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.

Medical management in locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer: Does changes in treatment policy have any specific effect on PSA levels?

OBJECTIVE: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is commonly used as a first-line treatment for locally advanced and metastatic prostatic cancer (Pca). There is no consensus about which alternative treatment should be used after the failure of initial ADT. We aimed to investigate the effect of changes in treatment on PSA and testosterone levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 120 patients with an established diagnosis of either locally advanced or metastatic Pca in two different centers. Depending on the type of medical and/or surgical management protocol planned at initial presentation, all cases were divided into three main groups as follows. Group 1 (n: 80) included the patients who underwent medical management during whole follow-up period in whom the initial management protocol was later on switched to another medical treatment with different agents, Group 2 (n: 20) included patients who were initially treated with a medical management protocol and switched to surgical castration during follow-up evaluation and lastly Group 3 (n: 20) included the patients undergoing treated surgical castration as initial treatment modality without any further medical management protocol. RESULTS: Evaluation of our data did clearly demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the initial and final PSA as well as testosterone levels in Group 1 cases. Mean PSA and testosterone levels increased significantly in these cases despite a change in hormonal therapy by using another agent for androgen deprivation. Cases in Group 2 and 3 cases did not show any statistically significant difference with respect to the mean PSA as well as testosterone values during the same follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Our data clearly indicated that in case of a biochemical progression, switching into another alternative medical treatment was not effective enough in limiting the rising PSA levels in a statistically significant manner when compared with the approaches of switching to surgical castration after initial medical treatment or continuing with regular and close follow-up after initial surgical castration alone.

ASSOCIATION OF MEAN PLATELET VOLUME AND THE MONOCYTE/LYMPHOCYTE RATIO WITH BRUCELLA-CAUSED EPIDIDYMO-ORCHITIS.

We evaluated the association between the mean platelet volume (MPV) and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) with brucella-caused epididymo-orchitis to determine if they could be used to differentiate between brucella and non-brucella epididymo-orchitis. The charts of 88 patients with non-brucella and 14 patients with brucella epididymo-orchitis were retrospectively reviewed. Brucellosis was diagnosed by isolating Brucella spp from a blood culture or from a serum agglutination titer ≥ 1:160 along with accompanying clinical findings. The patients with brucella epididymo-orchitis were significantly more likely to have a lower MPV and a higher MLR than those with non-brucella epididymo-orchitis. Using a MPV cut-off level of less than 9.25 fl to differentiate brucella from non-brucella epididymo-orchitis gives a sensitivity of 78.6%, a specifity of 78.4%, a positive predictive value of 36.7% and a negative predictive value of 95.8%. Using a MLR cut-off level of greater than 0.265 to differentiate brucella from non-brucella epididymo-orchitis gives a sensitivity of 71.4%, a specifity of 65.9%, a positive predictive value of 25% and a negative predictive value of 93.5.%. MPV and MLR values may assist in differentiating between brucella and non-brucella epididymo-orchitis.

The effect of systemic isotretinoin on male fertility.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common diseases of the youth. Systemic isotretinoin is the only drug which acts on all of the etiopathogenic mechanisms of acne. Isotretinoin has some well-known side effects. Besides these, there is a suspicion whether it causes infertility or not. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of systemic isotretinoin on male fertility. METHODS: Eighty one male patients, who were older than 18 years of age, and had severe or refractory acne vulgaris were included in the study. They were given a total dose of 120 mg/kg of systemic isotretinoin over a period of six months. Before and after the study, the spermiogram parameters of the patients were evaluated to show any possible effect on male fertility. The patients' total testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels were also evaluated. RESULTS: All of the spermiogram parameters changed positively (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in the hormone levels. CONCLUSION: Systemic isotretinoin has a positive effect on male fertility. Since the hormone levels did not change significantly, this positive effect of isotretinoin is not via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis but can be due to its regenerative and proliferative effects on the testes.

