Does the experience of the bedside assistant effect the results of robotic surgeons in the learning curve of robot assisted radical prostatectomy?

INTRODUCTION: The success of the robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) procedures depend on a successful team, however the literature focuses on the performance of a console surgeon. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes of the surgeons during the learning curve in relation to the bedside assistant's experience level during RARP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed two non - laparoscopic, beginner robotic surgeon's cases, and we divided the patients into two groups. The first surgeon completed the operations on 20 patients with a beginner bedside assistant in February - May 2009 (Group-1). The second surgeon completed operations on 16 patients with an experienced (at least 150 cases) bedside assistant in February 2015 - December 2015 (Group-2). The collected data included age, prostate volume, prostate specific antigen (PSA), estimated blood loss, complications and percent of positive surgical margins. In addition, the elapsed time for trocar insertion, robot docking, console surgery, specimen extraction and total anesthesia time were measured separately. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, co-morbidity, prostate volume, PSA value, preoperative Gleason score, number of positive cores, postoperative Gleason score, pathological grade, protection rate of neurovascular bundles, surgical margin positivity, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, or estimated blood loss. The robot docking, trocar placement, console surgery, anesthesia and specimen extraction times were significantly shorter in group 2 than they were in group 1 (17.75 ± 3.53 min vs. 30.20 ± 7.54 min, p ≤ 0.001; 9.63 ± 2.71 min vs. 14.40 ± 4.52 min , p = 0.001; 189.06 ± 27.70 min vs. 244.95 ± 80.58 min, p = 0.01; 230.94 ± 30.83 min vs. 306.75 ± 87.96 min, p = 0.002; 10.19 ± 2.54 min vs. 17.55 ± 8.79 min, p = 0.002; respectively). CONCLUSION: Although the bedside assistant's experience in RARP does not appear to influence the robotic surgeon's oncological outcomes during the learning curve, it may reduce the potential complications by shortening the total operation time.

The relationship between histological prostatitis and lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual function.

This prospective analysis assessed the effect of histological prostatitis on lower urinary tract functions and sexual function. The patients were separated into two groups as histologically observed prostatitis (Group A) and no prostatitis (Group B) according to the biopsy outcomes. International prostate symptom score, international index of erectile function-5 scores, maximal and average flow rate, and residual urine volumes were compared statistically between groups. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in baseline age (t=0.64), body mass index value (t=0.51), prostate volume (t=0.87), prostate-specific antigen levels (t=0.43), maximal (t=0.84) and average flow rate (t=0.59), and post-void residual urine volume (t=0.71). Mean international prostate symptom score in patients with prostatitis was numerically but not significantly higher than that in those without prostatitis (t=0.794, P=0.066). Mean international index of erectile function-5 score in the prostatitis group was significantly lower than that in those without prostatitis (t=1.854, P=0.013). Histological prostatitis notably affected sexual function of patients and may serve as a major risk factor for sexual dysfunction while having little effect on lower urinary tract symptoms.

Testosterone levels and sexual function disorders in depressive female patients: effects of antidepressant treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Women suffer from depression more frequently than men, which indicates that sex hormones might be involved in the etiology of this disease. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between testosterone and depression pathophysiology in depressive women along with sexual function. We also investigated whether antidepressant treatment causes any change in levels of this hormone or in sexual function. METHODS: Premenopausal female patients aged 25-46 years (n = 52) with diagnosed major depression were included in this study as the patient group, and 25- to 46-year-old premenopausal women without depression (n = 30) were included as the control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured twice, before and after the antidepressant treatment. Bioavailable testosterone (cBT) levels were calculated using the assay results for total testosterone (TT), SHBG, and albumin according to the formulas of Vermeulen et al. Depression severity was measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and sexual function was evaluated with the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale. RESULTS: The mean TT and cBT levels significantly increased in the patient group after the antidepressant treatment (P < 0.001). Pre-treatment TT and cBT levels were significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained for post-treatment serum TT and cBT levels in the patient and control groups (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of SHBG level. CONCLUSION: The low testosterone levels in depressed women compared with women in the control group and the elevated levels post-pharmacotherapy suggest that testosterone may be involved in depression.

