The Learning Curve Does Not Affect Positive Surgical Margin Status in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: To assess the oncologic results of our robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) cases and investigate whether the learning curve (LC) affects the oncological outcomes.  Materials and Methods: Between March 2015 and September 2017, 111 patients underwent RALP by a single surgeon in our clinic. The learning curve was analyzed using the moving average method. We compared the rate of positive surgical margins(PSM) and oncological outcomes, operation times, hematocrit changes and duration of hospitalization among the patients during and after the LC. Complications were also noted according to Clavien system. RESULTS: LC analysis using the moving average method showed that the LC stabilized between cases 51-60. So, patients were classified into two groups; 1-50 cases (Group 1) and 51-111 cases (Group 2). PSM rates were 36% for group 1 and 18% for group 2, and statistically different (p=0,032). Extracapsular invasion (ECI) was significantly higher in group 1 (56,5%) than in group 2 (29,5%) (p=0,005). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that presence of ECI was an independent factor for PSM associated with the groups (OR: 2.512; 95% CI: 1.055-5.979). Both operation time and duration of postoperative hospitalization were significantly reduced from group 1 to group 2. A total of 11 patients (10%) had complications and one of them (0,9%) required surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that at least 50 RALP cases are needed to gain proficiency even for an experienced surgeon in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Our study demonstrates that surgeons experience can affect the perioperative variables but the LC does not affect PSM status in RALP.

Urethroplasty Using A Turnover Flap for Correction of Problematic Urethrocutaneous Fistula: A Case Report.

Urethral fistula formation after urethroplasty for hypospadias is a frequent complication. Repeated failures can occur even after multiple attempts at repair. A surgical procedure is described for a problematic resistant urethrocutaneous fistula (UF) with the transverse turnover flap using the Buck's fascia of the corpus cavernosum. A 23-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with recurrent coronal UF. We placed a suprapubic catheter in the bladder and operated the patient with the flap technique combined with glanuloplasty. In 3rd month follow up, the patient had no fistula with normal voiding.

The change in serum Thiol/Disulphide homeostasis after transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy

ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of this prospective clinical study was to investigate variations in a novel oxidative stress marker (thiol/disulphide homeostasis) in men who underwent transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy (TRUSB). Materials and Methods A total of 22 men undergoing TRUSB of the prostate were enrolled in the study. Patients with abnormal digital rectal examination and/or total prostate specific antigen (PSA) over 4ng/mL underwent TRUSB with 12 cores. Serum samples were obtained before and just after the procedure to evaluate the possible changes in thiol/disulphide homeostasis. Mean age, total PSA and free PSA, prostate volume and histopathological data were also recorded. Results Mean age of the study population was 65.05±8.89 years. Significant decreases in native and total thiol levels were documented after the biopsy procedure. However, serum disulphide levels and disulphide/native thiol, disulphide/total thiol and native/total thiol ratios did not significantly change after TRUSB. No correlation was observed between oxidative parameters and total PSA and free PSA levels, prostate volume and histopathology of the prostate. However, mean patient age was significantly correlated with mean native and total thiol levels. Conclusion Significant decreases in serum native and total thiol levels related to the prostate biopsy procedure suggest that TRUSB causes acute oxidative stress in the human body. Since our trial is the first in the current literature to investigate these oxidative stress markers in urology practice, additional studies are warranted.

The change in serum Thiol/Disulphide homeostasis after transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective clinical study was to investigate variations in a novel oxidative stress marker (thiol/disulphide homeostasis) in men who underwent transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy (TRUSB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 22 men undergoing TRUSB of the prostate were enrolled in the study. Patients with abnormal digital rectal examination and/or total prostate specific antigen (PSA) over 4ng/mL underwent TRUSB with 12 cores. Serum samples were obtained before and just after the procedure to evaluate the possible changes in thiol/disulphide homeostasis. Mean age, total PSA and free PSA, prostate volume and histopathological data were also recorded. RESULTS: Mean age of the study population was 65.05±8.89 years. Significant decreases in native and total thiol levels were documented after the biopsy procedure. However, serum disulphide levels and disulphide/native thiol, disulphide/total thiol and native / total thiol ratios did not significantly change after TRUSB. No correlation was observed between oxidative parameters and total PSA and free PSA levels, prostate volume and histopathology of the prostate. However, mean patient age was significantly correlated with mean native and total thiol levels. CONCLUSION: Significant decreases in serum native and total thiol levels related to the prostate biopsy procedure suggest that TRUSB causes acute oxidative stress in the human body. Since our trial is the first in the current literature to investigate these oxidative stress markers in urology practice, additional studies are warranted.

