Survival outcomes of patients treated with local therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer with high prostate-specific antigen concentrations.

BACKGROUND: Patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer (nmPCa) and high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels due to the high likelihood of metastasis pose a clinical dilemma regarding their optimal treatment and long-term outcomes after initial local therapy. We aimed to evaluate the oncologic outcomes of patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiotherapy (RT) for nmPCa with high PSA levels. METHODS: We queried the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to identify patients diagnosed with nmPCa who received RP or RT from 2004 through 2015. We included nmPCa patients with high PSA levels categorized as ≥50 and ≥98 ng/mL, the highest level recorded in SEER. We used the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards to analyze cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: We included 6177 patients with nmPCa and PSA ≥ 50 ng/mL at diagnosis; 1698 (27%) had PSA ≥ 98 ng/mL. Of these, 1658 (26.8%) underwent RP and 4519 (73.16%) patients received primary RT. Within a median of 113 months (interquartile range 74-150 months), the 5- and 10-year CSS estimates were 92.3% and 81.5% respectively; 10-year OS was 61%. In the PSA ≥ 98 ng/mL subgroup 5- and 10-year CSS estimates were 89.2% and 76%, respectively. In multivariable analyses for CSS, ISUP grade group (p < 0.001), N stage (p < 0.001), treatment with RP (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43-0.83, p < 0.001), and patient's age (p < 0.05) were associated with improved CSS. In the whole cohort of patients with PSA ≥ 50 ng/mL and RP subgroup, PSA failed to retain its independent prognostic value for CSS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with local therapy for nmPCa with very high PSA at diagnosis have relatively good long-term oncological outcomes. Therefore, among well-selected patients with nmPCa, high PSA levels alone should not preclude the use of radical local therapy. Potential selection bias limits inferences about the relative effectiveness of specific local therapies in this setting.

Basic Parameters of Blood Count, Serum Sodium, and Creatinine as Prognostic Factors for Renal Cell Carcinoma at Five-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND Several nomograms were developed for predicting the potential recurrence and cancer death risk in renal cell carcinoma patients. The combination of TNM classification and appropriately selected clinical classifiers allows for the creation of simple and effective risk calculators. MATERIAL AND METHODS There were 230 patients with renal cell cancer enrolled in this study. Basic parameters of blood count, serum creatinine and sodium concentrations, and histopathological features of the tumors were analyzed. A determination of whether any of the tested parameters could be used to assess the prognosis of kidney cancer was performed. RESULTS When the platelet cell count (PLT) increased by 10 thousand/µL, the risk of metastasis was higher by 5%, and cancer recurrence and death by 10%. A low-risk recurrence group was identified: T1b, PLT <230, Na of 140.6 mmol/L. A high-risk recurrence group was identified: T3a, PLT >280, Na of 143.4 mmol/L. A low-risk cancer specific mortality group was identified: T2a, absence of metastases, preoperative creatinine level of 85.6 µmol/L, and the value of PLT 227.0×103. A high-risk cancer specific mortality group was identified: T3a, the presence of metastases in the lungs (M), serum creatinine before treatment level of 97.9 µmol/L, and the value of PLT 299.5×10³. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative PLT, serum sodium, and tumor staging were independent risk factors for local recurrence. Blood PLT, serum sodium, creatinine, and tumor staging were useful indicators for estimating 5-year cancer specific survival.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy with Amplatz and Alken Dilators: An Eight-Year Single Tertiary Care Centre Experience.

BACKGROUND Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is the standard procedure for patients with renal stones over 2 cm in diameter. We analyzed complications after this procedure focusing on two different methods of tract dilation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between August 2008 and April 2016 222 percutaneous nephrolithotomies were performed in a total of 208 patients. The Group I (n=123) comprised patients where Alken dilatators were used, while Group II (n=99) comprised patients where Amplatz dilators were used. Efficacy was examined based on ultrasound and x-ray examination one month after the procedure. Complications were recorded using Clavien Dindo classification. RESULTS Efficacy was 85.3% and 86.8% in group I and II, respectively (p=0.77). Grade I complications were present in 14.6% and 3%, grade II were present in 9.7% and 8%, grade IIIa were present in 2.4% and 2%, grade IIIb were present in 1.6% and 2%, grade IVa were present in 1.6% and 7%, grade IVb were present in 3.2% and 1% in Group I and Group II, respectively. These differences were statistically significant (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Efficacy was comparable between Alken dilator and Amplatz dilator groups. In group I, there were more postoperative fevers >38.5 °C and a higher rate of urosepsis. On the other hand, in group II we observed more pleural injuries. All differences resulted from the type of access to the kidney (inter/infracostal), punctured calyx, and utilization (or not) of access sheath rather than type of dilators itself.

