The first reported values of microplastics in prostate.

BACKGROUND: Microplastics are ubiquitous, widespread environmental pollutants with unavoidable human exposure. Herein, it was aimed to investigate the presence of microplastics in prostate tissue. METHODS: Prostate tissues from 12 patients who underwent Trans Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TUR-P) were analyzed to investigate the presence of microplastics. Initially, the prostate tissues were analyzed for microplastic particles using a light microscope after extraction. Subsequently, the chemical composition of the particles found in the prostate tissues was characterized using Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Microplastic particles of various types were detected in 6 out of 12 patients. All detected plastic particles in this study were microplastics, with sizes below 26 µm in size. These microplastics exhibited different shapes as pellets, spheres or fibers. Overall, among the 12 analyzed prostate tissue samples, four different types of plastic were identified in six samples. The most common type of microplastic detected was Polyamide (Nylon 6), found in samples from three patients. Other detected types, Polypropylene, Polyacrylic Acid and Poly (dimethylsiloxane) were each determined in samples from one patient. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate the presence of microplastics in prostate tissue, serving as an exploratory investigation, which can trigger further research to validate the results in a larger patient cohort.

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.

The relationship between the severity of erectile dysfunction and aortic stiffness.

Aortic stiffness increases in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) but it is not known whether aortic stiffness affects the degree of ED. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether there is any relationship between aortic stiffness and the severity of ED. Patients with ED were divided into 3 groups according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores. Mild ED was named as group 1, moderate ED as group 2 and severe ED as group 3. The values of fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lipid values, total testosterone (T. tes), and free testosterone (F tes) were recorded. Aortic stiffness was determined by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIX) measurements. The mean or median values of the laboratory parameters among the groups were similar (p > .05). No statistical difference was found between the groups in terms of AIX value (p = .386). Mean PWV values were calculated as 7.26, 8.30 and 8.78 in group 1, group 2 and group 3 respectively. PWV values were significantly different between groups (p < .0001). PWV values were found to be increased with increasing severity of erectile dysfunction.

The impact of ureteral Double-J stent insertion following ureterorenoscopy in patients with ureteral stones accompanied by perirenal fat stranding.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of ureteral stent insertion following semirigid ureterorenoscopy (URS) in patients with perirenal fat stranding (PFS) due to ureteral stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 600 patients who underwent URS were analyzed retrospectively. Seventy-two patients detected to have PFS accompanying ureteral stone were included. Patients who did not undergo double J (DJ) stent insertion following semirigid URS were classified as Group I (n: 52), while those who underwent stent insertion were classified as Group II (n: 20). Side distribution; localization of the stones, stone size, presence of fever, urinary tract infection (UTIs) and urosepsis rates were compared in the two groups. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 44.4 (20-71) years. Male/female ratio and side of the stone location showed similar distribution in both groups (p > 0.05). Fever occurred in 23 cases (44.2%) in Group I and in 15 cases (75%) in Group II (p = 0.038). UTIs occurred in 15 cases (28.9%) in Group I and in 12 cases (60%) in Group II (p = 0.03). Urosepsis presented in 3 (5.8%) and 5 (25%) of the patients in Group I and II, respectively (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, ureteral DJ stent insertion following URS in patients with PFS due to ureteral stone caused an increase on postoperative infection related complications.

Are patients with lichen planus really prone to urolithiasis? Lichen planus and urolithiasis.

PURPOSE: to investigate whether patients with lichen planus (LP) are really prone to urolithiasis or not. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective analysis of 40 patients diagnosed with lichen planus (LP) (group I), and 40 volunteers did not have LP before (group II). Participants were all checked for urolithiasis by radiological investigations. Blood samples were analyzed for biochemistry parameters including calcium and uric acid. 24-h urine samples were analyzed to investigate oxalate, citrate calcium, uric acid, magnesium, sodium and creatinine. RESULTS: Men/women ratio and mean age were similar between group I and II (p>0.05). A presence or history of urolithiasis was detected in 8 (20%) and 2 (%5) patients in group I and II, respectively (p<0.05). Hypocitraturia was the most common anomaly with 35% (n:14) in group I. The rate of hypocitraturia in group II was 12.5% (n:5) and the difference was statistically significantly different (p=0.036). In group I, hyperuricosuria and hyperoxaluria followed with rates of 27.5% (n:11) and 25% (n:10), respectively. The rate of hyperuricosuria and hyperoxaluria were both 5% (n:2) in group II and the differences were significant (p<0.05). Hyperuricemia was another importante finding in the patients with LP. It was detected in 13 (32.5%) patients in group I and in 1 (2.5%) participant in group II (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: According to our results, metabolic disorders of urolithiasis were highly detected in the patients with LP. However, similar to the etiology of LP, the exact reasons for these metabolic abnormalities in LP remain a mystery.

