The impact of reflux pressure on renal scarring in children with sterile vesicoureteral reflux.

INTRODUCTION: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a complex disease as patient spectrum is variable. Some cases struggle with recurrent febrile urinary tract infections (UTI) and end-up with renal scars despite intervention. While others suffer no clinical problems and need no treatment. The detrimental effect of VUR on kidneys depends on many factors like grade of reflux, detrusor pressure, and presence of voiding dysfunction. The adverse effects of sterile VUR on kidneys is still under discussion. Thus, we assessed the impact of detrusor pressure at VUR onset on renal scarring in children with sterile reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the five years follow-up data of 38 children who had unilateral VUR without UTI under treatment. No febrile or afebrile UTIs were detected during the follow-up in any children. All children were assessed with annual video-urodynamics and renal scintigraphy for five consecutive years. The detrusor pressure at VUR onset, grade of VUR, presence of involuntary detrusor contractions, bladder capacity and the presence of renal scaring were recorded. All VURs were recorded during the voiding phase and children with VUR during the filling phase were excluded from the study. RESULTS: In the first line of video-urodynamic studies, the mean detrusor pressure at VUR onset was 24.3 ± 14.8 cm/H2O (median 34.5 cm/H2O, min: 6 - max: 47). There was no relation between boys and girls regarding median detrusor pressure at VUR onset (p = 0.356). Eventually, 22 (57.9%) children developed renal scars and ended up with surgery. There was no relation between scar development and age at first presentation (p = 0.888) The cut-off value for detrusor pressure at VUR onset was noted as 26 cm/H2O (AUC: 0.849 [p < 0.01], Figure). In children who developed renal scars eventually, the median detrusor pressure at VUR onset was significantly higher (p < 0.01). DISCUSSION: The detrimental effect of VUR on kidneys is associated with recurrent infections, bladder dysfunction, and detrusor pressure. Dispute over risk of renal scarring in patients with sterile VUR still continues. CONCLUSION: Children in whom VUR start at higher voiding pressures suffer more renal scars. The threshold of voiding detrusor pressure for risky patients is identified as 26 cm/H2O. It is true that patients suffering recurrent febrile UTIs have higher risk of developing renal scarring. However, the impact of sterile reflux should not be underestimated, since renal scars due to sterile reflux may develop in patients under antibiotic prophylaxis.

Primary renal lymphoma: report of four cases.

BACKGROUND: Although secondary renal involvement from systemic lymphoma is very frequent, primary renal lymphoma is a rare entity. It is characterized by aggressive histopathology, very early extra-renal infiltration and poor prognosis. CASE REPORTS: Here, we report 4 cases of primary renal lymphoma presenting with unilateral renal masses, which after radiological and clinical examination were assumed to be renal cell carcinoma. 3 patients were diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma by nephrectomy and one patient was diagnosed by open renal biopsy. Histopathological subtypes were diffuse large B cell lymphoma in 2 cases and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of small B cell type in the others. While 3 of the patients were treated with systemic chemotherapy, the fourth patient refused chemotherapy. 2 patients (no. 2 and 3) were still in complete remission and were followed regularly in the second and first year after diagnosis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Since it is difficult to diagnose primary renal lymphoma, most patients with this kind of tumor undergo radical nephrectomy, and diagnosis of primary renal lymphoma is delayed. The authors believe that both the delayed diagnosis due to anatomical difficulties and the histological aggressive characteristics of this disease are equally responsible for the poor outcome in the case of primary renal lymphoma.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the urinary bladder treated with adjuvant radiotherapy: a case report.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare tumor of the urinary bladder accounting for less than 0.5% of all primary urinary bladder tumors. Since the patients were presented with large tumor with extended stages, outcome was found to be poor. In order to improve local control, adjuvant local treatment may be practical. We report a rare case with sarcomatoid carcinoma of the urinary bladder diagnosed with immunuhistochemical (IHC) study and treated with 3D-conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) post-operatively. A 55-year old female patient complained about painless hematuria for 2 months. Computed tomography of the pelvic region revealed tumor and wall thickening at the left posterolateral side of the bladder. Total cystectomy with lymph node dissection and total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salphingo-oopherectomy was performed and histopathological and immunohistochemical findings strongly correlate with sarcomatoid carcinoma. The patient was treated with 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) with a total dose of 59.4 Gy with 1.8 Gy fractional daily doses. Patient was alive without any local recurrence and distant metastasis 10 months after surgery.

