Clinical presentation and course of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 in patients with various types of cancer: A retrospective case-control analysis of an experienced cancer center in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Cancers have been reported to worsen the clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. We aimed to demonstrate the real-life data on health outcomes in COVID-19-infected cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the data of 43 COVID-19-infected cancer patients in our COVID-19 clinics between March 25, 2020, and May 9, 2020, retrospectively. RESULTS: We determined that 1051 patients were followed up with COVID-19 infection and 43 (4%) of them were cancer patients. The mean age of the patients was 64.3 ± 12.3 years. Lung cancer is the most common cancer type among the patients (23.2%). Dyspnea (51.2%) was the most common symptom in the first admission. Typical ground-glass consolidation or patchy appearance with peribronchial thickening resembling bronchopneumonia on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was present in 29 (67.4%) patients. COVID-19 was diagnosed in 14 (32.5%) patients based on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of nose-throat swab samples without any sign of lung involvement on HRCT. Total mortality of the COVID-19 infection was 46.5% (n = 20). Presence of heart disease (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-9.4), previous surgeries to the respiratory system (HR: 6.95; 95% CI: 1.29-27.7), and presence of dyspnea at admission (HR: 4; 95% CI: 1.31-12.3) were statistically significantly associated with death (P = 0.01, 0.02, and 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our practices supported that cancer patients were more affected by COVID-19 disease than the normal population. However, our findings can not be generalized due to being retrospective and single centered study, Also, we did not compare the findings with noncancer patients with COVID19 disease.

Factors Affecting Success of Semi-rigid Ureterorenoscopy in Proximal Ureter Stone Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors affecting the success of semi-rigid ureteroscopy in proximal ureter stones. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Urology, Nevsehir State Hospital, Turkey between March 2017 and October 2019. METHODOLOGY: Patients, who underwent a semi-rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) operation for proximal ureteral stones, were evaluated retrospectively in terms of gender, age, stone side, stone size, stone density, the type of lithotripsy, placement of the stone cone, the type of anesthesia and postoperative stone-free rates, which were recorded. The diameter of the ureter with the stones and the distances of the stones to the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) were measured. Patients who had stone-free status after the URSL were labelled as group I. Patients whose stones were pushed back during URSL were labelled as group II. RESULTS: The distance of the stone to the UPJ was statistically significantly higher in group I (p=0.006). The rate of using stone cone in patients in group I was statistically significantly higher than in patients in group II (p=0.001). The rate of stones in the middle ureter in group I was statistically higher than group II (p<0.001). The rate of using laser lithotriptor in group I was statistically higher than group II (p=0.007). CONCLUSION: Semi-rigid URSL is a useful technique in the proximal ureter stones.  The distance of the stone to the UPJ affects the success; and using laser lithotripsy and stone cone increases the success. Key Words: Ureteral stone, Ureterorenoscopy, Laser lithotriphsy, Pnomotic lithotripsy.

MAGPI under local anaesthesia without catheter as an alternative to standard TIP procedure in distal hypospadias repair.

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of meatal advancement and glanuloplasty incorporation (MAGPI) and tubularised incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty. We retrospectively reviewed the patient records who had hypospadias repairing surgery between March 2017 and March 2020 in terms of age, meatal position, operative and anaesthesia techniques and surgical outcomes. Hypospadias repair was performed in 85 patients. TIP urethroplasty was performed in 17 patients where MAGPI was performed in 63 patients. Preoperative meatal stenosis was present in 10. Coronal glanular and subcoronal hypospadias were present in 65 and 15 patients respectively. Mean operative time was 41.3 ± 28 min. The mean duration of the catheter was 7.56 days. A significant chordee was present in 35 patients where 45 patients had no chordee. The overall success rate was 93.75%. MAGPI ended up with an unfavourable result in 1 and TIP urethroplasty in 4. Postoperative urethral stenosis was seen in 1. Of those who ended up with an unfavourable result, 4 were with subglandular hypospadias. Urethral catheter required in 4 of those who failed, whereas 1 had no catheter following surgery. Therefore, MAGPI is a useful method in selected glandular and subglandular hypospadias repair with favourable surgical outcomes including no stent requirement.

COVID-19 pneumonia causes lower testosterone levels.

