A Retrospective Analysis of 83 Patients with Testicular Mass Who Underwent Testis-Sparing Surgery: The Eurasian Uro-oncology Association Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Herein, we analyzed the histopathological, oncological and functional outcomes of testis-sparing surgery (TSS) in patients with distinct risk for testicular cancer. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study on consecutive patients who underwent TSS. Patients were categorized in high- or low-risk testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) according to the presence/absence of features compatible with testicular dysgenesis syndrome. Histology was categorized per size and risk groups. RESULTS: TSS was performed in 83 patients (86 tumors) of them, 27 in the high-risk group. Fifty-nine patients had a non-tumoral contralateral testis present. Sixty masses and 26 masses were benign and TGCTs, respectively. No statistical differences were observed in mean age (30.9 ± 10.32 years), pathological tumor size (14.67 ± 6.7 mm) between risk groups or between benign and malignant tumors (p = 0.608). When categorized per risk groups, 22 (73.3%) and 4 (7.1%) of the TSS specimens were malignant in the high- and low-risk patient groups, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the only independent variable significantly related to malignant outcome was previous history of TGCT. During a mean follow-up of 25.5 ± 22.7 months, no patient developed systemic disease. Local recurrence was detected in 5 patients and received radical orchiectomy. Postoperative testosterone levels remained normal in 88% of those patients with normal preoperative level. No erectile dysfunction was reported in patients with benign lesions. CONCLUSION: TSS is a safe and feasible approach with adequate cancer control, and preservation of sexual function is possible in 2/3 of patients harboring malignancy. Incidence of TGCT varies extremely between patients at high and low risk for TGCT requiring a careful consideration and counseling.

Are new-generation bisphosphonates effective for the inhibition of calcium oxalate stone formation in a rat model?

BACKGROUND: The effects of bisphosphonates on prophylaxis of stone formation are unclear. We evaluated the outcome of two new-generation bisphosphonates in a lithogenic rat model. METHODS: 36 male rats were divided into three groups of 12 animals each. Both calcium and creatinine levels of plasma and urine were measured. Zinc discs of about 40 mg each were surgically placed into the bladder. The first group received no treatment and the second and third groups were treated with an intraperitoneal injection of weekly clodronate (20 mg/kg) and zoledronic acid (7.5 microg/kg), respectively. At the end of the 8th week, the weight increase in discs and biochemical changes were analyzed comparatively. RESULTS: The mean weight of discs in the control, clodronate and zoledronic acid groups was 109.65 +/- 80.97, 79.82 +/- 17.99 and 72.91 +/- 19.29 mg, respectively (p > 0.05). The percentage increase in weight of discs was 164% for control, 90% for clodronate and 71% for the zoledronic acid group. The increase of urinary calcium level in the zoledronic acid group was lower than the others (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When considering the percentage increase in weight of discs, the difference between control and bisphosphonate groups support the idea that these drugs may have a preventive role in stone formation.

Cadaveric fascia lata versus intravaginal slingplasty for the pubovaginal sling: surgical outcome, overall success and patient satisfaction rates.

BACKGROUND: A wide variety of surgical procedures has been used to treat female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The purpose of this study was to compare cadaveric fascia lata (CFL) sling with intravaginal slingplasty (IVS) in the surgical treatment of SUI. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-nine women with SUI were randomly assigned to either CFL sling (n = 67) or IVS (n = 72). Concomitant urinary urge incontinence was present in 49 patients (73%) in the CFL sling and 44 patients (61%) in the IVS group. Daily mean pad usage was 4.1 +/- 3.5 in the CFL sling and 2.9 +/- 1.7 in the IVS group. The objective cure rate was evaluated by the pad test, and patient satisfaction rate was assessed by a subjective questionnaire. RESULTS: The surgical results of both procedures with a follow-up 12 months were documented. The overall success rate was 79% in the CFL sling and 70.8% in the IVS (p = 0.261). In contrast patient satisfaction rates were 82 and 87.5%, respectively (p = 0.210). Comparison of the CFL sling with IVS showed persistent urinary urge incontinence in 67 and 25% (p = 0.0001) and de novo urinary urge incontinence in 22 and 6.9%, respectively (p = 0.009). The groups did not differ significantly with respect to intraoperative and postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: There is no statistical difference in the overall success, satisfaction and complication rates in either group. In our series, both procedures were found to be effective, durable and significantly improved quality of life in patients with SUI but long-term results are awaited.