The effect of breastfeeding on spontan resolution of monosymptomatic enuresis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine whether the duration of breastfeeding during infancy was associated with the time of spontaneous resolution of monosymptomatic enuresis (SRME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1500 people were surveyed at four centers. One hundred and eighty-one people with a history of monosymptomatic enuresis (ME) who received no treatment and had no day time symptoms were included in the study. The relationship between the duration of breastfeeding and SRME was assessed by considering the duration of breastfeeding as both continuous and categorical (cut-off value 5 months) variable. The multivariate general linear model was used to identify independente predictors such as gender, family history, and educational status of parents. RESULTS: Pearson correlation analysis of the age of SRME and duration of breastfeeding found no statistically significant relationship. However, there was a significant difference in the age of SRME of those who were breastfed for 5 months or less compared to those who were breastfed for more than 5 months. According to the multivariate analysis, gender and educational status of parents were not effective on the age of SRME. Stepwise linear regression model showed that breastfeeding for five months or less and family history could affect the age of SRME. The regression formula was: age of SRME=9.599 + (3.807×five months or less of breastfeeding) + (1.258×positive family history). CONCLUSIONS: It was found that when breastfeeding lasted for more than 5 months, there was a positive contribution to SRME.

Comparative analysis of pedicular vascular control techniques during laparoscopic nephrectomy: en bloc stapling or separate ligation?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of en bloc stapling and separate ligation techniques for renal vascular control during laparoscopic nephrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical data were collected from 60 patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomies using en bloc stapling (n = 27, group 1) or the separate ligation method (n = 33, group 2). Comparative analysis was carried out between the two groups, examining operative times, blood loss, intra- and postoperative complications and hospital stay. RESULTS: Compared with the separate ligation method, the en bloc hilar control technique was associated with a shorter total operating time (98 vs. 121 min, p = 0.029). However, both groups were similar in terms of estimated blood loss, hemoglobin drop, changes in creatinine level and postoperative hospital stay. The total complication rates in group 1 and 2 were 3.7 and 15.1%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference. There were no complications related to the use of the endo-GIA stapler and no patients required conversion to open surgery in group 1. In group 2, 2 patients required conversion to open surgery, including 1 due to renal vein bleeding secondary to inaccurate vascular control and the other due to bleeding from the vena cava during dissection. In addition, 1 patient had a superficial bowel injury that was repaired laparoscopically and another had a superficial liver tear that was managed without conversion or transfusion. CONCLUSION: En bloc ligation of the renal hilum is an easy and reliable technique that allows safe and fast control of the renal pedicle.

The Time of Spontaneous Resolution of Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis (MNE) Is Familial.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether or not the age of spontaneous resolution of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) was familial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to more than 1,500 people, and 100 appropriate participants were identified from four referral hospitals. We included the participants who had MNE and whose parents also had MNE with spontaneous resolution. Then the association between the spontaneous resolution time of MNE in parents and that in their children was investigated. RESULTS: The mean ages of spontaneous resolution were 10.7 (10-30 years), 9.4 (6-17 years) and 10.9 (6-18 years) in participants, their mothers and their fathers, respectively. According to the statistical analysis, there was a positive correlation between participants and both their mothers and fathers (p < 0.05). In addition, it was revealed that familial MNE history based on first- and second-degree relatives, in addition to their parents, was also associated with the increased spontaneous resolution age of MNE (p < 0.05). According to our results, gender and parents' education status were not statistically associated with the spontaneous resolution (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: As a conclusion, the age of spontaneous resolution of MNE is familial. Although the exact reasons of spontaneous resolution still remain a mystery; further genetic investigations may be able to resolve this mystery.

