How safe and effective is stentless laparoscopic ureterolithotomy in elderly patients?

PURPOSE: With the improvement of minimally invasive urology procedures, open surgical interventions are less common to treat ureteral calculus. Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LU) indications are large multiple and/or impacted ureteral calculus that may not be treated with shock-wave lithotripsy or ureterorenoscopy approaches. The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of stentless LU in elderly patients. METHODS: Between October 2011 and December 2019, 38 geriatric patients underwent stentless transperitoneal LU for upper/mid ureteral calculi. The transperitoneal route was applied in all patients by two surgeons. No double J stent inserted in any patient. The data of all patients reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The average age was 64.60 ± 3.70 years. The mean calculi size was 19.42 ± 1.41 mm. Ten patients had unsuccessful shock wave lithotripsy or ureterorenoscopy history. The calculi-free rate was 100%. Clavien grade 1 complications were seen in 11 (28.9%) cases. No major perioperative and postoperative complications were encountered. The average length of hospital stay was 3.24 ± 1.53 days. CONCLUSION: The significant advances in medical technology and healthcare, lead a rising number of geriatric patients to take benefit of even complicated surgery. Although laparoscopy and its safety in the geriatric population pursues a challenge and the assessment of this procedure is hence obligatory, we think that stentless LU is safe, economical and less uncomfortable for elderly patients.

Comparison of Cohen and Lich-Gregoir ureteral reimplantation in the surgical management of primary unilateral vesicoureteral reflux in children.

OBJECTIVE: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) represents one of the most significant risk factors for acute pyelonephritis in children. Various intravesical and extravesical techniques have been described for the surgical correction of VUR. The aim of our study was to compare the results of open intravesical and extravesical procedures for unilateral primary VUR in children. METHODS: Between January 2012 and August 2018, 38 children with primary VUR who underwent open ureteral reimplantation surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The Cohen (intravesical) and the Lich-Gregoir (extravesical) approach were grouped as groups A and B, respectively. The groups were compared for age, gender, preoperative reflux grade, presence of lower urinary tract symptoms, operation time, discomfort and pain, analgesic requirements, duration of hematuria, postoperative complications, and hospital stay. All the parameters were statistically compared. RESULTS: There were 38 patients in this study. Group A had 18 patients, and group B had 20 patients. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in group B than in group A. The mean hospital stay was also shorter in group B. The urethral foley stay period was 4.7±0.9 days 2±0 days (p = 0.000*), respectively, for group A and B. Macroscopic hematuria was seen in group A. The objective pain scale was worse after intravesical surgery. Analgesic requirements were higher in group A (p =0.131). CONCLUSION: Intravesical and extravesical ureteroneocystostomy methods are equally successful and feasible in the treatment of primary unilateral VUR. The Cohen technique is associated with a longer and more painful hospital stay, gross hematuria, and longer operative time, compared to the Lich-Gregoir technique.

Can antibiotic preference affect bleeding in percutaneous nephrolithotomy? Retrospective comparative study of two commonly used antibiotics.

OBJECTIVE: Bleeding is one of the most common and alarming complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of ciprofloxacin and cefuroxime on the bleeding in PCNL procedures. METHODS: The study was a retrospective analysis of 97 patients who underwent PCNL between February 2011 and June 2017. We just included the patients who had single tract lower pole PCNL for more objective evaluation of bleeding in the study. The patients were divided into two groups as ciprofloxacin group (Group-I, n:40) and cefuroxime group (Group-II, n:56) according to the type of antibiotic used in the operation. Patient age, gender, body mass index, stone size, preoperative INR, preoperative and postoperative platelet counts and difference, operative time, need for blood transfusion, postoperative fever, hospital stay, postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit drop were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in patients' gender distribution, body mass index, preoperative INR, preoperative and postoperative platelet counts, preoperative and postoperative platelet difference, duration of operation, hospital stay, postoperative fever and need for postoperative blood transfusion between two antibiotic groups (p > 0.05). Mean patient age was 42,75±16,97 in Group-I and 35,54±14,71 in Group-II (p < 0.05). The mean stone size of Group-I and Group-II were 27,23±7,05 mm and 30,59±8,20, respectively (p < 0.05). The mean postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit drop were significantly higher in Group-I than in Group-II. The mean hemoglobin drop was 1,73±0,95 for Group-I and 1,28±0,67 for Group-II (p < 0.05). The mean hematocrit drop was 5,17±2,76 for Group-I and 3,80±1,99 for Group-II (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: On the basis of the results of the initial study, the antibiotic preference in patients undergoing surgery may be one of the bleeding factors during and after PCNL.

