THE DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF A COMBINATION OF PREOPERATIVE 68-Ga PSMA PET/CT AND MULTIPARAMETRIC MRI IN LOCALIZED PROSTATE CANCER.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common and leading course of cancer-related death in men. Although there are studies on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MpMRI) with good diagnostic results in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer, new methods have been investigated due to the low positive predictive values. In this context, Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography (PSMA PET) emerges as an alternative imaging method to MpMRI. This study aims to compare 68Ga PSMA I&T-PET/CT and MpMRI in determining tumor location. METHODS: Preoperative MpMRI and 68Ga PSMA I&T-PET/CT scans and pathology specimens of who underwent radical prostatectomy for PCa at our clinic between 2018-2021 were retrospectively evaluated. PSMA I&T-PET/CT, MpMRI, combined imaging were compared for tumor localization according to histopathological data. RESULTS: In terms of tumor localization, MpMRI demonstrated overall accuracy rates 75.9% (p kappa (κ) 0.0001* (0.525)). 68Ga PSMA I&T-PET/CT showed 71.5% (p κ 0.0001* (0.438)). For the combined imaging approach overall accuracy rate were calculated as 79.2% (p κ 0.0001* (0.576)). Additionally, high diagnostic accuracy was achieved for the combined imaging approach, particularly in the intermediate ISUP group. Moreover, SUVmax was calculated as 6.37. CONCLUSION: The combined use of 68Ga PSMA I&T-PET/CT and MpMRI has high diagnostic rates. However, the high cost is a significant disadvantage that limits their routine combined use.

Can preoperative inflammatory markers predict the success of varicocelectomy?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inflammation on the success of varicocelectomy by using some inflammatory markers. Adult male patients aged ≥18 years who were evaluated for infertility, had abnormal parameters in at least two preoperative semen analyses and underwent subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups; those showing improvement in semen parameters were determined as Group A and those without improvement as Group B and compared with each other. A total of 102 patients were included in this study. Group A contained 32 (31.4%) patients while Group B had 70 (68.6%) patients. Monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were found to be statistically significantly higher in Group B (p = 0.014 and p = 0.028 respectively). Although preoperative sperm concentration and total motile sperm count were higher in Group B, postoperative all semen parameters were significantly higher in Group A. The cutoff points that were determined using the Youden test were <2.02 for NLR (AUC = 0.636, CI = 0.519-0.754; p = 0.028) and <0.22 for MLR (AUC = 0.652, CI = 0.531-0.773; p = 0.014). Pre-varicocelectomy low NLR and MLR values were found to be significant parameters in predicting the success of the surgery.

Nation-wide analysis of the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on daily urology practice in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To present a nation-wide analysis of the workload of urology departments in Turkey week-by-week during Covid-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY: The centres participating in the study were divided into three groups as tertiary referral centres, state hospitals and private practice hospitals. The number of outpatients, inpatients, daily interventions and urological surgeries were recorded prospectively between 9-March-2020 and 31-May-2020. All these variables were recorded for the same time interval of 2019 as well. The weekly change of the workload of urology during pandemic period was evaluated, also the workload of urology and the distributions of certain urological surgeries were compared between the pandemic period and the same time interval of the year 2019. RESULTS: A total of 51 centres participated in the study. The number of outpatients, inpatients, urological surgeries and daily interventions were found to be dramatically decreased by the 3rd week of pandemics in state hospitals and tertiary referral centres; however, the daily urological practice were similar in private practice hospitals throughout the pandemic period. When the workload of urology in pandemic period and the same time interval of the year 2019 were compared, a huge decrease was observed in all variables during pandemic period. However, temporary measures like ureteral stenting, nephrostomy placement and percutaneous cystostomy have been found to increase during Covid-19 pandemic compared with normal life. CONCLUSIONS: Covid-19 pandemic significantly affected the routine daily urological practice likewise other subspecialties and priority was given to emergent and non-deferrable surgeries by urologists in concordance with published clinical guidelines.

