Comparison of Monopolar Versus Bipolar Repeat Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumours.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of monopolar and bipolar energy sources on efficacy of both techniques and possible complications in bladder cancer patients undergoing repeat Transurethral resection of bladder tumour (re-TURBT). STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: University of Health Science, Izmir Bozyaka Research and Training Hospital, Turkiye, from 2019 to 2021. METHODOLOGY: Patients undergoing re-TURBT were inducted. Patients with residual tumour at initial TURBT, recurrent bladder cancer and patients with a non-urothelial pathology report in initial TURBT were excluded. The primary outcome was the complication ratio of the TURBT which were obturator reflex, bladder wall perforation, coagulum retention, fever, and TUR syndrome. The secondary outcome was the efficacy of the TURBT procedure, such as complete tumour resection, adequate sampling of deep muscle tissue, and sampling of qualified tissues without any thermal damage. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients were enrolled; 75 patients in re-M-TURBT group and 48 patients in re-B-TURBT group were analysed. Demographic and tumour characteristics, and complication rates according to the Clavien classification, were similar between the two groups (p = 0.302). The catheterisation time was shorter significantly in the bipolar re-TURBT group (median 4 vs. 3 days, respectively, p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Monopolar and Bipolar energy sources are techniques that can be used safely in re-TURBT in terms of both appropriate pathology sampling (adequate muscle tissue sampling, cautery artifact) and complication (obturator reflex, hyponatraemia, haemoglobin decrease, bleeding) rates. KEY WORDS: Bladder Cancer, Monopolar, Bipolar, TURBT, Obtrator reflex, Complications.

Predictive Role of the Systemic Immune Inflammation Index for Intravesical BCG Response in Intermediate- and High-Risk Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to explore using the predictive role of systemic immune inflammation index (SII) for responses of intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy in patients with intermediate- and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). METHODS: From 9 centers, we reviewed the data of patients treated for intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC between 2011 and 2021. All patients enrolled in the study presented with T1 and/or high-grade tumors on initial TURB had undergone re-TURB within 4-6 weeks after initial TURB and had received at least a 6-week course of intravesical BCG induction. SII was calculated with the formula SII = (P × N)/L, where P, N, and L refer to peripheral platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, respectively. In patients with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC, the clinicopathological features and follow-up data were evaluated to compare SII with other systemic inflammation-based prognostic indices. These included the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). RESULTS: A total of 269 patients were enrolled in the study. Median follow-up time was 39 months. Disease recurrence and progression were observed in 71 (26.4%) and 19 (7.1%) patients, respectively. For groups with and without disease recurrence in terms of NLR, PLR, PNR, and SII calculated prior to intravesical BCG treatment, no statistically significant differences were observed (p = 0.470, p = 0.247, p = 0.495, and p = 0.243, respectively). Moreover, there were also no statistically significant differences between the groups with and without disease progression in terms of NLR, PLR, PNR, and SII (p = 0.504, p = 0.165, p = 0.410, and p = 0.242, respectively). SII did not show any statistically significant difference between early (<6 months) and late (≥6 months) recurrence (p = 0.492) and progression groups (p = 0.216). CONCLUSION: For patients with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC, serum SII levels do not present as an appropriate biomarker for the prediction of disease recurrence and progression following intravesical BCG therapy. A possible explanation for the failure of SII to predict BCG response may be found in the impact of Turkey's nationwide tuberculosis vaccination program.

Is laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma safe and effective in geriatric patients?

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the haemodynamic changes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) in geriatric patients with pheochromocytoma (PHEO). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the haemodynamic outcomes of LA in this patient population. METHODS: Data of 350 patients who underwent single-side transperitoneal LA between 2000 and 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with a histopathological diagnosis of PHEO were included in the study and classified into two groups according to their ages at the date of surgery. Patients older than 65 years were accepted as elderly according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients underwent LA for PHEO. Fifteen patients were enrolled in the elderly and 39 in the young groups. There were no significant differences in terms of the operation site (0.564), tumour size (0.878), perioperative results such as mean anaesthesia; operation times, blood loss and haemodynamic changes. There were no significant differences in mean hospitalisation and intensive care unit times. One patient in both groups had grade 1 complication according to Clavien Dindo classification (prolonged ileus, managed with medical treatment and transfusion during surgery, respectively). CONCLUSION: Young and elderly patients had similar outcomes in terms of haemodynamic changes that occurred with LA. LA in elderly patients with PHEO is as safe and effective as in younger patients.