Effect of venous reflux time on testosterone and semen parameters of infertile males after microscopic varicocelectomy.

This study aimed to search whether there is a link between reflux flow and hormonal profile. Data of 250 patients were retrospectively investigated. Pre-operative and 6th month semen analyses of these patients' results were compared with pre-operative and post-operative 6th month serum levels of testosterone. Based on the venous flow on pre-operative Doppler ultrasonography, patients were divided into two groups. Patients with a venous flow ≤4 s were assigned to Group 1 and those with a venous flow >4 s to Group 2. Venous reflux time cut-off was calculated as 4 s using ROC curve according to the increase in testosterone level. When venous reflux time was selected as approximately 4.0 s, ROC had 79.8% sensitivity and 72.8 specificity. The probability of a post-operative increase in testosterone is high in patients with a venous reflux time longer than 4 s.

How safe and effective is laparoscopic decortication of simple renal cysts in elderly patients?

Objective: To investigate the assessment of feasibility and safety of laparoscopic decortication of simple renal cysts in elderly patients.Methods: The data of 114 patients who underwent laparoscopic decortication for simple renal cyst between October 2011 and May 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients' age, gender and ASA scores; operation time; cyst size and location; complications; hospital stays and success rates of operations were recorded.Results: The mean age of the patients were 73.8 ± 8.2 years. Forty-eight (42.1%) of the patients were female and 66 (57.9%) were male. Cysts were localized on the right side in 61 (53.5%) patients and on the left side in 53 (46.5%) patients; and mean cyst size was 72.83 ± 31.13 mm. Also, they were localized on the anterior in 88 (77.2%) patients and on the posterior of the kidney in 26 (22.8%) patients. Preoperative ASA score distributions were ASA-I in 12 patients (10.5%), ASA-II in 31 patients (27.2%), ASA-III in 68 patients (59.7%), and ASA-IV in 3 patients (2.6%). Mean operative time was 41.4 ± 5.6 min. Clavien grade 1 complications were observed in 5 (10.4%) patients. Median hospitalization time was 1 day. No recurrence was occurred in any patient in the postoperative period.Conclusions: Although laparoscopic surgery has some risks and complications for elderly patients, laparoscopic decortication can be applied safely and effectively in treatment of simple renal cyst in that patient population.

Comparison of Cohen and Lich-Gregoir ureteral reimplantation in the surgical management of primary unilateral vesicoureteral reflux in children