Effect of percutaneous nephrolithotomy on renal functions in children: assessment by quantitative SPECT of (99m)Tc-DMSA uptake by the kidneys.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) on global and regional renal function in children. METHODS: In total, 40 children (41 renal units) undergoing PNL were included in this prospective study. All patients were evaluated using quantitative single-photon emission computed tomography (QSPECT) with technetium-99 m-dimercaptosuccinic acid ((99m)Tc-DMSA) examinations before and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: The mean age was 9.5 years (range, 3-16), and the mean stone size was 3.4 cm (range, 2-6.5). Of the cases, 39 (95%) were managed as being stone-free after a single session of PNL. After additional treatment procedures, 40 (97.5%) of the cases were managed as being stone-free. Of the 41 renal units, new focal cortical defects on (99m)Tc-DMSA scans were seen in 4 (9.7%) patients. Total relative uptake in the treated kidneys increased from 42.3% to 44.1%. The mean creatinine level before PNL was 1.18 ± 0.45 (0.8-1.6) mg/dL compared with 1.16 (0.7-1.5) mg/dL by the end of the follow-up period (not statistically significantly different, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PNL in children is a safe and feasible method for the maximal clearance of stones. QSPECT of (99m)Tc-DMSA confirmed that renal function is preserved or even improved after percutaneous stone removal.

Is routine ureteral stenting really necessary after retrograde intrarenal surgery?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the situations in which ureteral double-J stent should be used after retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with no ureteral double-J stent after RIRS constituted Group 1, and those with double- J stent after RIRS constituted Group 2. Patients' age and gender, renal stone characteristics (location and dimension), stone-free status, VAS score 8 hours after surgery, post-procedural renal colic attacks, length of hospitalization, requirement for re-hospitalization, time to rehospitalization and secondary procedure requirements were analyzed. RESULTS: RIRS was performed on 162 renal units. Double-J stent was used in 121 (74.6%) of these after RIRS, but not in the other 41 (25.4%). At radiological monitoring at the first month postoperatively after RIRS, complete stone-free status was determined in 122 (75.3%) renal units, while residual stone was present in 40 (24.6%). No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of duration of fluoroscopy (p = 0.142), operation (p = 0.108) or hospitalization times (p = 0.798). VAS values determined routinely on the evening of surgery were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p = 0.025). Twenty-eight (17.2%) presentations were made to the emergency clinic due to renal colic within 1 month after surgery. Double-J catheter was present in 24 (85.7%) of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Routine double-J stent insertion after RIRS is not essential since it increases costs, morbidity and operation time.

Categorization of intraoperative ureteroscopy complications using modified Satava classification system.

OBJECTIVES: To review our experience with ureteroscopy (URS) in the treatment of ureteral calculi and stratify intraoperative complications of URS according to the modified Satava classification system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 1,208 patients (672 males and 536 females), with a mean age of 43.1 years (range 1-78), who underwent ureteroscopic procedures for removal of ureteral stones. Intraoperative complications were recorded according to modified Satava classification system. Grade 1 complications included incidents without consequences for the patient; grade 2 complications, which are treated intraoperatively with endoscopic surgery (grade 2a) or required endoscopic re-treatment (grade 2b); and grade 3 complications included incidents requiring open or laparoscopic surgery. RESULTS: The stones were completely removed in 1,067 (88.3%) patients after primary procedure by either simple extraction or after fragmentation. The overall incidence of intraoperative complications was 12.6%. The most common complications were proximal stone migration (3.9%), mucosal injury (2.8%), bleeding (1.9%), inability to reach stone (1.8%), malfunctioning or breakage of instruments (0.8%), ureteral perforation (0.8%) and ureteral avulsion (0.16%). According to modified Satava classification system, there were 4.5% grade 1; 4.4% grade 2a; 3.2% grade 2b; and 0.57% grade 3 complications. CONCLUSION: We think that modified Satava classification is a quick and simple system for describing the severity of intraoperative URS complications and this grading system will facilitate a better comparison for the surgical outcomes obtained from different centers.

Categorizing intraoperative complications of retrograde intrarenal surgery.

