Posttraumatic High-Flow Nonischemic Priapism.

Priapism is an uncommon disorder, and nonischemic priapism is seen less frequently in children, generally after trauma. Although it seems to be an advantage that urgent intervention is not required because of no cavernous ischemia, it is likely to be misdiagnosed because of the asymptomatic potential. We aimed to present a case of posttraumatic nonischemic priapism.

Do the etiological factors in artificial urinary sphincter reimplantation cases affect success and complications?

Background/aim: The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is still one of the best options for incontinence treatment. It may also have an advantage for revision or reimplantation in the management of complications. In this study we aimed to discuss the etiological factors for AUS reimplantation and effects of these etiological factors on success rates, patient satisfaction rates, time to reimplantation surgery, and complications Materials and methods: Data from 30 patients for whom AUS reimplantation was performed were analyzed retrospectively. Incontinence due to fluid loss from the cuff or reservoir balloon, inability of the cuff to adequately compress the urethra, and devices that were thought to have completed their lifespans were defined as mechanical reasons while incontinence caused by conditions such as cuff erosion and infection were defined as nonmechanical reasons. Patients who went through reimplantation due to mechanical and nonmechanical causes were included in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Success rates, patient satisfaction rates, time between the implantation of the first and second AUS, and complications were compared between the groups. Results: The mean follow-up period was 79 (3­308) months for patients who went through primary AUS implantation due to postprostatectomy incontinence. Our success rates were found as 75% and 66% in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. The differences between the groups in terms of success and patient satisfaction rates were not statistically significant, while the time to reimplantation was longer in Group 1 and statistically significant. Conclusion: Reasons for AUS reimplantation may affect the success and patient satisfaction rates. Our success rates of AUS performed for nonmechanical reasons were slightly lower, but not statistically significantly so. AUS reimplantation may take a longer time if mechanical failure is detected.

Factors affecting complication rates of retrograde flexible ureterorenoscopy: analysis of 1571 procedures-a single-center experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the factors affecting complication rates of flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy (FURSL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on a total of 1395 patients, with 1411 renal units underwent 1571 procedures with FURSL for renal and/or proximal ureteral stones between April 2012 and January 2016, were retrospectively analyzed. Complications were assessed using the Satava and modified Clavien systems. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to determine predictive factors affecting complication rates. RESULTS: The mean patient age in the total procedures was 45.68 ± 14.00 years (range 2-86 years), and the mean stone size was 15.15 ± 8.32 mm (range 5-75 mm). The overall success rate was 95.6 %. A total of 209 (13.3 %) cases suffered from complications with intraoperative complications rates of 5.9 % and postoperative complication rates of 7.3 %. Univariate analysis revealed no significant difference in complication rates in respect of age, gender, body mass index, use of ureteral access sheath, operation time, bleeding disorder, solitary kidney, preoperative stenting, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, repeated procedure or location of stones (all p value >0.05). Complication rates were determined to be significantly affected by stone size (p = 0.026), multiplicity (p = 0.028) and the presence of congenital renal abnormality (p < 0.01). The only significant factor in multivariate analysis was the presence of congenital renal abnormalities (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study indicated that stone size, stone number and the presence of congenital renal abnormalities were factors affecting complication rates after FURSL, although congenital renal abnormality was the only independent predictor among these risk factors.

Routine flexible nephroscopy for percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal stones with low density: a prospective, randomized study.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the usefulness of routine flexible nephroscopy during percutaneous nephrolithotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with kidney stones who were scheduled to undergo percutaneous nephrolithotomy between March 2011 and July 2012 were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 underwent standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy using rigid nephroscopy. Group 2 underwent flexible nephroscopy, in addition to standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy and laser lithotripsy or basket catheter stone extraction, as needed. Surgery was performed subcostally and with minimal percutaneous access in group 2 to use the advantages of flexible nephroscopy. We compared the 2 groups in terms of preoperative stone characteristics and postoperative success criteria, including the stone-free rate, bleeding, number of access sites, etc. RESULTS: The study included 61 males (76.3%) and 19 females (23.8%) with a mean ± SD age of 43.75 ± 12.4 years (range 19 to 74). There was no significant difference in stone size, HU density or stone location between the 2 groups. Comparison of perioperative and postoperative parameters revealed a higher stone-free rate (92.5% vs 70%), fewer access sites and a lower hematocrit decrease in group 2. The stone-free rate was higher in patients with stones with a density of less than 677.5 HU (100% in group 2 vs 64.7% in group 1). CONCLUSIONS: Routine flexible nephroscopy during percutaneous nephrolithotomy was associated with a higher stone-free rate, fewer interventions and less bleeding, especially in patients with low HU density stones.