To evaluate the testicular damage caused by COVID-19, we prospectively evaluated 44 patients who applied to the COVID-19 outpatient clinic between March 2020 and July 2020. Patients' ages, COVID-19 PCR results, presence of pneumonia, total testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) values were recorded. It was evaluated whether there were significant differences between people who were positive for COVID-19 and those who were not. Any differences between those who had COVID-19 pneumonia and those who did not were also recorded. There was no difference between the FSH, LH and testosterone values of the COVID-19 PCR positive and negative patients (p = 0.80, vp = 0.62, p = 0.56 respectively). However when LH values were separated as low, normal and high, LH values were statistically significantly higher in the COVID-19 PCR positive group (p = 0.04). Thoracic computed tomography was performed in 42 patients. Testosterone levels were significantly lower in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (p = 0.01). When FSH, LH and testosterone values were separated as low, normal and high, there was no difference in FSH and LH values (p = 1, p = 0.2). Testosterone levels were found significantly lower in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (p < .001). Testosterone levels seem to decrease during acute COVID-19 infection, especially in the patient group with viral pneumonia.

Perioperative Indices Predicting Fever Following Percutaneus Nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate 18 independent peroperative parameters that may have an effect on fever after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Departments of Urology, Nevsehir State Hospital, and Sultan Abdulhamid Han Education and Research Hospital, Turkey, from January 2016 to June 2019. METHODOLOGY: Two hundred and seventy-six patients, who underwent PCNL between 2016 and 2019 in two institutions, were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided as Group I and II, according to the absence or presence of fever after PCNL, then peroperative parameters were compared. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between Group I and II in terms of age, gender, side of stone, ipsilateral open stone surgery or PCNL history, presence of renal anatomic anomaly, preoperative hydronephrosis grade, stone size in computed tomography (CT), stone Houndsfield Unit (HU) value, skin stone distance, duration of operation, postoperative D-J insertion rate and postoperative blood transfusion requirement (p >0.05). Guy' s Stone Score (GSS), number of calyceal access and duration of achieving limpid urine coming out of the nephrostomy tube were significantly higher in Group II (p <0.05). The rate of postoperative fever was statistically significantly higher in patients with middle calyceal (mid-calyceal) access, than patients with inferior calyceal access (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: High GSS, mid-calyceal access, the increase in the amount of mid-calyceal access, the longer duration of achieving limpid urine coming out of the nephrostomy tube were found to be related with fever after PCNL. Key Words: PCNL, Post-PCNL fever, Nephrolithiasis, Guy's stone score.

Is inguinal hernia a risk factor for varicocele in the young male population? / ¿Es la hernia inguinal un factor de riesgo para varicocele en el varón joven?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the role of the inguinal hernia over the development of varicocele, in cases with accompanying inguinal hernia. METHODS: The continuous variables were calculated from mean and standard deviation, and intermittent variables were calculated over percentage and frequency. Normality testing was performed on continuous variables using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Univariate analyses were performed using the unpaired Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-squared test was used for proportions. Kendall's tau-b correlation coefficient was used for correlition coefficient. Logistic regression modeling were used to identify the impact of inguinal hernias on selected cases. The data were analyzed with SPSS™ for Windows 22 (SPSS,Chicago, IL). RESULTS: Twelve cases (23.1%) in the inguinal hernia group also had varicocele, which was relatively high, whereas 12 cases with inguinal hernia in the varicocele group corresponded to only were 4.02% (12/52 (23.1%) vs 12/298 (4.02%) ). On the other hand, as a result of the binary logistic regression, we found statistically significant difference in the probability of being diagnosed varicocele among the patients with inguinal hernia as 1.94 times. CONCLUSIONS: We think that in addition to the direct compression of some of the inguinal hernias on testicular veins, the potential for a combination of common enzymatic and biochemical disorders in some of the cases involving these two disorders may be play role.