Does length of prostate biopsy cores have an impact on diagnosis of prostate cancer?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether core length is a significant biopsy parameter in the detection of prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed pathology reports of the specimens of 188 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer who had undergone initial transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy, and compared biopsy core lengths of the patients with, and without prostate cancer. The biopsy specimens of prostate cancer patients were divided into 3 groups according to core length, and the data obtained were compared (Group 1; total core length <10 mm, Group 2; total core length 10 mm-19 mm, and Group 3; total core length >20 mm). Biopsy core lengths of the patients diagnosed as prostate cancer, and benign prostatic hyperplasia were compared, and a certain cut-off value for core length with optimal diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for prostate cancer was calculated. RESULTS: Mean age, PSA and total length of cores were 65.08±7.41 years, 9.82±6.34 ng/mL and 11.2±0.2 mm, respectively. Assessment of biopsy core lengths showed that cores with cancer (n=993, median length 12.5 mm) were significantly longer than benign cores (n=1185, median length=11.3 mm) (p<0.001). Core length analysis yielded 12 mm cores have an optimal sensitivity (41.9%) and specificity (62%) for detection of cancer (odds ratio: 1.08). CONCLUSION: Biopsy core length is one of the most important parameter that determines the quality of biopsy and detection of prostate cancer. A median sample length of 12 mm is ideal lower limit for cancer detection, and biopsy procedures which yield shorter biopsy cores should be repeated.

The cutoff level of free/total prostate specific antigen (f/t PSA) ratios in the diagnosis of prostate cancer: a validation study on a Turkish patient population in different age categories.

We investigated an optimal cutoff level of free/total PSA ratios (f/t PSA) in predicting prostate cancer in different age groups, focusing on the avoidance of unnecessary prostate biopsies. A total of 4955 men were enrolled into the study. Serum tPSA, fPSA, and f/t PSA ratios were determined for the study population. All males who had suspicious digital rectal examination and tPSA > 4 ng/mL underwent transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for each group were generated by plotting the sensitivity versus 1-specificity for the f/t PSA ratio. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were obtained using various f/t PSA ratio cutoffs for different age groups. There were 657 patients with a PSA level of 4-10 ng/mL. According to sensitivity and specificity f/t% PSA cutoff points were determined to be 10%, 15%, 15%, and 10% in 50-59 years, 60-69 years, >70 years, and all ages categories, respectively, in patients with initial PSA level of 4-10 ng/mL. f/t PSA ratio had an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.81 (95% confidence level: 0.80-0.82) for all age groups in detecting prostate cancer. f/t PSA ratio has an AUC value of 0.669 (0.632-0.705) in detecting prostate cancer among patients with a PSA level of 4-10 ng/mL. Ten percent of f/t PSA ratio had the highest specificity with PLR and 30% f/t PSA ratio had the highest sensitivity with lower NLR in the all-age categories. The current study shows that the use of f/t PSA ratio in patients with PSA levels of 4-10 ng/mL should enhance the specificity of PSA screening and decrease the number of unnecessary biopsies. The age-related changes warrant further investigation in a large, multicentric, and multinational population to improve the clinical use of f/t PSA cutoffs.

The comparison of levobupivacaine in continuous or single dose spinal anesthesia for transurethral resection of prostate surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of levobupivacaine induced continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) versus single dose spinal anesthesia (SDSA) in patients who are planned to undergo transurethral prostate resection. METHODS: Sixty years or older, ASA I-II or III, 50 patients were included in the study. 12.5mg 0.5% levobupivacaine were administered intrathecally in SDSA group. In CSA group, initially 2mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine were administered through spinal catheter. In order to achieve sensory block level at T10 dermatome, additional 1mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine were administered through the catheter in every 10min. Hemodynamic parameters and block characteristics were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative blood samples of the patients were drawn to determine plasma cortisone and plasma epinephrine levels. RESULTS: CSA technique provided better hemodynamic stability compared to SDSA technique particularly 90min after intrathecal administration. The rise in sensory block level was rapid and the time to reach surgical anesthesia was shorter in SDSA group. Motor block developed faster in SDSA group. In CSA group, similar anesthesia level was achieved by using lower levobupivacaine dose and which was related to faster recovery. Although, both techniques were effective in preventing surgical stress respond, postoperative cortisone levels were suppressed more in SDSA group. CONCLUSION: CSA technique with 0.25% levobupivacaine can be used as a regional anesthesia method for elderly patients planned to have TUR-P operation.