Monopolar versus bipolar transurethral resection of lateral wall-located bladder cancer under obturator nerve block: a single center prospective randomized study

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of the present prospective-randomized study was to compare perioperative outcomes and complications of bipolar and monopolar TURBT for lateral wall-located non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBC) under obturator nerve block (ONB). Patients and Methods: 80 patients who underwent TURBT for lateral wall-located primary bladder tumors under ONB from March, 2016 to November, 2019 were included in the present study. The patients were randomized equally into two groups; monopolar TUR (M-TURBT) and bipolar TUR (B-TURBT). The primary and secondary outcomes were safety (obturator jerk and bladder perforation) and efficacy (complete tumor resection and sampling of the deep muscle tissue). Results: Obturator jerk was detected in 2 patients (5%) in M-TURBT while obturator jerk was not observed during B-TURBT (p=0.494). Bladder perforation was not observed in both groups. All of the patients underwent complete tumor resection. There was no significant difference in muscle tissue sampling (67.5% vs. 72.5%, p=0.626) and thermal tissue damage rates (12.5% vs. 25%, p=0.201). The majority of complications were low-grade and the differences in Clavien grade 1-3 complications between groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: In the treatment of lateral-wall located NMIBCs, either M-TURBT or B-TURBT can be safely and effectively performed by combining spinal anesthesia with ONB. Even so, it should be taken into consideration that low-grade postoperative hemorrhagic complications may occur in patients who undergo M-TURBT.

Monopolar versus bipolar transurethral resection of lateral wall-located bladder cancer under obturator nerve block: a single center prospective randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present prospective-randomized study was to compare perioperative outcomes and complications of bipolar and monopolar TURBT for lateral wall-located non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBC) under obturator nerve block (ONB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 80 patients who underwent TURBT for lateral wall-located primary bladder tumors under ONB from March, 2016 to November, 2019 were included in the present study. The patients were randomized equally into two groups; monopolar TUR (M-TURBT) and bipolar TUR (B-TURBT). The primary and secondary outcomes were safety (obturator jerk and bladder perforation) and efficacy (complete tumor resection and sampling of the deep muscle tissue). RESULTS: Obturator jerk was detected in 2 patients (5%) in M-TURBT while obturator jerk was not observed during B-TURBT (p=0.494). Bladder perforation was not observed in both groups. All of the patients underwent complete tumor resection. There was no significant difference in muscle tissue sampling (67.5% vs. 72.5%, p=0.626) and thermal tissue damage rates (12.5% vs. 25%, p=0.201). The majority of complications were low-grade and the differences in Clavien grade 1-3 complications between groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of lateral-wall located NMIBCs, either M-TURBT or B-TURBT can be safely and effectively performed by combining spinal anesthesia with ONB. Even so, it should be taken into consideration that low-grade postoperative hemorrhagic complications may occur in patients who undergo M-TURBT.

The Effect of Diagnostic Ureterorenoscopy on Intravesical Recurrence in Patients Undergoing Nephroureterectomy for Primary Upper Tract Urinary Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of diagnostic ureterorenoscopy (URS) prior to radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) on intravesical recurrence (IVR), in patients with primary upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 354 patients, who underwent RNU for UTUC from 10 urology centers between 2005 and 2019, was performed. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of IVR after RNU. Patients were divided into URS prior to RNU (Group 1) and no URS prior to RNU (Group 2). Rates of IVR after RNU were compared, and a Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate potential predictors of IVR. RESULTS: After exclusion, a total of 194 patients were analyzed: Group 1 n = 95 (49.0%) and Group 2 n = 99 (51.0%). In Group 1, a tumor biopsy and histopathological confirmation during URS were performed in 58 (61.1%). The mean follow-up was 39.17 ± 39.3 (range 12-250) months. In 54 (27.8%) patients, IVR was recorded after RNU, and the median recurrence time within the bladder was 10.0 (3-144) months. IVR rate was 38.9% in Group 1 versus 17.2% in Group 2 (p = 0.001). In Group 1, IVR rate was 43.1% in those undergoing intraoperative biopsy versus 32.4% of patients without biopsy during diagnostic URS (p =0.29). Intravesical recurrence-free survival (IRFS) was longer in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (median IRFS was 111 vs. 60 months in Groups 2 and 1, respectively (p< 0.001)). Univariate analysis revealed that IRFS was significantly associated with URS prior to RNU (HR: 2.9, 95% CI 1.65-5.41; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, URS prior to RNU (HR: 3.5, 95% CI 1.74-7.16; p < 0.001) was found to be an independent prognostic factor for IRFS. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic URS was associated with the poor IRFS following RNU for primary UTUC. The decision for a diagnostic URS with or without tumor biopsy should be reserved for cases where this information might influence further treatment decisions.