PURPOSE: To review our intraoperative complications of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney calculi and stratify these complications according to the modified Satava classification system (SCS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 230 patients (119 males, 111 females) who underwent RIRS because of kidney calculi were analyzed. We documented and stratified the intraoperative complications according to the modified SCS. There are four grades for this classification: grade 1 complications include events without consequences for patients; grade 2a complications include events that could be treated with endoscopic surgery intraoperatively; grade 2b complications include events which were treated with endoscopic treatment in another session, and grade 3 describes the events requiring laparoscopic or open surgery. RESULTS: Mean age was 39.1 years (range 1-78). The stone-free rate after one session was 81%. Intraoperative complications were recorded in 30.4% of the patients. According to the modified SCS, grade 1 complications were documented in 15.9%, grade 2a complications were documented in 5.6%, and grade 2b complications were documented in 8.9% of the patients. Grade 3 complications were not detected in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: In our opinion, the modified SCS can facilitate patients to understand the safety of this surgery and can make it easier to compare the results of different institutes and surgeons.

In vivo porcine model for practicing retrograde intrarenal surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the feasibility of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in a porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female pigs (n = 3) were placed in a dorsal lithotomy position under general anesthesia, and stone material was inserted into the renal pelvis of the pigs. The bladder was entered with a cystoscope, and a 0.038-inch hydrophilic guidewire was passed into the renal pelvis. Following successful placement of the guidewire, a ureteral access sheath (9.5/11.5 Fr) was placed to allow for optimal visualization. A 7.5-Fr flexible ureteroscope (Karl Storz Flex-X2) and a 200-µm laser fiber were used for lithotripsy. When basketing was deemed necessary, zero-tipped nitinol stone baskets were used. Trainees then practiced all these manipulations on the model. RESULTS: Urologists with moderate experience in advanced endourologic surgery were trained using this model. However, there were some surgical difficulties due to the urinary system anatomy of the pig. Intravaginal location of the urethra, bladder neck location of the ureters, tight ureteric orifices, tortuous ureters, longitudinally elongated renal pelvis, narrow infundibulopelvic angle and shallow calices made the passage of the instruments and maneuverability of the flexible ureteroscope more difficult than in a human model. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some difficulties, our porcine model was very effective, because all the trainees successfully practiced the RIRS manipulations on this model.

Evaluation of the pathologic results of prostate biopsies in terms of age, Gleason score and PSA level: our experience and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pathologic and clinic results of our large series of transrectal prostate biopsies in relation to Gleason score, age and PSA level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the pathologic results of transrectal prostate biopsies performed because of high PSA levels and abnormal digital rectal examination findings between January 2008 and February 2012. RESULTS: The pathologic result of 835 prostate biopsies was benign in 82.2% and malign in 17.8%. Furthermore in 3.7% high grade PIN (Prostatic Intraepitelial Neoplasia) or ASAP (Atypical Small Acinar Proliferation) was shown. In the interval of total PSA values between 4 and 10 ng/dl, that is thw so-called grey zone, cancer detection rate was 12.4%. There was a significant relationship between cancer detection and cancer stage at all high levels of PSA also in the grey zone. The most common Gleason score observed was 3 + 3 wirh a rate of 7.4% whereas the second most commonly observed scare was 3 + 4 with a rate of 2.5%. In the patients with abnormal digital rectal examination findings but normal PSA levels according to age the cancer detection rate was 8.7%, in patients with only high PSA levels the rate was 41.2% and in the patients with both high PSA levels and abnormal digital rectal examination findings. the rate was 49.3%. CONCLUSION: Our study underlines the relationship between age, PSA level and pathologic stage of prostate cancer and also the importance of digital rectal examination.