Comparação de levobupivacaína em raquianestesia contínua ou com dose única para cirurgia de ressecção transuretral de próstata / The comparison of levobupivacaine in continuous or single dose spinal anesthesia for transurethral resection of prostate surgery / Comparación de la levobupivacaína en raquianestesia continua ocon dosis única para cirugía de resección transuretral de próstata

Justificativa e objetivo: comparar a eficácia de levobupivacaína na indução de raquianestesia contínua (RAC) versus dose única (Radu) em pacientes programados para ressecção transuretral de próstata (RTUP). Métodos: foram incluídos no estudo 50 pacientes, ≥ 60 anos, ASA I-II ou III. Levobupivacaína a 0,5% (12,5 mg) foi administrada por via intratecal no grupo Radu. No grupo RAC, levobupivacaína a 0,25% (2 mL) foi inicialmente administrada através de cateter espinhal. Para o nível de bloqueio sensorial atingir o dermátomo T10, 1 mL adicional de levobupivacaína a 0,25% foi administrado através do cateter a cada 10 minutos. Os parâmetros hemodinâmicos e as características do bloqueio foram registrados. Amostras de sangue dos pacientes foram coletadas nos períodos pré- e pós-operatórios para determinar os níveis plasmáticos de cortisona e adrenalina. Resultados: a RAC proporcionou melhor estabilidade hemodinâmica em comparação com a Radu, particularmente aos 90 minutos após a administração intratecal. O aumento do nível de bloqueio sensorial foi rápido e o tempo para atingir a anestesia cirúrgica foi menor no grupo Radu. O desenvolvimento do bloqueio motor foi mais rápido no grupo Radu. No grupo RAC, um nível semelhante de anestesia foi obtido com o uso de uma dose mais baixa de levobupivacaína, que foi relacionada à recuperação mais rápida. Embora ambas as técnicas tenham sido eficazes na prevenção da resposta ao estresse cirúrgico, os níveis de cortisona no pós-operatório foram mais suprimidos no grupo Radu. Conclusão: a técnica RAC com levobupivacaína a 0,25% pode ser usada como um método de anestesia regional em pacientes idosos programados para RTUP. .

Background: The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of levobupivacaine induced continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) versus single dose spinal anesthesia (SDSA) in patients who are planned to undergo transurethral prostate resection. Methods: Sixty years or older, ASA I-II or III, 50 patients were included in the study. 12.5 mg 0.5% levobupivacaine were administered intrathecally in SDSA group. In CSA group, initially 2 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine were administered through spinal catheter. In order to achieve sensory block level at T10 dermatome, additional 1 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine were administered through the catheter in every 10 min. Hemodynamic parameters and block characteristics were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative blood samples of the patients were drawn to determine plasma cortisone and plasma epinephrine levels. Results: CSA technique provided better hemodynamic stability compared to SDSA technique particularly 90 min after intrathecal administration. The rise in sensory block level was rapid and the time to reach surgical anesthesia was shorter in SDSA group. Motor block developed faster in SDSA group. In CSA group, similar anesthesia level was achieved by using lower levobupivacaine dose and which was related to faster recovery. Although, both techniques were effective in preventing surgical stress respond, postoperative cortisone levels were suppressed more in SDSA group. Conclusion: CSA technique with 0.25% levobupivacaine can be used as a regional anesthesia method for elderly patients planned to have TUR-P operation. .