Factors affecting biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy in patients with positive and negative surgical margin.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical and pathological predictive factors affecting biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with positive and negative surgical margin (SM). METHODS: Patients who underwent RP were retrospectively reviewed for the study. Demographic, clinical, pathological and oncological data were evaluated. All data were compared between patients with positive SM and negative SM to detect factors associated with SM status. Later, patients were divided into two groups as BCR-negative and BCR-positive groups. Data were separately compared between BCR groups for all patients, SM-negative and SM-positive patients, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 254 patients with a mean age of 63.5 years and the mean prostate-specific antigen of 10.9 ng/ml were evaluated in the study. SM positivity was found to be an independent prognostic factor for BCR (p = 0.013, Odds Ratio (OR): 0.267, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.094-0.755). In SM-positive patients, biopsy Gleason Score and International Society of Urological Pathology grade were found to be independent predictive factors for BCR (p < 0.05). However, only tumor to SM distance (TSMD) was found to be an independent risk factor for BCR (p = 0.024) in SM-negative patients. The predictive cutoff value of the TSMD was found to be 75 µm for BCR (100% sensitivity and 63.9% specificity) (AUC = 0.803, p = 0.024). Although all of 46 patients with >75 µm TSMD were recurrence free, 5 of 31 patients with <75 µm TSMD had BCR (p = 0.009; OR: 0.839 CI: 0.719-0.979). CONCLUSION: High Gleason Score and International Society of Urological Pathology grade of biopsy were found to be associated with BCR in SM-positive patients. For SM-negative patients, only TSMD was found to be associated with BCR after RP.

Comparing the short - term outcomes and complications of monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of bladder tumors in patients with coronary artery disese: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

ABSTRACT Introduction: To compare the perioperative outcomes and complications of monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and Methods: A total of 90 CAD patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer who underwent TURBT were randomized into monopolar TURBT (M-TURBT) and bipolar TURBT (B-TURBT) groups. Primary outcome was safety of the procedures including obturator jerk, bladder perforation, clot retention, febrile urinary tract infection and TUR syndrome. The secondary outcome was the efficacy of TURBT procedures, including complete tumor resection, sampling of the deep muscle tissue and sampling of the qualified tissues without any thermal damage. Results: Mean ages of the patients in M-TURBT and B-TURBT groups were 71.36±7.49 and 73.71±8.15 years, respectively (p=0.157). No significant differences were found between M-TURBT and B-TURBT groups regarding complete tumor resection (76.2% vs. 87.5%, p=0.162) and muscle tissue sampling rates (71.4% vs. 64.6%,p=0.252). Obturator jerk was detected in 16.7% of the patients in M-TURBT group and 2.1% in B-TURBT group (p=0.007). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups regarding intraoperative and postoperative complications. Conclusions: Both monopolar and bipolar systems can be used safely and effectively during TURBT procedure in CAD patients. Due to the more frequently seen obturator jerk in M-TURBT than B-TURBT, careful surgical approach is needed during M-TURBT.

Assessment of the quality of life and sexual functions of patients followed-up for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: preliminary results of the prospective-descriptive study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate sexual functions and quality life of patients who are followed-up for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 2015-June 2016, 50 patients underwent cystoscopy for NMIBC. At the end of the 1st year follow-up patients were assessed for sexual functions using 5-item version of the International Sexual Function Index (IIEF-5) for male and the Female Sexual Function Index(FSFI) for female; for quality of life (QoL) by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Non-Muscle Invasiv Bladder Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-NMIBC24) and for emotional status by Beck depression inventory. RESULTS: There were 44 male and 6 female patients with the mean age of 57.6±11.5 years. Twenty patients received intravesical treatment after transurethral resection of bladder tumour. The mean Beck (10.7±9.5) IIEF-5 (15.6±5.9), FSFI (19.2±10.9), and the EORTC-QLQ NMBIC 24 (38.2±7.7) scores of the patients were determined as indicated. Among the patients, 42 (84%) of them were not feeling bad about their bladder tumors and 37 (74%) were not worrying about their daily lives. Moreover, 12 (24%) patients were not interested with sexuality, while 27 (54%) of them did not feel comfortable about sexual sincerity. Interestingly, 27 patients receiving intravesical treatment were concerned that the treatment they received for prevention of recurrence and progression of bladder tumor infect their partners during sexual intercourse. CONCLUSION: NMIBC affects patients' sexual functions and QoL negatively. Therefore during the follow-up of these patients, it is important to inform these patients accurately about their treatments to be applied and predicted complications in the follow up period.