Adult cystic nephroma: a case report and a review of the literature.

A 23-year old women who underwent radical nephrectomy due to right renal mass is presented. The histopathological examination is reported as adult cystic nephroma, a rare benign lesion of the kidney. The epidemiology, differential diagnosis, histopathological features, and treatment alternatives are discussed and the literature is reviewed.

Effects of selective alpha-1-adrenergic receptor blockers on bladder weight.

INTRODUCTION: This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of two different alpha(1)-adrenergic blockers on bladder hypertrophy using ultrasound-estimated bladder weight (UEBW) and to assess the relation between changes in UEBW and other objective and subjective parameters of disease severity in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 41 men were enrolled in the study and they were subjected to either watchful waiting (group 1) or alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor blocker therapy (group 2 with alfuzosin; group 3 with tamsulosin). The patients were investigated by symptom evaluation using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life score (QOL), uroflowmetry and UEBW. The parameters were assessed again 3 months after initiation of treatment and compared with the initial values. RESULTS: While the mean UEBW increased in group 1 (42.2 +/- 10.3 to 52.5 +/- 12.2 g), it decreased in both the other groups that received alpha-blocker therapy (61.3 +/- 18.7 to 41.1 +/- 13.2 and 59.4 +/- 17.2 to 43.5 +/- 17.6 g, respectively). In groups 2 and 3, the mean UEBW, post-void residual urine, IPSS and QOL values decreased, and the mean maximum flow rate increased. All of the changes in group 2 and all except QOL in group 3 were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The changes correlated well with each other with regard to treatment success. The highest decreases in UEBW were encountered in patients with heavier bladders. CONCLUSIONS: UEBW decreases with alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor blockers. When used together with the other objective and subjective parameters, UEBW is a promising quantitative parameter as a follow-up tool and can be useful in monitoring the therapeutic effects of alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor blockers.

Management of complete ureteral obstructions with a transluminal puncture technique.

INTRODUCTION: The traditional delayed treatment of iatrogenic complete ureteral obstruction is open surgery. An easy endourological technique, transluminal re-canalization of the ureter by guide-wire puncture under fluoro-endoscopic control, which has been performed on 4 patients, is described. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: With the guidance of C-arm fluoroscopy, by moving the C-arm to different planes, the tip of the ureteroscope is directed to the correct plane to meet the obliterated proximal end of the ureter and under direct vision, transluminal puncture is performed using the stiff end of a 0.035-inch guide wire. Once the stiff end of the guide-wire is in the lumen of the proximal ureter, an ureteral catheter is introduced over the guide wire, the guide wire is then removed and reinserted through the ureteral catheter with its soft end leading and a double J catheter is inserted. Ureteral stricture, if later encountered, is treated with balloon dilatation. RESULTS: Continuity of the ureter was restored in all 4 patients. The double J stents were removed 6 weeks later and a retrograde pyelography revealed resolution of the hydronephrosis without extravasation of urine. CONCLUSION: Although a very satisfactory result was achieved in our cases, more cases are needed to show if it can be an alternative to conventional surgical repair. However, we believe that this minimally invasive technique can be used for short obliterated ureteral segments and neither delays nor does it preclude further management using open surgery.

Sterile vesicoureteral reflux decreases tubular cell apoptosis in rat kidney.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the possible role of apoptosis in reflux-related renal scarring by investigating how sterile vesicoureteral reflux affects apoptosis of glomerular and tubular cells in the rat kidney. METHODS: Twenty-nine rats were assigned to one of three groups: group 1, reflux (n = 10); group 2, sham surgery (n = 9); and group 3, controls (n = 10). All rats underwent bilateral nephrectomy 42 days later. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling was used to detect the apoptotic cells, and separate apoptotic index values for glomerular cells (GCAI) and tubular cells (TCAI) were calculated in each kidney (left and right from each animal). RESULTS: The mean TCAI value in the left kidney from groups 1, 2, and 3 was 0.86% +/- 0.26%, 1.20% +/- 0.18%, and 1.19% +/- 0.14%, respectively. The corresponding TCAI values for the right kidneys were 0.77% +/- 0.21%, 1.10% +/- 0.34%, and 1.06% +/- 0.15%. The mean GCAI value in the left kidney from groups 1, 2, and 3 was 0.26% +/- 0.14%, 0.28% +/- 0.08%, and 0.20% +/- 0.10%, respectively. The corresponding GCAI values for the right kidneys were 0.23% +/- 0.06%, 0.26% +/- 0.06%, and 0.22% +/- 0.12%. Analysis revealed no significant differences among the groups with respect to GCAI in the left kidneys (P = 0.258) or right kidneys (P = 0.618). The mean TCAI values in group 1 were significantly lower than the corresponding values in groups 2 and 3 for the left (P = 0.001) and right (P = 0.012) kidneys. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to have shown that sterile vesicoureteral reflux decreases apoptosis in tubular cells in rat kidneys with vesicoureteral reflux.