Combined semirigid and flexible ureterorenoscopy via a large ureteral access sheath for kidney stones >2 cm: a bicentric prospective assessment.

PURPOSE: The international guidelines on urolithiasis state that the percutaneous approach is superior for kidney stones ≥20 mm. Nevertheless, several groups have reported high stone-free rates (SFRs) with low morbidity for ureteroscopic treatment of calculi >15 mm. We hereby describe a new technique including the combined use of semirigid and flexible ureteroscopy via a large ureteral access sheath (UAS). METHODS: The proposed technique includes (a) preoperative ureteral stenting, (b) use of a large lumen UAS (14/16F, 35 cm), (c) use of a semirigid ureteroscope, (d) holmium laser lithotripsy, (e) passive and (f) active fragment extraction, and finally, the removal of caliceal stones (g) using a flexible scope. We conducted a prospective outcome analysis for 38 patients treated at two tertiary university centers. RESULTS: Perioperative data were as follows: median cumulative stone size 24.5 mm (20-60), median operating time 95 min (50-205), post-operative ureteral stenting (2-35 days) in 33 patients (86.8 %), Clavien complications 2 and 3 in 7.9 %, primary SFR 63.2 %, and overall computed tomography (CT) controlled SFR after 3 months 81.8 % (including staged procedures). No late complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of semirigid ureteroscopy and an UAS further develops the endoscopic treatment of kidney stones. This is the first series of this kind that confirms high SFRs by CT. The approach has significant advantages: Superior irrigation and outflow enhance both vision and stone clearance, and multiple ureteral passages without putting the ureter at injury risk. These encouraging results make this modality an appealing alternative to percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

[The impact of smoking on diseases of the genitourinary system]. / Wplyw palenia tytoniu na choroby ukladu moczowo-plciowego.

The fight against smoking is now one of the priorities of the health system. This habit is one of the most serious threats of the modern world, both for health as also socioeconomic reasons. Smoking has a harmful proven action on the human body, causing cardiovascular, digestive or neurological diseases. Tobacco smoke contains more than 40 carcinogenic substances, thus is considered to be one of the major risk factors for cancer diseases. The threat of tobacco, is even more alarming, when we look at the number of people affected by this addiction. In Poland is addicted 27.2% of the citizens and what more staggering also one third of young people age 19 is smoking. In the urological matter, smoking is a issue in the etiology of cancer diseases of the kidneys and bladder. New publications are showing thattabacoo smoking has a prolonged risk in developing bladder cancer. More data also suggests that it is a riskfactorfor developing cancer of the prostate gland. Smoking also affects negatively the sexuality and male fertility.

Ten-year treatment outcomes including blood cell count disturbances in patients with simple renal cysts.

BACKGROUND: The simple renal cyst is the most common benign kidney disease. It may cause pain and hypertension, especially if significantly enlarged. As in polycystic kidney disease, blood cell count disturbances are frequently observed in simple renal cysts. The aim of our study was to assess such disturbances, changes in blood pressure, and complication rate in our patients undergoing surgery due to simple renal cyst in the last 10 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 210 patients with simple renal cysts were underwent surgery between 2002 and 2012. Two different kinds of operation were conducted: aspiration of cyst fluid with injection of sclerosing agent, and laparoscopic/retroperitoneoscopic decortications of the cyst wall. A control group comprised 134 patients with benign prostate hyperplasia. The following data were obtained: cyst burden, hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cells, thrombocytes, occurrence of pain, and blood pressure before and after the operation. Complications were collected and presented in Clavien score. RESULTS: Hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red blood cells were significantly increased in the experimental group. A positive correlation was observed between cyst burden and the parameters mentioned above. Of 91 patients with hypertension, 56 (61.7%) had blood pressure reduction after the operation. Treatment relieved the loin pain in 132 (88%) patients. Complications occurred in 15 (7.4%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with simple renal cysts have high values of red blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin. Treatment decreases blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Complications after treatment are rare and mild.