Quality analysis of testicular cancer videos on YouTube.

The aim of this study was to assess the content, reliability and quality of information regarding testicular cancer in YouTube videos. The search was performed by using term 'testicular cancer' on YouTube, and the first 168 videos were listed according to relevancy. Video features and source of upload were recorded. The quality, reliability and accuracy of the information were evaluated by two independent urologists using the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) score, the 5-point modified DISCERN tool and the Global Quality Score (GQS). A total number of 152 videos were analysed. The most common source of upload was talk show programmes/TV programmes (25.7%), and majority of the content was about (24.3%) symptoms and diagnosis options. The mean JAMA score, modified DISCERN score and GQS were 1.59, 2.13 and 2.61 respectively. These scores were significantly higher in videos that were uploaded by physicians/nonprofit physicians/professional organisations/universities (p < 0.001). There is a positive correlation between the video length, DISCERN, JAMA scores and GQS. YouTube is a widely used source of information and advice about testicular cancer, but much of the content is of poor quality.

The effect of ejaculation time on varicose vein diameter and reflux level.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the time interval between ejaculation and scrotal Doppler ultrasonography affects the results of the varicose vein diameter and reflux time. Age, medication use, operation history, physical examination and semen analysis findings, varicose vein diameters and the presence of reflux and reflux time were evaluated prospectively in the patients older than 18 years of age who presented to the urology outpatient clinic with infertility and underwent scrotal Doppler ultrasonography and semen analysis. The time interval between the two scrotal Doppler ultrasonography for semen analysis was noted, the two results were compared. The patients were divided into four groups according to the time interval between ejaculation and scrotal Doppler ultrasonography. The study included 81 varicocele cases, with 57 left-sided and 12 bilateral varicocele. The varicose vein diameters were significantly larger after ejaculation than before ejaculation (p < .001). Similarly, the reflux time after ejaculation in all patients was significantly higher in scrotal Doppler ultrasonography performed before and after ejaculation at rest and during Valsalva manoeuvre (p < .001). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that a waiting time of at least 90 min must be allowed between ejaculation and scrotal Doppler ultrasonography.

The relationship between premature ejaculation and the timing of pre-adult circumcision.

We aimed to investigate the relationship between premature ejaculation and the age when men had been circumcised before adulthood. A total of 2,768 sexually active male patients aged between 18 and 65 years were included in this study. A multicentre study was conducted prospectively with the participation of 20 centres. A survey consisting of 12 questions prepared by the researchers, as well as the validated Turkish versions of the five-item Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, was administered to all participants. The study included 1,603 participants who met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference in the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool and self-reported ejaculation time between the participants who had been circumcised at different ages during childhood. Remembering circumcision experience with fear or anxiety did not increase the risk of sexual dysfunction compared to the participants who described their experience with happiness or with no particular emotion. There was no significant difference in Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool scores or the self-reported ejaculation time of the participants circumcised at different ages. The age of childhood circumcision, having a fearful or anxious circumcision experience, does not affect the risk of premature ejaculation in adult life.

Can Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Cause Postoperative Hydronephrosis After Radical Cystectomy?

OBJECTIVE: This study's objective is to assess the effect of preoperative factors on postoperative hydroureteronephrosis (HUN) after radical cystectomy (RC) in patients with bladder cancer (BC). METHODOLOGY: Patients who underwent RC for BC between January 2019 and November 2022 and had unilateral or bilateral postoperative HUN were retrospectively analyzed. Patients without preoperative HUN but with postoperative HUN constituted the patient group, while patients without both preoperative and postoperative HUN constituted the control group, and they were compared with each other. RESULTS: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and postoperative metastasis were positively correlated with postoperative HUN (r = 0.238, P = 0.007, and r = 0.203, P = 0.021, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the postoperative HUN was significantly associated with NAC (P = 0.048; Exp(B) = 6.896, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-46.9) but not associated with the presence of metastasis (P = 0.054). Moreover, NAC increased the possibility of undergoing revision surgery (P = 0.002; Exp(B) = 26.9, 95% CI 3.2-225). CONCLUSIONS: NAC is an independent factor for impaired anastomotic healing, increased postoperative HUN, and the need for revision surgery in patients with BC.