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) represents one of the most significant risk factors for acute pyelonephritis in children. Various intravesical and extravesical techniques have been described for the surgical correction of VUR. The aim of our study was to compare the results of open intravesical and extravesical procedures for unilateral primary VUR in children. METHODS Between January 2012 and August 2018, 38 children with primary VUR who underwent open ureteral reimplantation surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The Cohen (intravesical) and the Lich-Gregoir (extravesical) approach were grouped as groups A and B, respectively. The groups were compared for age, gender, preoperative reflux grade, presence of lower urinary tract symptoms, operation time, discomfort and pain, analgesic requirements, duration of hematuria, postoperative complications, and hospital stay. All the parameters were statistically compared. RESULTS There were 38 patients in this study. Group A had 18 patients, and group B had 20 patients. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in group B than in group A. The mean hospital stay was also shorter in group B. The urethral foley stay period was 4.7±0.9 days 2±0 days (p = 0.000*), respectively, for group A and B. Macroscopic hematuria was seen in group A. The objective pain scale was worse after intravesical surgery. Analgesic requirements were higher in group A (p =0.131). CONCLUSION Intravesical and extravesical ureteroneocystostomy methods are equally successful and feasible in the treatment of primary unilateral VUR. The Cohen technique is associated with a longer and more painful hospital stay, gross hematuria, and longer operative time, compared to the Lich-Gregoir technique.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O Refluxo Vesicoureteral (RVU) representa um dos mais importantes fatores de risco para pielonefrite aguda em crianças. Diversas técnicas intra e extravesicais já foram descritas para a correção cirúrgica do RVU. O objetivo do nosso estudo é comparar os resultados de procedimentos extravesicais e intravesicais abertos para o tratamento de RVU primário unilateral em crianças. METODOLOGIA Entre janeiro de 2012 e agosto de 2018, 38 crianças com RVU primário foram submetidas a cirurgia aberta de reimplante ureteral. Esses casos foram retrospectivamente revisados. As abordagens de Cohen (intravesical) e Lich-Gregoir (extravesical) foram agrupadas nos grupos A e B, respectivamente. Os grupos foram comparados quanto à idade, sexo, grau de refluxo pré-operatório, presença de sintomas no trato urinário inferior, tempo de operação, desconforto e dor, necessidade de analgésicos, duração de hematúria, complicações pós-operatórias e tempo de internação. Todos os parâmetros foram comparados estatisticamente. RESULTADOS No total, 38 pacientes foram incluídos neste estudo. O grupo A teve 18 pacientes e o grupo B, 20. O tempo médio de operação foi significativamente menor no grupo B do que no grupo A. O tempo médio de internação também foi menor no grupo B. O tempo de uso do foley uretral foi de 4,7 ± 0,9 dias e 2±0 dias (p = 0,000*) , respectivamente, para o grupo A e B. Hematúria macroscópica foi observada no grupo A. A pontuação na escala objetiva de dor foi pior após a cirurgia intravesical. A necessidade de analgésicos foi maior no grupo A (p = 0,131). CONCLUSÃO As técnicas extravesicais e intravesical de ureteroneocistostomia são igualmente bem-sucedidas e viáveis para o tratamento de RVU primário unilateral. A técnica de Cohen está associada a um período de internação mais longo e mais doloroso, hematúria e maior tempo operatório, em comparação com a técnica de Lich-Gregoir.

Can we Predict Preoperative Tumor Aggressivity with Hemogram Parameters in Renal Cell Carcinoma? a Novel Calculation Method.

We aim to investigate the prognostic significance of the hemoglobin X lymphocyte / neutrophil ratio (HLNR) and hemoglobin x lymphocyte / platelet ratio (HLPR) with tumor aggressivity in patients with renal cell carcinoma. We retrospectively analyzed 127 patients' data who had diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma between 2008 and 2019 in Suleyman Demirel University Hospital. Tumor and patient characteristics, hemoglobin, neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet values HLNR and HLPR were calculated in preoperative hemogram parameters. The relationship between tumor pathological stage, Fuhrman nuclear grade and tumor necrosis with HLPR and HLNR analyzed with statistically. There was a negative correlation between pathologic stage, Fuhrman nuclear grade and tumor necrosis with HLNR. P values are 0.003, 0.012 and 0.015 respectively. HLNR was lower in patients with high pathologic stage, high Fuhrman nuclear grade and accompanying tumor necrosis positiveness. There was a negative correlation between pathologic stage, Fuhrman nuclear grade and tumor necrosis with HLPR. P values are 0.001, 0.014 and 0.047 respectively. HLPR was lower in patients with high pathologic stage, high Fuhrman nuclear grade and accompanying tumor necrosis positiveness. High pathological stage, high Fuhrman nuclear grade and existence of tumor necrosis are associates with preoperative low HLNR and low HLPR in renal cell carcinoma patients. They can be used as prognostic markers in patients with renal mass preoperatively.

The Efficacy of Ultra-thin Semi-rigid Ureteroscopy with Holmium Laser Lithotripsy in Pediatric Ureteral Stones: A Single-center Experience.