Comparing the short - term outcomes and complications of monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of bladder tumors in patients with coronary artery disese: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: To compare the perioperative outcomes and complications of monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 CAD patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer who underwent TURBT were randomized into monopolar TURBT (M-TURBT) and bipolar TURBT (B-TURBT) groups. Primary outcome was safety of the procedures including obturator jerk, bladder perforation, clot retention, febrile urinary tract infection and TUR syndrome. The secondary outcome was the efficacy of TURBT procedures, including complete tumor resection, sampling of the deep muscle tissue and sampling of the qualified tissues without any thermal damage. RESULTS: Mean ages of the patients in M-TURBT and B-TURBT groups were 71.36±7.49 and 73.71±8.15 years, respectively (p=0.157). No significant differences were found between M-TURBT and B-TURBT groups regarding complete tumor resection (76.2% vs. 87.5%, p=0.162) and muscle tissue sampling rates (71.4% vs. 64.6%,p=0.252). Obturator jerk was detected in 16.7% of the patients in M-TURBT group and 2.1% in B-TURBT group (p=0.007). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups regarding intraoperative and postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Both monopolar and bipolar systems can be used safely and effectively during TURBT procedure in CAD patients. Due to the more frequently seen obturator jerk in M-TURBT than B-TURBT, careful surgical approach is needed during M-TURBT.

Synchronous penoscrotal implantation of penile prosthesis and artificial urinary sphincter after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of synchronous dual implantation of penile (PP) and artificial urinary sphincter prosthesis (AUSP) in patients with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence (UI) after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: Between January 2006 and March 2015, patients who underwent synchronous dual implantation of PP for severe post-RP ED and AUSP for moderate to severe post-RP UI in our clinic were screened retrospectively. The erectile function and the continence status were evaluated by the questionnaires of IIEF-5 and ICIQ-SF. Results for the preoperative period and for the 1st postoperative year were revealed from patient charts. Long term results were evaluated by telephone interviews. Comorbidities, infection rates and complications were noted. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients underwent synchronous dual implantation; out of which, 11 had a long enough follow up period for a sufficient long term evaluation. 3/11 had MPP and 8/11 had two-piece IPP implantation together with an AUSP. All of the implantations were carried out through an upper transverse scrotal incision. Mean follow up time was 61.3 ± 20 months. In 1 patient who had received adjuvant radiotherapy, both of the devices were removed due to infection and cuff erosion. Mean daily usage of pads diminished from 4 to 1 while ICIQ-SF score decreased from 19 to 2 and IIEF-5 score increased from 3 to 23. CONCLUSION: Synchronous implantation of PP and AUSP is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with severe ED and moderate to severe UI after RP.

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio as a predictor of early penile prosthesis implant infection.

PURPOSE: To investigate the predictive value of preoperative serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on the development of postoperative infections in patients undergoing penile prosthesis implantation (PPI). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 361 patients who underwent PPI over a 4-year period with at least 1-year follow-up. Demographics, blood results, and postoperative 1-year complications were recorded. Recommended cutoff values of NLR for early postoperative infectious complications were determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 153 patients with the mean age of 56.4 ± 8 years were included in the study. Mean follow-up time was 56.7 ± 30.4 months (12-108 months). Early postoperative infectious complications were occured in 18 patients (11.8%). These infections were prosthesis infection in 8 patients (5.2%), wound infection in 6 patients (3.9%), and urinary tract infection in 4 patients (2.6%). All these complications were occured within the first year of the surgery. Mean NLR was statistically higher in patients with postoperative complications when compared with uncomplicated cases (7.2 ± 3.9 vs. 2.2 ± 1.4, p < 0.001, respectively) Using a cut point of 6.2, preoperative NLR predicted postoperative complications with a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 99%. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to investigate the relationship between NLR and early postoperative infection as a complication of PPI. The results demonstrated that the NLR value could be a potential laboratory parameter for predicting early postoperative infectious complications in patients undergoing PPI.