Recognition and practice patterns of sexual medicine experts towards postorgasmic illness syndrome.

Post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is a rare, but debilitating cluster of symptoms, occurring after ejaculation with unknown mechanism and uncertain treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this study, which is thought to be the first in the literature, is aimed to investigate the practice patterns of sexual medicine experts towards POIS. Worldwide sexual medicine experts were invited to participate anonymously in an online, open survey using SurveyMonkey between November 14, 2022, and January 15, 2023. In total 211 sexual medicine experts filled the survey. The majority of the participants were urologists (83.9%). Most participants stated that the available information about POIS was inadequate for both patients and physicians. 47.9% of the participants stated psychological disorder, 46.4% stated bio-psycho-social reasons for the responsibility for the pathophysiology of POIS. 56.4% of the participants stated that they would refer the patient for psychotherapy/sexual therapy to a sexologist, 41.7% would prefer antihistamine drugs to manage symptoms. Only 18% of participants reported symptom improvement in more than 30% of the patients. This survey study among sexual medicine experts from different parts of the world has developed representative estimates of knowledge, attitudes and practice patterns regarding POIS worldwide.

Impact of Varicocele Repair on Semen Parameters in Infertile Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: Despite the significant role of varicocele in the pathogenesis of male infertility, the impact of varicocele repair (VR) on conventional semen parameters remains controversial. Only a few systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) have evaluated the impact of VR on sperm concentration, total motility, and progressive motility, mostly using a before-after analytic approach. No SRMA to date has evaluated the change in conventional semen parameters after VR compared to untreated controls. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of VR on conventional semen parameters in infertile patients with clinical varicocele compared to untreated controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed using Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases following the Population Intervention Comparison Outcome (PICOS) model (Population: infertile patients with clinical varicocele; Intervention: VR [any technique]; Comparison: infertile patients with clinical varicocele that were untreated; Outcome: sperm concentration, sperm total count, progressive sperm motility, total sperm motility, sperm morphology, and semen volume; Study type: randomized controlled trials and observational studies). RESULTS: A total of 1,632 abstracts were initially assessed for eligibility. Sixteen studies were finally included with a total of 2,420 infertile men with clinical varicocele (1,424 patients treated with VR vs. 996 untreated controls). The analysis showed significantly improved post-operative semen parameters in patients compared to controls with regards to sperm concentration (standardized mean difference [SMD] 1.739; 95% CI 1.129 to 2.349; p<0.001; I²=97.6%), total sperm count (SMD 1.894; 95% CI 0.566 to 3.222; p<0.05; I²=97.8%), progressive sperm motility (SMD 3.301; 95% CI 2.164 to 4.437; p<0.01; I²=98.5%), total sperm motility (SMD 0.887; 95% CI 0.036 to 1.738; p=0.04; I²=97.3%) and normal sperm morphology (SMD 1.673; 95% CI 0.876 to 2.470; p<0.05; I²=98.5%). All the outcomes showed a high inter-study heterogeneity, but the sensitivity analysis showed that no study was sensitive enough to change these results. Publication bias was present only in the analysis of the sperm concentration and progressive motility. No significant difference was found for the semen volume (SMD 0.313; 95% CI -0.242 to 0.868; I²=89.7%). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a high level of evidence in favor of a positive effect of VR to improve conventional semen parameters in infertile men with clinical varicocele. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first SRMA to compare changes in conventional semen parameters after VR with changes in parameters of a control group over the same period. This is in contrast to other SRMAs which have compared semen parameters before and after VR, without reference to a control group. Our findings strengthen the available evidence and have a potential to upgrade professional societies' practice recommendations favoring VR to improve conventional semen parameters in infertile men.