Introduction The aim of this study was to present our results regarding the feasibility and possible complications of 4.5 Fr semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy (URS) treatments in pediatric patients. Methods The files and computer records of a total of 33 pediatric patients (20 males and 13 females), who underwent URS procedures for ureteral stones > 5 mm between January 2013 and June 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. A 4.5 Fr semi-rigid ureteroscope (Ultrathin 4.5/6.5 Fr Ureterorenoscope; Richard Wolf GmbH, Knittlingen, Germany) was used for the URS procedures. For the stone-free rate evaluations, abdominopelvic ultrasound or direct radiography scans were performed one week after the surgery, and low-dose non-contrast computed tomography (CT) was performed during the first month. Results The mean age of the patients was 9.8 ± 2.8 (range 4-16) years old, and the mean ureteral stone size was 8.9 ± 1.4 (range 6-13) mm. The mean surgical duration was 45 ± 21.2 (range 30-75) minutes, and the mean hospital stay length was 1.2 (range 1-4) days. Minor complications occurred in five (15.1%) of the patients. The success rates for the first week and first month were 90.9% and 96.9%, respectively. Conclusion The endoscopic management of pediatric ureteral stones using a 4.5 Fr ureteroscope seems to be a safe and feasible treatment option with high success and low complication rates.

Retroperitoneal high ligation versus subinguinal varicocelectomy: Effectiveness of two different varicocelectomy techniques on the treatment of painful varicocele.

In the present study, we compared the retroperitoneal high ligation with subinguinal varicocelectomy on the treatment of painful varicocele. A total of 90 patients who underwent retroperitoneal high ligation (n = 45) and subinguinal varicocelectomy (n = 45) for painful varicocele were included in this prospective study. Varicocele in all patients was diagnosed with by physical examination and coloured Doppler ultrasonography. All the patients underwent a conservative treatment for pain for 4 weeks. Patient ages, varicocele grades, preoperative pain scores, postoperative pain scores at 6 months, duration of surgeries, complications and recurrences were recorded. Complete success rate for chronic scrotal pain was found to be 80% in retroperitoneal varicocelectomy group and 71% in subinguinal varicocelectomy group. Partial success rate was 11% for retroperitoneal varicocelectomy group and 18% for subinguinal ligation group. There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of pain and complications. However, the operation time was significantly lower in the Palomo group. Although microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy is the current approach for the treatment of varicocele, retroperitoneal high ligation can achieve the same pain resolution with shorter operative duration compared to loupe-assisted subinguinal varicocelectomy.

Fibroepithelial Polyp of the Ureter: A Rare Cause of Hydronephrosis.

Background: Fibroepithelial polyps of the urothelial system are rare and are considered to be benign tumors. Ultrasonography (USG), contrast-enhanced CT, and contrast-enhanced MRI can be used for detecting fibroepithelial polyps in the urothelial system. These polyps can be treated by performing open exploration and endoscopic or laparoscopic resection. Previous studies have also reported the frequent use of laser treatment for treating fibroepithelial polyps located in the proximal ureter. Case Presentation: A 54-year-old female patient presented to our clinic with right flank pain. Evaluation of the patient by performing USG and CT detected grade-2 hydronephrosis of the right kidney; however, no stone was detected in the urinary system. MRI detected thickening of the wall of the right proximal ureter along with contrast enhancement. These findings suggested the presence of a ureteral polyp. Ureterorenoscopy detected a 7-cm-long ureteral polyp in the proximal ureter, which was resected by performing monopolar cautery. Conclusion: Although fibroepithelial polyps of the urinary tract are rare, they should be considered in the absence of urinary calculi and in the presence of a ureteral obstruction. Furthermore, careful endoscopic resection by performing electrocautery is a safe and useful method for treating ureteral lesions.

Effectiveness of harmonic scalpel in laparoscopic treatment of simple renal cyst.

We retrospectively evaluated the results of Harmonic Scalpel (Ethicon, Cincinnati, Ohio) used for laparoscopic decortication of simple renal cysts (SRC). Between May 2011 and December 2014, 28 patients with symptomatic SRC (Bosniak type 1) underwent laparoscopic decortication with Harmonic Scalpel, were reviewed. All cysts were evaluated with ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography. Symptomatic and surgical success was defined as no recurrence on computed tomography imaging and complete pain relief, respectively. The mean age of patients was 51.7±9.6 years and there were 16 female and 12 male. While a transperitoneal approach was preferred in 18 cases, a retroperitoneal approach was chosen in 10 patients. The mean cyst size and duration of operation was 8,8±2,8 (6-12) cm and 72,8±28,4 (50-110) minutes, respectively. A total of three minor complications were observed postoperatively. Mean hospital stay was 1,3±0,9 (1-3) days. After the mean 12,6±3,2 (3-24) months follow-up the radiological and symptomatic successes were 100% and 89,2%, respectively. Our results showed that laparoscopic decortication of SRC using Harmonic Scalpel is consistent with the literature and provides a reasonable complication but increases cost.