An update of Penile Fractures: Long-term significance of the number of hours elapsed till surgical repair on long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We updated our data on penile fractures and investigated the significance of the time interval from the incident of the fracture until the operation on the erectile functions and long-term complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2001 and June 2014, 64 patients were operated on with a preoperative diagnosis of penile fracture. We could evaluate 54 of these patients. The patients were classified into 3 groups according to the time interval from the time of fracture until surgery. The validated Turkish version of the erectile components of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was answered by every patient 3 times after the surgery; before the incident of fracture, at first postoperative year, and at the time of the study (IIEF-5 and question #15 were used). The complications were noted and an erectile function index score was calculated for every patient. RESULTS: Mean follow up period was 44.9 (±2.8) months for all patients There was no statistically significant difference between the 3 groups in terms of the erectile components of IIEF questionnaire scores for the time periods and for individual patients in each separate group. Complications for all groups were also similar. CONCLUSION: In consideration of long-term results, neither serious deformities nor erectile dysfunction occur as a consequence of a delay in surgery performed within the first 24 hours in patients without urethral involvement.

Predictive value of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on the prognosis of germ cell testicular tumors.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the prognostic value of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on germ cell testicular tumors (GCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of 53 patients who underwent inguinal orchiectomy were analyzed retrospectively. NLR was calculated from the preoperative complete blood cell counts. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to find the threshold values for NLR. Correlations between cancer-specific survival (CSS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and NLR were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 23.55±18.06 months. The mean level of NLR was 3.08±1.81. Optimal threshold values of NLR was calculated as 3.55 for PFS (area under curve, AUC: 0.55) and 3.0 for CSS (AUC: 0.66). For patients with a NLR of <3.55 and NLR of ≥3.55, mean times-to-progression were 55.71 months (95% CI, 51.27-60.14) and 51.95 months (95% CI, 38.02-65.87, p=0.152), respectively. As well as, for patients with a NLR of <3.0 and NLR of ≥3.0, mean times-to-cancer specific death were 54.72 months (95% CI, 49.05-60.38) and 49.43 months (95% CI, 37.64-61.22, p=0.119), respectively. CONCLUSION: Preoperative NLR is not a useful tool to predict the prognosis of patients with GCT.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and neutrophil-to-monocyte rates in the decision for a prostate re-biopsy in patients with a previous benign pathology and consistently 2,5-10 ng/ml PSA value.

OBJECTIVES: In this study we compared neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and neutrophilto- monocyte ratio(NMR) between patients with prostate cancer after first transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)- guided biopsy and patients with benign prostate hyperplasia(BPH) after second TRUS-guided biyopsy. METHODS: A total of 224 patients who underwent multi (≥12)-core TRUS -guided biopsy at our clinic for elevated PSA or abnormal digital rectal examination in between January 2008 and March 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 146 patients with a diagnosis of prostate cancer after the first TRUSguided biyopsy and group 2 consisted of 78 patients with a diagnosis of benign prostate hyperplasia after second TRUS-guided biyopsy. Age, PSA, NLR and NMR values were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant correlation between PSA and NLR(p=0.46). The mean of age, PSA, NLR, NMR values in the group 1 and 2 were respectively 64.6±7.7 and 61.6±6.9, 6.5±1.9 and 5.3±1.2, 2.8±1.5 and 2.3±1.1, 9.2±3.9, 8.1±2.9 (p=0.03, p=0.001, p=0.012 and p=0.30). The mean PSA, NLR ,NMR values of the group 1 were significantly higher than those in group 2 (p=0.002). Gleason grade and pathological stage were significantly increases as NLR increases. CONCLUSION: NLR and NMR in patients with BPH after second TRUS-guided biopsy were lower than that of those with a diagnosis of prostate cancer after the first TRUS-guided biopsy.White blood test subtypes can be considered for the decision to perform a second TRUSguided biopsy in patients with previous negative biopsy with persistently elevated PSA.