OBJETIVOS: La finalidad de este estudio es investigar el rol de la hernia inguinal respecto al desarrollo de varicocele, en casos con acompañamiento de hernia inguinal.MÉTODOS: Las variables continuas fueron calculadas a partir de media y desviación standard, y las variables discontinuas se calcularon con porcentaje y frecuencia. Se desarrollaron pruebas de normalidad para variables continuas utilizando el test de Kolmogorov-Smirnov. Se realizó análisis univariante usando el test U de Mann-Whitney sin emparejamiento y para proporciones y utilizó el test de Chi cuadrado. Se aplicó el coeficiente de correlación tau-b de Kendall para los coeficientes de correlación. Se usaron modelos de regresión logística para identificar el impacto de la hernia inguinal en casos seleccionados. La información fue analizada con SPSS™ 22 para Windows (SPSS, Chicago, IL). RESULTADOS: Doce casos (23,1%) en el grupo de hernia inguinal tenían también varicocele, incidencia relativamente alta, mientras que solo había 12 casos con hernia inguinal en el grupo de varicocele, que correspondían a un 4,02 % [12/52 (23,1%) vs 12/298 (4,02%)]. Por otro lado, como resultado de la regresión logística binaria, descubrimos una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la probabilidad de ser diagnosticado varicocele en los pacientes con hernia inguinal (1,94 veces). CONCLUSIONES: Pensamos que además de la compresión directa de algunas de las hernias inguinales de las venas testiculares, el potencial para una combinación de alteraciones comunes enzimáticas y bioquímicas en algunos de los casos, implicando estas dos anomalías, podría desempeñar un papel importante/clave.

Our urethrocutaneous fistula repair results in adults after hypospadias surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to evaluate and share our urethrocutaneus fistula repair results in adult patients who had been operated for hypospadias in their childhood. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of totally 48 patients who had been treated for urethrocutaneous fistula after hypospadias surgery in our department from May 2008 to January 2015 analyzed retrospectively. Patients' age at fistula repair, age at first hypospadias surgery, fistula size, localization and number, distal urethral obstruction status and surgical outcomes of fistula repairs were recorded. All patients were controlled three months after the repair for surgical outcomes. RESULTS: Fistula repair performed in 45 patients. Mean age was 21.46 (20-26). Nineteen patients (42.2%) underwent first hypospadias surgery under the age of 7 years; 8 patients (17.7%) between 7 and 15 years, 18 patients between 15 and 20 years. Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) was performed in 40 patients (88.9%), extragenital tissue was used in 5 patients (11.1%). Twenty two patients (48.9%) had 1 or 2 operations, 17 patients (37.8%) had 3-5 operations and 6 patients (13.3%) had 6 or more operations. Thirteen (28.9%) coronal, 24 (53.3%) subcoronal, 6 (13.3%) penile and 2 (4.4%) penoscrotal fistulas were observed. While a single fistula was observed in 35 patients, multiple fistulas were seen in 10 patients. A fistula diameter les than 5mm was detected in 37 patients, and larger than 5mm in 8 patients. Fistula recurrence was observed in 3 patients at follow-up examinations carried out at 3 months postoperatively. The number of operations was more than 5, the fistula diameter was larger than 5mm and the fistulas were coronal in all three recurrent fistulas. CONCLUSION: According to our results fistula size, previous surgery and well-vascularised, one or two layer tissue were the important factors in the success of fistula repair after hypospadias surgery.

Correlation Between Residual Volume of Male Patients After Uroflowmetry and Random Residual Volume.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to examine correlation between Post-void residual urine (PVR) after uroflowmetry and random PVR. METHODS: Male patients reporting to the Urology outpatient clinic with LUTS were selected. Patients' age, prostate volume, bladder capacity, voided volume, maximum flow rate, average flow rate, random PVR and PVR after uroflowmetry were recorded. We evaluated the correlations between these parameters. Also we assessed if there was a difference between random PVR and PVR after uroflowmetry. We divided PVR after uroflowmetry and random PVR into three groups: Group 1: 0-50 mL, Group 2: 51-100 mL and Group 3: >100 mL. Also we divided the patients into two groups according to bladder capacity as Group 1: ≤400 mL and Group 2: >400 mL. We compared these groups to determine whether a significant difference. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients applying to the urology outpatient clinic were assessed between 2013 and 2014. PVR after uroflowmetry was significantly higher than random PVR (P < 0.001). When we divided PVR after uroflowmetry and random PVR into three groups there was a significant difference between the groups (P = 0.02). When we divided the patients into two groups according to bladder capacity as Group 1: ≤400 mL and Group 2: >400 mL, PVR after uroflowmetry was different, but random PVR was similar (P < 0.001, P = 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: PVR after uroflowmetry seems to be incorrectly high in patients whose bladder capacity is above 400 mL.

