Impact of high visceral adiposity index associated with metabolic syndrome on erectile function in sexually active men: Results of a cross-sectional study.

AIMS: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affected by many factors. We aimed to show the impact of the metabolic syndrome (MeTS) on male sexual function based on visceral adiposity index (VAI). METHODS: Participants who met MeTS criteria (Group 1, n = 96) and did not meet MeTS criteria (Group 2, n = 189) were included in this cross-sectional study. The MeTS diagnosis was made in the presence of at least 3 of the following criteria: fasting serum glucose level higher than 100 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol level below 40 mg/dL, triglyceride level higher than 150 mg/dL, waist circumference higher than 102 cm and blood pressure higher than 130/85 mmHg. Demographic data were recorded; biochemical and hormonal tests were measured. Erectile and other sexual function scores were recorded. The VAI was calculated using the [(Waist Circumference/39.68) + (1.88 × body mass index)] × triglyceride/1.03 × 1.31/HDL formula. RESULTS: Mean age, smoking volume, testosterone (T) and testosterone/estradiol (T/E2 ) ratios of the groups were similar (P > .05). The mean VAI was two-fold higher in patients in Group 1 (P < .001) and erectile function score was lower in Group 1 than Group 2 (P = .001). Other sexual function scores were similar (P > .05). The METS was associated with an increased risk of ED (P = .001). Logistic regression analysis showed that each integer increase in the VAI was associated with a 1.4-fold increased risk of ED (P < .001). Higher T values were associated with a better erectile function (P = .03). For the VAI = 4.33, receiver-operating characteristic analysis showed a sensitivity of 89.6% and specificity of 57.7%. CONCLUSION: Compared with non-MeTS, the presence of MeTS has emerged as a risk factor for patients with ED with high VAI levels while the other sexual functions are preserved. Management of ED patients with MeTS should cover a comprehensive metabolic and endocrinological evaluation in addition to andrological work up.

A novel method for pain control: infiltration free local anesthesia technique (INFLATE) for transrectal prostatic biopsy using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

PURPOSE: To describe a novel method for the control of pain during prostate biopsies, infiltration free local anesthesia technique (INFLATE) for transrectal prostatic biopsies with no further needle insertions for local anesthetic infiltration. METHODS: A total of 138 men with elevated prostate-specific antigen levels and/or abnormal digital rectal examination findings were included in the study. Of the patients, 73 were assigned to the INFLATE group and 65 to the TRUS-PNB group. Demographic data, PSA levels, findings of digital rectal examinations, and multiparametric prostatic magnetic resonance imaging were recorded. In the INFLATE group, a two-channel TENStem eco basic device with two electrodes was used for pain control during the biopsy. For the TRUS-PNB group, 60 mg lidocaine gel was given intrarectally in addition to infiltration of a prilocaine and bupivacaine mixture (5 mL of 2% prilocaine + 5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine). Pain perception was assessed using a linear numeric rating scale. RESULTS: The mean ages, BMIs, prostate volumes, and PSA levels were similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). Of the 56 participants with prostate adenocarcinoma, 28 were in the INFLATE group, and 28 were in the TRUS-PNB group with a 40.6% overall cancer detection rate. The mean preoperative and post-operative pain scores during probe insertion, biopsy and post-biopsy were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the study confirmed that INFLATE for transrectal prostate biopsy using a TENS device could safely and effectively be used for pain control with the advantage of two fewer needle attempts with no increase in significant complications.

Comparison of Long-Term Results and Couples' Satisfaction with Penile Implant Types and Brands: Lessons Learned From 883 Patients With Erectile Dysfunction Who Underwent Penile Prosthesis Implantation.