Previous open renal surgery increased vascular complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) compared with primary and secondary PCNL and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy patients: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the vascular complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) patients who have undergone previous open surgery, PCNL and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 360 patients who underwent a PCNL procedure were included into the study. The patients were divided into 4 groups: group 1: primary PCNL (n = 232); group 2: previous open nephrolithotomy (n = 42); group 3: previous PCNL (n = 33); group 4: previous ESWL (n = 63). The periods of operation and fluoroscopy use of the groups were compared in terms of residual stones, with haematuria, pre-operation and post-operation first-day haemoglobin values. Patients with persistent haematuria were assessed through ultrasonography (US), Doppler US, computed tomography and angiography. RESULTS: Upon comparison of the patients' pre- and post-operative haemoglobin changes, haemoglobin was statistically higher in the previous open operation group than the others (p = 0.02). Permanent and intermittent haematuria were detected in 12 (3%) and 7 patients (1%), respectively. Angiography was done in 7 (1.94%) patients. This rate was 9.5% for group 2 and 3% for group 3. These rates were found to be statistically higher than compared to the other groups. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) was detected in 4 of these patients and pseudoaneurysm in 1. While 1 of the patients with AVF improved spontaneously, embolisation was applied to 4 patients. Four of the patients had had a previous open operation, while 1 had had a PCNL treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular complication is a rare complication of PCNL that can be successfully managed with angioembolisation. Our results indicate that previous open surgery significantly predicted the occurrence of these lesions.

Penoscrotal fistula secondary to urethral diverticulum treated with ventral penile skin flap urethroplasty: A case report.

Voiding symptoms and penoscrotal mass with/without fistula are typical findings of urethral diverticulum. We present a case of 55-year-old male patient who was evaluated for voiding symptoms, soft palpable penoscrotal mass and fistula. Retrograde urethrography, scrotal ultrasonography and cystoscopy revealed a urethral diverticulum and fistula. The defect developed after excision of the diverticulum associated with the penile ventral urethra was closed with a penile skin flap. In the 6-month follow-up, the patient did not have any voiding complaints and no signs of recurrence. Urethroplasty using a penile skin flap may be preferred in the repair of penile ventral urethral defect.

Continuous-type splenogonadal fusion associated with an ipsilateral testicular atrophy: sonographic findings.

Splenogonadal fusion is a rare congenital anomaly in which the spleen is abnormally connected to the gonad. Two types of splenogonadal fusion have been described: continuous and discontinuous. Splenogonadal fusion is frequently associated with cryptorchidism and/or congenital orofacial/limb anomalies. We describe the ultrasound findings in a case of continuous-type splenogonadal fusion associated with ipsilateral testicular atrophy with correlation with MRI.

Uroflow findings in older boys with tubularized incised-plate urethroplasty.

AIM: To analyze uroflow findings in older boys with tubularized incised-plate urethroplasty (TIPU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 79 toilet-trained patients who had TIPU were evaluated by studying their voiding history, a physical examination, suprapubic ultrasound and uroflowmetry, both pre- and postoperatively. The obstructive urinary flow pattern (OUFP) was accepted as low maximum urinary flow rate with plateau, staccato or intermittent shape. RESULTS: The mean age was 7 years (range 5-11). The mean follow-up was 30 months (range 6-36). Of the 79 patients, 70 recovered. A permanent OUFP was found in 10 of 63 patients, as follows: 7 were detected in the 6th month after operation, and 1 each in the 9th, 18th and 36th months.Ten patients had no voiding abnormality and significant residual urine. The mean interval from initial surgery to presentation with an OUFP was 10.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: An occult urethral obstruction develops in some asymptomatic children with TIPU and commonly occurres in the first year after operation.

