .001). Even if they had an AEj, patients who were happy with the clinical efficacy of silodosin did not want to change their drug. In addition to this, pre-treatment ejaculatory status was an important indicator for patients to decide drug cessation due to AEj side effect of silodosin.

The value of hematological inflammatory parameters in the differential diagnosis of testicular torsion and epididymorchitis.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) values, that can easily be obtained with complete blood count (CBC), in the diagnostic differentiation of testicular torsion and epididymorchitis. METHOD: Data of patients, who admitted to the urology or emergency departments, diagnosed with acute scrotum, between 2008-2017, were reviewed and retrospectively extracted. Basic characteristics (age, etc.) of patients and blood test results were retrieved. Inflammatory markers such as MPV, NLR and PLR were compared between groups. RESULT: After determining inclusion/exclusion criteria, a total of 111 patients were divided as testicular torsion, epididymorchitis and control group, including 37 patients each. Mean age of groups were 19.27±6.93, 26.27±6.23 and 23.24±8.49 years, respectively. Statistical significance was found in epididymorchitis and testicular torsion groups compared to the control group according to NLR (P<0.01). PLR showed a statistically significant relationship only with the epididymorchitis group and control group (P=0.46). However, according to MPV values, no statistically significance was found between the groups. Additionally, ROC analyse was performed to evaluate predictive cut-off values of NLR and PLR for the diagnostic differentiation of both groups. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory markers, obtained from routinely performed low-cost CBC, might be used as adjuvant parameters to differentiate acute scrotal pathologies like testicular torsion and epididymorchitis.

Early Clinical Results of the Tolerability, Safety, and Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Administration in Erectile Dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is useful in the treatment of different conditions and diseases as it contains concentrated levels of many growth factors. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of autologous PRP application in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: In this prospective study conducted in June 2019, 31 patients with ED were included. The International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function domain (IIEF-EF) questionnaires were used to evaluate erectile function (EF). After administering the intracavernous autologous PRP 3 times with an interval of 15 days, IIEF-EFs were evaluated 1, 3, and 6 months later. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: IIEF in the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months and adverse events. RESULTS: While the mean IIEF-EF was 18 before the application, the mean IIEF-EF was 20 in the first, third, and sixth months after the procedure (P < .001). However, even though IIEF-EF values increased numerically, median value remained within the mild-moderate classification (scores between 17 and 21). Postprocedure sexual satisfaction scores were significantly higher than preprocedure values (8 vs 6, respectively; P = .002). In the first follow-up of a patient after the 3rd injection, a 4-mm diameter fibrotic plaque was observed on the ventral side in the middle of the penis shaft. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our findings suggest that larger studies as well as placebo-controlled studies are needed to add PRP to the treatment protocol in ED. T Tas,Çakiroglu, E Arda, et al. Early Clinical Results of the Tolerability, Safety, and Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Administration in Erectile Dysfunction. Sex Med 2021;9:100313.

Contrary effects of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E after testicular ischemia/reperfusion in a rat model validated with glucose metabolism imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of antioxidants in cellular-level post-ischemia/reperfusion injury of the testis and to validate these effects with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. METHODS: Fifty-six adult male rats were randomly divided into seven groups-Group 1: sham; Group 2: ischemia/reperfusion only group; Group 3: ischemia was induced and vitamin E (100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion; Group 4: vitamin E was given intraperitoneally without ischemia/reperfusion; Group 5: ischemia was induced and coenzyme Q10 (10 mg/body weight) was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion; Group 6: coenzyme Q10 was administered intraperitoneally without ischemia/reperfusion; Group 7: ischemia was induced and coenzyme Q10 + vitamin E was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion. After detorsion, fluorodeoxyglucose was applied to all groups according to the animals' weight and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography was performed after 1 h. In pursuit of imaging, orchiectomy was performed for histopathological and biochemical evaluations. RESULTS: A significant effect of group on catalase, maximum standardized uptake value, and seminiferous tubule diameters (p < 0.005) was observed. According to this, combining ischemia/reperfusion with vitamin E increased the maximum standardized uptake value significantly higher than in all other groups; in addition, catalase was significantly higher than in Groups 4-6. Histopathological outcomes revealed that "sham" had significantly larger seminiferous tubule diameter than Groups 2-4. Also, "ischemia/reperfusion" was the only group which had significantly smaller seminiferous tubule diameters than Groups 6 and 7. CONCLUSION: In contrast to vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 provided remarkable regression of oxidative stress-induced enzymes and revealed consistent effects on histopathological outcomes, which were validated with fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging.

