Evaluation of average penis length and the thoughts of Turkish men and partners. Is surgery necessary?

The purpose of this study was to determine the average penis length and girth among the Turkish population, and to analyse the perspectives of couples. A total of 1703 males and 139 female partners participated in this study. All the participants completed a questionnaire and the flaccid and stretched penis length and girth were recorded. The results showed that the average flaccid penis length was 8.44 ± 2.28 cm and 12.27 ± 2.91 cm stretched, with girth of 8.23 ± 2.07 cm. Regarding the importance of penis size for a satisfying sexual experience, 18.5% of men thought penis length mattered, 9.9% considered thickness important, and 71.6% thought both were significant. A majority of participants, 67.8% of males and 76% of females, expressed that erect penis length was crucial for sexual pleasure. For a healthy sexual intercourse, 19.4% of the female partners emphasized the significance of penis length, 23.7% highlighted thickness, and 56.8% emphasized both factors for a fulfilling sexual relationship. A comparison between men's stretched penis length and the ideal length for partner satisfaction revealed no statistically significant difference (13 (4.8-21) cm vs. 12 (8-20) cm, p = 0.078). The average penis length and girth of Turkish males were found to be similar to the data in studies of this subject in literature. Both the males and their partners thought that erect penis length and girth were important for sexual intercourse. The males considering penis lengthening and thickening procedures should know whether or not their own penis is close to the average values, to avoid undergoing unnecessary surgeries.

Exploring the impact of sexual positions on ejaculation: Insights from a survey study by the Andrology Working Group of the Society of Urological Surgery in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Sexual position is one of the several aspects that affects ejaculation control, which is essential for sexual pleasure. Still little is known, nevertheless, about the connection between sexual positions and ejaculation duration. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of various sexual positions on the duration of ejaculation and gain a deeper understanding of the elements that influence the ability to control ejaculation. METHOD: An online survey was carried out on a sample of 1904 heterosexual men between the ages of 18-65 years. Premature ejaculation (PE) diagnostic tool was used to define PE. Demographic, behavioral, and physiological traits that are linked to PE and non-PE groups were collected. The participants listed their preferred sexual positions and the ones they changed to during ejaculating. Also, analyses were performed between male/female active or deep/shallow thrust positions and PE status. RESULTS: Although there were no appreciable variations in age or circumcision between PE and non-PE groups, the age of first sexual experience was associated with PE status. Groups also varied in the number of weekly ejaculations, the duration of the favored ejaculations, and the characteristics of the erection. The most preferred sexual posture was the doggy style regardless of the group. When the non-PE group felt to ejaculate, they preferred to change the position significantly more than the PE group (74% vs 67.2%; p < 0.05). However, when participants felt ejaculate, non-PE participants tended to switch to shallow thrusting positions significantly more than PE participants, who preferred deeper positions (27.1% vs. 18%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study underlines the relevance of considering sexual positions in controlling PE. Modifying positions during sexual intercourse may offer a non-pharmacological therapeutic alternative for improving ejaculation control. Future studies in this field might help to create tailored PE treatment strategies.

Intraoperative workload of the surgeon in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a systematic review.

In the present study, we aimed to systematically evaluate the current evidence regarding the intraoperative workload of surgeons performing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for prostate cancer. A systematic search was carried out in the PubMed-MEDLINE and Web of Science databases through April 2024 using the following search terms: "workload AND robot assisted radical prostatectomy", "workload AND robotic radical prostatectomy", "task load AND robotic radical prostatectomy", "task load AND robot assisted radical prostatectomy" and "NASA-TLX AND robot assisted radical prostatectomy" by combining population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) terms, following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We therefore selected studies that included patients with prostate cancer (P) who underwent robotic radical prostatectomy (I) and reported a workload/task load questionnaire (C) to assess the intraoperative workload/task load of the surgeon performing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (O). A total of 11 studies were identified. The surgeon's workload during RARP was assessed using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration task load index (NASA-TLX) and/or the surgery task load index (SURG-TLX) in the studies. Total NASA-TLX scores of the studies ranged from 22.7 ± 3.2 to 62.0 ± 6.4. Mental and physical demands, flow interruptions, surgeon experience, the use of single or multiple ports, and the relationship between the surgeon and other staff in the operating theater may play a role in the intraoperative workload of the console surgeon. The studies we reviewed suggest that RARP offers an acceptable workload for the console surgeon despite its mental demands.