Is there any additional benefit of venous diameter and retrograde flow volume as measured by ultrasonography to the diagnosis of suspected low-grade varicoceles?

AIMS: To investigate the relation between the findings of physical examination and ultrasonography and to evaluate whether venous diameter (VD) and retrograde flow volume (RFV) have any additional benefit to the diagnosis of suspected low-grade varicoceles. METHODS: Five hundred and fifty-two patients who applied to our outpatient clinic due to infertility were assessed by physical examination (PE) and B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS). The correlation of VD and RFV with clinical grade and with each other was investigated in cases diagnosed as unilateral left varicocele. RESULTS: Unilateral left varicocele was detected in 184 (33.3%) of 552 patients: mean VD of the subjects was 3.17 +/- 1.02 mm and mean RFV in 160 patients with a reflux was 24.01 +/- 13.76 ml/min. There was a correlation of clinical grade both with VD and RFV (r = 0.669, p < 0.001 and r = 0.603, p < 0.001, respectively). Considering VD and RFV, there was a significant difference between grade (G)1-G2 and G2-G3 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) except between subclinic-G1 varicocele groups (p = 0.626, p = 0.529, respectively). The best cut-off point predicting the palpable varicocele on physical examination was 3.1 mm (sensitivity 58.2%) for VD and 14.5 ml/min (sensitivity 83.8%) for RFV. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of RFV is more sensitive than that of VD in predicting palpable varicocele. However, neither of them seem to have any additional benefit to PE in clarifying the diagnosis of suspected low-grade varicoceles.

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery Following Laser Endopyelotomy; Sequential Procedures for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction and Nephrolithiasis.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS)following retrograde laser endopyelotomy (rLEP) in concomitant ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) andstone disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with concomitant UPJO and renal stone disease who were first treated in ourclinic by rLEP for obstruction and then RIRS for stone disease were enrolled. Study period went from 2012 to2017. RIRS following rLEP was performed earliest at the sixth week. Patients who underwent rLEP were matchedwith those with normal anatomy at a 1:1 ratio based on the propensity scores. Additionally, clinical results werecompared in order to evaluate the effects of rLEP surgery on RIRS. Subsequently, patients who underwent RIRSfollowing rLEP were independently evaluated and factors affecting the success of sequential procedures wereinvestigated. RESULTS: The sole difference between those that underwent RIRS following rLEP (n=27) and controls with normalanatomy that underwent RIRS was in operative times (p = .011). Evaluation of potential success factors inthe sequential rLEP-RIRS group revealed that primary etiology, obstruction length less than 1cm, smaller stonesize and presence of single stone showed significant effects (p = .047, p = .030, p = .040, p ? .001, respectively).RIRS following rLEP generated an 81.5% stone-free and, after a median follow-up time of 32 months, a 74.1%obstruction-free rate. CONCLUSION: RIRS following rLEP in patients with UPJO and renal stones is an effective treatment method. It canbe used safely in patients with single stones < 2cm, short obstruction lengths, and presence of primary etiology.

Effect of histopathologic characteristics on pseudocapsular invasion in the case of partial nephrectomy for renal tumours.