Comparison of three most frequently used alpha blocker agents in medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteral calculi, result of a retrospective observational study.

PURPOSE: In this study, we compared the effects of three agents frequently used in daily life for medical expulsive therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 143 patients meeting the criteria were included in the study. Patients were divided into three homogeneous drug groups which were tamsulosin group (n:48), alfuzosin group (n:47) and silodosin group (n:48). The time of stone expulsion, analgesic needs, side effects of the medicine and endoscopic intervention needs of the patients were recorded. RESULTS: The rate of stone expulsion was 70.8% (n:34) in tamsulosin group, 70.2% (n:33) in alfuzosin group, and 75% (n:36) in silodosin group. No significant difference was observed among the rates of stone expulsion in three groups, and the rates of stone expulsion were similar (p = 0.778). The duration of stone expulsion was significantly different in the groups (p = 0.012): the time of stone expulsion for tamsulosin was 2.33 ± 0.78 days longer than for Silodosin, indicating a significant difference. There was no significant difference between tamsulosin-alfuzosin and silodosin-alfuzosin (respectively p = 0.147, p = 0.925). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that medical expulsive therapy by using alpha blocker agents is safe and efficacious. This option must be kept in mind for patients who do not ask for surgery as the first-step treatment for eligible patients.

Which intraperitoneal insufflation pressure should be used for less postoperative pain in transperitoneal laparoscopic urologic surgeries?

ABSTRACT Purpose To determine whether using different intraperitoneal insufflation pressures for transperitoneal laparoscopic urologic surgeries decreases postoperative pain. Materials and Methods 76 patients who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic upper urinary tract surgery at different insufflation pressures were allocated into the following groups: 10mmHg (group I, n=24), 12mmHg (group II, n=25) and 14mmHg (group III, n=27). These patients were compared according to age, gender, body mass index (BMI), type and duration of surgery, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative pain score and length of hospital stay. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used for postoperative pain. Results Demographic characteristics, mean age, gender, BMI and type of surgeries were statistically similar among the groups. The mean operation time was higher in group I than group II and group III but this was not statistically significant (P=0.810). The mean intraoperative bleeding volume was significantly higher in group I compared with group II and group III (P=0.030 and P=0.006). The mean length of postoperative hospital stays was statistically similar among the groups (P=0.849). The mean VAS score at 6h was significantly reduced in group I compared with group III (P=0.011). At 12h, the mean VAS score was significantly reduced in group I compared with group II and group III (P=0.009 and P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean VAS scores at 24h among three groups (P=0.920). Conclusion Lower insufflation pressures are associated with lower postoperative pain scores in the early postoperative period.

Which intraperitoneal insufflation pressure should be used for less postoperative pain in transperitoneal laparoscopic urologic surgeries?

PURPOSE: To determine whether using different intraperitoneal insufflation pressures for transperitoneal laparoscopic urologic surgeries decreases postoperative pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 76 patients who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic upper urinary tract surgery at different insufflation pressures were allocated into the following groups: 10mmHg (group I, n=24), 12mmHg (group II, n=25) and 14mmHg (group III, n=27). These patients were compared according to age, gender, body mass index (BMI), type and duration of surgery, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative pain score and length of hospital stay. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used for postoperative pain. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics, mean age, gender, BMI and type of surgeries were statistically similar among the groups. The mean operation time was higher in group I than group II and group III but this was not statistically significant (P=0.810). The mean intraoperative bleeding volume was significantly higher in group I compared with group II and group III (P=0.030 and P=0.006). The mean length of postoperative hospital stays was statistically similar among the groups (P=0.849). The mean VAS score at 6h was significantly reduced in group I compared with group III (P=0.011). At 12h, the mean VAS score was significantly reduced in group I compared with group II and group III (P=0.009 and P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean VAS scores at 24h among three groups (P=0.920). CONCLUSION: Lower insufflation pressures are associated with lower postoperative pain scores in the early postoperative period.

Use and outcomes of amplatz renal dilator for treatment of urethral strictures.