Global Practice Patterns in the Evaluation of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Results of a World-Wide Survey and Expert Recommendations.

PURPOSE: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents the persistent absence of sperm in ejaculate without obstruction, stemming from diverse disease processes. This survey explores global practices in NOA diagnosis, comparing them with guidelines and offering expert recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 56-item questionnaire survey on NOA diagnosis and management was conducted globally from July to September 2022. This paper focuses on part 1, evaluating NOA diagnosis. Data from 367 participants across 49 countries were analyzed descriptively, with a Delphi process used for expert recommendations. RESULTS: Of 336 eligible responses, most participants were experienced attending physicians (70.93%). To diagnose azoospermia definitively, 81.7% requested two semen samples. Commonly ordered hormone tests included serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (97.0%), total testosterone (92.9%), and luteinizing hormone (86.9%). Genetic testing was requested by 66.6%, with karyotype analysis (86.2%) and Y chromosome microdeletions (88.3%) prevalent. Diagnostic testicular biopsy, distinguishing obstructive azoospermia (OA) from NOA, was not performed by 45.1%, while 34.6% did it selectively. Differentiation relied on physical examination (76.1%), serum hormone profiles (69.6%), and semen tests (68.1%). Expectations of finding sperm surgically were higher in men with normal FSH, larger testes, and a history of sperm in ejaculate. CONCLUSIONS: This expert survey, encompassing 367 participants from 49 countries, unveils congruence with recommended guidelines in NOA diagnosis. However, noteworthy disparities in practices suggest a need for evidence-based, international consensus guidelines to standardize NOA evaluation, addressing existing gaps in professional recommendations.

Artificial Intelligence in Andrology: From Semen Analysis to Image Diagnostics.

Artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine has gained a lot of momentum in the last decades and has been applied to various fields of medicine. Advances in computer science, medical informatics, robotics, and the need for personalized medicine have facilitated the role of AI in modern healthcare. Similarly, as in other fields, AI applications, such as machine learning, artificial neural networks, and deep learning, have shown great potential in andrology and reproductive medicine. AI-based tools are poised to become valuable assets with abilities to support and aid in diagnosing and treating male infertility, and in improving the accuracy of patient care. These automated, AI-based predictions may offer consistency and efficiency in terms of time and cost in infertility research and clinical management. In andrology and reproductive medicine, AI has been used for objective sperm, oocyte, and embryo selection, prediction of surgical outcomes, cost-effective assessment, development of robotic surgery, and clinical decision-making systems. In the future, better integration and implementation of AI into medicine will undoubtedly lead to pioneering evidence-based breakthroughs and the reshaping of andrology and reproductive medicine.

Is day-case surgery feasible for laser endoscopic enucleation of the prostate? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Laser endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) for benign prostatic obstruction has become increasingly prevalent worldwide. Considering the medical cost-savings and concomitantly fewer nosocomial infections, the feasibility of same-day postoperative discharge of patients who have undergone laser EEP in terms of its safety and effectiveness has become a subject matter of growing interest. We aimed to review those studies focussing on day-case surgery (DCS) in patients undergoing laser EEP. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed-MEDLINE and Web of Science databases until October 2022 with the following search terms: "same day discharge AND laser enucleation of the prostate", "day-case AND laser enucleation of the prostate", "same day surgery AND laser enucleation of the prostate" and "one day surgery AND laser enucleation of the prostate" by combining PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) terms. We identified 15 eligible studies. RESULTS: While 14 of the studies focussed on holmium laser EEP, one focused on thulium laser vapoenucleation of the prostate. We observed an improvement in functional parameters in all studies we reviewed, and DCS success and readmission rates ranged between 35.3-100% and 0-17.8%, respectively. The complication rates varied between 0 and 36.7%, most of the complicatons were Clavien-Dindo (CD) I and II. CD ≥ III complications did not significantly differ between same day discharge (SDD) and non-SDD groups in the studies. CONCLUSION: Laser EEP is feasible and promising DCS treatment option delivering improved functional parameters compared to baseline values, and lower perioperative complication and readmission rates in certain patients.