Type I and II circumcaval ureter in children: experience in three cases.

Circumcaval ureter is a congenital abnormality in which the right ureter passes behind the inferior vena cava (IVC), but it is seldom reported in childhood. Surgery is required for symptomatic cases to transect and reposition the right ureter to lie anterior to the IVC in order to correct this abnormality. We present three childhood cases where two types of obstructive circumcaval ureter were diagnosed and treated surgically.

Gangrene of the distal penis after implantation of malleable penile prosthesis in a diabetic patient.

We present a rare clinical case of distal penile gangrene in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus after the implantation of malleable penile prosthesis. Necrosis of the glans penis, urethral meatus, dorsal penile shaft, and corpora cavernosa was observed, and a distal penectomy was performed.

The impact of urinary drainage on the development of anastomotic stricture after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Anastomotic stricture (AS) is a well-described complication of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) despite all the refinements in surgical technique. We aimed to define and discuss the role of postoperative urinary drainage on AS development. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 136 patients with localized prostate carcinoma underwent RRP. In all patients, urethral catheter was removed 3 weeks after RRP without a cystogram. We documented duration of drainage (<3 days, n=86; 3-5 days, n=36; and >5 days, n=14), volume of drainage (<300 ml, n=78; 300-500 ml, n=27; and >500 ml, n=31), and mean volume of drainage per day (<100 ml, n=85 and >100 ml, n=51), continence status, and clinical and histopathological characteristics of patients as risk factors related with AS. RESULTS: AS was diagnosed in 28.6% of patients. The rate was found to be 35.9%, 41%, and 23.1%, consistent with duration, and 38.4%, 15.4%, and 46.2% according to volume of drainage, respectively (P=0.0001). AS occurred in 43.6% and 56.4% of patients concerning mean volume of drainage per day, respectively (P=0.007). Analysis showed that AS was significantly associated with duration (>3 days), total volume (>500 ml), and the mean volume (>100 ml) of urinary drainage among the variables. The rates of urinary incontinence were 30.7% in patients with AS and 6.2% in patients without AS. CONCLUSIONS: Time and the amount of urinary drainage were significantly associated with stricture formation following RRP that might be caused by partial disruption of the anastomosis.

The surgical results of the pubovaginal sling procedure using Intravaginal Slingplasty (IVS) for stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the surgical results and complications of the Intravaginal Slingplasty (IVS) procedure in women with stress urinary incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 72 women with urethral hypermobility underwent the pubovaginal sling procedure using IVS with a mean age of 50.35+/-9.07 years. Average Body Mass Index, mean parity and daily mean pad usage was 29.2+/-3.5, 3.7+/-1.74 and 2.9+/-1.76, respectively. Preoperative urge incontinence was observed in 61.12% of the patients. The mean follow-up was 13.87+/-2.4 months. The operative time, postoperative urge symptoms, de novo detrusor instability and complications were all documented. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 25 min (18-40 min). Though postoperative first monthly controls proved 95.8% total dryness, the cure and improvement rates declined to 45.4% and 24.2% in 66 patients who completed 1 year of follow-up. The overall success and patient satisfaction rates were 69.6% and 87.5% respectively. De novo detrusor instability was observed in five patients (6.9%) whereas detrusor instability persisted in 25% of the patients. Bladder perforation and prolonged urinary retention developed in 11.1% of the patients. No signs of hematoma, infection and erosion were detected. CONCLUSION: IVS is an easy procedure with low complication rates and it takes about 25 min. In spite of lower cure rates than the alternative surgical techniques, patient satisfaction rates seemed to be similar. Low cure rates may be due to either from inappropriate patient selection or from the biochemical and biomechanical properties of the polypropylene mesh. For this reason, randomized controlled trials and animal experiments should be evaluated for a further decision on the success rates.