A Novel Pain Alternative for Patients with Anorectal Pathologies: The Comparison of Transperineal Prostatic Blockage Technique with Periprostatic Nerve Blockage and Rectal Gel Technique in Initial Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy - A Prospective, Randomized Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to compare the efficiency of periprostatic nerve blockage (PPNB) and intrarectal lidocaine gel (PPNB + gel) with a transperineal prostatic block (TPPB) technique during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PBx) in patients with anorectal pathologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 376 patients who underwent TRUS-PBx were randomized into 2 groups. Group-I (n = 198) received TPPB with 10 ml 2% prilocaine, and group-II (n = 178) received intrarectal administration of 10 ml 2% lidocaine gel followed by PPNB with 10 ml 2% prilocaine. A 10-point linear visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the pain arising from probe insertion (VAS-1) and prostate sampling (VAS-2). RESULTS: VAS-1 scores were significantly lower in group-I than group-II (1.7 ± 1.9 vs. 3.9 ± 1.5; p < 0.001). Combining local anesthesia produced superior pain control to TPPB during sampling (2.0 ± 1.2 vs. 2.5 ± 2.4; p = 0.015). Following subgroup analyses with reference to concomitant anorectal pathologies, VAS-1 scores were significantly lower in group-I than group-II (2.0 ± 1.8 vs. 5.5 ± 1.7; p < 0.001). VAS-2 scores were lower in group-II than group-I; however, the difference was not considered significant (2.4 ± 1.3 vs. 3.1 ± 2.8; p = 0.303). CONCLUSIONS: In all patients referred for TRUS-PBx, TPPB is a good alternative to PPNB + gel. TPPB can be particularly useful for patients with anorectal pathologies due to its improved pain reduction during probe insertion.

Comparing the short-term outcomes and complications of monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of non-muscle invasive bladder cancers: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare perioperative outcomes and complications of plasmakinetic bipolar and monopolar transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). METHODS: Between March and December 2015, a total of 130 consecutive patients underwent TURBT for NMIBC. Patients were equally randomized into monopolar TURBT (M-TURBT) and bipolar TURBT (B-TURBT) groups. Primary outcome of this study was safety of the procedures including obturator jerk, bladder perforation, clot retention, febrile urinary tract infection and TUR syndrome. The secondary outcome was efficacy of both TURBT procedures, including complete tumor resection, sampling of the deep muscle tissue and sampling of the qualified tissues that without any thermal damage. RESULTS: Complete tumor resection rate was higher in B-TURBT than M-TURBT (89.2% vs 78.5%, respectively), but the difference was not significant (p=0.152). No significant differences were found between the muscle tissue sampling rates (64.6% vs 72.3%, p=0.345) and the numbers of patients with thermal tissue damage (7 patients vs 3 patients, p=0.194). Obturator jerk was detected in 21.5% of the patients in M-TURBT group and 4.6% of the patients in B-TURBT group, and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.013). Bladder perforation was significantly higher in M-TURBT group than B-TURBT (21.5 % vs 6.1%, p=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar TURBT had significantly lower obturator jerk and bladder perforation than monopolar. B- TURBT is a reasonable treatment modality in patients with NMIBC.

Impact of nerve stimulator-guided obturator nerve block on the short-term outcomes and complications of transurethral resection of bladder tumour: A prospective randomized controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: In this prospective randomized controlled study, we investigated the efficacy of obturator nerve block (ONB) on adductor muscle spasm and related short-term outcomes and complications in patients who underwent transurethral resection of lateral wall-located bladder tumours (TURBT). METHODS: Between July 2014 and February 2015, 70 patients scheduled to undergo TUR of lateral bladder wall tumours were enrolled in the study. All patients were preoperatively evaluated by cystoscopy and imaging tools and selected according to localized tumours on the lateral bladder wall. Patients were randomly allocated to Group SA (35 patients who underwent only spinal anesthesia) and Group ONB (35 patients who underwent spinal anesthesia combined with ONB by the nerve stimulator). An independent observer, blinded to the approach, evaluated the obturator signs, including adductor muscle contraction, bladder perforation, and completeness of the resection during the TURBT procedure. RESULTS: The differences between groups regarding mean operation time, tumour size, and number were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Adductor muscle contraction was detected in 40% of patients in Group SA and 11.4% in Group ONB. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.021). Complete bladder perforation was detected in 2 patients in Group SA, whereas no perforation was observed in Group ONB. There was no case of severe bleeding in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found that ONB performed after spinal anesthesia was effective in preventing intraoperative complications due to adductor muscle spasm while performing TURBT. Our study limitations include its small sample size, since we only enrolled patients with primary lateral wall-localized bladder tumour. Also, we excluded patients who underwent bipolar TURBT.