Justificación y objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la eficacia de la levobupivacaína en la inducción de la raquianestesia continua (RAC) versus dosis única (RADU) en pacientes programados para la resección transuretral de próstata. Métodos: cincuenta pacientes, ≥ 60 años de edad, ASA I-II o III, fueron incluidos en el estudio. La levobupivacaína al 0,5% (12,5 mg) se administró vía intratecal en el grupo RADU. En el grupo RAC, la levobupivacaína al 0,25% (2 mL) fue inicialmente administrada a través de un catéter espinal. Para que el nivel de bloqueo sensorial alcanzase el dermatoma T10, se administró 1 mL adicional de levobupivacaína al 0,25% a través del catéter cada 10 min. Los parámetros hemodinámicos y las características del bloqueo fueron registrados. Las muestras de sangre de los pacientes fueron extraídas en los períodos pre y postoperatorios para determinar los niveles plasmáticos de cortisona y adrenalina. Resultados: la técnica RAC proporcionó una mejor estabilidad hemodinámica en comparación con la técnica RADU, particularmente a los 90 min después de la administración intratecal. El aumento del nivel de bloqueo sensorial fue rápido y el tiempo para alcanzar la anestesia quirúrgica fue menor en el grupo RADU. El desarrollo del bloqueo motor fue más rápido en el grupo RADU. En el grupo RAC, un nivel parecido de anestesia se obtuvo con una dosis más baja de levobupivacaína que fue relacionada con la recuperación más rápida. Aunque ambas técnicas hayan sido eficaces en la prevención de la respuesta al estrés quirúrgico, los niveles de cortisona en el postoperatorio fueron mejor suprimidos en el grupo RADU. .

Changes in renal Doppler ultrasonographic parameters in patients managed with rigid ureteroscopy.

BACKGROUND: There has been no study evaluating the intrarenal hemodynamic changes after ureteroscopy in the published literature. PURPOSE: To determine preoperative and postoperative intrarenal vascular parameters such as resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), measure changes on these values (ΔRI, ΔPI, ΔPSV, ΔEDV) after ureteroscopy (URS) and compare the outcomes with the results of normal contralateral kidneys, and finally investigate possible parameters that would affect renal vascular resistance changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively studied 47 patients who underwent rigid URS. Preoperative gray-scale and Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) measurements were obtained 24 h before URS. Similarly, postoperative CDUS measurements were done 24 h after the operation. The degree of hydronephrosis and location of stones in the obstructed kidneys, diameters of both kidneys, and thickness of renal parenchyma were evaluated with gray-scale US followed by CDUS with calculation of the intrarenal RI, PI, PSV, and EDV values for each kidney. RESULTS: For the operated kidneys, statistically significant P values were noticed when RI and PI values were considered (P < 0.001). ΔRI and ΔPI of the operated kidneys were also significantly greater than the values for non-operated kidneys (P < 0.001). However, it was not the case for ΔPSV and ΔEDV values. In Spearman correlation coefficient analysis, ΔRI was found to be correlated with the parameters: "operative time" and "irrigation fluid volume". No significant relation was documented between ΔRI and the other parameters: age, gender, side of ureteroscopy, stone location, and degree of hydronephrosis. CONCLUSION: Significant changes in RI and PI values in patients treated with URS reveal that URS can cause a significant increase in renal vascular resistance. With the increase in operative time and irrigation fluid volume used during the operation, RI seems to be significantly increased.

Low-power holmium:YAG laser urethrotomy for urethral stricture disease: comparison of outcomes with the cold-knife technique.

In this prospective randomized clinical trial, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endourethrotomy with holmium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (HO:YAG) laser and compare the outcomes with the conventional cold-knife urethrotomy. Fifty-one male patients with single, iatrogenic, annular strictures of the urethra were randomly divided into two groups; 21 patients who underwent direct-vision endoscopic urethrotomy with Ho:YAG laser (15 W; 1,200-1,400 mJ; 8-12 Hz) at 12 o'clock position (laser group) and 30 patients who underwent direct-vision endoscopic urethrotomy with cold-knife incision at 12 o'clock position (cold-knife group). The results obtained were analyzed and compared at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months postoperatively by clinical evaluation, uroflowmetry, and retrograde urethrographies. Variables were compared among groups using Fisher's exact and Mann Whitney U tests. There were no differences between two groups in terms of patient age, preoperative Qmax value, stricture location, and length. Operative time was shorter in laser group (16.4 ± 8.04 minutes) when compared with cold-knife group (23.8 ± 5.47 minutes) (p<0.001). Recurrence-free rate at 3 months was similar between two groups (p=0.122). However, recurrence-free rates at 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months were significantly higher in laser group when compared with cold-knife group (p values were 0.045, 0.027, and 0.04, respectively). No intra- or postoperative complications were encountered. Use of Ho:YAG laser in the management of urethral stricture disease is a safe and effective method. In addition, it provides shorter operative time and lower recurrence rate when compared with the conventional technique.