Comparison of recovery profiles of propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia with bispectral index monitoring in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the comparative effects of propofol infusion versus sevoflurane for maintenance of anesthesia with respect to hemodynamics, recovery characteristics, nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy. METHODS: Forty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II patients, aged between 22 and 65 years were randomly divided to receive either intravenous anesthesia with propofol (group P) or sevoflurane (group S). Cardiovascular variables, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), bispectral index (BIS) and train-of-four (TOF) values were recorded at intervals throughout the procedure. Time to spontaneous respiration, eye opening, extubation, obey commands, hand squeezing, Aldrete Score > 9 and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting were recorded. RESULTS: Early recovery times [spontaneous respiration (P = 0.002), eye opening (P = 0.006), extubation (P = 0.013), obey commands (P < 0.05), hand squeezing (P = 0.005)] were significantly longer in group P. The incidence of vomiting was significantly higher in group S (P < 0.05). Hemodynamic parameters, levels of SpO2, ETCO2, and BIS and TOF values were not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study which adjusted sevoflurane concentration and propofol infusion rate according to BIS values revealed that maintenance of anesthesia with sevoflurane is associated with faster recovery than anesthesia with propofol. Propofol resulted in a significantly lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Hemodynamic parameters and levels of SpO2 and ETCO2 were comparable between the groups during percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

The value of the NMP22 test for superficial bladder cancer diagnosis and follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the efficacy of nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) in the diagnosis and surveillance of bladder cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with hematuria or who applied for cystoscopic control of proven bladder cancer were prospectively enrolled in this study. Routine cytologic examination and NMP22 test were performed on the voided urine sample obtained before the cystoscopy. The patients who had been diagnosed with bladder cancer were categorized according to stage, grade, number, size of the tumor and risk of the disease. Then the diagnostic performance of the NMP22 and the cytology test, alone or in combination, were evaluated separately using ROC curves in the diagnosis and surveillance groups. RESULTS: A total of 87 patients (87/136) were investigated because of hematuria. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and, negative predictive values, and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of the NMP22 test were 70, 80, 68, 81, and 3.42%, respectively. While, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and, negative predictive values, and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of the cytology examination were 27, 96, 82, 68, and 7.36%, respectively. There were 49 patients in the bladder cancer group. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of the NMP22 test in these patients were 33, 76, 31, 78 and 1.37%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and, negative predictive values, and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of the cytology examination were 25%, 97%, 75%, 80% and 9.25, respectively. CONCLUSION: NMP22 test can be used as an adjunctive tool for the detection of bladder cancer, but its diagnostic performance is limited in surveillance when used alone or in combination with a cytology examination.

Impact of PSA and DRE on histologic findings at prostate biopsy in Turkish men over 75 years of age.

Prostate specidic antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) are the known predictive factors for positive prostate biopsies differing according to the age, region and race. There have been only very limited studies about the impact of PSA on histological findings at prostate biopsy in Turkey. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of PSA and clinical stage on histologic findings of prostate biopsy in men older than 75 years of age as a first study in the Turkish population. A total of 1,645 consecutive prostate biopsies were included, with 194 men aged 75 or older. Cancer was identified in 104 patients (53.6%). Of the 104 positive biopsies, Gleason scores were less than 7 in 53 (49%) patients, 7 or greater in 51 (51%) patients. Positive prostate biopsies were significantly correlated with advanced age (p=0.0001), abnormal DRE (p=0.0001) and raised PSA (p=0.0001). The prostate volume was significantly correlated with advanced age especially in prostate cancer patients over 75 years, compared with those under 75 (p=0.0001). These results are useful for counseling men older than 75 years for prostate cancer detection. However, PCa screening decisions are currently based on urologist judgment and detection of latent asymptomatic disease is an important concern regarding costs, overdiagnosis, overtreatment and quality of life (QOL) for men aged 75 years and older. Healthy old patients with a long life expectancy need to be carefully evaluated for eligibility for PCa screening.

Osseous metaplasia and bone marrow elements in a case of renal cell carcinoma.

Renal cell carcinoma with osseous metaplasia and bone marrow elements is a relatively rare event in these tumors. We discuss pathological differential diagnosis for this tumor with a review of the literature on this unusual case.