Predictive and prognostic impact of preoperative complete blood count based systemic inflammatory markers in testicular cancer

ABSTRACT Purpose To determine the utility of preoperative complete blood count (CBC) based systemic inflammatory markers in the prediction of testicular cancer and its prognosis. Material and Methods Between 2008-2017 the data of all testicular tumor patients undergoing radical orchiectomy were retrospectively analyzed. Patient baseseline characteristics (age, tumor stage, tumor markers, etc.) and results of routine preoperative blood tests including mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW), lymphocyte ratio (LR) and neutrophil ratio (NR) were retrieved. In addition, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was calculated. Results Mean age of the tumor and control group was 36.0±15 and 30.50±11 years, respectively. Mean RDW, NR and NLR were significantly higher in the tumor group with p values<0.001; whereas LR and MPV were significantly higher in the control group (p<0.001). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses of LR, NR, RDW, MPV, and NLR are shown in Table-3. The cut off values for RDW and NR were found as 13,7 (Area under the curve (AUC): 0.687, sensitivity = 42.2%, specificity = 84.8%) and 55.3 (AUC:0.693, sensitivity 72.2%, specificity 62%), respectively. Area under the curve for NLR in tumor group was 0.711, with a threshold value of 1.78 and sensitivity=81.8% and specificity=55.4% (AUC:0.711/sig<0.001) that together with RDW exhibited the best differential diagnosis potential which could be used as an adjuvant tool in the prediction of testicular tumor and its prognosis. Conclusion Several systemic inflammatory markers, which are obtained by routinely performed cost-effective blood tests, could demonstrate incremental predictive and prognostic information adjuvant to preoperativly achieved testiscular tumor markers.

Predictive and prognostic impact of preoperative complete blood count based systemic inflammatory markers in testicular cancer.

PURPOSE: To determine the utility of preoperative complete blood count (CBC) based systemic inflammatory markers in the prediction of testicular cancer and its prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2008-2017 the data of all testicular tumor patients undergoing radical orchiectomy were retrospectively analyzed. Patient baseseline characteristics (age, tumor stage, tumor markers, etc.) and results of routine preoperative blood tests including mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW), lymphocyte ratio (LR) and neutrophil ratio (NR) were retrieved. In addition, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was calculated. RESULTS: Mean age of the tumor and control group was 36.0±15 and 30.50±11 years, respectively. Mean RDW, NR and NLR were significantly higher in the tumor group with p values<0.001; whereas LR and MPV were signifi cantly higher in the control group (p<0.001). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses of LR, NR, RDW, MPV, and NLR are shown in Table-3. The cut off values for RDW and NR were found as 13,7 (Area under the curve (AUC): 0.687, sensitivity = 42.2%, specifi city = 84.8%) and 55.3 (AUC:0.693, sensitivity 72.2%, specifi city 62%), respectively. Area under the curve for NLR in tumor group was 0.711, with a threshold value of 1.78 and sensitivity=81.8% and specifi city=55.4% (AUC:0.711/sig<0.001) that together with RDW exhibited the best differential diagnosis potential which could be used as an adjuvant tool in the prediction of testicular tumor and its prognosis. CONCLUSION: Several systemic inflammatory markers, which are obtained by routinely performed cost-effective blood tests, could demonstrate incremental predictive and prognostic information adjuvant to preoperativly achieved testiscular tumor markers.