Early results of a novel technique for anterior vaginal wall prolapse repair: anterior vaginal wall darn.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the results of a 1-year patient follow-up after anterior vaginal wall darn, a novel technique for the repair of anterior vaginal wall prolapse. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with anterior vaginal wall prolapse underwent anterior vaginal wall darn. The anterior vaginal wall was detached using sharp and blunt dissection via an incision beginning 1 cm proximal to the external meatus and extending to the vaginal apex. The space between the tissues that attach the lateral vaginal walls to the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis was then darned. Cough Stress Test, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification, seven-item Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, and six-item Urogenital Distress Inventory scores were performed 1-year postoperatively to evaluate recovery. RESULTS: One-year postoperatively, all patients were satisfied with the results of the procedure. No patient had vaginal mucosal erosion or any other complication. CONCLUSIONS: One-year postoperative findings for patients in this series indicate that patients with stage II-III anterior vaginal wall prolapse were successfully treated with the anterior vaginal wall darn technique.

Intestinal perforation after radical cystectomy due to drain: case report.

The current standard treatment for nonmetastatic invasive bladder cancer is radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. Radical cystectomy surgery carries a serious potential risk of complications. In this case report, an intestinal perforation which was thought to be occurred due to a Foley catheter placed as a drain after the cystectomy is presented.

A novel technique for anterior vaginal wall prolapse repair: anterior vaginal wall darn.

AIM: The aim of this study is to introduce a new technique, anterior vaginal wall darn (AVWD), which has not been used before to repair the anterior vaginal wall prolapse, a common problem among women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five women suffering from anterior vaginal wall prolapse were operated on with a new technique. The anterior vaginal wall was detached by sharp and blunt dissection via an incision beginning from the 1 cm proximal aspect of the external meatus extending to the vaginal apex, and the space between the tissues that attach the lateral walls of the vagina to the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis (ATFP) was then darned. Preoperation and early postoperation evaluations of the patients were conducted and summarized. RESULTS: Data were collected six months after operation. Cough stress test (CST), Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) evaluation, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) scores indicated recovery. According to the early postoperation results, all patients were satisfied with the operation. No vaginal mucosal erosion or any other complications were detected. CONCLUSION: In this initial series, our short-term results suggested that patients with grade II-III anterior vaginal wall prolapsus might be treated successfully with the AVWD method.

One-year Follow-up Results of Transperineal Biopsy For Patients Undergoing Irreversible Electroporation Treatment in Localized Prostate Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This article reports on the early results of a 1-year follow-up study investigating the efficacy of irreversible electroporation in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. METHODS: The study included 18 out of 40 patients diagnosed with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer who underwent irreversible electroporation. Treatment results were evaluated through confirmation biopsies, comparing prostate-specific antigen levels, international prostate symptom scoring, and international index of erectile dysfunction scores before irreversible electroporation and at the 12-month mark. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 61.1 years (SD ±6.5). Out of the 18 patients, 16 were tumor free (88.8%), while 2 experienced recurrences, one within the treatment field and the other outside of it (P < .001). Irreversible electroporation significantly reduced mean prostate-specific antigen levels (6.73 ng/mL vs. 2.05 ng/mL, P < .001), indicating a 69.5% reduction within 12 months. Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in mean international prostate symptom scores at the 12-month followup (10.05 vs. 7.52, P=.003). The mean international index of erectile dysfunction scores before treatment was 19.17 (SD ±5.85), and after irreversible electroporation, it was 18.67 (SD ±6.34), with no statistically significant change (P=.065). CONCLUSION: The short-term oncological results of irreversible electroporation treatment are promising, particularly for patients in the low- and intermediate-risk groups. Additionally, irreversible electroporation does not negatively impact the international index of erectile dysfunction; however, it may lead to a decrease in international prostate symptom scores.

Fasting blood glucose and lipid profile alterations following twelve-month androgen deprivation therapy in men with prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate the effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on blood glucose and blood cholesterol levels over a 12-month period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and June 2012, the data of 44 patients with prostate cancer who were receiving ADT were collected from a hospital database. Patients with additional malignancy or diabetes and those who had been prescribed and were currently taking cholesterol-lowering medication were excluded from the study. Data (including fasting blood glucose levels and a cholesterol profile) were collected and analysed statistically. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Twelve months after the initiation of ADT, fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) levels changed. FBG, TC, LDL cholesterol, and TG increased significantly (P = 0.009, 0.000, 0.000, and 0.000, resp.), while HDL cholesterol decreased (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: ADT may increase FBG, TC, LDL cholesterol, and TG but decrease HDL cholesterol by the end of a year of treatment. Therefore, close followup may be needed as a consequence of one-year ADT regarding metabolic alterations.