INTRODUCTION: No study has compared surgical outcomes and couples' satisfaction among the 3 types of implants, with all brands available on the markets. AIMS: To compare long-term complications, mechanical reliability, and couples' satisfaction with penile implant types and brands in patients who underwent penile prosthesis implantation. We also investigated whether there are risk factors that might predict couples' dissatisfaction. METHODS: This retrospective study included 883 patients with erectile dysfunction who underwent penile prosthesis implantation. Of the patients, 349 had malleable penile implant, 26 had 2-piece implants, and 508 had 3-piece implants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Couples' satisfaction after surgery was evaluated with the modified Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire. Surgical outcomes, mechanical reliability, and couples' satisfaction were compared according to type and brand of the penile implants in all patients. RESULTS: The mean age and follow-up period of the patients were 57.74 ± 9.59 years and 67.81 ± 49.11 months, respectively. The couples' satisfaction rates were significantly higher in the 3-piece implant group than in the malleable group (P < .001), but there was no significant difference between the 2-piece and 3-piece implant groups. There was no difference in terms of couples' satisfaction according to the brand of the implants. Of the patients who had malleable implants, 27 (7.7%) underwent 3-piece penile prosthesis implantation due to dissatisfaction; however, only 1 (0.2%) of the patients with a 3-piece implant was switched to a malleable implant (P < .001). The highest rate of revision surgery due to penile corporal perforation was in the malleable group (2.6%), whereas the highest rate of revision surgery due to penile implant malfunction occurred in the 3-piece implant group (5.5%) (P = .021 and .001, respectively). To analyze risk factors, using multivariate analysis, presence of complication was the only predictor that might cause couples' dissatisfaction (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: 3-piece and 2-piece implants have higher couples' satisfaction rates than the malleable implant. Brands of implants did not have any effect on the couples' satisfaction. Regarding detail of the complications, the 3-piece implant has a lower rate of penile corporal perforation and a higher rate of penile implant malfunction than the malleable implant. Patients with erectile dysfunction who need a penile implant should be informed about surgical outcomes, brands, and types of penile implants. Prosthesis choice should be customized to individual patient's expectations/conditions and tailored accordingly. Çayan S, Asci R, Efesoy O, et al. Comparison of Long-Term Results and Couples' Satisfaction with Penile Implant Types and Brands: Lessons Learned From 883 Patients With Erectile Dysfunction Who Underwent Penile Prosthesis Implantation. J Sex Med 2019;16:1092-1099.

The impact of age on fertility rate in patients who underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy.

Impacts of a subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy on the sperm parameters and fertility rates were investigated in three different ages according to their age at the time of the varicocelectomy: Group 1 was ≤20 years old, Group 2 was 21-30 years old, and Group 3 was ≥31 years old. The patients were also classified both preoperatively and post-operatively according to the total motile sperm count (TMSC) into the following categories: invitro fertilisation, intrauterine insemination and naturally fertile. The proportion of patients who upgraded to a higher TMSC category level was calculated, and natural fertility rates were recorded. The mean infertility duration was statistically longer in Group 3, compared to Group 1 and 2. The mean TMSCs and normal sperm morphology rates increased in all groups. The mean post-operative natural fertility rates were similar. The highest rate of TMSC upgrade was observed in Grade 3 varicocele patients under 20 years of age, compared to other grades of varicocele in patients older than 20 years. A microsurgical subinguinal varicocele repair, which is an effective treatment modality reduces the need for any type of ART, has an important impact on the TMSC increase in patients, particularly in the younger population.

The prevalence of Burnout Syndrome among Turkish Urologists: Results of a Nationwide Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of Burnout syndrome (BS) with its emotional exhausting (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA) dimensions among Turkish urologists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 2,259 certified Turkish urologists were invited by e-mail to participate in this cross-sectional survey-based study. An online survey was conducted to evaluate three dimensions of BS ie: -EE, DP and PA-and their association with socio-demographic variables of Turkish urologists using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). RESULTS: Of the 2259 urologists contacted, 362 (with a mean age of 44±9.9 years) completed the survey. The mean EE, DP and PA scores were 16.8±8.7, 6.6±4.6 and 8.2±5.6, respectively. Cronbach's α reliability co-efficiencies were 0.920 for EE, 0.819 for DP and 0.803 for PA. Antidepressant drug usage was quite prevalent among participants (21.9%), and the most common comorbidity was hypertension (13%). The academic title, age, smoking status, monthly income and relationships between colleagues and employers were associated with BS (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of BS among Turkish urologists is quite prevalent in terms of EE and DP subscales and may negatively affect the psychosocial status and well-being of the urologists. In this study, a high prevalence of BS has been reported among Turkish urologists. In conclusion the BS could become an important occupational and health problem, if it is not properly managed.