Our Experience with a Double-Layer Surgical Technique for Preventing Fistula Development in Children and Young Adults with Hypospadias.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we describe a new approach called the double-layer on and prepucial flap technique in order to prevent fistula or fissure development. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty-seven patients with subcoronal hypospadias were enrolled. The prepared prepucial flap was divided into two equal parts. A double-layer flap was formed and used for reinforcing of the neourethra. Uroflowmetric analysis was used for evaluating the urethral stricture at the end of the first year. A blinded urologist and the patients' themselves evaluated the aesthetic appearance. RESULTS: The mean age was 12.17 ± 2.79. All cases were primary. All evaluated parameters were at the end of the first year. Only three (3/27, 11.1%) of the patients had minimal external mea stricture that managed with urethral dilatation. None of them had any fistula, fissure, or dehiscence as well as infection and hematoma. The mean Qmax value was 17 ml/s and the Qave value was 9 ml/s. The mean scores with standard deviations with regard to the appearance of the patients' penis before and after operations were 3.08 ± 0.77 and 8.25 ± 0.73, respectively and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The double-layer dartos flap technique is a candidate to be the least risky technique to prevent complications as well as to increase the aesthetic appearance up to satisfactory levels.

Monopolar versus Plasmakinetic™ Energy Effect on Prostatic Tissue Damage in Terms of PSA Levels: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the monopolar and bipolar energy effects on prostate and correlated the results with the type of pathology, thus determining the relationship between tissue damage and the PSA level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty four patients underwent TURP and according to the energy source, 2 groups were designed as monopolar (Group 1) and bipolar energy (Group 2). Hemoglobin and free and total PSA were measured preoperatively and 6 hours postoperatively, and differences were calculated. The weight of resected tissue and operation time were also recorded. Two groups were also formed later according to the pathology as chronic prostatitis (CP) and BPH. The findings were analyzed. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of age; prostate volumes; resected tissue; operation times; pre- and postoperative Hb, total-free PSA, IPSS, PVR, and quality of life scores; or postoperative maximum flow rates. Changes in total-free PSA (25.7 and 10.8 ng/dl for PSA; 13.2 and 5.76 ng/dl for free PSA for Groups 1 and 2, respectively) were significantly different between Groups 1 and 2. There was a statistical difference in total PSA between the groups among CP patients (28.18 and 11.73 ng/dl for Groups 1 and 2, respectively). But no statistical difference existed among BPH patients. The change in Hb differed based on pathological results. CONCLUSION: Bipolar TURP is less invasive than monopolar TURP on the basis of postoperative PSA levels. In addition, bleeding during TURP is affected not by the kind of energy, but by the pathology.

Effects of testosterone treatment on recovery of rat spermatogenesis after irradiation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of two different radiation doses on sperm parameters and the role of testosterone treatment on rat spermatogenesis. METHODS: The experimental animal study was conducted at Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey, from September 2012 to January 2013. Male Sprague Dawley 4-6 months old rats weighing 300-350g were randomely divided into 5 equal groups as control, low dose irradiation, testosterone administration following low dose irradiation, high dose irradiation, and testosterone administration following high dose irradiation. The animals were kept at a constant temperature in a room with 12h light and dark cycles. After the group-wise intervention, sperm concentration, testicular size, and histopathological examination of seminiferous tubules were noted. SPSS 10 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The 40 rats in the study were divided in 5 groups of 8(20%) each. In low dose radiation, adverse effects were only temporarily observed with the return of almost normal testicular function at the end of two months with or without testosterone supplementation. In contrast, in high dose radiation, hormonal treatment effect was controversial. CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone treatment had no significant effect upon recovery after irradiation. In order to prevent the untoward effects of radiation, shielding of the remaining testis in a proper manner is crucial to avoid the harmful effects of the scattered radiation.