Evaluation of PCA3 and multiparametric MRI's: collective benefits before deciding initial prostate biopsy for patients with PSA level between 3-10ng/mL.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the contribution of multiparametric MRI and PCA3 assay, predecision of initial biopsy in PSA level between 3-10 ng/mL patients with normal digital rectal examination(DRE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PSA level 3-10 ng/mL, patients, with normal DRE results and no previous prostate biopsy history, were included in this study. Each patient underwent multiparametric MRI one week before biopsy. Urine sample taking for PCA3 examination preceded the biopsy. Systematic and targeted biopsies were conducted. Patients with high PSA levels were seperated into two groups as: high PCA3 scored and low PCA3 scored. Then each group was divided into two sub-groups as: MRI lesion positive and negative. Tumor incidence, positive predictive values(PPV) and negative predictive values(NPV) were calculated. RESULTS: 53 patients were included between February 2013 and March 2014. Mean age 61.22 ± 1.06. Mean PSA value 5.13 ± 0.19 ng / mL. Mean PCA3 score 98.01 ± 23.13 and mean prostate size was 48.96 ± 2.67 grams. Fourty nine patients had both PCA3 score and multiparametric MRI. The PCA3's PPV value was 58.33%. If multiparametric MRI lesions are added to high PCA3 scores , the PPV appears to elevate to 91.66%. NPV of PCA3 was 96%. NPV was 95% when there was no lesion in the multiparametric MRI with low PCA3 scores. Sensitivity was 91.66% , specificity was 95% respectively. CONCLUSION: Adding multimetric MRI can also support biopsy decision for patients with high PCA3 value. When PCA3 value is low, patients can be survailled without any need to take a MRI.

TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion in Turkish patients with localized prostate cancer: results of radical prostatectomy specimens.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate and determine the frequency of Transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2)-ERG fusion in Turkish patients with clinically localized prostate cancer by using immunohistochemistry and reveal its relationship with clinicopathologic variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Radical prostatectomy specimens of 99 patients, who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy for localized cancer, between January 2002 and December 2011 were analyzed in the study. To detect ERG fusions, monoclonal ERG antibodyclone ID: EPR3864 (Epitomics, San Diego, CA, USA) and monoclonal anti-ERG antibody (9FY) (BiocareMedical, LLC, USA) were used. The immunistochemical expression of ERG protein was assessed as positive or negative regardless of stain intensity. Patients' age, total and primary Gleason scores, PSA levels, prostate volumes, tumor volumes, tumor stages and perineural invasion status were analysed retrospectively. Total fusion rate and correlation between the variables and fusion were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age, prostate volume, tumor volume, PSA value of 99 patients were 62.02 years (±5.93), 50.02 cc (±20.67), 3.19 cc (±4.16), and 9.34 ng/mL (±3.37) respectively. TMPRSS2-ERG fusion was seen in 46 (46.5%) of 99 patients. When the variables analysed with independent samples t test to predict fusion (+) status, none of them was found to be statistically significant. When evaluated by logistic regression analysis for (+) or (-) status, only tumor stage was found to be statistically significantly correlated with fusion (p=0.049). CONCLUSION: The incidence of TMPRSS-ERG fusion in patients with localised prostate cancer in our study with Turkish population was found as 46.5%. Only tumor stage correlated with TMPRSS2-ERG fusion.

Clinical and histopathological results of the adult patients with unilateral cryptorchidism.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and histopathological results of adult unilateral cryptorchidism patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from adult unilateral cryptorchidism patients that underwent orchiectomy in our clinic between between January 2004 and March 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into three groups as intra-abdominal, inguinal canal and superficial inguinal region according to the location of the undescended testes. Patients were also grouped according to their testicular volume (<4 cc, 4.1-12 cc, and >12 cc). Histopathology results of orchiectomy specimens were classified as follows: 1. Sertoli cells only, testicular atrophy and vanished testis (anorchia) 2. Hypospermatogenesis, and 3. Maturation arrest. Patients were grouped as normospermia, azoospermia and oligo/astheno/teratospermia groups according to semen analysis results. Correlations between testicular localization, testicular size, semen analysis and pathology results were evaluated. Incidental tumor detection rates were also calculated. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-four adult unilateral cryptorchidism patients underwent orchiectomy in our clinic. There was no a significant relationship between location of the testis and testicular pathology results (p=0.707). Most common semen analysis results was normospermia in patients with high testicular volume group however azoospermia and oligoasthenospermia observed commonly in patients with low testicular volume group. There was a significant relationship between testicular volume and semen analysis results (p=0.023). No significant relationship was observed between semen analysis and pathological results (p=0.929). After an evaluation of all factors with possible effects on the semen analysis results, only testicular volume (p=0.036) was found to have a significant impact. Only one case (0.4%) was incidentally diagnosed seminoma after a review of 233 patients with available histopathological results on record. CONCLUSION: Adult unilateral cryptorchidism has a minimal effect on male fertility or even this effect can be overlooked. Low detection rates of incidental germ cell tumors also make an orchiectomy decision questionable in such cases.