The impact of thoracotomy on psychological and sexual function in men with lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of major thoracic surgery on sexual functions and psychogenic aspects of men who underwent surgery for lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was conducted to assess depression and erectile function in patients who underwent surgical treatment for lung cancer. The data of 50 patients in the study group, and 39 participants in the control group who met the criteria were analyzed. Erectile dysfunction (ED) and symptoms of depression were assessed in patients before and three months after surgery. RESULTS: The mean ages were 58.4±11.6 and 61.3±6.9 years; the mean BMIs were 25.6±4.3kg/m2 and 24.8±5.7kg/m2; the mean forced vital capacities (FVC) were 3.1±0.6L and 3.4±1.4L; the mean FEV1/FVC were 86.1±10.3 and 80.3±4.1; the mean Beck Depression Inventory scores were 9.3±6.9 and 6.0±6.2, and the mean FVC% were 82.9±14.9 and 82.0±26.2 for the study and control groups, respectively. The mean preoperative International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores were 14.1±4.1 and 10.8±4.7 postoperative in the study group, and 17.4±8.6 in the control group. The logistic regression analysis showed that postoperative complications resulted in a 3.95-times higher risk of suffering from ED. CONCLUSION: Our study supported that surgical treatment of lung cancer adversely affected psychogenic status and sexual function due to its stringent nature. The fear of death affects the quality of life and the psychogenic aspect of the patients with lung cancer. Clinicians should thoroughly inform the patients about sexual dysfunction and psychogenic disorders, and when needed providing an appropriate sexual counseling and treatment is necessary. Good communication contributes to a better quality of life.

Pure large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bladder without urological symptoms.

Neuroendocrine carcinoma is one of the uncommonly seen pathologies of the urinary bladder. Macroscopic hematuria is frequently encountered symptom in patients with neuroendocrine carcinoma. We report a 45-year-old man with left solitary kidney and oliguria for five days the development of acute renal failure (ARF) with the impaired general condition. The underlying cause being identified as pure type large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bladder. Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bladder is an uncommon fatal tumor. No macroscopic hematuria or urological symptom was observed in our case. Advanced ectasia was not observed in the kidney, and the patient's clinical status was complicated with ARF. It must not be forgotten that in some bladder tumors, the patient's general condition may be impaired without urological symptoms.

A Comparison of Prilocaine vs Prilocaine + Bupivacaine in Periprostatic Block in Ambulatory Prostate Biopsies: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of a prilocaine + bupivacaine combination in patients undergoing periprostatic nerve block (PNB) by comparing its effects with those of prilocaine alone. Design: Single center, single-blind, prospective descriptive study. Subjects: Four hundred patients with transrectal prostate biopsy pain. Methods: The patients in this prospective, randomized controlled study were divided into two groups. The first group received prilocaine during PNB (Group 1), whereas the second received a prilocaine + bupivacaine combination (Group 2). Results: The mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores immediately after biopsy were 2.52 ± 0.7 and 2.53 ± 0.9, respectively (P = 0.35). VAS values were significantly lower in Group 2 at one and six hours following the procedure. The most painful part of the biopsy according to many patients was the probe insertion. Conclusions: The prilocaine + bupivacaine combination is an effective analgesic method during prostate biopsies and for one and six hours after prostate biopsy.

Does antegrade JJ stenting affect the total operative time during laparoscopic pyeloplasty?