INTRODUCTION: Urethral stricture disease is still a major problem in men. Many procedures are available for the treatment of urethral strictures; urethral dilatation is one of the oldest. The blind dilatation of urethral strictures may be a difficult and potentially dangerous procedure. The purpose of this study was to describe safe urethral dilatation using amplatz renal dilator and to report outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2010 to 2014, a total of 26 men with primary urethral strictures were managed by urethral dilatation using amplatz renal dilators. The parameters analyzed included presentation of patients, retrograde urethrography (RGU) findings, pre-and postoperative maximum flow rate (Qmax) on uroflowmetry (UF) and post-void residual urine (PVR). Patients were followed-up at 1.6 and 12 months. The technique described in this paper enables such strictures to be safely dilated after endoscopic placement of a suitable guidewire and stylet over which amplatz renal dilators are introduced. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 57.6 (35-72) years. The median stricture length was 0.82 (0.6-1.5)cm. Pre-operative uroflowmetry showed Qmax of 7.00 (4-12) mL/sec and ultrasonography showed PVR of 75.00 (45-195)mL. Postoperatively, Qmax improved to 18.00 (15-22)mL/sec (p<0.001) at 1 month, 17.00 (13-21)mL/sec (p<0.001) at 6 months and 15.00 (12-17)mL/sec (p<0.001) at 12 months. The post-operative PVR values were 22.50 (10-60)mL (p<0.001), 30.00 (10-70)mL (p<0.001) and 30.00 (10-70) mL (p<0.001) at 1.6 12 months, respectively. The median procedure time was 15.00 (12-22) minutes. None of the patients had a recurrence during a 12-month period of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Urethral dilatation with amplatz renal dilators avoids the risks associated with blind dilatation techniques. This tecnique is a safe, easy, well-tolerated and cost-effective alternative for treatment of urethral strictures.

Prophylactic effects of alpha-blockers, Tamsulosin and Alfuzosin, on postoperative urinary retention in male patients undergoing urologic surgery under spinal anaesthesia.

PURPOSE: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is one of the most common complications after surgical procedures under spinal anaesthesia. Recent studies have shown the beneficial effects of alpha-adrenergic blockers in preventing POUR. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate and compare the prophylactic effects of tamsulosin and alfuzosin on POUR after urologic surgical procedures under spinal anaesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 males who underwent elective urologic surgery were included in this study. The patients were randomly allocated into three Groups. The Group I received placebo. Patients in Group II were given 0.4mg of tamsulosin orally 14 and 2 hours before surgery. Patients in Group III were given 10mg of alfuzosin ER orally 10 and 2 hours before surgery. All patients were closely followed for 24 hours postoperatively and their episodes of urinary retentions were recorded. RESULTS: There were 60 patients in each Group. Their mean age was 35.95±15.16 years. Fifteen patients in Group I (25%), 3 patients in Group II (5%) and 4 patients in Group III (6.7%) required catheterization because of urinary retention. In tamsulosin group and alfuzosin group, there were a significantly lower proportion of patients with POUR compared with the placebo Group (p=0.002 and p=0.006). The beneficial effects of tamsulosin and alfuzosin on POUR were similar between both Groups (p=0.697). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the use of prophylactic tamsulosin or alfuzosin can reduce the incidence of urinary retention and the need for catheterization after urologic surgical procedures under spinal anaesthesia.

2% Lidocaine gel or plain lubricating gel: Which one should be used in male flexible cystoscopy?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the effects on pain of intraurethral 2% lidocaine gel and plain lubricating gel in male patients underwent flexible cystoscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of 220 male patients who underwent flexible cystoscopy between March 2012 and August 2014 were retrospectively analized. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to using intraurethral gel types. Group I included 120 patients who were underwent flexible cystoscopy with 2% lidocaine gel and Group II was consisted from 100 patients who underwent flexible cystoscopy with plain lubricating gel. The groups were compared according to postprocedure data including pain score, procedure time and age of patients. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in Group I was 50.02±11.87 years while that in Group II was 52.03±13.37 years (p=0.492). The mean procedure times were 6.02±0.787 and 6.28±0.689 minutes in Group I and Group II respectively (p=0.061). Pain perception scores were not statistically different between the groups (Group I: 3.10±0.980, Group II: 3.34±0.789, p=0.132). CONCLUSION: Use of intraurethral 2% lidocaine gel has no advantage over plain lubricating gel in regard to pain control during flexible cystoscopy in men.