Evaluation of PCA3 and multiparametric MRI's: collective benefits before deciding initial prostate biopsy for patients with PSA level between 3-10ng/mL

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the contribution of multiparametric MRI and PCA3 assay, pre- decision of initial biopsy in PSA level between 3-10 ng/mL patients with normal digital rectal examination(DRE). Materials and Methods PSA level 3-10 ng/mL ,patients, with normal DRE results and no previous prostate biopsy history, were included in this study. Each patient underwent multiparametric MRI one week before biopsy. Urine sample taking for PCA3 examination preceded the biopsy. Systematic and targeted biopsies were conducted. Patients with high PSA levels were seperated into two groups as: high PCA3 scored and low PCA3 scored. Then each group was divided into two sub-groups as: MRI lesion positive and negative. Tumor incidence, positive predictive values(PPV) and negative predictive values(NPV) were calculated. Results 53 patients were included between February 2013 and March 2014.Mean age 61.22 ± 1.06. Mean PSA value 5.13 ± 0.19 ng / mL. Mean PCA3 score 98.01 ± 23.13 and mean prostate size was 48.96 ± 2.67 grams. Fourty nine patients had both PCA3 score and multiparametric MRI. The PCA3’s PPV value was 58.33%. If multiparametric MRI lesions are added to high PCA3 scores , the PPV appears to elevate to 91.66%. NPV of PCA3 was 96%. NPV was 95% when there was no lesion in the multiparametric MRI with low PCA3 scores. Sensitivity was 91.66% , specificity was 95% respectively. Conclusion Adding multimetric MRI can also support biopsy decision for patients with high PCA3 value. When PCA3 value is low, patients can be survailled without any need to take a MRI.

Our results of active surveillance for localized prostate cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Active surveillance has become a management option for low-risk prostate cancer patients, while keeping the curative treatment option available. In this study, we evaluated the our results of active surveillance for localized prostate cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer who chose an active surveillance protocol were followed with PSA measurements, digital rectal examinations, and TRUS-guided biopsies. The patients' data and rebiopsy results were evaluated. The results were compared with the results of the patients who had definitive treatment. RESULTS: Forty-one patients on active surveillance and 34 patients with at least one rebiopsy were included in the study. Twenty-seven patients who had more than one rebiopsy were followed for an average of 27.7 (12-78) months. Twelve patients (44.4%) had undergone definitive treatment including radical prostatectomy (n=9), and radiotherapy (n=3). There were 17 patients under surveillance after a second biopsy, and 9 (33%) of them had a third biopsy. Among these 9 patients, 7 patients were kept under surveillance, and 2 (7%) them had a fourth biopsy. Active surveillance of 15 out of 17 patients who have not undergone definitive treatment is still ongoing. CONCLUSION: Active surveillance is a treatment option refrains low-risk prostate cancer patients from the complications of an early or unnecessary definitive treatment and related reduction in the quality of their lives. while keeping the curative treatment option available. Active surveillance can be applied safely with the appropriate patient selection, regular examinations and tests.

Granulomatous prostatitis diagnosed during intravesical BCG treatment.

The histopathological report of the biopsy material retrieved from hyperemic areas of the bladder during control cystoscopy of a 70-year-old man who had a bladder cancer diagnosis three years previously, indicated the presence of a carcinoma in situ (CIS). Intravesical immunotherapy treatment was initiated. After severe symptoms of dysuria emerging during intravesical immunotherapy with BCG, the immunotherapy treatment dosage was lowered. His treatment was then discontinued due to the progression of symptoms. A biopsy was performed due to higher prostate spesific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination abnormalities which indicated granulomatous prostatitis. An antituberculosis treatment was initiated because the PPD test result was 25 mm and the QuantiFERON test was positive. After one month, the patient's PSA levels were reduced, and his clinical status improved. The symptoms of severe dysuria, sterile pyuria, abnormal digital rectal examination findings and high PSA levels during intravesical BCG treatment should remind us diagnosis of granulomatous prostatitis. It should not be forgotten that diagnosis of granulomatous prostatitis was established histopathologically, and the patient benefited from medical treatment.