Postoperative adhesions after application of topical hemostatic agents: outcomes in a rat partial nephrectomy model.

OBJECTIVE: To compare 3 kinds of topical hemostatic agents in terms of adhesive strength, control of hemorrhage, and postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions in an experimental partial nephrectomy (PN) model. METHODS: A total of 27 Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups. PN was performed in 6 rats (control group) with the conventional technique, in which the lower pole of the kidney was excised and sutured after hilar control. In 5 rats, oxidized cellulose was placed over the excised part of the kidney following conventional technique. In 6 rats, the hemostatic plant extract was used without hilar control. In 5 rats, the hemostatic agent chitosan was used without hilar control. As a sham group, 5 rats underwent a laparotomy and handling of the renal pedicle without the removal of renal pole. On the tenth day after the operation, the degree of adhesions to the operated kidney were evaluated. Histopathological evaluation was also performed by a blinded pathologist. RESULTS: Mean warm ischemia times for control and oxidized cellulose groups were 4.85 ± 0.75 and 4.28 ± 1.28 minutes, respectively (P = .662). Wound healing was excellent in all groups except in 1 rat in the chitosan group. Chitosan was associated with significantly higher intestinal and peritoneal adhesion scores, although histopathologically comparable scores were revealed. CONCLUSION: In our rat model, chitosan and the hemostatic plant extract were as effective as conventional suturing in achieving hemostasis even without hilar control. Warm ischemia was eliminated and PN time was significantly decreased. The use of oxidized cellulose was not associated with higher scores of adhesion, suppuration, or hematoma.

Long-term fluoroquinolone use before the prostate biopsy may increase the risk of sepsis caused by resistant microorganisms.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of long-term fluoroquinolone treatment before the biopsy in terms of post procedure sepsis. Three-week fluoroquinolone management before the biopsy may lower serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and prevent unnecessary biopsies. METHODS: A total of 558 patients were referred to our clinic for transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy. Of the patients, 205 had received levofloxacin 500 mg once a day for 3 weeks before the biopsy to lower the serum PSA levels (group 1). A total of 353 patients had not received any antibiotics before the procedure (group 2). In terms of the postbiopsy sepsis rate, group 1 and group 2 as well as patients who underwent biopsies in the early period and the latter period of the study were compared. RESULTS: Sepsis was diagnosed in 17 patients (3.0%) after biopsy. Of these patients, 11 (5.4%) and 6 (1.7%) were in group 1 and group 2, respectively (P = .0297, OR: 3.28, 95% CI: 1.10-10.13). Sepsis was diagnosed in 7 patients (1.9%) and 10 patients (5.0%) in the early and the latter period of the study, respectively (P = .0771, OR: 0.38, 95% CI: .13-1.09). Escherichia coli was the causative agent in all patients with a positive culture. In addition, 1 patient also had meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE). All of the E. coli isolates were resistant to fluoroquinolones, and 55.6% were positive for extended spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBL). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term fluoroquinolone use to prevent unnecessary prostate biopsy may result in postbiopsy sepsis caused by fluoroquinolone resistant microorganisms.

Chronic pulmonary diseases are independent risk factors for complications after radical nephrectomy.

AIM: We aimed to identify the prognostic factors and the new parameters such as Charlson's comorbidity index (CCI) that might predict postoperative complication rates in a radical nephrectomy cohort. We also evaluated the correlation of CCI with the Clavien postoperative complication scale (CPCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Perioperative characteristics of 47 patients undergoing radical nephrectomy were recorded. Following items were assessed: preoperative patient characteristics including age, gender, CCI, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification system category, renal and hepatic functions, type of nephrectomy incision, operative time, clinical stage and histopathological subtype of the tumor, and preoperative co-morbid conditions including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease, peptic ulcers, renal and hepatic dysfunction. Postoperative complications were defined as death, wound infection, pneumonia, atelectasis, pulmonary emboli, anemia, sepsis, cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, and deep vein thrombosis. In addition, postoperative complications were also graded according to the CPCS and accepted as those occurring within 30 days. RESULTS: Preoperative chronic pulmonary diseases were found to be significant risk factors for the development of postoperative complications. Age adjusted odds ratio was 7.112 for chronic pulmonary disease. The mean CCI in patients who did not develop any postoperative complication was 4.49 ± 1.95, whereas it was 5.75 ± 2.60 for patients who developed postoperative complications (P = 0.138). In Spearman correlation analysis, CCI value was found to be significantly correlated with CPCS grade (P = 0.011, rho value = 0.366). CONCLUSION: Presence of chronic pulmonary disease is a strong predictor of postoperative complications after radical nephrectomy. Patients with higher preoperative CCI scores may have higher postoperative CPCS grades. Additional studies are warranted.