Comparison of prostate cancer detection rates between the Vienna nomogram and the 10-core biopsy protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the Vienna nomogram and the 10-core prostate biopsy protocol regarding whether there is superiority in prostate cancer detection. METHODS: Between January and December 2012, a total of 215 patients applying to our outpatient clinic with lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated, prospectively. Patients with a prostate-specific antigen level of 2.5-10 ng/mL and/or suspicious digital rectal examination were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were determined as recent pelvic radiotherapy, lower urinary tract surgery, history of acute urinary retention, or indwelling urinary catheter. Biopsies were taken systematically with at least 10 cores considering prostate volume and patient age. According to Vienna nomogram, in patients requiring 6- or 8-core biopsies, tissue sampling was completed to 10 cores (our standard protocol), whereas in patients requiring more than 10 cores additional tissue sampling was performed. RESULTS: After the determination of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 170 patients were enrolled in our study. The median (min-max) age, prostate-specific antigen value, and prostate volume were 65 (48-86) years, 7.6 ng/dL (2.5-10), and 55 cc (17-150), respectively. Prostate cancer was detected in 49 (28.8%) patients with transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy according to the Vienna nomogram. We found that our standard 10-core biopsy protocol would have diagnosed prostate cancer in 46 (27.1%) patients in the same study group showing no statistically significant difference (p > 0.005). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that considering cancer detection rates no statistically significant differences were found between both methods. Further prospective research in this aspect is needed to define the ultimate prostate biopsy protocol.

Reliability of thermocautery-assisted circumcision: retrospective analysis of circumcision performed voluntarily in countries of low socioeconomic status.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of thermocautery-assisted circumcision performed voluntarily in patients of poor countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2016 and 2019, 32,000 children aged 7 days to 17 years were circumcised in multiple countries. The patients' urological examinations were done before the administration of local anaesthesia. Patients revealed to have undescended testicle, inguinal hernia, hypospadias, varicocele, penile rotation anomaly, epispadias and infection were not circumcised. All procedures were performed under local anaesthesia by using thermocautery. Afterwards, mucosa and skin were sutured using absorbable suture and the circumcised penis was dressed. Patients were instructed to remove the dressing after 3 days. RESULTS: Bleeding, requiring surgical intervention and drug reactions were not observed. The most observed complication was mucosal oedema, which occurred in approximately one-quarter of patients (26%, 8320/32,000) and continued for 3-5 days after the surgery. The most serious complication was a trapped penis, which occurred in 25 patients (0.078%). In six (0.018%) cases, meatal stenosis developed. Wound infection developed in only 10 (0.03%) cases, through the formation of an aseptic environment. Penile adhesion was seen in 35 cases (0.1%) and improved with anti-inflammatory treatment without any surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Thermocautery-assisted circumcision can be used as an effective, safe and useful technique with few complications and rapid healing rates.

Comparison of Turkish Primary, Recurrent, and Non Stone-Forming Patients Using Hounsfield Unit Measurements: How Useful Is It?

INTRODUCTION: To investigate renal papillae attenuation value differences between controls and stone-forming (SF) patients and to evaluate the impact of mean Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements on the predictivity of stone development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared papillae attenuation values in SF groups and a healthy stone-free control group. Metabolic evaluations were carried out on 88 primary and 98 recurrent SF patients, and 94 age-matched control patients were included. The papillae tip attenuation was measured using non-enhanced computed tomography scans in HU for an area with a mean size of 0.2 cm2. Inclusion criteria to the study were known stone composition (CaOx), unilaterality, and radiological examinations done in our center. RESULTS: In this study, 186 patients who met the criteria and 94 age-matched control patients were divided into 3 groups: the primary SF (Group 1), the recurrent SF group (Group 2), and the control group (Group 3). Metabolic variables which were compared between primary and recurrent SF did not show any significant difference, except urinary volume and phosphorus. The median (interquartile range) value of papillae HU density for the control group was 26.23 (3.84), for primary SF group it was 26.50 (11.25), and for recurrent SF group it was 29 (13). A significant difference in papilla HU levels for each group was found (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: This study implied that HU values reflect the severity of the stone disease, although they could not discriminate controls from primary stone formers whose stone forming risk is lower compared to recurrent stone formers.

The association of Intron 4 VNTR and Glu298Asp polymorphisms of the nitric oxide synthetase 3 gene and vasculogenic erectile dysfunction in Turkish men.