Comprehensive Analysis of Global Research on Human Varicocele: A Scientometric Approach.

PURPOSE: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of research trends on the etiology, mechanisms, potential risk factors, diagnosis, prognosis, surgical and non-surgical treatment of varicocele, and clinical outcomes before and after varicocele repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Varicocele studies published between 1988 and 2020 were retrieved from the Scopus database on April 5, 2021. Original studies on human varicocele were included, irrespective of language. Retrieved articles were manually screened for inclusion in various sub-categories. Bibliometric data was subjected to scientometric analysis using descriptive statistics. Network, heat and geographic mapping were generated using relevant software. RESULTS: In total, 1,943 original human studies on varicocele were published. These were predominantly from the northern hemisphere and developed countries, and published in journals from the United States and Germany. Network map analysis for countries showed several interconnected nodal points, with the USA being the largest, and Agarwal A. from Cleveland Clinic, USA, being a center point of worldwide varicocele research collaborations. Studies of adolescents were underrepresented compared with studies of adults. Studies on diagnostic and prognostic aspects of varicocele were more numerous than studies on varicocele prevalence, mechanistic studies and studies focusing on etiological and risk factors. Varicocele surgery was more investigated than non-surgical approaches. To evaluate the impact of varicocele and its treatment, researchers mainly analyzed basic semen parameters, although markers of seminal oxidative stress are being increasingly investigated in the last decade, while reproductive outcomes such as live birth rate were under-reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: This study analyzes the publication trends in original research on human varicocele spanning over the last three decades. Our analysis emphasizes areas for further exploration to better understand varicocele's impact on men's health and male fertility.

Sperm Vitality and Necrozoospermia: Diagnosis, Management, and Results of a Global Survey of Clinical Practice.

Sperm vitality testing is a basic semen examination that has been described in the World Health Organization (WHO) Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen from its primary edition, 40 years ago. Several methods can be used to test sperm vitality, such as the eosin-nigrosin (E-N) stain or the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test. In the 6th (2021) edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual, sperm vitality assessment is mainly recommended if the total motility is less than 40%. Hence, a motile spermatozoon is considered alive, however, in certain conditions an immotile spermatozoon can also be alive. Therefore, the differentiation between asthenozoospermia (pathological decrease in sperm motility) and necrozoospermia (pathological decrease in sperm vitality) is important in directing further investigation and management of infertile patients. The causes leading to necrozoospermia are diverse and can either be local or general, testicular or extra-testicular. The andrological management of necrozoospermia depends on its etiology. However, there is no standardized treatment available presently and practice varies among clinicians. In this study, we report the results of a global survey to understand current practices regarding the physician order of sperm vitality tests as well as the management practices for necrozoospermia. Laboratory and clinical scenarios are presented to guide the reader in the management of necrozoospermia with the overall objective of establishing a benchmark ranging from the diagnosis of necrozoospermia by sperm vitality testing to its clinical management.

Analysis of videos about vesicoureteral reflux on YouTube.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the content, reliability and quality of information regarding vesicoureteral reflux in YouTube videos, as a source of patient information. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a YouTube search with the keyword "vesicoureteral reflux" was performed on April 15, 2021, and the first 150 videos were listed according to relevancy. Advertisements, duplicate videos, videos in languages other than English, and videos without audio were excluded. Video features (time since upload, run time, number of like, dislike, views and comments) and source of upload were recorded. The quality, reliability and accuracy of the information were evaluated independently by an urologist and a pediatrician using the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) score, the 5-point modified DISCERN tool and the Global Quality Score (GQS). Video quality was assessed according to the source of upload and video features. The correlation analysis was performed between video features, GQS, JAMA and DISCERN scores. RESULTS: A total number of 125 videos were analyzed. The most common source of upload was hospital, clinician, practice (43.2%) and the majority of the content (25.6%) was about symptoms and diagnosis options. The median JAMA score, modified DISCERN score and GQS was 3 (1-4) (1-5) (1-5), respectively. JAMA scores were significantly higher in videos that were uploaded by hospital, clinician, practice (except tv programs). Modified DISCERN scores and GQS scores of videos uploaded by hospital, clinician, practice was significantly higher than Industry, advertisements, for profit-organizations and individual users, patients (see Summary Table). There is a positive correlation between the number of likes and VPI as well as JAMA, DISCERN, and GQS scores. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant amount of VUR-related content on YouTube and the source of the vídeo influences on quality. Almost half of the vídeos have poor quality, and people apparently choose videos that are technically better, and "technical" videos over "experiential" ones.