Dural metastasis from prostatic adenocarcinoma mimicking meningioma: Report of a case with unilateral loss of vision.

We report a case of PCa (prostatic adenocarcinoma) with transdural metastasis which radiologically simulated a meningioma. During the course of the disease, the patient complained of progressive unilateral loss of vision as the first presentation of intracranial, extra-axial metastasis.

Renal cell carcinoma presenting with cutaneous metastasis: a case report.

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common kidney tumor in adults. Cutaneous metastasis is a rare first symptom of the disease. This paper describes the diagnosis of a renal cell carcinoma that was indicated by cutaneous metastasis in the head and neck region, and considers the etiopathogenesis of such cases. A careful skin examination is important to detect cutaneous metastasis associated with renal cell carcinomas. Metastatic skin lesions in the head and neck region must be taken into consideration during a differential diagnosis.

Protective value of a folkloric medicinal plant extract against mortality and hemorrhage in a life-threatening renal trauma model.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of a folkloric medicinal plant extract (Ankaferd Blood Stopper [ABS]) with that of oxidized cellulose (Surgicel) in a life-threatening renal injury model. ABS is a mixture of 5 plants that has historically been used in Turkish traditional medicine. It has been approved by the Ministry of Health to manage external hemorrhage and dental surgery bleeding in Turkey. METHODS: Twenty-two Wistar albino rats underwent partial nephrectomy after intravenous heparin anticoagulation (2000 U/kg). The cut surface received 1 of 3 therapies, namely no treatment, Surgicel (Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ) or ABS (Trend Teknoloji Iaç AS, Istanbul, Turkey). Blood pressure was continually monitored. Survival time, total blood loss, and mean arterial pressure were recorded for 60 minute or until death. Rats that were alive (mean arterial pressure>or=20 mm Hg) at the end of 60 minutes were sacrificed with blood withdrawal with the help of catheters. RESULTS: All animals that received no treatment died within 60 minutes of follow-up. One of 7 in the Surgicel group, and 5 of 7 animals in the ABS group, survived. Mean survival times for the Surgicel and ABS groups were 42.7 and 53.4 minutes, respectively. Rats in the ABS and Surgicel groups survived significantly longer than rats in the control group (P<.05). There were no significant differences between the ABS and the Surgicel groups in survival (P=.128). CONCLUSIONS: ABS is as effective as Surgicel in achieving hemostasis and lengthening survival time following partial nephrectomy in an experimental rat model.

Comparison of local anesthetic effects of tramadol with prilocaine during circumcision procedure.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the local anesthetic effects of tramadol hydrochloride with prilocaine for circumcision procedure. METHODS: This study included 40 patients with American Surgical Association-I scores. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either 5% tramadol (2 mg/kg) plus adrenaline (0.0125/mL) (group 1, n = 20) or 2% prilocaine plus adrenaline (0.0125/mL) (group 2, n = 20). The degree of burning sensation and pain at the injection site were documented. Sensory block was assessed 1 minute after injection and the patients were asked to grade touch and pinprick sensation. Five minutes after drug administration, incision was performed and intensity of pain, felt by the patient was evaluated on a 4-point scale (0-3). Pain at the injection site and local skin reactions were also recorded. RESULTS: Mean ages were 9.7 and 10.3 years for groups 1 and 2, respectively. Mean duration of surgery was 19.6 minutes. In control visit, 2 of 20 (10%) in group 1 and 10 of 20 (50%) children in group 2 reported extra need for oral ibuprofen (P <.05). First analgesic medication time was 9.5 (+/- 2.1) hours in group 1 and 8.7 (+/- 3.1) hours in group 2 (P >.05). Total postoperative ibuprofen consumptions were 10 and 50 mg for groups 1 and 2, respectively (P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: A combination of tramadol 5% plus adrenaline can provide a safe and effective local anesthesia during circumcision procedure and postoperative period in children.