OBJECTIVE: It is aimed to define the existence of pseudocapsular structure on renal tumours, illuminate the relation between pseudocapsular invasion and Fuhrman grade histological type that are among histopathologic prognostic risk factors and determine the relation between surgical margin positivity and existence of pseudocapsular invasion. Sequential partial nephrectomy series and relevant pathological preparations were retrospectively reviewed in order to evaluate these issues. METHODS: The study includes 123 patients diagnosed with T1 renal tumour and treated with partial nephrectomy in between January 2007 and June 2016. Benign angiomyolipoma was excluded due to complete non-existence of pseudocapsule. 99 T1 patients diagnosed with renal cell cancer whose pathological slides can be duly analysed were included in the study. Clinical and pathological details were evaluated for all patients. Existence of pseudocapsule was revealed for all patients. Pseudocapsule invasion was classified by existence of expansive and infiltrative type and non-existence of pseudocapsule invasion. The groups have been assessed by their histopathologic characteristics. RESULTS: Compared to the group in which pseudocapsular invasion was not detected, clear-cell histological subtype was observed more frequently in a statistically significant way in the group with expansive pseudocapsular invasion and infiltrative pseudocapsular invasion respectively (p = 0.017 and p < 0.001). Pathological tumour sizes were found out to be statistically similar (p = 0.874). There was not a statistically significant difference in terms of Fuhrman grade (p = 0.220). There was not a statistically significant difference in terms of surgical positive margin (p = 0.609). CONCLUSION: It was indicated in our study that only the histological subtype affected pseudocapsular invasion in group of patients treated with partial nephrectomy but tumour size, tumour stage, tumour location as well as endophytic and exophytic character did not affect invasion. It has also been revealed that surgical margin positivity is not correlated with pseudocapsular invasion.

An evaluation of the protective effect of esomeprazole in an experimental model of renal ischemia-reperfusion.

PURPOSE: The ischemia and subsequent reperfusion (IR) which occurs in partial nephrectomy used in the treatment of renal tumors causes loss of parenchyma in the damaged kidney. The aim of this study is to evaluate, both biochemically and histologically, the efficacy of esomeprazole in an ischemia-reperfusion model in rat kidneys. METHODS: The rats were randomized into three groups of seven animals each, referred to as the sham, control, and PPI groups. In the sham group, only a laparotomy was performed. In the control group, following laparotomy the left renal artery was dissected and tied for 30-min ischemia. In the PPI group, a vascular route to the tail vein was opened, and 10 mg/kg esomeprazole was administered. After 1 h, the same procedures described for the control group were performed. All the animals were killed 24 h after the procedure. Biochemical analyses were applied for evaluation of oxidant and antioxidant agents in the blood and left kidney of each subject (oxidative markers: malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase; antioxidant marker: superoxide dismutase). In the histological examination of the kidney tissues stained with hematoxylin-eosin, the TUNEL method was applied in the evaluation of apoptosis. RESULTS: No statistically significant biochemical difference was determined in the blood and tissue samples. In the histological and apoptosis evaluations, a statistically significant difference was determined between the sham, control, and PPI groups. The median (IQR) values of the TUNEL-positive cells were counted as 1.50 (4) in the sham group, 11.50 (12) in the control group, and 6.00 (9) in the PPI group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A protective effect of esomeprazole was confirmed in renal ischemia-reperfusion damage created in an experimental rat model.

Does Tadalafil Increase The Uptake of Finasteride into Prostate Tissue? A Biochemical and Histological Evaluation in Rats.

PURPOSE: To histopathologically and biochemically evaluate the hypothesis that tadalafil increases the uptake of a second medication into the prostate tissue by increasing the blood supply in the prostate. METHODS: Forty 12-week-old Sprague Dawley male rats were equally divided into 5 groups and were administered drugs orally as follows: Group 1 - no drugs, Group 2 - 10 days of finasteride, Group 3 - 10 days of finasteride + tadalafil, Group 4 - 30 days of finasteride, and Group 5 - 30 days of finasteride + tadalafil. At the end of 10 days of drug administration in Group1, 2, and 3, and at the end of 30 days of drug administration in Group 4 and 5,blood samples were collected from rats and analyzed for serum androgen levels. In addition, prostate tissues were removed for histological examination. RESULTS: The mean DHT level as well as the minimum and maximum epithelial thicknesses in Group 3 were lower than those in Group 2. However, there was no statistical significant difference (P = 0.989, P = 0.176, and P = 0.070, respectively). The mean DHT level as well as the minimum and maximum epithelial thicknesses in Group 5 were lower than those in Group 4. However, there was no statistical significant difference (P = 0.984, P = 0.147, and P= 0.478, respectively). The mean minimum and maximum epithelial thicknesses in Group 3 and Group 4 were not statistically different (P = 0.488 and P = 0.996, respectively). CONCLUSION: The similarity of the mean minimum and maximum epithelial thickness in Group 3 and Group 4 may be indicate that the combination therapy provides an early histological effect. However, the fact that there was no statistical significant difference between Group 2 and Group 3, and between Group 4 and Group 5, in terms of the mean DHT level and minimum-maximum epithelial thicknesses suggests that longer term studies with more rats are necessary to test the validity of our hypothesis.