Controversy and Consensus on Indications for Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in Male Infertility: A Global Survey, Current Guidelines, and Expert Recommendations.

PURPOSE: Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing was recently added to the sixth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. Many conditions and risk factors have been associated with elevated SDF; therefore, it is important to identify the population of infertile men who might benefit from this test. The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to indications for SDF testing, compare the relevant professional society guideline recommendations, and provide expert recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinicians managing male infertility were invited to take part in a global online survey on SDF clinical practices. This was conducted following the CHERRIES checklist criteria. The responses were compared to professional society guideline recommendations related to SDF and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations on indications for SDF testing were then formulated, and the Delphi method was used to reach consensus. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 436 experts from 55 countries. Almost 75% of respondents test for SDF in all or some men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, 39% order it routinely in the work-up of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), and 62.2% investigate SDF in smokers. While 47% of reproductive urologists test SDF to support the decision for varicocele repair surgery when conventional semen parameters are normal, significantly fewer general urologists (23%; p=0.008) do the same. Nearly 70% would assess SDF before assisted reproductive technologies (ART), either always or for certain conditions. Recurrent ART failure is a common indication for SDF testing. Very few society recommendations were found regarding SDF testing. CONCLUSIONS: This article presents the largest global survey on the indications for SDF testing in infertile men, and demonstrates diverse practices. Furthermore, it highlights the paucity of professional society guideline recommendations. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians.

The Renaissance of Male Infertility Management in the Golden Age of Andrology.

Infertility affects nearly 186 million people worldwide and the male partner is the cause in about half of the cases. Meta-regression data indicate an unexplained decline in sperm concentration and total sperm count over the last four decades, with an increasing prevalence of male infertility. This suggests an urgent need to implement further basic and clinical research in Andrology. Andrology developed as a branch of urology, gynecology, endocrinology, and, dermatology. The first scientific journal devoted to andrological sciences was founded in 1969. Since then, despite great advancements, andrology has encountered several obstacles in its growth. In fact, for cultural reasons, the male partner has often been neglected in the diagnostic and therapeutic workup of the infertile couple. Furthermore, the development of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) has driven a strong impression that this biotechnology can overcome all forms of infertility, with a common belief that having a spermatozoon from a male partner (a sort of sperm donor) is all that is needed to achieve pregnancy. However, clinical practice has shown that the quality of the male gamete is important for a successful ART outcome. Furthermore, the safety of ART has been questioned because of the high prevalence of comorbidities in the offspring of ART conceptions compared to spontaneous conceptions. These issues have paved the way for more research and a greater understanding of the mechanisms of spermatogenesis and male infertility. Consequently, numerous discoveries have been made in the field of andrology, ranging from genetics to several "omics" technologies, oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation, the sixth edition of the WHO manual, artificial intelligence, management of azoospermia, fertility in cancers survivors, artificial testis, 3D printing, gene engineering, stem cells therapy for spermatogenesis, and reconstructive microsurgery and seminal microbiome. Nevertheless, as many cases of male infertility remain idiopathic, further studies are required to improve the clinical management of infertile males. A multidisciplinary strategy involving both clinicians and scientists in basic, translational, and clinical research is the core principle that will allow andrology to overcome its limits and reach further goals. This state-of-the-art article aims to present a historical review of andrology, and, particularly, male infertility, from its "Middle Ages" to its "Renaissance", a golden age of andrology.