Several studies have focused on the impaired role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene polymorphism and its association to erectile dysfunction (ED). However, currently controversial results have been reported due to their significant heterogeneity. The present study aimed to assess the genotypic distribution and the allelic frequency of Intron 4 VNTR and Glu298Asp gene polymorphisms in vasculogenic ED patients compared to healthy controls of a specific region of Turkey. A total of 75 patients with ED (median age: 56, IQR:10.5) and 75 healthy controls (median age: 56, IQR:10.5) were prospectively analyzed. All subjects were equally evaluated by the same physician with detailed history-taking, physical examination, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, and blood tests (incl. glucose, testosterone, triglyceride and total cholesterol level). Those with an IIEF score under 26 were considered to have ED, by classifying them according to their scores as mild (22-25), moderate (11-21) and severe (1-10) ED. Color doppler ultrasonography was carried out in patients with an IIEF score <22. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and smoking status were significantly associated with the ED group compared to control subjects with p values of <0.001, <0.001, 0.002 and <0.001, respectively. Overall genotype frequencies was 47 (31%) a/a, 22 (15%) a/b, 82 (55%) b/b for Intron 4 VNTR and 56 (37%) GG, 78 (52%) GT, 16 (11%) TT for the Glu298Asp polymorphism. The frequencies of Intron 4 VNTR a/a allele and Glu298Asp GT allele were associated with severe ED, while a/b and TT were associated with moderate or mild, and b/b and GG were associated with no ED. In contrast to Glu298Asp, statistically significant differences in genotypic frequencies of Intron 4 VNTR gene polymorphism between ED and control subjects was established. Abbreviations: NO: nitric oxide, NOS: nitric oxide synthase, NOS3: endothelial nitric oxide synthase, NOS2: inducible nitric oxide synthase, NOS1: neuronal nitric oxide synthase, HT: hypertension, DM: diabetes mellitus, CAD: coronary artery disease, ED: erectile dysfunction, IIEF: international index of erectile function, VNTR: variable number of tandem repeats, CDU: color doppler ultrasonography, PCR: polymerase chain reaction.

Correlation of Ultrasonically Determined Bladder Wall Thickness and Prostatic Calcification With the Urinary, Psychosocial Dysfunction, Organ Specific, Infection and Neurological/Systemic Symptoms, and Tenderness Scoring System.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ultrasonically determined bladder wall thickness (BWT) and prostatic calcification presence, in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), and to correlate the findings with patient characteristics and the urinary, psychosocial dysfunction, organ specific, infection and neurological/systemic symptoms, and tenderness (UPOINT) classification system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2017, data of 1294 patients diagnosed with chronic prostatitis, in a single urology clinic, meeting a number of selective inclusion/exclusion criteria, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients, compliant to fill out all requested questionnaires, between the ages of 21-65 years were included to the study. Exclusion criteria were noncompliance of filling out required questionnaires, acute and/or chronic bacterial prostatitis, history of genitourinary cancer, history of recent prostate surgery, and diagnosis of neurological diseases affecting the bladder. RESULTS: The median patient age and UPOINT subdomain was determined as 37 (IQR = 13, range 21-65) and 2 (IQR = 1, range 0-5), respectively. Median values for BWT, National Institute of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), and International Index of Erectile Function were 3 (IQR = 1, range 2-6, 7), 4 (IQR = 6, range 1-23), and 25 (IQR = 10, range 1-30), respectively. The presence of calcification demonstrated a significant association with total NIH-CPSI score and BWT, whereas its relation with age and total UPOINT score was insignificant. However in contrast to calcification status, BWT ≥3.3 showed a strong and statistically significant relation to all the described measurements. CONCLUSION: Measurement of BWT can be used as an accessible and objective method for the diagnose of CP/CPPS according to UPOINT scoring system.