Primary Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Prostate: A Rare Case Report.

Primary prostatic signet ring cell carcinoma is a rare form of cancer with a poor prognosis, which is generally treated with a traditional prostate adenocarcinoma therapy. This case report presents a 70-year-old diagnosed with primary prostatic signet ring cell carcinoma, treated with a combination of radiotherapy and hormone therapy and a 16 month survival without an evidence of the disease at follow up.

Comparison of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Methods in Treatment of Upper Calyceal Stones of 10-20 mm.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the success and complication rates and advantages and disadvantages of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) methods for the upper calyceal renal stones between 10 and 20 mm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The files of 124 patients who had upper calyceal renal stones in diameter 10-20 mm were analyzed retrospectively. Sixty-one patients were randomized as Group 1 and 63 as Group 2. The parameters as success and complication rates, fluoroscopy and operation times, preoperative and postoperative hemogram (Hb) levels, and need of blood transfusion were saved and then groups compared. Complication rates and need of second procedure numbers between groups were evaluated according to modified Clavien classification. RESULTS: Demographic features and success and complication rates between groups were similar. Hospitalization time was 1.0 ± 0.1 day for Group 1 and 2.3 ± 1.4 days for Group 2. When preoperative and postoperative Hb difference was evaluated, 0.1 ± 0.3 mg/dL decrease was noticed for Group 1 and 1.6 ± 0.8 mg/dL decrease for Group 2. Mean operation time for Group 1 was 53.6 ± 15.1 minutes and mean fluoroscopy time was 20.1 ± 8.9 seconds for Group 1; for Group 2, these values were 67.8 ± 16.2 minutes and 53 ± 15.0 seconds, respectively. As a result, mean operation time and fluoroscopy time, hospitalization time, and Hb decrease levels were found less and as statistically significant for Group 1. CONCLUSION: RIRS and PNL methods both have the same success and complication rates for upper calyceal renal stones between 10 and 20 mm. However, we think that RIRS method should be preferred for suitable patients because it is a more noninvasive method and has advantages of some operation parameters over PNL.

Is testis-sparing surgery safe in small testicular masses? Results of a multicentre study.

INTRODUCTION: Our goal was to evaluate benign and malignant lesions and testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN) in the neighbouring normal-appearing testis tissue in men who underwent radical orchiectomy for testicular mass with a pathologic tumour size of ≤3cm. METHODS: In this retrospective, multicentre study, data of 252 patients from 11 different institutions were included. Patients were divided into three groups based on tumour size: Group 1 (0-1 cm; n=35), Group 2 (1.1-2cm; n=99), and Group 3 (2.1-3 cm; n=118). Benign lesions and TIN were sought in the neighbouring testicular tissue and compared between groups. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 32.3 years. Benign lesions were reported in 54.3%, 33.3%, and 14.4% of Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p<0.05 between groups). TIN was detected in 20%, 42.4%, and 41.5% of Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p<0.05 for Group 1 vs. Groups 2 and 3; p>0.05 for Groups 2 vs. 3). Multifocality was detected in 8.6%, 4%, and 0% of Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p<0.05 for both Group 1 vs. Group 3 and for Group 2 vs. Group 3; p>0.05 for Group 1 vs. Group 2). A tumour cutoff size of 1.5 cm was found to be significant for detecting benign tumour. TIN and multifocality rates were similar in patients with a tumour size of ≤1.5 vs. >1.5 cm (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Benign lesions and TIN in the neighbouring testis were significantly decreased and multifocality was increased in patients with a tumour mass size of ≤1 cm. Testis-sparing surgery should be performed with caution and a safety rim of normal tissue should also be excised.

Rapid communication: renal apoptosis after shockwave application in rabbit model.