Novel hematological biomarkers predict survival in renal cell carcinoma patients treated with nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The association between novel blood-based inflammatory indices and patient survival has been reported with reference to various cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of preoperative platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with nephrectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 2003 to 2012, 455 patients who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy for RCC were enrolled in the study. The study endpoints were overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). RESULTS: The median follow-up was 70 months. Groups of patients with high levels of PLR, NLR and dNLR and a low level of LMR more often underwent radical nephrectomy, had a higher cancer stage in the TNM classification, and were more frequently diagnosed with tumor necrosis in histopathological examination. Both cancer-specific mortality and overall mortality were significantly higher in patients with high PLR, NLR and dNLR and low LMR. Multivariate analysis of CSS, adjusted for standard clinicopathological factors, identified only dNLR (p = 0.006) as an independent prognostic factor. PLR (p = 0.0002), dNLR (p = 0.0003) and NLR (p = 0.002), but not LMR (p = 0.1), achieved prognostic significance in multivariable analysis regarding OS. CONCLUSIONS: Only dNLR was an independent prognostic factor for CSS and OS. Nevertheless, our study indicates that all examined complete blood count-based biomarkers may be useful tools in managing RCC patients treated with a surgical approach.

Neutrophil-to-mean platelet volume ratio as a new predictor for overall and cancer-specific survival in patients with localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The present study investigated the prognostic value of neutrophil-to-mean platelet volume ratio (NMPVR) for overall (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients treated with nephrectomy for localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records of 344 consecutive patients who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy for M0 ccRCC were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the median NMPVR, the study population was divided into two groups: the high NMPVR group with NMPVR higher than or equal to the median, and the low NMPVR group with NMPVR lower than the median. Comparisons of baseline characteristics and laboratory and pathological findings were performed. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression model analysis were used to assess the prognostic value of the NMPVR. RESULTS: Patients with higher NMPVR values were more frequently diagnosed with advanced disease, tumor necrosis and higher tumor grade. The OS and CSS were significantly shorter in patients with NMPVR ≥ 0.41 compared to patients with NMPVR < 0.41. Inclusion of NMPVR in multivariable models of OS and CSS with other confounding variables determined categorized NMPVR as an independent prognostic factor for both endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment NMPVR ≥ 0.41 was associated with lower OS and CSS. NMPVR might be applied as a cheap and uncomplicated prognostic indicator in localized ccRCC patients treated with a primary surgical approach.

Mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio: a novel biomarker associated with overall survival in patients with nonmetastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma treated with nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Renal cell carcinoma is a highly aggressive malignancy that causes significant morbidity and mortality. The rising number of newly diagnosed renal tumors results in a great need to search for new preoperative markers to evaluate the course of the disease and to help select patients who would benefit the most from additional postoperative care. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio (MPVLR) in patients undergoing nephrectomy for nonmetastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total number of 344 patients with proven nonmetastatic ccRCC treated with radical or partial nephrectomy at our institution between January 2003 and December 2012 were included in our analysis. Based on the optimal cut-off value of MPVLR, which was determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve, our study population was divided into two groups, with low and high MPVLR. Differences in overall survival between groups were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank testing. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied to perform univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Study subjects with high MPVLR were older and had more advanced tumors. Tumor necrosis and higher TNM stages were also more prevalent in this group of patients. Mortality in patients with high MPVLR was significantly higher than in patients with low MPVLR. In the multivariate analysis, after adjustment for pathological and clinical covariates, high MPVLR (≥ 3.61) was independently associated with higher long-term overall mortality in nonmetastatic ccRCC patients. CONCLUSION: MPVLR is an easily obtainable prognostic marker for overall survival in nonmetastatic ccRCC patients treated with nephrectomy.

Effects of feminizing surgery for ambiguous genitalia - a novel scale for evaluation of cosmetic and anatomical results.