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to show the effect of retrograde JJ stenting and intraoperative antegrade JJ stenting techniques on operative time in patients who underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 34 patients were retrospectively investigated (15 male and 19 female) with ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Of the patients stentized under local anesthesia preoperatively, as a part of surgery, 15 were retrogradely stentized at the beginning of the procedure (Group 1), and 19 were antegradely stentized during the procedure (Group 2). A transperitoneal dismembered pyeloplasty technique was performed in all patients. The two groups were retrospectively compared in terms of complications, the mean total operative time, and the mean stenting times. RESULTS: The mean ages of the patients were 31.5±15.5 and 33.2±15.5 years (p=0.09), and the mean body mass indexes were 25.8±5.6 and 26.2.3±8.4 kg/m2 in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. The mean total operative times were 128.9±38.9 min and 112.7±21.9 min (p=0.04); the mean stenting times were 12.6±5.4 min and 3.5±2.4 min (p=0.02); and the mean rates of catheterization-to-total surgery times were 0.1 and 0.03 (p=0.01) in Group 1 and 2, respectively. The mean hospital stays and the mean anastomosis times were similar between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Antegrade JJ stenting during laparoscopic pyeloplasty significantly decreased the total operative time.

Retrospective evaluation of the effects of periprostatic local anesthesia on recurrent prostate biopsy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was investigate the pain palliation effect of 2% dose of lidocaine on the periprostatic nerve block in prostate biopsy patients. METHODS: Extended (12 cores) and saturation (22 cores) biopsy patients were included. The patients were separated into three groups: extended biopsy patients (Group I), saturation biopsy patients (Group II), and control group patients undergoing a biopsy procedure for the first time (Group III). All patients received 2% lidocaine (10 mL) on both the seminal vesicular junction and apex of the prostate with transrectal ultrasonography guidance. Following the procedure, the pain levels of patients were assessed using a 10-cm linear Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULTS: Following the procedure, the VAS values of each group were 2.96±1.06, 3.2±1.47, and 2.93±0.94, respectively (p>0.05). While the highest pain score was seen in the saturation group patients (II), the lowest pain level was seen in the control biopsy group (III). However, no statistical di erence was observed among the groups. CONCLUSION: Herein, we observed that a local injection using 2% lidocaine was effective as local anesthetic in recurrent prostate biopsies. In addition, it was found that the pain level increases as the number of cores taken in recurrent prostate biopsies increases; however, this has not been established statistically.

Ureterorenoscopy with Stenting and Its Effect on Female Sexual Function.

PURPOSE: Various etiological factors have been studied which negatively affect female sexual function, but theeffects of ureteroscopic stone surgery on women's sexual dysfunction remain unknown. The aim of this study wasto investigate the effect of ureteroscopic stone surgery with postoperative stenting on female sexual function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 30 sexually active female patients who underwent ureteroscopicstone surgery with JJ stenting (study group) and 26 age-matched female patients with ureteral stone surgerywithout JJ stenting (control group). Sexual function was assessed at preoperative and at the first and 3rd monthspostoperative using the Female Sexual Function Index. Overall satisfaction in relation to the age, operation time,presence of stents, body mass index, educational status, previous operations, income status, and psychogenic statuswas evaluated. RESULTS: Sexual function was adversely affected by ureteroscopic stone surgery with JJ stenting; but psychogenic,educational and income status remained stable. Mean individual female sexual function subscores were statistically significant between the study and control groups, but the differences in the mean Beck scores minimally improved between the two groups at preoperative (p = 0.19) visit, whereas first month (p = 0.08) and third month (p = 0.31) of postoperative controls were deteriorated but the differences were not statistically significant, respectively. CONCLUSION: Ureterorenoscopy with JJ stenting has considerably negative effects on female sexual function. JJ stenting causes temporary sexual deterioration in women and it generally ceases at the end of the 3rd month after ureteroscopic surgery. Therefore, JJ stenting should be avoided or used for as short a time as possible. If JJ stenting is inevitable, patients should be warned about a temporary decline in their sexual function during the first month of the operation that resolves at most in three months.