PlasmaKinetic™ versus cold knife internal urethrotomy in terms of recurrence rates: a prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of PlasmaKinetic™ urethrotomy against cold knife direct vision internal urethrotomy in terms of recurrence rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 136 male patients with urethral strictures were enrolled into the study. The patients were allocated to cold knife or PlasmaKinetic urethrotomy groups sequentially by using computer-generated numbers. Group A (PlasmaKinetic) and group B (cold knife) included 70 and 66 patients, respectively. All patients were reevaluated at the 3rd, 9th and 18th month postoperatively with uroflowmetry. RESULTS: Group A patients had a postoperative 3rd-month maximum flow rate value of 16.09 ml/s, whereas this same parameter was 15.15 ml/s in group B (p < 0.05). The urethral stricture recurrence rate up to the 9-month period was statistically significant for group A (14%) compared with group B (30%). When we compared the recurrence rates of these groups from postoperative day 1 up to the 18th month, the results were 37% for group A and 33% for group B (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: PlasmaKinetic urethrotomy provides a better recurrence-free rate during the early period compared with conventional cold knife therapy. Nevertheless, the outcome of the stricture did not change and fibrotic tissue reformed between the 9th and the 18th month.

The comparison of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of solitary large renal pelvic stones.

The aim of the study is to investigate whether laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LPL) could find a place in the management of large renal pelvic stones which are generally considered as excellent indications for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). Between 2006 and 2009, 26 consecutive patients with large (>4 cm(2)) renal pelvic stones were treated by LPL and their charts were compared to 26 match-paired patients treated with PNL during the same period. The patients were matched for age, BMI, stone size and location as well as presence of congenital anomalies. Perioperative and postoperative findings were compared. The mean age, mean stone size, rate of congenital anomalies, history open renal surgery and shock wave lithotripsy were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). The mean operation time was 138.40 ± 51.19 (range 70-240) min in LPL group as compared to 57.92 ± 21.12 (range 40-110) min in PNL group (p < 0.0001). There was one (3.8%) open conversion in the LPL group due to dense perirenal adhesions making the dissection difficult. The ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction concomitant to pelvic stones was successfully repaired laparoscopically in two cases. The mean drop in postoperative hemoglobin level was 0.9 ± 0.6 (range 0-2) g/dl in LPL group and 1.7 ± 1.1 (range 0-4) g/dl in PNL group (p = 0.024). Hospitalization was significantly shorter in PNL than LPL group (p = 0.0001). Stone-free rates were similar. Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy is associated with a longer operation time, is more invasive, and requires more skills when compared to PNL. However, LPL is associated with less blood loss. Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy is indicated for congenitally anomalous kidneys and especially in patients with concomitant UPJ.

Multiple Endoclip Retraction Technique (MERT) in Laparoscopic Burch.

Background and Objectives: The multiple endoclip retraction technique (MERT) was developed based on our experience with suturing renal parenchyma in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. In this study we prospectively evaluated the one-year results of cases treated by transperitoneal laparoscopic Burch with the MERT. Methods: The patients were evaluated with stress test, one-hour pad test, and were requested to complete the International Continence Society Incontinence Questionnaire short form (ICIQ-SF) in the postoperative period. The follow-up periods were postoperative 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: The primary outcome of this study was surgical success, defined as being cured of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (no symptoms), experiencing improved symptoms of SUI in ICIQ-SF and negative stress test, and less than 2g urine leakage in a one-hour pad test.No statistically significant difference was found in terms of age, number of children, and body mass index (BMI) in patients according to the results of the 12 month postoperative stress test. We found statistically significant improvements at all control months in terms of stress test and pad weight. ICIQ-SF results showed a significant decrease at three months in patients who recovered after the operation. This rate has not changed in following control months. However, there was no statistical change in ICIQ-SF values in patients who did not recover after the operation. Conclusion: MERT seems to be one of the safe and effective modifications in the management of SUI with good one year outcomes when performed by suitably trained experienced surgeons.

