A Retrospective Analysis of 83 Patients with Testicular Mass Who Underwent Testis-Sparing Surgery: The Eurasian Uro-oncology Association Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Herein, we analyzed the histopathological, oncological and functional outcomes of testis-sparing surgery (TSS) in patients with distinct risk for testicular cancer. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study on consecutive patients who underwent TSS. Patients were categorized in high- or low-risk testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) according to the presence/absence of features compatible with testicular dysgenesis syndrome. Histology was categorized per size and risk groups. RESULTS: TSS was performed in 83 patients (86 tumors) of them, 27 in the high-risk group. Fifty-nine patients had a non-tumoral contralateral testis present. Sixty masses and 26 masses were benign and TGCTs, respectively. No statistical differences were observed in mean age (30.9 ± 10.32 years), pathological tumor size (14.67 ± 6.7 mm) between risk groups or between benign and malignant tumors (p = 0.608). When categorized per risk groups, 22 (73.3%) and 4 (7.1%) of the TSS specimens were malignant in the high- and low-risk patient groups, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the only independent variable significantly related to malignant outcome was previous history of TGCT. During a mean follow-up of 25.5 ± 22.7 months, no patient developed systemic disease. Local recurrence was detected in 5 patients and received radical orchiectomy. Postoperative testosterone levels remained normal in 88% of those patients with normal preoperative level. No erectile dysfunction was reported in patients with benign lesions. CONCLUSION: TSS is a safe and feasible approach with adequate cancer control, and preservation of sexual function is possible in 2/3 of patients harboring malignancy. Incidence of TGCT varies extremely between patients at high and low risk for TGCT requiring a careful consideration and counseling.

Skin-sparing approach in the management of Fournier's gangrene: the initial histological evidence and results of a tertiary health-care center.

BACKGROUND: To report the initial histological evidence on the feasibility of the skin-sparing approach in the treatment of Fournier's gangrene. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data and the tissue blocks obtained from patients who had undergone debridement in a tertiary healthcare center by a urologist and a general surgeon. RESULTS: The histological review revealed the prevalence of the intact epidermal layers in the debrided tissues involving necrosed subcutaneous parts. Clinical results of our cohort were compatible with the contemporary series. CONCLUSION: We can propose that the skin parts without macroscopic necrosis can be spared in the initial debridement in the treatment of Fournier's gangrene, at least in the first debridement. The skin-sparing approach may provide easier and primary closure of the wound without compromising surgical safety in Fournier's gangrene treatment.

Ameliorating Effects of ß-Glucan on Epigastric Artery Island Flap Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion injury has been one of the culprits of tissue injury and flap loss after island flap transpositions. Thus, significant research has been undertaken to study how to prevent or decrease the spread of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Preventive effects of ß-glucan on ischemia-reperfusion injury in the kidney, lung, and small intestine have previously been reported. In this study, we present the ameliorating effects of ß-glucan on ischemia-reperfusion injury using the epigastric artery island-flap in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar-Albino rats were equally divided into three groups: sham, experimental model, and treatment groups. In the sham group, an island flap was elevated and sutured back to the original position without any ischemia. In the experimental model group, the same-sized flap was elevated and sutured back with 8 h of ischemia and consequent 12 h of reperfusion. In the treatment group, 50 mg per kilogram ß-glucan was administered to the rats using an orogastric tube for 10 d before the experiment. The same-sized flap is elevated and sutured back to its original position with 8 h of ischemia and 12 h of consequent reperfusion in the treatment group. Tissue biopsies were taken on the first day of the experimental surgery. Tissue neutrophil aggregation and vascular responses were evaluated by histological examinations. Tissue oxidant and antioxidant enzyme levels are evaluated biochemically after tissue homogenization. Topographic follow-up and evaluation of the flaps were maintained, and photographs were taken on the first and seventh day of the experimental surgery. RESULTS: Topographic flap survival was significantly better in the ß-glucan administered group. The neutrophil number, malondialdehyde, and myeloperoxidase levels were significantly lower while glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly higher in the ß-glucan administered group respective to the experimental model group. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of our study, we can conclude that ß-glucan is protective against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Our study presents the first experimental evidence of such an effect on skin island flaps.

Jaboulay's technique contrasted with a novel hydrocelectomy technique using a vessel sealer in the treatment of adult hydrocele: a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: The study aims to compare the clinical efficacy, complications, and patient satisfaction rates of two open hydrocelectomy techniques, Jaboulay's technique, and sac excision hydrocelectomy using a LigaSure™ device, in a prospective and randomized fashion. METHODS: Eighty-two (82) patients were randomized, one-to-one into two groups. All surgeries were carried out by a single surgeon. Jaboulay's technique and hydrocelectomy with excision of the sac were carried out in the first and the second groups, respectively. The patients' data were collected prospectively on the first day, the first week, the first month, and the sixth month after surgery. Patient demographics, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and sixth-month cosmetic satisfaction rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS: We observed better patient satisfaction [73.2% confer (cf.) 92.9%], shorter hospital stay (1.66 cf. 1.29 days), and less incidence of postoperative edemas (31.7% cf. 6%) in the sac excision hydrocelectomy group (p = 0.017, p = 0.011, and p = 0.029, respectively). CONCLUSION: We can report that hydrocelectomy with an excision of the sac using a vessel-sealing device, namely LigaSure™, provides less incidences of postoperative edemas and better patient satisfaction rates respective to the Jaboulay's technique in the treatment of adult hydrocele. The statistical difference between hospital stay times is mostly affected by social factors in our study. Clinically, all patients were amenable to discharge in the first day.