Bilateral same-session flexible ureterorenoscopy for renal and/or ureteric stone disease treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bilateral same-session flexible ureterorenoscopy (f-URS) in the treatment of bilateral renal and/or ureteric stone disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From October 2007 to December 2015, 62 patients who had undergone bilateral, same-session f-URS were included in the study. The procedures were performed under general anaesthesia, in lithotomy, and initiated on the side in which the patient was clinically symptomatic or on the side in which the stone was smaller. Plain abdominal radiography, intravenous urography, renal ultrasonography and/or non-contrast computed tomography scans were conducted in all patients. The success rate was defined as, patients who were stone-free or only had residual fragments of <3 mm. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients (43 male, 19 female), with a mean (SD) age of 39 (15.1) years, were included. The mean (SD) stone size was 23.2 (6.11) mm with a mean (SD) operative time of 58.8 (16.24) min. The stone-free rates were 90.3% and 100% after the first and second procedures, respectively. The mean (SD) hospital stay was 1.58 (0.72) days. There were minor complications (Clavien-Dindo grade I-II) in 10 (16%) patients and major complications (Clavien-Dindo III-IV), e.g. distal ureter laceration and laser injury of the ureter, in two patients. CONCLUSION: Same session bilateral f-URS is a successful and safe method for bilateral renal and/or ureteric stones.

Valuation of Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio in Renal Cell Carcinoma Grading and Progression.

Introduction We investigated the association of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with tumor size and Fuhrman grade in nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cases. Materials and methods Data of nonmetastatic RCC (T1-4N0M0) cases, operated between 2010 and 2016, were retrospectively reviewed and 103 patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to tumor diameter (Group 1 T < 4 cm, Group 2 T ≥ 4 cm) and into three groups according to Fuhrman grade. Twenty-eight patients with a tumor diameter of 4 cm or less in Group 1 and 75 patients with a tumor diameter greater than 4 cm in Group 2 were compared. In both grouping systems, the NLR, mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), platelet (PLT), lymphocyte, and neutrophil values and age were compared. Results There were no differences in age, MPV, RDW, neutrophil, WBC, RBC, PLT counts in groups of tumor diameter (Group 1 T < 4 cm, Group 2 T ≥ 4 cm). However, the lymphocyte amount was significantly higher in cases with a tumor diameter less than 4 cm compared to the cases with a tumor diameter greater than 4 cm (p = 0.015). It was observed that the NLR had a tendency to increase in patients with tumor size greater than 4 cm compared to patients with tumor size smaller than 4 cm (p = 0.029). There were no differences in age, MPV, RDW, lymphocyte, neutrophil, WBC, RBC, PLT counts, and the NLR in different Fuhrman-graded cases. Conclusions There is a linear relation between the tumor size and the NLR in nonmetastatic RCC cases. Therefore, the NLR is a cheap parameter that can be used to show the tumor size, and thus it can be used to get an idea about the prognosis of the patient.

Does Mild Hydronephrosis Induced by Full-Bladder Improve Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Lower Calyceal Stones?: A Prospective Randomized Study.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes, sessions and shock wave numbers in patients undergoing standard procedure shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and patients undergoing SWL with mild hydronephrosis induced by full-bladderfollowing oral hydration before SWL procedure for lower calyceal stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2014- January 2016 a total of 371 patients who underwent SWL, for lower pole calyceal stones ? 2 cm, were included into the study. 127 patients were treated in the supine position (Group A), 123 in the prone position (Group B) and 121 in the prone position with full bladder and mild hydronephrosis checked by ultrasound before procedure (Group C). There were 286 men and 85 women with a mean ± SD age of 36 ± 11 yearsResults: The mean (SD) stone sizes within the group A, group B and group C were 11 mm (±3 mm), 12 mm (±4.1 mm) and 11 mm (± 3.8 mm) respectively. No significant difference was found in age (P = .18) and stone size between 3 groups (P = .07). The median interquartile range (IQR) number of shocks within the group A, group B and group C were 7600 (3855), 6500 (4300) and 6700 (4915) respectively. Significant difference was found in number of shock waves among 3 groups (P < .01). The difference between groups according to stone expulsion rate wasfound significant in all sessions (P = .01). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that mild hydronephrotic status induced by full-bladder before SWL can lower cost and patient discomfort by decrease in number of sessions and increase in stone clearance.