INTRODUCTION: Ambiguous genitalia always present diagnostic and therapeutic problem. Long-term results of feminizing operations are unsatisfactory in some cases and reports from follow-up after feminizing genitoplasty are rare in the literature. Systematic studies are needed to evaluate ultimate function of all girls undergoing feminizing surgery. In our opinion, the lack of worldwide-accepted scale for the assessment of long-term effects of feminizing genitoplasty, enabling the possibility of comparing outcomes between institutions and countries, may contribute to this deficit of reliable data. AIM: The aim of the study was the evaluation of the outcomes of surgical management of masculinization using a novel scale developed by the authors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 43 patients aged 3-24 years (mean age 15,4 years) operated due to ambiguous genitalia. Most of the patients were females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) diagnosed in 38 of subjects (88.4%).The patients were operated at the age from 10 months - 15 years (mean age 4,5 years). Five patients had to be reoperated. The effects of surgical management in ambiguous genitalia were assessed using our own scale. We evaluated five anatomical and cosmetic parameters (general appearance, size of pudendal labia, symmetry of pudendal labia symmetry, size and position of clitoris, size of introitus and position of urethra opening), each of them was scored 0-2 points. RESULTS: In 36 of examined patients the result of the surgery was considered good, in 4 patients - satisfactory and in 3 - poor. The most common complication of feminizing genitoplasty in our patients was stenosed vagina (in 10 patients, 23.8%). Location of urinary coil in anterior wall of vagina was found in 6 patients (13.9%) and in 1 patient it was invisible (2.3%). Post-operational clitoral enlargement was found in 3 cases (6.9%). CONCLUSION: Taking into consideration controversial data about the results of feminizing genitoplasty, a standarized, well-defined and commonly accepted scale enabling comparison between methods and institutions is necessary. In our opinion scoring scale makes the evaluation more precise and the results are more comparable.

A non-inferiority study to analyze the safety of totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: Totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (ttPCNL) becomes increasingly frequently utilized in the treatment of kidney stones. This procedure emerged as an answer for patients' needs to minimize hospitalization time, pain intensity and discomfort due to nephrostomy tube. However, ttPCNL may be less safe for patients, as without nephrostomy tube bleeding from renal vessels is potentially more severe. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety parameters of ttPCNL collected in a prospective manner. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a single tertiary care center, non-inferiority study with 2 arms (55 patients in each arm). The 1st group consisted of patients who underwent ttPCNL with the application of TachoSil® (Takeda, Osaka, Japan) as sealing material, while in the 2nd group, conventional PCNL with nephrostomy tube (cPCNL) was utilized. The primary goal was to prove that hemoglobin drop after surgery, as equivalent of safety, was not inferior than 1 g/dL. The secondary endpoints comprised visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, additional pain treatment and hospital stay. RESULTS: The mean hemoglobin drop after ttPCNL was insignificantly lower in comparison with cPCNL group (mean: -0.35 g/dL; confidence interval (CI) = -0.8, 0.21). Visual analogue scale of pain and pain treatment were comparable between groups. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the ttPCNL group. CONCLUSIONS: Totally tubeless PCNL can be considered a safe option after uncomplicated lithotripsy - what is important, it is characterized by a shorter hospitalization time. Postoperatively, pain intensity is comparable between both groups.

The Relationship Between Red Cell Distribution Width and Cancer-Specific Survival in Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated With Partial and Radical Nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of red cell distribution width (RDW) on cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients who undergo nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total number of 434 patients with pathologically proven RCC treated with radical or partial nephrectomy between 2003 and 2012 were identified in a single tertiary academic center. To evaluate the accuracy of RDW for CSS prediction, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted. Patients were divided into 2 groups, with low and high RDW, according to the optimal cutoff value, which was determined according to the ROC curve. The association between groups and CSS was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank testing. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied to perform univariate and multivariate analysis for CSS. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 2146 days. There were no differences between subjects with high and low RDW in terms of sex, age, body mass index, histological type of tumor, frequency of partial nephrectomy, and TNM stage. Patients with high RDW had significantly lower hematocrit, hemoglobin level, and red blood cell count. Tumor necrosis and larger tumor size were significantly more prevalent in the group of patients with high RDW. CSS was significantly lower in patients with RDW ≥ 13.9% compared with patients with RDW < 13.9%. After adjustment for pathological and clinical covariates RDW remained an independent predictor for CSS in a multivariable model for CSS. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that the RDW might be an easily obtainable prognostic marker in RCC patients treated with nephrectomy.

Estimation of the relationship between the polymorphisms of selected genes: ACE, AGTR1, TGFß1 and GNB3 with the occurrence of primary vesicoureteral reflux.