Management of complete ureteral obstructions with a transluminal puncture technique

INTRODUCTION: The traditional delayed treatment of iatrogenic complete ureteral obstruction is open surgery. An easy endourological technique, transluminal re-canalization of the ureter by guide-wire puncture under fluoro-endoscopic control, which has been performed on 4 patients, is described. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: With the guidance of C-arm fluoroscopy, by moving the C-arm to different planes, the tip of the ureteroscope is directed to the correct plane to meet the obliterated proximal end of the ureter and under direct vision, transluminal puncture is performed using the stiff end of a 0.035-inch guide wire. Once the stiff end of the guide-wire is in the lumen of the proximal ureter, an ureteral catheter is introduced over the guide wire, the guide wire is then removed and reinserted through the ureteral catheter with its soft end leading and a double J catheter is inserted. Ureteral stricture, if later encountered, is treated with balloon dilatation. RESULTS: Continuity of the ureter was restored in all 4 patients. The double J stents were removed 6 weeks later and a retrograde pyelography revealed resolution of the hydronephrosis without extravasation of urine. CONCLUSION: Although a very satisfactory result was achieved in our cases, more cases are needed to show if it can be an alternative to conventional surgical repair. However, we believe that this minimally invasive technique can be used for short obliterated ureteral segments and neither delays nor does it preclude further management using open surgery.

Does ischemia-induced prostate damage during cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass cause bladder outlet obstruction?

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to investigate whether ischemia-induced prostate damage during cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass causes bladder outlet obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 37 men who underwent elective cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were determined preoperatively (baseline) and on postoperative days 1, 5, and 30. In 4 cases, the PSA level after the operation was unchanged from the preoperative level, so these 4 men were excluded from the study. In the remaining 33 patients, symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score. Each subject completed this test preoperatively and 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively, and the means scores at these time points were compared. The effects of patient age, operative time, CPB time, and aortic clamping time on postoperative increases in PSA levels were investigated. RESULTS: Thirty-three (89.2%) of the 37 men exhibited increased postoperative PSA levels compared to baseline. The mean PSA level for the 33 cases on day 5 was significantly higher than the baseline mean, but the mean levels on postoperative days 1 and 30 were comparable to baseline. Nine (24.3%) of the 33 men had postoperative PSA levels greater than 4.0 ng/dl (the upper normal limit). There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative International Prostate Symptom Scores. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that men's PSA levels are, indeed, increased after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. However, in 9 months of follow-up, there was no association between this PSA rise and development of BOO, according to International Prostate Symptom Scores.

Adenosquamous carcinoma of the prostate.

Adenosquamous carcinoma of the prostate is an unusual histological variant of prostate cancer. The histogenesis of this tumor remains uncertain. The stimulus for the development of the squamous metaplastic cells had been thought to be related to hormone and/or radiation therapy. This report presents a case of adenosquamous carcinoma of the prostate with abscence of previous hormone or radiation therapy. The case showed negative prostate-specific antigen and high molecular weight cytokeratin staining of the adenocarcinoma component, and negative prostate-specific antigen and positive high molecular weight cytokeratin staining of the squamous cell carcinoma component. The adenocarcinoma component stained intraluminally with periodic acid schiff. The staining features and the distinct localizations of the components with intermingling, but no transition, are against the collision-type tumor theory and support the theory that the adenocarcinoma and squamous components arise de novo from pluripotent stem cells. The patient had a rapid downhill clinical course and died 3 weeks after the diagnosis was made.

Follow-up of testicular microlithiasis for subsequent testicular cancer development.