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Radical Prostatectomy: A Turkish Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study examines the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on radical prostatectomy performed as part of localized prostate cancer treatment in Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of the data of 176 patients from 8 centers in Turkey who underwent radical prostatectomy due to localized prostate cancer over the 2 years spanning March 1, 2019, to February 28, 2021. Within this timeframe, March 1, 2019, to February 28, 2020, was denoted the 1-year pre-coronavirus disease 2019 period, while March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021, was denoted the 1-year coronavirus disease 2019 period. An analysis was made of whether there was a difference in the number of radical prostatectomies performed for prostate cancer, the time from biopsy to operation, and the biopsy and radical prostatectomy pathology between the 2 periods. RESULTS: It was found that the number of radical prostatectomies performed for localized prostate cancer during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic was statistically and highly significantly fewer than in the pre-coronavirus disease 2019 period (P <.001). The patients diagnosed with Gleason 3+3 (low risk) prostate cancer were statistically significantly fewer in number in the coronavirus disease 2019 period (P <.001). The pathological Gleason score was upgrading than the biopsy Gleason score in all patients who underwent in both periods (P <.001). When the periods were compared, the pathological involvement determined by lymph node dissection performed during radical prostatectomy was found to be decreased in the coronavirus disease 2019 period, although the difference was not statistically significant (P =.051). CONCLUSION: As with many diseases, the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer have been adversely affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Comparison of the Effects of Four Treatment Techniques Commonly Used in Ureteral Stone Treatment on Patients' Daily Physical Functioning: An Observational Randomized-Controlled Study.

Objective: To investigate the effect of four different techniques used in the treatment of ureteral stones on patients' daily physical functioning (PF) and quality of life (QoL). Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent ureterorenoscopy (URS)-with or without Double-J stenting (DJS)-and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) were divided into four groups: Group I: SWL (n = 29), Group II: URS (n = 43), Group III: URS +4.8F DJS (n = 39), Group IV: URS +6F DJS (n = 42), and Group V: Control (n = 30). Short Form-36 (SF-36) was administered to each participant both preoperatively and 14 days after operation. Based on the SF-36 results, the changes in patients' PF and QoL were evaluated. Results: Ureteral stone treatment was performed in 202 patients. Of these, 153 patients who underwent an effective SWL or URS procedure in the first attempt were included in the study. Success rates in the first session were 53.7% (29/54) and 83.8% (124/148) for SWL and URS, respectively (p < 0.001). All the four groups were similar with regard to age, gender, body mass index, stone size, preoperative PF, and QoL. However, although postoperative PF, role limitations due to physical health, and energy/fatigue scores were similar in Group I, III, and IV, they were significantly higher in Group II. No major complication associated with SWL or URS occurred in any patient. However, in Group 2, DJS was inserted in three (7.7%) patients in the early postoperative period (within the first 48 hours) due to renal colic attacks secondary to ureterovesical junction mucosal edema. Conclusion: URS without DJS seems to be the most advantageous technique in the treatment of ureteral stones in terms of daily PF and QoL. However, it should be noted that patients undergoing URS may require postoperative emergency stenting, although rarely.

Does previous extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy affect the performance and outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy?

PURPOSE: ESWL and percutaneous nephrolithotomy are the primary treatment modalities for kidney stones. Furthermore, percutaneous nephrolithotomy is first line treatment when ESWL fails. We assessed how previous ESWL affects the performance and outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,008 patients underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy between 2002 and 2007, of whom 230 (22.8%) had a recent history of failed ESWL. Patient characteristics, operative findings, success and complication rates in patients with and without a history of ESWL were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: In the post-ESWL group mean stone size was significantly lower and the mean +/- SD interval between the last ESWL session and percutaneous nephrolithotomy was 3.4 +/- 2.1 months (range 1 to 12). Mean operative time and fluoroscopic screening time were similar in the 2 groups (p >0.05). However, mean operative time per cm(2) stone and fluoroscopic screening time per cm(2) stone were significantly prolonged in the post-ESWL group (p <0.05). At a mean followup of 5.6 +/- 1.2 months (range 3 to 6) an overall success rate of 89% was achieved. Success and complication rates were comparable in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although similar success and complication rates were achieved with percutaneous nephrolithotomy after failed ESWL, percutaneous nephrolithotomy is usually more difficult with prolonged operative time and fluoroscopic screening time per cm(2) stone due to the tissue effects of ESWL and scattered stone fragments in the pelvicaliceal system.

Does the metabolic syndrome or its components affect the outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy?