Reliability of frozen section examination of obturator lymph nodes and impact on lymph node dissection borders during radical cystectomy: results of a prospective multicentre study by the Turkish Society of Urooncology.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of frozen section examination (FSE) for detecting lymph node (LN) metastases and whether we can use this information to decide the extent of LN dissection during cystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From August 2005 to August 2009 FSE of obturator LNs was performed in 118 patients with bladder cancer, who were undergoing radical cystectomy with extended LN dissection. Removed tissues from 12 well defined LN regions were sent separately for pathologic evaluation. The FSE results of obturator regions were compared with the final histopathologic results of these node regions. RESULTS: The mean number of removed nodes per patient was 29.4 ± 9.3 (median 28, range 12 to 51). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of FSE for the 118 right obturator LN regions were 94.7%, 100%, 100% and 99%, respectively. The same values for the 118 left obturator LN regions were 86.7%, 100%, 100% and 98.1%, respectively. At final pathologic examination 28 of 118 (23.7%) patients had LN metastasis at obturator regions. Skipped metastasis was found in 15/90 patients (16.7%). Clinical and pathological stage of the primary tumour were found to be significant parameters for skipped metastasis (P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Performing FSE of the obturator LNs seems to be a reliable procedure for their evaluation with acceptable negative and positive predictive values. The information obtained with FSE of obturator LNs can be used to determine intraoperatively the extent of LN dissection, especially in patients with significant comorbidity. Our study also showed that if the clinical stage of the primary tumour is < cT2, the possibility of skipped metastasis is zero.

Evaluation of clinical and mpMRI findings of irreversible electroporation therapy for the treatment of localized prostate cancer: Preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate early clinical and multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) results of irreversible electroporation (IRE) efficiency in treatment of localized prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the patients in whom IRE was performed for local ablation, mpMRI was used for the sixth month follow-up. These images were compared with the mpMRI images obtained before the procedure. We performed transperineal fusion biopsy to patients with diagnosis of localized prostate cancer. We treated the eligible ones with IRE. Six of them have completed their 6-month follow-up period. We compared preoperative prostate specific antigen (PSA), international prostate symptom score, international index of erectile function (IIEF), and mpMRI of these patients with those obtained at the sixth month of follow-up. Side effects experienced by the patients were evaluated as well. RESULTS: We had 10 patients who received IRE treatment. Six patients completed their sixth month-follow-up and came for control visits. At the end of 6 months, the mean decrease in PSA level was 73%. IIEF results were seen not to have changed significantly. On mpMRI, diffusion restriction was seen to have disappeared except for one patient, and Prostate Imaging Reporting Data System scores were decreased. CONCLUSION: We concluded that early clinical and mpMRI results for IRE in the focal ablative treatment of localized prostate cancer were gratifying. As an ambulatory procedure with a low incidence of side effects, we look forward to seeing the long-term results of IRE treatment.

Impacts of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapies on serum prostate-specific antigen levels in the presence of prostatic inflammation: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine if antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medications lower serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the presence or absence of inflammation in the prostatic secretions of patients with PSA levels between 2.5 and 10 ng/ml and normal digital rectal examinations (DRE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with PSA levels between 2.5 and 10 ng/ml and normal DRE were candidates for the study. One hundred and eight patients with positive expressed prostate secretion (EPS) were randomized into antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and control groups (groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively), and 108 patients with negative EPS were randomized into similar groups (groups 4, 5 and 6, respectively). Repeat PSA levels of all patients were obtained 6 weeks after randomization and 10 core prostate biopsies were performed. RESULTS: Median PSA levels in group 1 before and after treatment were 5.2 (4.3-6.4) and 4.0 ng/ml (3.1-4.9), respectively (p < 0.001). The only significant decrease in PSA was observed in group 1. The percent change in PSA levels in group 1 was significantly greater than both in its control group (group 3; p < 0.001) and the EPS- antibiotics group (group 4; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotherapy significantly reduces serum PSA only in EPS+ patients, which justifies limiting the use of prebiopsy antibiotics to EPS+ patients with a normal DRE and PSA level between 2.5 and 10 ng/ml, minimizing the major drawbacks of empirical antibiotics usage.

Comparison of four different anesthesia methods for relief of all pain during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy.