A modified mid-urethral sling technique for stress urinary incontinence: Three-year results of a prospective randomized trial in comparison with original transobturator tape procedure.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the most common subtype of urinary incontinence, which causes many social, psychological, and economic problems. Mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgery is popular worldwide for the treatment of SUI. We aimed to define a new modified mid-urethral sling technique (mMUS) in SUI treatment and to compare it with transobturator tape (TOT) surgery in terms of safety and efficiency. METHODS: A prospective, randomized study was planned with 126 women suffering from SUI. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, TOT and mMUS. In mMUS, the obturator membrane was not perforated. The objective and subjective symptoms, pain, quality-of-life measures, and side effect profiles were assessed in a 3-year follow-up. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for postoperative pain assessment. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS) and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) were used for cure assessment scales. RESULTS: In total, 96 patients completed 3-year follow-up (TOT, n = 49 and mMUS, n = 47). There was no statistical difference between the procedures in terms of cure rates (87.75% and 87.23%, respectively; p = 0.614). Mean VAS scores at 8 and 24 h postoperatively were significantly higher in the TOT group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in VAS scores after 24 h. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of pad test results, ICIQ, or PGI scores at baseline and 36 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that the mMUS procedure was as safe and effective as TOT, with less postoperative groin pain and complications.

Laser enucleation of the prostate in men with very large glands ≥175 ml: A systematic review.

Background: Surgical treatment options for lower urinary tract symptoms can differ according to prostate size. There are few studies on the efficacy and safety of endoscopic enucleation of prostate (EEP) in patients with very large prostates focusing on laser as energy source. In this systematic review, we aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of laser-based EEP on prostate glands ≥150 ml. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed-MEDLINE, Wiley Online Library and Cochrane Library databases with the following search terms solely or in combination: "large prostate", "laser enucleation", "laser prostatectomy"by combining PICO (population, intervention, comparison, and outcome) terms. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines were followed. Results: We retrieved 6 studies included 375 patients with prostate sizes ≥175 ml treated with laser-based EEP for symptomatic benign prostatic obstruction. Three studies examined Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) outcomes with a prostate volume (PV) >200 ml, one evaluated HoLEP outcomes with a PV of 200-299 and ≥ 300 ml, two studies evaluated HoLEP outcomes with a PV > 175 ml. We observed improvement in postoperative functional outcomes in patients with a PV > 175, >200 and >300 ml. The retreatment rate was 0-1.3% in all studies involving prostate size ≥175 ml. Most of the complications were Clavien-Dindo I (%0-9) and II (%12.7-16.6). Conclusions: Laser-based EEP is an efficient, safe and feasible procedure even in very large prostates with good functional outcomes, low perioperative complication and retreatment rates.

Sperm concentration and semen volume increase after smoking cessation in infertile men.

Smoking has negative reproductive consequences. This study investigated the effect of smoking cessation on the main semen parameters. We included 90 participants who applied to our infertility clinic and smoked at least 20 cigarettes a day for at least 1 year. Of the 90 participants, 48 were in the study group and 42 were in the control group. Semen analysis was performed before and at least 3 months after quitting smoking in the study group. Semen analysis was repeated at baseline and at least 3 months later in the control group. Semen parameters such as volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, morphology, and motility were evaluated according to the World Health Organization criteria. Patient characteristics as well as the duration of the smoking period, the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the time elapsed since smoking cessation were recorded. The mean age of the participants was 34.69 ± 5.3 years, and the duration of infertility was 34.12 ± 12.1 months (n = 90). The number of cigarettes smoked per day was 30.14 ± 6.69, and the smoking time was 8.31 ± 3.53 years. The average time to quit smoking was 104.2 ± 11.51 days (n = 48). A significant increase in semen volume, sperm concentration and total sperm count was observed 3 months after smoking cessation (2.48 ± 0.79 ml vs. 2.90 ± 0.77 ml, p = 0.002; 18.45 × 106/ml ± 8.56 vs. 22.64 × 106/ml ± 11.69, p = 0.001; 45.04 ± 24.38 × 106 vs. 65.1 ± 34.9 × 106, p < 0.001, respectively). This study showed that smoking cessation had a positive effect on sperm concentration, semen volume, and total sperm count. Although smoking cessation contributed positively to sperm motility and morphology, the difference was not statistically significant.