INTRODUCTION: To demonstrate the relationship between testicular microlithiasis and testicular tumor development. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1996 and March 2004, bilateral testicular microlithiasis was found in 40 of the 5,263 patients who underwent scrotal ultrasonography yielding a prevalence of 0.76%. Of the 40 patients, 4 patients with concomitant testicular tumors were excluded from the study. The remaining 36 patients were enrolled into the study and followed by ultrasonography at 6-month intervals. RESULTS: Patient ages ranged between 1 and 69 years (mean 31 +/- 14 years). The median ultrasonography follow-up was 34 months (range, 1-96). Testicular tumor development was not observed in any of these 36 patients during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive evaluation including computerized tomography, testicular tumor markers and testicular biopsy of patients with testicular microlithiasis is unnecessary and also increases patient anxiety. Yet annual ultrasonography and physical examination should be performed if ever until testicular microlithiasis is completely accepted as a nonpremalignant disease.

p53 expression and apoptosis in varicocele in the rat testis.

PURPOSE: We investigated the presence of p53 expression and apoptosis in an experimental model of varicocele in the rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied in 3 groups, namely group 1-13 with varicocele, group 2-9 with sham operation and group 3-8 controls. All animals underwent orchiectomy after 30 days and sections of the left testis from each animal were studied. TUNEL was used to detect apoptotic germ cells and an apoptotic index (AI) was calculated for each testis specimen. p53 expression was determined immunohistochemically and graded according to the proportion of cells stained in each specimen. RESULTS: AI values in group 1 testes were 0% to 0.51% (mean 0.06% +/- 0.13%) and the corresponding range in group 2 was 0.04% to 0.69% (mean 0.25 +/- 0.21%). No group 3 control specimens showed TUNEL staining (AI 0% in all). Although the mean AI in group 1 was higher than that in controls, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.318). The mean AI value in group 2 was significantly higher than in the control group (p = 0.021) but it was comparable to that in group 1 (p = 0.099). Seven (53.8%) and 2 (22.2%) specimens in groups 1 and 2, respectively, showed p53 staining in germ cell nuclei. None of the specimens in group 3 showed nuclear p53 expression. The grade of p53 expression in group 1 was significantly higher than that in groups 2 (p = 0.042) and 3 (p = 0.011). Expression grades in groups 2 and 3 were not significantly different (p = 0.426). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge p53 expression that may reflect abnormal spermatogenesis has been documented for the first time in an experimental model of varicocele in the rat testis. In contrast to other investigations, no link between apoptosis and varicocele was detected.

Transurethral prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair in a single session.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed at evaluating the outcomes of transurethral prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair performed in a single session. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-six patients (mean age 68+/-8.3 years) in whom transurethral prostatectomy was performed combined with an inguinal hernia repair were included into the study. Type of anesthesia, technique of inguinal hernia repair, hospitalization time, and the complications encountered were recorded. Cost comparisons were made using the official price-lists of the Turkish Medical Association. All patients were asked whether they were satisfied with the outcome of both operations performed in one session. The data obtained from the patients who underwent both operations in one session were compared with those obtained from 56 patients who underwent transurethral prostatectomy only (control group). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test corrected for continuity according to the Yates or the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: The operations were performed in 19 patients under general, in 20 patients under epidural, and in 14 patients under spinal anesthesia. Three patients were given general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia combined. In 6 patients bilateral and in 50 patients unilateral hernia repair was performed. In 11 repairs, polyprolene mesh grafts were utilized; in 2 repairs, a laparoscopic method was used, and in the remaining 49 repairs, one of the conventional techniques (McVay, Bassini, or Shouldice) was employed. There were no significant differences with regard to early and late postoperative complications and satisfaction between study group and control group (p>0.05). Combined prostatectomy and hernia repair allows approximately 30% cost profit. CONCLUSIONS: Performing transurethral prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair in one session decreased the number of the operations and anesthesias, hospital stay, and thus health costs and did not cause an increase in operative and postoperative morbidity.