INTRODUCTION: To find the most beneficial method, we assessed patient comfort and morbidity rates during prostate biopsy procedures performed using periprostatic nerve blockade, unilateral pudendal nerve blockade, intrarectal lidocaine gel, and a combination of periprostatic nerve blockade and intrarectal lidocaine gel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 159 patients were included in this study. Pain evaluation results were retrospectively assessed and retrieved from the patient charts. Patients in group 1 (n = 64) received no anesthesia, group 2 (n = 34) received periprostatic nerve blockade, group 3 (n = 26) received unilateral pudendal nerve blockade, group 4 (n = 20) received intrarectal lidocaine gel, and group 5 (n = 15) received a combination of periprostatic nerve blockade and intrarectal lidocaine gel. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used for pain evaluations. RESULTS: According to pain scores (VAS) during probe insertion, only group 2 did not show a statistically significant difference (P > 0.05), while the other groups were found to be significantly different when compared to group 1. Groups 2, 3, and 5 were found to be significantly different when compared to group 1 according to pain scores (VAS) during insertion of needles. Groups 3 and 5 displayed statistically significant differences when compared to group 1 as regards pain scores during both the insertion of the probe and biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that using either a combination of intrarectal lidocaine gel and periprostatic block or solely unilateral pudendal nerve block for prostate biopsy procedures provides efficient patient comfort by reducing pain both during probe insertion and needle passing through the prostate gland.

Risk Factors of Infectious Complications after Flexible Uretero-renoscopy with Laser Lithotripsy.

PURPOSE: To determine the perioperative risk factors for postoperative infections among patients undergoing flexible uretero-renoscopy with laser lithotripsy (FURSLL). In addition, the resistance patterns of pathogens isolated from positive preoperative urine cultures were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from 492 consecutive patients who had undergone FURSLL for stone disease in our department. Postoperative infection was defined as fever (? 38°C) with pyuria (? 10 white blood cells per high power field), or systemic inflammatory response syndrome, or sepsis. Pre-operative and intra-operative characteristics between patients with and without postoperative infectious complications were compared using univariate analyses. Significant variables on univariate analyses were included in a multivariatelogistic regression analysis to evaluate risk factors associated with postoperative infection following FURSLL. RESULTS: 42 (8.5%) of 492 patients had postoperative infectious complications after FURSLL. 59 (12%) of 492 patients had a positive preoperative urine culture. 19 (32.2% of 59) patients had multidrug resistance (MDR) isolates recovered from positive preoperative urine cultures. 75% (9/12 cultures) of the positive preoperative urine cultures of patients in whom a postoperative infectious complication developed consisted of gram-negative pathogens. On multivariate analysis positive preoperative MDR urine culture (OR:4.75;95%CI:1.55-14.56; P = .006) was found to be significant with the dependent variable as the postoperative infectious complications despite appropriate preoperative antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: We found that positive preoperative MDR urine culture is a significant risk factor for infectious complications after FURSLL. Our findings point to the need for further research on assessment of risk factors forMDR infections to reduce the rate of postoperative infectious complications.

Embryonal paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma: a case of young adult patient who has inguinal relapse.

Scrotal rhabdomyosarcomas originating from paratesticular tissue are most frequently seen in childhood and young adulthood. These are rarely seen malignant tumors. We present a young male with inguinal relapse in the early period that we had achieved a good clinical outcome with chemotherapy and radiotherapy protocols.

A large seminal vesicle cyst with contralateral renal agenesis.

Seminal vesicle cysts (SVC) are rather rare disorders. Our case is the first in literature where contralateral renal agenesis was seen together with SVC and surgically managed. We believe that the occurrence of these two coinciding abnormalities is incidental.

Laparoscopic simple nephrectomy patient with situs inversus totalis and left renal hypoplasia: A case report.

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a relatively rare anatomical condition characterized by the transposition of thoracic and abdominal organs from the normal side to the opposite position. Most reports of laparoscopic procedures in patients with SIT cite technical difficulties and longer operative times due to disorientation because of the reversed abdominal organs and necessary modification of the surgeon's movements and techniques. We present a case of a patient with SIT in whom a transperitoneal laparoscopic simple nephrectomy was performed.