Evaluation of the complications in laparoscopic retroperitoneal radical nephrectomy; An experience of high volume centre.

OBJECTIVES: To provide a standardised report of complications after retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (rLRN) in a high-volume centre using Clavien-Dindo classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed records maintained in a prospective database of 330 consecutive patients that underwent rLRN between March 1995 and September 2016. All complications were graded according to the modified Clavien-Dindo classification. Three generations of surgeons were defined and the learning curve in rLRN was evaluated by comparing the first 100 cases (Group A) performed by firstgeneration surgeons with the last 100 cases (Group B) by thirdgeneration surgeons. RESULTS: The mean age of our cohort was 66 ± 11.9 years. The overall complication rate was 19.7%. The majority of complications (12.7%) were Clavien 1 (5.1%) and Clavien 2 (7.6%) and did not require any interventions; blood transfusion was the most frequently encountered intervention (4.8%). Half of which were because of major intraoperative bleeding. Mortality rate was 0.9%. We found a trend towards lower complication rate in group B (19%) compared to group A (23%); this was mainly because of the reduction in the incidence of Clavien 1 and 2 complications. The pathological stage varied significantly in the two groups while the rate of negative surgical margins was comparable. CONCLUSIONS: rLRN is a safe procedure with an acceptable rate of complications. The learning curve was shorter for the thirdgeneration surgeons (group B); although these surgeons operated on a significantly higher number of patients with more advanced diseases. The Clavien-Dindo classification is suitable for assessing rLRN complications. Adopting this standardised system can help in the evaluation and comparison of surgical quality of LRN series.

Smoking and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

PURPOSE: Pharmacologic effects of nicotine are multifaceted and complicated. Despite numerous studies, the effect of smoking on lower urinary tract functions, have not been yet studied in detail. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of smoking addiction on lower urinary tract and sexual functions on the basis of respiratory functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 186 male patients who have been evaluated between May 2014 and January 2015 were recruited in this study. Smoking history, respiratory symptoms, respiratory function tests, uroflowmetry parameters relating to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), prostate volume, post-voiding residual urine volume and sexual functions of patients have been retrospectively investigated. RESULTS: We determined that as the mean number of cigarettes smoked daily increases, post-void residual urine volume and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) also increase. Moreover in accordance with this finding, mean urinary flow rates and quality of life scores were statistically significantly decreased. In smoking addicts who have high mean package/year, post-void residual urine volume and IPSS levels were increased but proportionately maximum urinary flow rate and average urinary flow rate plus quality of life scores were found to be statistically significantly decreased. In patients with forced expiratory volume in first second:forced vital capacity (FEV1/ FVC) ratio less than 80%, mean urinary flow rates were found to be statistically significantly low. Also, we determined that in smoking addicts who have high mean package/year, erectile functions were statistically significantly impaired. CONCLUSION: We showed negative impacts of smoking addiction on LUTS, patient's quality of life, and sexual functions.

Urethral cavernous hemangioma in a female patient: a rare entity.

Genitourinary hemangiomas are rare entities of the urinary system. We reported a female patient who suffered dyspareunia and intermitant hematuria that was proved as urethral cavernous hemangioma. Despite its benign nature, hemangiomas may recur due to incomplet excision.

Primary Carcinoid Tumor of the Testis: Case Report.

Carcinoid tumors conform less than 1% of all testicular tumors and most of them are neuroendocrine tumors which are primarily seen in testes. They are in the form of testicular metastasis from other organs. Carcinoid tumors may occur from differentiation of malignant teratomas. The main distinguishing feature of carcinoid tumors from other germ tumors is that they can be seen in all age groups. Histopathologically they have been described in two forms: well-differentiated and moderately differentiated. We aimed to discuss about a primary testicular carcinoid tumor in a 29 year old male patient.