Incidental prostate cancer after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate-A narrative review.

Prostate cancer can be detected incidentally after surgical therapy for benign prostatic obstruction such as holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), thus called incidental prostate cancer (iPCa). We aimed to review the studies on iPCa detected after HoLEP and investigate its prevalence. A detailed search of original articles was conducted via the PubMed-MEDLINE, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library and Cochrane Library databases in the last 10 years up to 1 May 2021 with the following search string solely or in combination: "prostate cancer", "prostate carcinoma", "holmium laser enucleation of the prostate" and "HoLEP". We identified 19 articles to include in our analysis and divided them into six main categories: HoLEP versus open prostatectomy and/or transurethral resection of the prostate in terms of iPCa, oncological and functional outcomes, the role of imaging modalities in detecting iPCa, predictive factors of iPCa, the role of prostate-specific antigen kinetics in detecting iPCa and the management of iPCa after HoLEP. We found that the iPCa after HoLEP rate ranges from 5.64% to 23.3%. Functional and oncological outcomes were reported to be encouraging. Oncological treatment options are available in a wide range.

Safety of Upper Pole Puncture in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy with the Guidance of Ultrasonography versus Fluoroscopy: A Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the safety of ultrasonography-guided (UG) puncture and fluoroscopy-guided (FG) upper pole access (UPA) in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: Consecutive patients with a solitary UPA were enrolled into the study from 2012 to 2020 and analyzed in a retrospective manner. In total, 177 patients were divided into 2 groups according to the method during the puncture phase of the access: FG (n = 105) and UG (n = 72). The UG and FG groups were compared in terms of complications (i.e., pleural injury and blood transfusion rate) and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: Gender, side, grade of hydronephrosis, type of access (i.e., supracostal vs. subcostal), Guy's stone score, age, stone diameter, skin-to-stone distance, and stone density were similar in the 2 groups (p > 0.05). Only in 25.9% of cases, UPA was done using a subcostal approach. The overall complication rates were similar between the groups (p > 0.178). For the UG and FG groups, the rate of pleural injury (8.5 vs. 4.1%) and the blood transfusion rate (8.5 vs. 2.8%) were also similar (p > 0.05). The fluoroscopy time and mean hemoglobin drop were significantly lower in the UG group than in the FG group (134.2 vs. 82.2 s, respectively, p = 0.001; 20.8 ± 9.8 vs. 16.8 ± 7.9 g/L, respectively, p = 0.001). Stone-free rate (SFR) was also similar in the FG and UG groups (77.1 vs. 75.0%, respectively, p = 0.742). CONCLUSION: While it is commonly expected that the complication rates are lower in UG puncture for UPA in PCNL than they are in FG puncture, the present study failed to show this difference. However, the radiation exposure time seemed to be lower in UG puncture than FG puncture and had a similar stone-free rate (SFR) for UPA in PCNL.

Case reports of benign intrascrotal tumors: Two epidermoid cysts and one scrotal calcinosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim this study was to explain the underlying etiology of unknown scrotal masses. CASE PRESENTATION: This study included 3 patients with a intrascrotal mass. One patient was over 50 years. The remaining patients were between the ages of 30-50. Patients had no serious complaints (two complained about having 3 testicles and one complained of swelling in the scrotum for the last 6 months). All patients underwent scrotal exploration under general anesthesia and the specimen was sent for pathological examination. All masses were mobile and encapsulated. The masses were not associated with the testicle. Two cases had classical histologic features of epidermoid cyst and one had scrotal calcinosis in the pathological report. Physical examination, operation, magnetic resonance and histological images of scrotal masses were shown in the figures. CONCLUSIONS: This study is important in terms of showing the underlying etiology of the rare scrotal masses.