PURPOSE: Etiopathogenesis of VUR is composite and not fully understood. Many data indicate the importance of genetic predisposition. The aim of this study was to establish the relationship of selected polymorphisms: 14094 polymorphism of the ACE, polymorphism rs1800469 of TGFß-1, rs5443 gene polymorphism of the GNB3 and receptor gene polymorphism rs5186 type 1 AGTR1 with the occurrence of the primary vesicoureteral reflux. MATERIAL: The study included 190 children: 90 with the primary VUR confirmed with the voiding cystourethrogram and excluded secondary VUR and a control group of 100 children without a history of the diseases of the genitourinary tract. METHODS: The study was planned in the scheme: "tested case versus control." Genomic DNA was isolated from the leukocytes of peripheral blood samples. The results were statistically analyzed in the Statistica 10 using χ 2 test and analysis of the variance Anova. RESULTS: Any of the four studied polymorphisms showed no difference in the distribution of genotypes between patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux and the control group. In patients with VUR and TT genotype polymorphism rs5443 GNB3 gene, the glomerular filtration rate was significantly higher than in patients with genotype CC or CT. CONCLUSIONS: (1) No relationship was found between the studied polymorphisms (14094 ACE gene, rs1800469 gene TGFß1, GNB3 gene rs5443, rs5186 AGTR1 gene) and the occurrence of primary vesicoureteral reflux. (2) TT genotype polymorphism rs5443 GNB3 gene may be a protective factor for the improved renal function in patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux in patients with genotype CC or CT.

Application of Pneumatic Lithotripter and Holmium Laser in the Treatment of Ureteral Stones and Kidney Stones in Children.

Objective. Treatment options for urolithiasis in children include URSL and RIRS. Various types of energy are used in the disintegration of deposits in these procedures. We decided to evaluate the usefulness of URSL and RIRS techniques and compare the effectiveness of pneumatic lithotripters and holmium lasers in the child population based on our experience. Materials and Methods. One hundred eight (108) children who underwent URSL and RIRS procedures were enrolled in the study and divided into two (2) groups according to the type of energy used: pneumatic lithotripter versus holmium laser. We evaluated the procedures' duration and effectiveness according to the stone-free rate (SFR) directly after the procedure and after fourteen (14) days and the rate of complications. Results. The mean operative time was shorter in the holmium laser group. A higher SFR was observed in the holmium laser but it was not statistically significant in the URSL and RIRS procedures. The rate of complications was similar in both groups. Conclusions. The URSL and RIRS procedures are highly efficient and safe methods. The use of a holmium laser reduces the duration of the procedure and increases its effectiveness in comparison with the use of a pneumatic lithotripter.

Basic Parameters of Blood Count as Prognostic Factors for Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Background. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer. Taking account of morbidity and mortality increase, it is evident that searching for independent prognostic factors is needed. Aim of the Study. The aim of the study was to analyze routinely performed blood parameters as potential prognostic factors for kidney cancer. Material and Methods. We have retrospectively reviewed the records of 230 patients treated for renal cell carcinoma in the years 2000-2006. Preoperative blood parameters, postoperative histopathological results, and staging and grading were performed. To estimate the risk of tumor recurrence and cancer specific mortality (CSM) within five years of follow-up, uni- and multivariate Cox and regression analyses were used. To assess the quality of classifiers and to search for the optimal cut-off point, the ROC curve was used. Results. T stage of the tumor metastasis is the most important risk factor for early recurrence and cancer specific mortality (p < 0.001). The preoperative platelet count (PLT) above 351 × 103/uL (95.3%; 55.1%) and AUC of 77% are negative prognostic factors and correlate with increased cancer specific mortality (CSM) during the five-year follow-up (p < 0.001). Increased risk of local recurrence was observed for PLT above 243.5 × 103/ul (59%; 88%) and AUC of 80% (p = 0.001). The opposite was observed in the mean platelets volume (MPV) for cancer specific mortality (CSM). The cut-off point for the MPV was 10.1 fl (75.4%; 55.1%) and for the AUC is of 68.1% (p = 0.047). Conclusions. Many analyzed parameters in univariate regressions reached statistical significance and could be considered as potential prognostic factors for ccRCC. In multivariate analysis, only T stage, platelet count (PLT), and mean platelet volume (MPV) correlated with CSM or recurrent ccRCC.