Experiences in laparoscopic removal of upper ureteral stones: multicenter analysis of cases, based on the TurkUroLap Group.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic surgery for ureteral stones was restricted to special cases-those with large or impacted ureteral stones. We present special cases of patients who underwent laparoscopic ureterolithotomy at various clinics in Turkey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients were included in the study from five urology clinics in which laparoscopic surgery was being performed. After a disease-specific history and physical examination, age and sex were recorded. The mean patient age was 41.8 years (30 men and 11 women). Urinalysis, determination of creatinine level, intravenous urography, and ultrasonography were performed. The parameters of stone size, presence of hydronephrosis, previous shockwave lithotripsy, previous ureteroscopic stone therapy, type of laparoscopic approach, operative time, ureteral incision, insertion of a Double-J stent, amount of drainage, hospitalization period, and perioperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean ureteral stone size was 22 mm. The retroperitoneoscopic approach was preferred in 35 (85.3%) patients, while the transperitoneal approach was used in 6 (14.7%) patients. Grade I hydronephrosis was detected in 4 patients, grade 2 in 22 patients, and grade 3 in 12 patients. In six patients, a history of shockwave lithotripsy was confirmed. The ureteral wall was incised with a cold knife in 5, scissors in 16, J-hook in 3, and a monopolar or bipolar dissector in 17 patients. In six patients, a Double-J stent was inserted, while in one patient, the operation was converted to an open procedure. The mean operative time was 124 minutes. The mean amount of drainage was 220 ml. Mean hospitalization time was 4.8 days. In five (12.5%) of seven patients, persistent drainage was a major complication that was managed by insertion of a Double-J stent. All patients were discharged stone free. CONCLUSION: Increased hospitalization and operative time can be related to the large stone sizes and prolonged urine leakage. In our opinion, however, the overall success of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy makes it a feasible and effective procedure, especially for stones that could not be managed easily with ureteroscopic stone therapy.

Tissue reactions of 5 sling materials and tissue material detachment strength of 4 synthetic mesh materials in a rabbit model.

PURPOSE: We evaluated tissue reactions to 5 sling materials used in tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), intravaginal slingplasty (IVS), polypropylene mesh hernia repair, the suprapubic approach to suburethral polypropylene tape (SPARC) and cadaveric fascia lata procedures. We also compared the mesh-to-tissue attachment strength of 4 sling mesh materials (TVT, IVS, surgical polypropylene mesh and SPARC) at on days 2, 7, 15 and 30 after implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 female New Zealand White rabbits were randomized to group 1-2 days, group 2-7 days, group 3-15 days and group 4-30 days. After the rabbits were anesthetized an 8 cm midline incision was made for rectus muscle access, and 0.5 x 1 cm pieces of TVT, IVS, SPARC, surgical polypropylene mesh and cadaveric fascia lata were sewn to the rectus muscle with direct contact. At the same time 4 subfascial tunnels in the medial surface of the upper extremities were prepared, and 1.0 x 0.5 cm strips of TVT, IVS, SPARC and polypropylene mesh were implanted in each tunnel. On days 2, 7, 15 and 30 after implantation mechanical testing was performed to define tissue detachment strength. The strips of 5 sling materials were then harvested with the surrounding tissue. Specimens were studied by light microscopy. RESULTS: Mean detachment strength, that is the minimum weight needed to move the mesh, of the synthetic meshes from days 2 to 30 were 291.6 to 2,390.0 gm for TVT, 178.4 to 2,160.0 gm for SPARC, 188.4 to 1,850.0 gm for hernia mesh and 92.8 to 1,510.0 gm for IVS (at all data points TVT vs IVS p < 0.05). Light microscopy revealed a quite uniform tissue reaction with a sign of marked acute inflammation in and around the mesh fibers on days 2 and 7 after implantation. All meshes showed stable fibrosis and muscle infiltration on day 30. CONCLUSIONS: All 5 synthetic sling materials produce similar tissue reactions beginning soon after implantation. Cadaveric fascia lata persisted in tissue with remarkable perifascial fibrosis at day 30. When comparing the 4 polypropylene mesh materials; the attachment capacity of TVT was superior and that of IVS was the least of the 4. TVT was statistically better than IVS at all data points. SPARC and hernia mesh provided results similar to those of TVT.