Results with 7.5F versus 10F rigid ureteroscopes in treatment of ureteral calculi.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the success and complication rates in the treatment of ureteral stones with a 7.5F versus a 10F ureteroscope. METHODS: A total of 100 patients who were scheduled for ureteroscopy to treat ureteral calculi between December 2000 and December 2002 were randomly assigned to procedures with a 7.5F (group 1; n = 50) or 10F (group 2; n = 50) ureteroscope. The group results were compared. RESULTS: Group 1 had 36 distal, 9 middle, and 5 proximal ureteral stones. Group 2 had 37 distal, 6 middle, and 7 proximal ureteral stones. No statistically significant differences were noted between the two groups with respect to the mean stone size or operation time (P = 0.175 and P = 0.636, respectively). Pneumatic lithotripsy was used in 62% and 50% of the procedures in group 1 and 2, respectively, and stones or fragments were retrieved with basket catheters in 92% and 76% of the group procedures, respectively. The difference between the group rates for successful basket catheter extraction was statistically significant (P = 0.029). Of the patients in group 1 and 2, 84% and 80%, respectively, were stone free after a single procedure (P = 0.603). The corresponding failure rates in the two groups were 6% and 12% (P = 0.295), and the corresponding early and late complication rates in the two groups were 6% and 4% (P = 0.646). None of the patients in group 1 developed late complications. One individual (2%) in group 2 developed ureteral stenosis during long-term follow-up (P = 0.315). CONCLUSIONS: The success and failure rates revealed better outcomes for treatment of ureteral calculi with a 7.5F ureteroscope, but the differences were not statistically significant. The complication rates were similar between the two groups. Basket catheters were used more frequently with the 7.5F scope, and the rates of in situ lithotripsy and postoperative ureteral stent placement were also greater in patients treated with this instrument.

Experimental varicocele induces hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor expression and angiogenesis in the rat testis.

PURPOSE: In this study we investigated hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and angiogenesis in an experimental model of varicocele in the rat testis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were investigated in 3 groups, namely varicocele group 1 (13), sham operated group 2 (9) and control group 3 (8). At 30 days after surgery was completed in groups 1 and 2 orchiectomy was performed in all rats. Histological findings in the left testicles of rats from each group were compared. HIF-1alpha and VEGF expression was immunohistochemically studied and CD31 panendothelial antigen was used to identify the number of microvessels, that is microvessel density (MVD), in paraffin embedded sections of testis tissue. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test for post hoc comparison. RESULTS: HIF-1alpha expression was detected in 12 specimens (92.3%) in group 1, 4 (44.4%) in group 2 and 2 (25%) in group 3. The frequency of HIF-1alpha positivity in group 1 was significantly higher than the rates in groups 2 (p = 0.023) and 3 (p = 0.003). VEGF expression was detected in 8 specimens (61.5%) in group 1 but none of the group 2 or 3 specimens were VEGF positive. The frequency of VEGF positivity in group 1 was significantly higher than that in groups 2 (p = 0.006) and 3 (p = 0.007). Mean MVD +/- SD in group 1 was 7.53 +/- 1.50 (range 6 to 12), and findings in groups 2 and 3 were 5.88+/-1.45 (range 4 to 8) and 5.12 +/-1.12 (range 4 to 7), respectively. Mean MVD in group 2 was higher than in group 3 but this difference was not significant (p = 0.509). Mean MVD in group 1 was significantly higher than the mean values in groups 2 (p = 0.030) and 3 (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Previous study of experimental varicocele models in rats documented HIF-1alpha and VEGF expression combined with angiogenesis in the testis. The results of this study show that varicocele can lead to tissue hypoxia and related pathophysiological events, such as angiogenesis.

Carcinosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis associated with nephrolithiasis: a case report of each tumor type.

Both squamous cell carcinoma and carcinosarcoma of the renal pelvis are uncommon. We report on two cases, one carcinosarcoma and one squamous cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis. In the patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the left kidney, the tumor was neither detectable on preoperative radiological evaluation nor grossly visible in the surgical specimen. This patient, a 56-year-old man, presented with left lumbar pain, hematuria, fever, 4-5 kg weight loss, and untreated nephrolithiasis of the left kidney that had been diagnosed 20 years earlier. The second patient, an 87-year-old woman, also had a long history of left kidney nephrolithiasis and presented with left lumbar pain and hematuria. Both patients underwent nephrectomy for removal of the non-functioning hydronephrotic left kidney. In both cases, microscopic examination of the surgical specimen revealed squamous metaplasia and dysplasia in the pelvicalyceal mucosa, and islands of atypical squamous cells in the renal parenchyma. In the second case, the kidney also showed sarcomatous changes in the pelvis.