PURPOSE: To identify any apoptotic effect of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) on renal tubular and glomerular cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five male New Zealand White rabbits were divided into five groups of seven rabbits each: I (control), II (sham), and III, IV, and GV (treated and sacrificed 1, 7, and 28 days after SWL, respectively). Intramuscular anesthetic agent (ketamine HCl; 20 mg/kg) and intravenous contrast medium (iohexol 300 mg of I/mL) were administered to animals in group II. The left kidneys of animals in groups III, IV, and V were exposed to 2000 shockwaves at 18 kV after administration of anesthesia and contrast medium. The animals were sacrificed on day 1, 7, or 28 after SWL, and the kidneys were removed. Apoptotic and proliferative indices of renal tubular and glomerular cells were determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick and label (TUNEL) and Ki-67 labeling methods, respectively, counting 1000 cells in each preparation. RESULTS: No apoptosis was detected in glomerular cells in any group. The mean apoptotic indices of the tubular cells in animals in groups I and II were 483.0 +/- 85 and 484.4 +/- 105, respectively with no significant difference between the groups. In groups III and IV, the mean apoptotic indices were 343.4 +/- 89 and 358.4 +/- 61, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between groups III and IV and the control group. Similarly, there were no significant differences in the apoptotic indices in groups III and IV. However, the apoptotic index in group V was 821.4 +/- 57, significantly higher than in the control group. The proliferative indices of all SWL groups were lower than that of the control group. CONCLUSION: Shockwave lithotripsy has an apoptotic effect on renal tubular cells that can be detected 4 weeks after the procedures, but no apoptotic effect on glomerular cells. Treatment with SWL also attenuates the proliferation of both tubular and glomerular cells.

The unusual mass of retrovesical space: a secondary hydatid cyst disease.

Hydatic cyst of seminal vesicles is very rarely seen. We report a case who complained of the inability to void, which developed progressively with dysuria, frequency, nocturia, and tenesmus, due to a giant retrovesical hydatid cyst that displaced the bladder and rectosigmoid region.

The prognostic importance of prostate specific antigen in the monitorisation of patients undergoing maximum androgen blockade for metastatic prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The changes in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) concentrations can be used as a prognostic factor in patients undergoing maximum androgen blockade for metastatic prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 149 patients followed up in our department were classified into 4 groups on the basis of PSA changes: group 1; those with normalisation of PSA levels within the first 3 months, group 2; those with normalisation PSA between months 3 and 6, group 3; those with a decrease in PSA but not reaching normal range, group 4; those with no decrease. The gleason scores and the number of bone metastases were also compared between the groups. RESULT: The time to progression was significantly delayed in group 1 (mean: 23.3 months) compared to those with group 2 (mean: 16.9 months) (P<0.02). The time to progression in group 3 (mean: 8.45 months) was significantly shorter compared to the first two groups (P<0.001). Also, in patients with gleason scores 5-7 (grades 2) and gleason scores over 7 (grade 3) and group 1, the time to progression (mean: 21.2 months) was significantly delayed compared to those with the same gleason scores but with group 2 (mean: 13.4 months) (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The decrease in PSA level is more important than gleason scores in determining the time to progression. Early normalisation of PSA delays the time to progression, and when combined with gleason scores, PSA is an important prognostic factor in predicting the success of the therapy.

Comparison of Flexible Ureterorenoscopy and Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy Methods for Proximal Ureteric Stones Greater Than 10 mm.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the outcomes and to compare the effectiveness of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and flexible URS in patients with proximal ureteral stones greater than 10 mm in diameter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 150 patients who were performed laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and flexible URS because of uretral stones in our urology clinic between January 2010 and June 2015, were analyzed retrospectively. We constituted two groups; 70 patients who were performed laparoscopic ureterolithotomy were included in group I while flexible URS-performed 80 patients in group II. Success rates and complications of the group I and II were compared. RESULTS: Success rates were 95.7% and 90% in group I and II respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of "success-rates". No statistically and clinically significant complications occurred in both groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and flexible URS methods are effective and reliable with proper indications in treatment of proximal ureteral stones. However, when considered short operational and hospitalization times and the management of the situations that require secondary interventions, we suggest that flexible URS is a minimally invasive method and it may be the first choice in the treatment of proximal ureteral stones.