Testis-sparing surgery: Experience in 13 patients with oncological and functional outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: We present oncological and functional outcomes of patients who underwent testis-sparing surgery (TSS). METHODS: Overall, 13 patients were included. Mean patient age was 29.9±12.5 years. In five patients, TSS was performed for sequential bilateral testicular tumours. One patient underwent concurrent left radical orchiectomy and right TSS. In eight patients with normal contralateral testis, seven underwent left and one underwent right TSS. RESULTS: Mean pathological tumour size was 14.6±12.5 mm. Intraoperative frozen section evaluation of the mass was performed in eight patients that revealed benign lesions. No intraoperative tumour bed biopsies were taken in this patient group. Regarding the remaining five patients, intraoperative tumour bed biopsies were taken and testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN) was reported in two (40%) patients; no local testicular radiotherapy was given postoperatively. Tumour pathology was malignant in all but one lesion, including Leydig cell tumour (n=1), seminoma(n=2), embryonal carcinoma (n=1), and adenomatoid tumour (n=1). During 47.2±22.5 months of followup, local recurrence was detected in one patient who underwent radical orchiectomy. No additional local recurrence or systemic metastasis was identified in other patients with malignant lesions. For patients with malignant tumours, of the three patients with a normal preoperative testosterone levels, testosterone level was normal in one patient (with no erectile dysfunction [ED]) and was decreased in two patients (with ED) following TSS. No ED was reported in the nine patients with benign lesions. CONCLUSIONS: In carefully selected cases, TSS appears to be a safe, feasible procedure with adequate cancer control that could preserve sexual function.

The comparison of an acellular matrix graft with an autologous venous graft in the surgical treatment of Peyronie's disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate acellular porcine pericardium (APP) and compared the results with those obtained from venous grafts in the surgical management of Peyronie's disease (PD). An APP (Group 1) and an autologous saphenous vein graft (Group 2) were used in 27 and 26 patients, respectively for Peyronie's correction. The patients' age, body mass index (BMI), operation time, duration of follow-up, preoperative and postoperative IIEF-5 scores, plaque size and loss of sensation were evaluated in both groups. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of age, BMI, follow-up period, and preoperative and postoperative IIEF-5 scores. The postoperative IIEF-5 scores were higher than the preoperative IIEF-5 scores in both groups. The operation time was significantly longer in Group 2 than in Group 1. The duration of sensation loss was shorter in Group 1 compared to Group 2. Penile shortening was similar in both groups.

Bidirectional Barbed Only vs Poliglecaprone Suture with Rhabdosphincter Reconstruction for Urethrovesical Anastomosis During Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: Does It Make Any Difference?

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the use of bidirectional barbed suture only vs poliglecaprone suture with posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction for urethrovesical anastomosis (UVA) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) on cystographic leakage, duration of catheterization, and early urinary continence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bidirectional double-armed barbed suture only was used for UVA (n = 50) in Group 1. Two 3/0 poliglecaprone 25 sutures were tied to each other to form a double-armed suture used for UVA with posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction in Group 2 (n = 50). Groups were similar regarding patient demographics and operative parameters. Groups were compared regarding leakage on cystography, duration of urethral catheterization after RARP, immediate urinary continence (continence at the time of urethral catheter removal), and continence rates at first and third-month follow-up. RESULTS: Leakage on cystography was detected in 4 (8%) and 10 (20%) of the patients in Group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.08). Urinary catheter removal duration was 7.8 and 8.5 days in Group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.1). Immediate urinary continence was achieved in 38 (76%) and 20 (40%) of the patients in Group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.002). Urinary continence in first-month follow-up was achieved in 46 (92%) and 38 (76%) of the patients in Group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.02). Urinary continence in third-month follow-up was achieved in 48 (96%) and 47 (94%) of the patients in Group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.64). Mean UVA time was 16.8 and 21.2 minutes, respectively, in Group 1 and 2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Because of our experience, use of a barbed suture for UVA during RARP seems to lead to better immediate and early (first month) urinary continence rates and a shorter UVA time.

The combination of penile revascularization surgery with penile corrective techniques as an alternative to prosthesis implantation in patients with peyronie's disease accompanied by erectile dysfunction: Long-term results.