Variations in the Number of Patients Presenting With Andrological Problems During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic and the Possible Reasons for These Variations: A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused unprecedented restrictions in outpatient services and surgical practices in urology as in other medical branches as well as in all areas of life. AIM: To investigate whether there have been variations in the presentations of male patients with sexual and reproductive health problems to the outpatient urology clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic and to understand the underlying factors for these variations, if any. METHODS: Male patients aged ≥18 years who presented to the outpatient urology clinics in 12 centers across Turkey from February 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those who presented to the outpatient clinic from February 1, 2020 to March 11, 2020 comprised the "pre-COVID-19 pandemic period" group, whereas those who presented to the outpatient clinic from March 12, 2020 to June 1, 2020 comprised the "COVID-19 pandemic period" group and compared with each other. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome of this study was the number and diagnose of patients presented to urology outpatient clinics. RESULTS: Andrological problems were detected in 721 of 4,955 male patients included in the study. During the COVID-19 pandemic period, there was a significant increase in andrological diagnosis in these patients compared with the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period (n = 293 [17%] vs n = 428 [13.2%], P < .001, respectively). Similarly, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of patients diagnosed with male reproductive or sexual health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic period (n = 107 [6.2%] vs n = 149 [4.6%], P = .016 and n = 186 [10.8%] vs n = 279 [8.6%], P = .013, respectively). The number of patients diagnosed with erectile dysfunction during the pandemic was also significantly higher than the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period (n = 150 [8.7%] vs n = 214 [6.6%], P = .008). CONCLUSION: Presentations to the outpatient urology clinics owing to andrological problems markedly increased during the pandemic period. Although these problems are of multifactorial origin, psychogenic factors are also considered to significantly trigger these problems.MB Duran, O Yildirim, Y Kizilkan, et al. Variations in the Number of Patients Presenting With Andrological Problems During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic and the Possible Reasons for These Variations: A Multicenter Study. Sex Med 2020;XX:XXX-XXX.

The Relationship Between Prostate Biopsy Results and PSA and Free PSA Ratio Changes in Elevated Serum PSA Patients with and without Antibiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of antibiotic treatment on total prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and free/total (f/t) PSA ratio and the relevance of these changes to prostate biopsy results. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 1,062 patients with elevated age-adjusted serum PSA levels who underwent prostate biopsy between 2004 and 2016. A total of 303 cases with followup PSA levels and f/t PSA ratio before and after antibiotherapy were included into this study. There were 214 patients with persistent elevated serum PSA levels after antibiotic treatment followed by prostate biopsy (treatment group) and 89 patients who had prostate biopsy after a mean followup of 1 month without antibiotherapy (control group). The groups were compared with regard to both 5% and 10% cut off changes in serum PSA levels and f/t PSA ratios. RESULTS: Antibiotic treatment had no impact on the relation between serum PSA levels and biopsy results at both cut off values. On the other hand, f/t PSA ratio changes at both cut off values with relevance to antibiotic treatment were found to be related with histopathologic results. While increase in f/t PSA ratio was more related with benign biopsies, decrease in f/t PSA ratio was more related with cancer (for 5% cut off value p= 0.014, p= 0.004; for 10% cut off value p= 0.026, p= 0.014). CONCLUSION: Changes at f/t PSA ratio rather than total PSA only, particularly in antibiotic treated cases appear to be more useful in decision making for biopsy.