Value of preoperative stone scoring systems in predicting the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Guy's Stone Score and S.T.O.N.E. Nephrolithometry nomograms have been introduced for systematic and quantitative assessment of kidney stones. The aim of this study was to reveal the value of two scorings systems, Guy and S.T.O.N.E, most frequently used for predicting postoperative stone-free status prior to Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), in the prediction of postoperative results of PCNL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined patients who underwent PCNL. Preoperative abdominopelvic computerized tomography images of these patients were reviewed and scored according to the Guy and S.T.O.N.E. systems. The relationship between the Guy and S.T.O.N.E. scores, and their postoperative stone-free status, complications based on Clavien system, operation time, fluoroscopy time and period of hospitalization was compared. RESULTS: We identified a total of 102 patients who underwent PCNL between 2010 and 2014, having met the inclusion criteria. The relationships between the total S.T.O.N.E score and Clavien score (p <0.001); time of operation (p = 0.012) and stone-free status (p <0.001); Guy stone score and Clavien score (p <0.001); and period of hospitalization (p <0.001) and time of operation (p <0.001) were found to be statistically significant. There was no statistically significant relationship between Guy score and stone-free status and no statistically significant relationship was found between fluoroscopy time and both stone scoring systems. CONCLUSIONS: Guy and S.T.O.N.E. scoring systems may be used as effective instruments particularly for predicting postoperative complications.

Comparison of one-year results of transobturator tape method in the stress incontinence treatment according to body mass index.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the 1-year results of patients on whom we used the transobturator tape method for the stress incontinence treatment according to body mass index (BMI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with stress incontinence and treated with the transobturator tape method were divided into three groups according to BMI. We recorded the results of preoperative urodynamic studies; durations of operation, catheterization, and hospitalization; and complications of patients. Patients were evaluated 1 year after the operation with respect to the objective/subjective success rates of the operation, patient satisfaction rates, and possible late complications. RESULTS: The obese group was observed to have a significantly higher duration of operation than the normal and overweight groups (p<0.001). The objective and subjective success rates were not significantly different between the groups (p=0.567 and p=0.245, respectively). There was no statistical difference between the groups with respect to the satisfaction rates (p=0.245). There was no significant difference between all three groups with respect to both preoperative and postoperative complication rates (p=0.096). CONCLUSION: The transobturator tape method for stress incontinence treatment has similar objective and subjective success rates, independent of BMI. In the obese patients, the operation time is longer than the others, but there is no difference with respect to the complication rates.

Trace elements levels in the serum, urine, and semen of patients with infertility.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Studies suggest that trace elements may have an adverse impact on male reproduction, even at low levels. We tried to investigate the relationships between these metals and semen quality in various body fluids among men with infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 255 samples of blood, semen, and urine were collected from 85 men suffering from infertility. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry was used for the determination of 22 trace elements. We compared the results of the semen parameters with the results of the element determinations. RESULTS: Because of the high proportion of samples with values lower than the limit of detection for a number of the elements, only 8 of a total 22 trace elements were determined in the samples. When the concentrations of sperm were classified according to the World Health Organization's guidelines for normospermia, oligospermia, and azoospermia, statistically significant differences were found among Zn, Ca, Al, Cu, Mg, Se, and Sr concentrations in various serum, sperm, and urine samples (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the present study, we found significant correlations between concentrations of Zn, Ca, Al, Cu, Mg, Se, and Sr and semen parameters in various body fluids.

Relationship between development of urethral stricture after transurethral resection of prostate and glycemic control.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to investigate the association of glycemic control prior to TUR-P and postoperative urethral stricture development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 168 patients with a diagnosis of urethral stricture, who underwent internal urethrotomy in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed for this study. 98 patients who underwent monopolar TUR-P in our hospital previously and were developed urethral stricture were divided into two groups as diabetic and nondiabetic. Based on their HbA1c concentrations, diabetics were allocated to two groups with good (HbA1c ≤6.5%) or poor (HbA1c > 6,5%) glycemic control. Time to internal urethrotomy and the other operative parameters were compared among groups. RESULTS: Time to internal urethrotomy after TUR-P was significantly shorter in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control than Group 1 and Group 2 (P = 0,02, P = 0,012) but no significant difference was found between Group 1 and Group 2 (P = 0,368). There was no significant difference in the mean diagnosed and resected prostate wight among groups There was no significant difference in the mean resection time and the mean time to urethral catheter removal among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Especially in poor glycemic control patients, urethral stricture development was seen in the early period after TUR-P. For this reason, in the elective TUR-P scheduled poor glycemic controlled patients the operation should be done after glycemic control.