This study aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of the surgical combination of revascularization and penile corrective techniques after having obtained promising preliminary results from a previous study. Between 2008 and 2015, the combined treatment was undertaken for 60 patients with Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction. A preoperative urological evaluation was performed with penile color Doppler ultrasonography, electromyography of the corpus cavernosum and cavernosometry. All the patients completed 15-item and 5-item IIEFs preoperatively and at postoperative follow-up. The mean age of the patients was 53.78 ± 6.48 years ranging from 47 to 63. The mean follow-up period was 48 (14-68) months. The degree of penile angulation was >40 in all the patients. Urethra dissection was required in five patients. Penile disassembly was performed on one patient due to distal complex corporeal deformity. None of the patients reported complications after surgery. The mean total IIEF score was reported to be 25.4 ± 2.8 before the operation and 52.23 ± 1.2 at the end of the follow-up (p < 0.05). The mean IIEF-5 score was 7.3 ± 1.3 preoperatively and 20.9 ± 1.9 at the end of follow-up (p < 0.05). The results of IIEF-15 for erectile function demonstrated that 32 patients had a cutoff value of >26, indicating no ED. Although all patients had complete penile straightening, 7 (11.66%) reported shortening of the penis but was not dissatisfied with the treatment. The number of patients satisfied with the outcomes of the operation was 53. The statistically significant improvement and satisfactory results achieved with the IIEF questionnaires suggest that the proposed combined treatment could be an alternative to penile prosthesis in highly selected patients with Peyronie's disease, particularly those with erectile dysfunction; however, more studies are needed to confirm these results.

Open stone surgery: a still-in-use approach for complex stone burden.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary stone disease is a major urological condition. Endourologic techniques have influenced the clinical approach and outcomes. Open surgery holds a historic importance in the management of most conditions. However, complex kidney stone burden may be amenable to successful results with open stone surgery. In this article, we report our eighteen cases of complex urinary stone disease who underwent open stone removal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 1701 patients have undergone surgical treatment for urinary stone disease in our clinic between July 2012 and July 2016, comprising eighteen patients who underwent open stone surgery. Patients' demographic data, stone analysis results, postoperative clinical data, and stone status were evaluated retrospectively. The choice of surgical approach is mostly dependent on the surgeon's preference. In two patients, open surgery was undertaken because of perioperative complications. RESULTS: We did not observe any Clavien-Dindo grade 4 or 5 complications. Three patients were managed with a course of antibiotics due to postoperative fever. One patient had postoperative pleurisy, one patient had urinoma, and two patients had postoperative ileus. Mean operation time was 84 (57-124) minutes and mean hospitalization time was 5.5 (3-8) days. Stone-free status was achieved in 15 patients (83.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Endourologic approaches are the first options for treatment of urinary stone disease. However, open stone surgery holds its indispensable position in complicated cases and in complex stone burden. Open stone surgery is also a valid alternative to endourologic techniques in all situations.

Robotic sequential right adrenalectomy and zero ischemia left partial nephrectomy in a patient with synchronous pheochromocytoma and renal cell carcinoma.

Currently, most renal masses are detected incidentally while still small in size because of the widespread use of radiological imaging, and most pheochromocytomas are localized in the adrenal glands as unilateral lesions. A 5 × 4-cm right adrenal mass and a 19 × 13-mm exophytic left renal mass were synchronously detected by contrast enhancement on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in a 47-year-old male with hypertension. The patient's preoperative serum and 24-h urine catecholamine levels were elevated. Initially, robotic transperitoneal right adrenalectomy was performed, and histopathology confirmed a 4 cm pheochromocytoma. After 3 months, transperitoneal zero ischemia robotic left partial nephrectomy was performed, and histopathology demonstrated clear cell renal cell carcinoma, Fuhrman grade II, 17 mm in size with clear surgical margins. This case indicates that sequential robotic surgery is feasible and safe as a minimally invasive approach to remove bilateral renal and adrenal masses. Zero ischemia robotic partial nephrectomy is also feasible and safe for selected small renal masses.

Non-metastatic upper tract transitional cell carcinoma: single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Upper tract transitional cell carcinomas (UTCC) are relatively uncommon but prognosis is generally worse than TCC of bladder. METHODS: Between March 2004 and June 2012, patients with initial non- metastatic UTCC were assessed in the Medical Oncology and Urology Departments of Ataturk Training and Research Hospital. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients with initially non-metastatic UTCC were detected in the 8 year period, all males. Median age of was 62 (range, 38-74). Six lesions were located in the renal pelvis and 5 in the ureter. Nephroureterectomy was performed in 9 patients, and distal ureterectomy and cuff excision of the bladder in the remaining 2. The majority (n= 9) had high grade tumors. Median primary tumor diameter was 3.5 cm (range, 0.7-10). Five patients (45.5%) were stage I, 2 (18.2%) were stage II, and 4 (36.4%) were stage III. While adjuvant chemotherapy was not applied for stage I and II disease (n= 7), 4 to 6 courses were applied for 3 of the stage III patients. Also one stage III case received adjuvant radiotherapy. Up to 100 months follow-up, median overall survival was 13 months (range, 5-100 months). While stage I and II patients are following-up without muscle-invasive progression, 2 of stage III patients demonstrated progression. CONCLUSION: We need more collaborative studies to determine management of especially pT3-pT4 patients with UTCC.