The relationship between anogenital distance and benign prostate hyperplasia-related lower urinary tract symptoms.

Anogenital distance (AGD) is the length between the genitals and anus which shows an androgenic activity in the evolution of the reproductive system in the uterine life. For prostatic evolution and development during the embryological stage, androgen exposure is required. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between AGD and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)-related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). A total of 70 patients who were admitted to our urology clinics with LUTS due to BPH (LUTS group) and 70 patients without LUTS (control group) were included. All patients were administered an International Prostate Symptom Score form. Data including height, weight, body mass index, total prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume and uroflowmetry Qmax values of all patients were evaluated. The AGD of the LUTS and control groups was measured. The mean AGDAS values of the LUTS group were significantly lower than the control group (p = .013). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean adjusted AGDAP values (p = .241). However, the mean adjusted AGDAS values were significantly lower in the LUTS group than the control group (p = .002). Our study results suggest that AGD may be a useful marker in BPH-related LUTS.

Can second to fourth finger ratio play a role in determining the risk of benign prostatic enlargement.

Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) is a disease that testosterone plays a role in its aetiology. Second to fourth finger ratio is a marker of prenatal androgenic exposure and may be a risk factor for several androgen-related diseases such as BPE. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the second to fourth finger ratio and BPE. A total of 63 patients with BPE were included for study group, and age-matched 63 healthy patients were included as a control group. Finger was measured by the distance from the proximal crease to the tip by using a digital caliper. The mean age of patients with BPE and non-BPE was 62 ± 8.9 and 61.5 ± 7.1 years respectively. There was statistically significant difference between groups in terms of prostate-specific antigen levels, prostate volumes and international prostate symptom scores. The mean finger ratios for right and left hand were 0.97 ± 0.03, 0.99 ± 0.03(p = .001) and 0.93 ± 0.15, 0.98 ± 0.03(p < .001) for BPE and non-BPE groups respectively. Men with a lower second to fourth finger ratio have higher risk of developing BPE than men without BPE. Therefore, the second to fourth finger ratio, which is indicative of prenatal androgen exposure, can be used as a marker of BPE risk.

Role of serum and urine transforming growth factor beta 1, matrix metallopeptidase 9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2, and nerve growth factor beta levels and serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in predicting recurrence and progression risks in patients with primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to examine the correlation between serum and urine transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2), and nerve growth factor beta (NGF-ß) levels and serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as well as the recurrence and progression risks of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The current study included 89 individuals: n=47, patients with primary NMIBC (patient group) and n=42, healthy controls (control group). The TGF-ß1, MMP-9, TIMP-2, and NGF-ß levels in the blood and urine samples were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, the serum NLR was evaluated. For the statistical analysis, a generalized linear model was used to compare the groups. In the analysis, gender and use of cigarettes were used as the secondary factors, and age was included as the covariate in the generalized linear model set for the intergroup evaluations. Meanwhile, a logistic regression model was utilized to evaluate the impact of the biomarkers on the risk of recurrence and progression. RESULTS: The serum NLR was higher in the patient group than in the control group (p=0.033). The patients with disease recurrence had higher body mass index and MMP-9 levels, but the results were not statistically significant. Moreover, the patients with a high NLR had a high risk of disease progression (odds ratio [OR]=13.046, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.057-161.18, p=0.045), whereas the patients with a high serum TGF-ß1 level (OR=0.972, 95% CI=0.945-0.999, p=0.047) had a low risk of disease progression. CONCLUSION: High NLR and low TGF-ß1 values were associated with an increased risk of disease progression in patients with NMIBC. However, no relationships were found between TGF-ß1, MMP-9, TIMP-2, and NGF-ß values and the recurrence of NMIBC.