PURPOSE: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of cardiovascular disease risk factors. We assessed the impact of these medical disorders on the outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from 430 consecutive PCNL procedures were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of serum lipid abnormalities (SLA), hypertension (HT), diabetes (DM), and obesity was investigated. Patients were determined to have the metabolic syndrome according to the definition of the International Diabetes Federation. Success rate, need for auxiliary procedures, and major complication rates of PCNL were analyzed separately for patients with or without DM, SLA, HT, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome, and were compared. RESULTS: SLA, HT, and DM were observed in 123 (28.6%), 108 (25.1%), and 44 (10.2%) patients, respectively. Body mass index was >30 kg/m2 in 74 (17.2%) patients. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 41 (9.5%) patients. An overall success rate of 96.3% for PCNL was achieved. Success rates were not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced by the presence of SLA, HT, DM, obesity, or the metabolic syndrome. Major complications were encountered in 49 (11.4%) patients and were 2.5 to 2.7 times more common in patients with DM, HT, and the metabolic syndrome. In patients with DM, auxiliary treatment alternatives were necessary in 20.5%, while they were indicated in 10.9% of patients without DM (P = 0.046). Presence of the metabolic syndrome was also associated with an increased necessity for auxiliary treatments after PCNL (P = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the metabolic syndrome and its components (DM and HT) significantly augment auxiliary treatment and complication rates after PCNL.

Is routine radiological surveillance mandatory after uncomplicated ureteroscopic stone removal?

PURPOSE: Stricture formation and obstruction are rare but significant complications after ureteroscopy (URS), and there are controversial studies regarding follow-up. Our study sought to determine the appropriate follow-up for patients without complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 323 patients were treated with URS for removal of ureteric stones, and their charts were retrospectively reviewed. A semirigid ureteroscope was used in all patients, and stone disintegration was accomplished with a pneumatic lithotriptor. Postoperative evaluation included plain abdominal radiograph of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB) on day 1, intravenous urography (IVU) and/or ultrasonography at postoperative month 3 and annually thereafter in all patients. A KUB radiograph was also obtained on postoperative day (POD) 10 in patients with residual fragments. RESULTS: Complete records of 268 patients were available. The overall success rate was 95.5%. The KUB radiograph on POD 1 revealed complete stone removal in 217 (80.9%) patients, while residual fragments were seen in 40 (14.9%) patients, who were reevaluated on POD 10. Evaluation on POD 10 showed residual fragments in 15 patients, and URS was again performed in eight patients. Perioperative minor complications were observed in 18 (6.7%) patients. IVU performed in the third postoperative month showed stricture formation in two (0.7%) patients and silent obstruction in one (0.3%). No stricture formation was observed in asymptomatic patients after uncomplicated complete stone removal. After a mean follow-up of 27.4 +/- 13.7 (range 12-58) months, annual radiologic studies did not show any additional complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that radiologic surveillance for stricture formation and obstruction is not mandatory after complete stone removal with uncomplicated URS.

Holding Strength of Suture: An Experimental Study Using Porcine Kidney.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The search for the perfect suture is going on and has resulted in the introduction of many different suture types into the market. The purpose of this study is to investigate the holding strength (HS) of different sutures in the renal parenchyma in an experimental study on pig kidneys. METHODS: The HS that caused sliding of the suture was investigated in 5 adult porcine kidneys with 7 suture variants. HS-caused tearing of the kidney was investigated with 3 suture types on 5 kidneys. The third investigation, performed on 5 porcine kidneys, was a comparison between 2-0 Vicryl sutures with a Hem-o-lok clip and 2-0 V-Loc sutures with 1 knot. The Friedman test was used to compare the groups. Post hoc analysis was performed with the Wilcoxon signed ranks test (Bonferroni corrected). RESULTS: For HS causing sliding of the suture, the mean HSs of the tested sutures were as follows: 2-0 Vicryl with 1 Hem-o-lok clip, 3.26 ± 0.55 N; 2-0 Vicryl with 2 Hem-o-lok clips, 4.1 ± 0.46 N; 2-0 V-Loc, 2.52 ± 0.63 N; 4-0 V-Loc, 1.62 ± 0.17 N; 0 Quill, 0.48 ± 0.16 N; 2-0 Vicryl with 1 Hem-o-lok clip (halfway), 3.62 ± 0.66 N; and 2-0 V-Loc (halfway), 1.02 ± 0.40 N. For HS causing tearing of the kidney, the mean value of 2-way 2-0 Vicryl (Hem-o-lok in the middle) was 13.28 ± 1.38 N, 2-0 2-way Vicryl (Hem-o-lok at the end) was 5.86 ± 0.75 N, and 2-way 2-0 V-Loc was 3.98 ± 1.60 N. For the third group, the difference between the 2 suture variants was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that 2-0 Vicryl (polyglactin 910) sutures with 2 Hem-o-lok clips had the maximum HS in renal parenchyma when compared with other sutures.

Efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for ureteric stones in children.

OBJECTIVES: Management of ureteral stones in children represents a challenging problem. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed our experience with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in 192 children with ureteric stones. METHODS: Between 1990 and 2003, 192 children (

Erratum to: Flexible Ureterorenoscopy versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for the treatment of upper/middle calyx kidney stones of 10-20 mm: a retrospective analysis of 174 patients.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-557.].

Comparison of flexible ureteroscopy and micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy in terms of cost-effectiveness: analysis of 111 procedures.

The objective of this study was to audit the costs of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy (microperc) and compare them in terms of cost-effectiveness. We performed a retrospective analysis of 63 patients who underwent microperc and 48 patients who underwent RIRS. The cases, performed between first use and first repair, were used for this initial study. The costs associated with performing RIRS and microperc, including the costs of devices, disposables, hospitalization, and additional required treatments, were audited. The main perioperative and postoperative parameters were collected, including operation time, JJ stent requirements, used disposables, stone-free rates, and complications. Statistical analyses of the means of continuous variables were performed using Student's t test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-squared tests. The mean cost of RIRS was $917.13 ± 73.62 and the mean cost of microperc was $831.58 ± 79.51; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean operation time of the RIRS group was significantly shorter than the microperc group (55.62 ± 19.62 min and 98.50 ± 29.64 min, respectively, p < 0.001). The assessment of required additional treatment showed that it was significantly higher in the RIRS group than the microperc group (p = 0.02). The stone-free rate for RIRS was 66.6 and 80.9 % for microperc; this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.12). In our series, the use of microperc is less expensive than RIRS due to additional required treatments and ancillary equipment in RIRS. RIRS is more effective than microperc in terms of operation time and more effective use of operation rooms.

Electrophysiological Identification of Central Sensitization in Patients with Chronic Prostatitis.

PURPOSE: Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a chronic pain condition and a com­mon problem in urology clinics. Although many different etiologies and mechanisms exist, the exact cause of the disease has been unknown. Central sensitization (CS) is defined as an augmentation of responsiveness of central cortical neurons to input from peripheral nociceptive structures. Somato-sensory evoked potentials (SEPs) is an electroneurophysiological method to assess cortical activity in somatosensory area of brain related to sensorial stimuli. We aimed to determine the presence of CS using the SEPs of dorsal penile nerve stimulation in patients with CP/CPPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen male patients diagnosed CP/CPPS and 17 male healthy controls were pro­spectively included in the study. For SEP study, electrical stimulus was applied with penile ring electrodes. Re­cording electrodes were placed as active to Cz' and reference electrode on Fz' according to the 10-20 Interna­tional System. Latency of N50 was defined as the second negative (up-ward) deflection of the W-shaped averaged cortical waveform. RESULTS: N50 latencies were significantly shortened in the patient group compared to the healthy controls (P < .001). CONCLUSION: These results support the presence of central sensitization because of exaggerated trans-mission of pain sensation to the somatosensory cortex. Therefore, normalization of transmission might be an important step in treatment of pain in patients with CP/CPPS. This study can be counted as an important guiding on pathogenesis and treatment of disease.