Prophylactic effects of alpha-blockers, Tamsulosin and Alfuzosin, on postoperative urinary retention in male patients undergoing urologic surgery under spinal anaesthesia

ABSTRACT Purpose Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is one of the most common complications after surgical procedures under spinal anaesthesia. Recent studies have shown the beneficial effects of alpha-adrenergic blockers in preventing POUR. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate and compare the prophylactic effects of tamsulosin and alfuzosin on POUR after urologic surgical procedures under spinal anaesthesia. Materials and Methods A total of 180 males who underwent elective urologic surgery were included in this study. The patients were randomly allocated into three Groups. The Group I received placebo. Patients in Group II were given 0.4mg of tamsulosin orally 14 and 2 hours before surgery. Patients in Group III were given 10mg of alfuzosin ER orally 10 and 2 hours before surgery. All patients were closely followed for 24 hours postoperatively and their episodes of urinary retentions were recorded. Results There were 60 patients in each Group. Their mean age was 35.95±15.16 years. Fifteen patients in Group I (25%), 3 patients in Group II (5%) and 4 patients in Group III (6.7%) required catheterization because of urinary retention. In tamsulosin group and alfuzosin group, there were a significantly lower proportion of patients with POUR compared with the placebo Group (p=0.002 and p=0.006). The beneficial effects of tamsulosin and alfuzosin on POUR were similar between both Groups (p=0.697). Conclusion This study suggests that the use of prophylactic tamsulosin or alfuzosin can reduce the incidence of urinary retention and the need for catheterization after urologic surgical procedures under spinal anaesthesia.

Use and outcomes of amplatz renal dilator for treatment of urethral strictures

ABSTRACT Introduction Urethral stricture disease is still a major problem in men. Many procedures are available for the treatment of urethral strictures; urethral dilatation is one of the oldest. The blind dilatation of urethral strictures may be a difficult and potentially dangerous procedure. The purpose of this study was to describe safe urethral dilatation using amplatz renal dilator and to report outcomes. Materials and Methods From 2010 to 2014, a total of 26 men with primary urethral strictures were managed by urethral dilatation using amplatz renal dilators. The parameters analyzed included presentation of patients, retrograde urethrography (RGU) findings, pre-and postoperative maximum flow rate (Qmax) on uroflowmetry (UF) and post-void residual urine (PVR). Patients were followed-up at 1.6 and 12 months. The technique described in this paper enables such strictures to be safely dilated after endoscopic placement of a suitable guidewire and stylet over which amplatz renal dilators are introduced. Results The mean age of the patients was 57.6 (35–72) years. The median stricture length was 0.82 (0.6–1.5)cm. Pre-operative uroflowmetry showed Qmax of 7.00 (4–12) mL/sec and ultrasonography showed PVR of 75.00 (45–195)mL. Postoperatively, Qmax improved to 18.00 (15–22)mL/sec (p<0.001) at 1 month, 17.00 (13–21)mL/sec (p<0.001) at 6 months and 15.00 (12–17)mL/sec (p<0.001) at 12 months. The post-operative PVR values were 22.50 (10–60)mL (p<0.001), 30.00 (10–70)mL (p<0.001) and 30.00 (10–70) mL (p<0.001) at 1.6 12 months, respectively. The median procedure time was 15.00 (12–22) minutes. None of the patients had a recurrence during a 12-month period of follow-up. Conclusion Urethral dilatation with amplatz renal dilators avoids the risks associated with blind dilatation techniques. This tecnique is a safe, easy, well-tolerated and cost-effective alternative for treatment of urethral strictures.

Spontaneous ventral urethral fistula in a young healty man and a modified surgical technique of urethral fistula repair.

Urethral fistula is rare and is usually a complication of penile and urethral surgery. A few congenital cases have been reported. Also, one acquired spontaneous case in a diabetic man has been reported. We present the first case in the literature of a healthy man with a spontaneous ventral urethral fistula, with unknown etiology. We performed a modified technique of urethral fistula repair (four-layer technique).