Assesment of anogenital distance as a marker in diagnosis of prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Anogenital distance (AGD), the distance from the sexual organs to the anus, is a sexually dimorphic feature in mammals. In this study, we investigated the relationship between anogenital distance and prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: 52 patients diagnosed with PCa and 60 patients with benign prostate hyperplasia as a control group were included in the study. AGDAP (cephalad insertion of the penis to the center of the anus) and AGDAS (posterior base (first fold) of the scrotum to the center of the anus) measurements of patients were done and noted before biopsy. RESULTS: The mean ages of 52 patients diagnosed with PCa and 60 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were 67.70 ± 7.74 and 67.03 ± 7.89, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of age and serum testosterone levels of the patients diagnosed with prostate cancer or BPH (p > 0.05). Mean PSA values of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer wto be statistically higher than patients with BPH (p = 0.000). The mean AGDAP measurements of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer were statistically higher than those diagnosed with BPH (p = 0.000) and there was no significant difference in AGDAS measurements.(p = 0.823; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Androgen exposure is thought to play a role in the development PCa. Also AGD may be an indicator of prenatal androgen activity. In our study, we found a direct correlation between AGDAP and PCa. In order to reach a definitive conclusion, randomized controlled trials with larger sample number are needed.

Increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in testicular cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Testicular cancers, which are less common than other cancers, are important in terms of being seen in young people. Physical examination, imaging, laboratory and tumor markers are used for diagnosis. There are some studies of some blood parameters that can be involved in inflammation and tumorogenesis. We retrospectively compared hematological values measured in our patients who were diagnosed with testicular tumor in comparison with patients with similar age group who underwent varicocelectomy repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional retrospective study included 120 patients who underwent radical inguinal orchiectomy for testicular tumor between January 2010 and December 2018, and 171 patients who underwent varicocelectomy as a control group. Patients with an active infection and hematological disorders were excluded from the study. We evaulated hematological parameters including neutrophil (NEU), lymphocyte (LYM), platelet (PLT) count, and mean platelet volume. The study was conducted on 291 patients. divided in two groups: tumor (n = 120) and varicocele (n = 171). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of PLT / lymphocyte ratio and mean platelet volume (MPV) levels (p > 0.05). The neutrophil /lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of the tumor group was significantly higher than the varicocele group (p = 0.001; p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the tumor stages in terms of PLT / Lymphocyte ratios (p = 0.006; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was only a statistically significant increase in NLR values in the testicular tumor group compared to the varicocele group. Larger, randomized controlled studies are needed at this field.

The Effects of Intradetrusor BoNT-A Injections on Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children With Myelodysplasia.

PURPOSE: We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) on vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), continence status, and urodynamic parameters in children with myelodysplasia who were not responsive to standard conservative therapy. METHODS: The study included 31 children (13 boys, 18 girls) with a mean age of 9.2±2.3 years (range, 5-14 years) with myelodysplasia, retrospectively. All children were fully compatible with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and did not respond to the maximum tolerable anticholinergic dose. All children received an intradetrusor injection of 10 U/kg (maximum, 300 U) of BoNT-A into an infection-free bladder. All patients had VUR (22 unilateral, 9 bilateral) preoperatively. The grade of reflux was mild (grades 1, 2), intermediate (grade 3), and severe (grades 4, 5) in 25, 7, and 8 ureters, respectively. RESULTS: The mean maximum bladder capacity increased from 152.9±76.9 mL to 243.7±103 mL (P<0.001), and the maximum detrusor pressure decreased from 57±29.4 cm H2O to 29.6±13.9 cm H2O (P<0.001). After BoNT-A treatment, 16 refluxing ureters (40%) completely resolved, 17 (42.5%) improved, 5 (12.5%) remained unchanged, and 2 (5%) became worse. Of the 31 children with urinary leakage between CICs, 22 (71%) became completely dry, 6 (19%) improved, and 3 (10%) experienced partial improvement. CONCLUSION: In children with myelodysplasia, we were able to increase bladder capacity, enhance continence, and prevent VUR by using intradetrusor BoNT-A injections. Although our results are promising, a larger group of long-term prospective studies are warranted to investigate this method of treatment.