Relationship between psoriasis and urolithiasis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether patients with psoriasis are prone to urolithiasis. Prospective analysis of 67 patients diagnosed as psoriasis (PS group) and 65 volunteers who had never been diagnosed as psoriasis (NPS group) was performed. The levels of oxalate, citrate, calcium, uric acid, magnesium, creatinine, and sodium were evaluated by analyzing the 24-h urine samples. Stone events were detected in 13 patients (19.4%) in the PS group and in five participants (7.7%) in the NPS group, respectively (P < 0.05). The median value of 24-h citrate was significantly lower in the PS group than in the NPS group (P = 0.029). The median value of 24-h urine uric acid was significantly higher in the PS group than the NPS group (P = 0.005). Hypernatriuria was significantly higher in the PS group (P = 0.027). Hyperuricosuria was detected in the 10.4% and 1.5% of patients who had severe and mild disease, respectively (P = 0.027). Patients with psoriasis are more prone to urolithiasis. Hypocitraturia, hyperuricosuria, and hypernatriuria were the main metabolic abnormalities detected in psoriasis. Hyperuricosuria has been associated with the severity of the disease.

The role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of granulomatous prostatitis mimicking prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Aimed to investigate the role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) in the diagnosis of granulomatous prostatitis caused by intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). METHODS: In this prospective, single-center study, 10 male patients who were given intravesical BCG due to intermediate- and high-risk bladder cancer were included. Before transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURB), all patients were evaluated by mp-MRI, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and digital rectal examination (DRE). Serum PSA levels and DRE findings were evaluated before and after intravesical BCG treatment. Prostate mp-MRI was performed for patients with elevated levels of serum PSA and/or with abnormal DRE findings. Then, MRI fusion + systematic prostate biopsy was performed. Demographic data of the patients before and after intravesical BCG were compared. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 66.9 years (55-87 years). While PSA was 1.7 ng/ml before intravesical BCG treatment, it was 4.3 ng/ml after intravesical BCG treatment (p = 0.005). PSA density (PSAD) was 0.04 and 0.10 before and after the treatment, respectively (p = 0.012). DRE findings of all patients were normal before the treatment. However, abnormal findings were detected in 80% of them after the treatment (p = 0.008). PI-RADS ≥ 3 lesions were found to be significantly higher in all patients after intravesical BCG (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Granulomatous prostatitis is a rare complication of intravesical BCG. High PSA, abnormal DRE, and PI-RADS ≥ 3 lesions detected after intravesical BCG should suggest granulomatous prostatitis and unnecessary biopsies may be avoided.

Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Metachronous Contralateral Adrenal Metastasis from Oligometastatic Renal Cell Cancer: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: The definition of oligometastasis is still controversial. Cytoreductive nephrectomy and metastasectomy are important approaches in selected patients with oligometastasis for improving survival. We aimed to present our laparoscopic metastasectomy experience in a rare case of contralateral adrenal metastasis in an oligometastatic kidney tumor. CASE REPORT: A 52-year-old male patient was admitted to our clinic with the diagnosis of an incidental right renal mass. On contrast-enhanced abdominal CT revealed a mass reaching approximately 8 cm in diameter in the right kidney located in the middle pole. On contrast-enhanced thorax, CT showed a metastatic lesion in the left main bronchus bifurcation. The patient underwent an open radical nephrectomy with the diagnosis of an oligometastatic right renal mass. His pathology was reported as clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The patient was referred to the medical oncology clinic for immunotherapy. The metastatic lesion in the lung completely regressed in the follow-up of the patient who was started on Chek point inhibitors. However, he was referred to our clinic after an incidental metachronous mass was detected in the contralateral left adrenal in FDG PET/CT (SUVmax: 6.7) in 1st year. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI was performed to reevaluate and for mass characterization, and a 4 cm mass was observed in the left contralateral adrenal. Laparoscopic metastasectomy was performed for the left adrenal mass. No recurrence or adrenal insufficiency developed in the 6-month follow-up after discharge. CONCLUSION: Transperitoneal adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive method that can be safely performed in metastatic adrenal masses. Although contralateral adrenal metastasis is rare in ccRCC, it should be kept in mind that adrenal metastasis may develop in the late period in patients with a history of renal cancer.

The impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on urinalysis parameters.

BACKGROUND: Creatinine elevation and changes in urinalyse parameters may be seen due to acute kidney injury during COVID-19. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the changes in urinalysis of COVID-19 patients with normal kidney function. METHODS: The data of COVID-19 patients with normal renal functions were retrospectively analyzed. Urinalysis parameters of these patients were recorded. The patients were divided into three groups as mild, moderate and severe with respect to the clinical course of the disease. It was examined whether the urine analysis values in the groups were different from normal reference values and whether these values were different between the groups. In addition, possible relationship between the urinalysis parameters and the clinical severity of the disease was investigated. RESULTS: There are three groups; mild (N.=40), moderate (N.=38) and severe (N.=42). Mean age were significantly higher in the severe group, while gender distribution of the groups was similar (P=0.033, P=0.091) Creatinine values of all patients were normal. There were 6.7% glucose positivity, 13.4% protein positivity, 5.8% urobilinogen positivity and 7.5% ketone positivity in urine dipstick analysis and these changes were all significantly higher than the reference values (P=0.008, P<0.0001, P=0.016, P=0.016). Pyuria and hematuria were detected in 8.3% and 9.2%, respectively. The urinalysis parameters and urine microscopy findings were not affected by the severity of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Glycosuria, proteinuria, pyuria and hematuria may occur during COVID-19 disease, regardless of comorbidity and renal dysfunction. However, these urine parameters were not correlated with the severity of the disease.

Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy and validity of biparametric MRI and multiparametric MRI-based VI-RADS scoring in bladder cancer; is contrast material really necessary in detecting muscle invasion?

PURPOSE: (1) To evaluate the accuracy and validity of the biparametric MRI (bp-MRI), including T2-weigthed image (WI) and DWI sequences, and the availability of an alternative to the multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI), for the muscle-invasiveness assessment of bladder cancer (BC). (2) To evaluate the diagnostic performance and agreement of readers with different experiences in the abdominal imaging of using both protocols. METHODS: Preoperative bladder mp-MRI was performed on 128 patients with a initial diagnosis of BC. Two sets of images, set 1 (bp-MRI) and set 2 (mp-MRI), were independently evaluated by both readers. Descriptive statistics, including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC), for VI-RADS scores were calculated using ≥ 4 as the cutoff for muscle invasion for each reader and image sets. Inter-reader agreement was evaluated using the Cohen's kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The sensitivity ranged between 90.3-93.5% and 87.1-90.3%, specificity ranged between 96.6-99.1% and 91.6-96.6%, accuracy ranged between 96-97.3% and 91.3-94.6%, and AUC ranged between 0.947-0.951 and 0.919-0.921, for bp-MRI and mp-MRI, and reader 1 and reader 2, respectively. No significant differences were shown in diagnostic performance for either reader between both the protocols (p = 0.238 and 0.318). There was excellent agreement among the readers in the VI-RADS scores, using both protocols. CONCLUSION: A bp-MRI protocol has a diagnostic accuracy comparable to an mp-MRI protocol for the detection of muscle-invasive BC using the VI-RADS criteria. Also, in both MRI protocols, the reader's experience does not appear to significantly affect diagnostic performance when using the VI-RADS criteria.

The effect of perirenal fat stranding on infectious complications after ureterorenoscopy in patients with ureteral calculi.

Objective: Perirenal fat stranding (PFS) is linear areas of soft-tissue attenuation in the perirenal space on non-contrast computed tomography. The present study aimed to investigate whether PFS is associated with infectious complications after ureterorenoscopy (URS) in patients with ureteral calculi in any location. Methods: The data of 602 patients with ureteral stones who underwent URS were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups as Group 1 (PFS not detected) and Group 2 (PFS detected). Gender, and age of patients, size, side, and location of the stone, operation time, double-J stent insertion status, perioperative ureter injury, postoperative infection after URS and related complications, and duration of hospital stay were compared. Results: While PFS was not detected in 530 patients, PFS was detected in 72 patients. The mean age, male/female ratio, side and localization of the stones, operation time, and perioperative insertion of the double-J after lithotripsy were statistically similar (p>0.05). The median stone diameter was smaller in Group 2 (9 mm vs. 8 mm) (p=0.033). Fever was observed in 30 and 38 patients in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (p=0.0001). Urinary tract infection was detected in 24 and 27 patients in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (p=0.0001). The urosepsis did not occur in any patients in Group 1, whereas 8 (11.1%) patients in Group 2 experienced urosepsis (p=0.0001). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, patients with ureteral stones accompanied by PFS are much more prone to ureteral injuries and infectious complications such as urinary tract infection, fever, and sepsis after URS.