The Usefulness of Determining Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Concentration Excreted in the Urine in the Evaluation of Cyclosporine A Nephrotoxicity in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome.

Introduction. The use of cyclosporine (CsA) in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome (NS) contributed to a significant reduction in the amount of corticosteroids used in therapy and its cumulative side effects. One of the major drawbacks of CsA therapy is its nephrotoxicity. Prolonged CsA treatment protocols require sensitive, easily available, and simple to measure biomarkers of nephrotoxicity. NGAL is an antibacterial peptide, excreted by cells of renal tubules in response to their toxic or inflammatory damage. Aim of the Study. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of the NGAL concentration in the urine as a potential biomarker of the CsA nephrotoxicity. Material and Methods. The study was performed on a group of 31 children with NS treated with CsA. The control group consisted of 23 children diagnosed with monosyptomatic enuresis. The relationship between NGAL excreted in urine and the time of CsA treatment, concentration of CsA in blood serum, and other biochemical parameters was assessed. Results. The study showed a statistically significant positive correlation between urine NGAL concentration and serum triglycerides concentration and no correlation between C0 CsA concentration and other observed parameters of NS. The duration of treatment had a statistically significant influence on the NGAL to creatinine ratio. Conclusions. NGAL cannot be used alone as a simple CsA nephrotoxicity marker during NS therapy. Statistically significant correlation between NGAL urine concentration and the time of CsA therapy indicates potential benefits of using this biomarker in the monitoring of nephrotoxicity in case of prolonged CsA therapy.

Influence of Orthodontic Rapid Maxillary Expansion on Nocturnal Enuresis in Children.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of nocturnal enuresis (NE) is multifactorial and has not been fully explained yet. New ways of treatment are constantly being investigated, including the rapid maxillary expansion (RME). METHODS: A total of 41 patients diagnosed with NE were divided into two experimental groups: A and B. Group A included 16 children who have been treated with RME. Group B comprised 25 children who have not undertaken orthodontic treatment. Children from both groups have been monitored in monthly intervals, during a 12-month period, towards the intensification of NE. The comparative analysis of both groups has been conducted after 3 years of observation. RESULTS: Statistical analysis has shown a 4.5 times increase of the probability of reduction of NE in the case of the treated group in comparison with the group of children who have not undergone orthodontic treatment. Unfortunately, the chance of obtaining total dryness diminished proportionally to the higher degree of intensification of enuresis at the beginning of the test. CONCLUSION: RME can constitute an alternative method of NE treatment in children, irrespective of the occurrence of upper jaw narrowing.

Sacrocolpopexy with polypropylene tape as valuable surgical modification during cystectomy with orthotopic ileal bladder: functional results.

Introduction. Urinary diversion is very often associated with urinary retention and urinary incontinence. In this study, a surgical modification during cystectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder is presented. Material and Methods. Female patients enrolled in the study (n-24) were subjected to sacrocolpopexy during the operation. Apart from oncological control, the follow-up consisted of 1-hour inlay test and questionnaires (UDI-6 and IIQ-7) in the 3rd, 6th, and 12th month after the operation. In the 12th month after the surgery, the urodynamic pressure-flow test was performed. Outcomes were compared with the control group (n-18) in which sacrocolpopexy was not implemented. Results. The study group was characterised by reduced urinary retention and improved continence. Conclusion. Sacrocolpopexy during cystectomy with orthotopic ileal bladder is a valuable surgical method which provides patients with a better quality of life.

Tension-free vaginal tape, transobturator tape, and own modification of transobturator tape in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: comparative analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study is a comparative evaluation of the TVT, TOT, and our own modification of TOT (mTOT) in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence from a single center experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 527 patients with SUI diagnosed on the basis of urodynamic studies. They were divided into three groups--TVT: n=142, (TOT): n=129, and mTOT: n=256. All of the patients underwent evaluation at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Results were statistically analysed and compared. RESULTS: Objective and subjective effectiveness after the surgery were not significantly different in the study groups and ranged from 90.1% to 96.4%. Mean surgery time was 32.3, 28.2, and 26.4 in the TVT, TOT, and mTOT, respectively. Mean hospitalization time was 2.51 days. Mean catheter maintenance time was significantly higher in the TVT than in other groups. In the TVT group total incidence of complications was 13.4%, and it was significantly higher than that in TOT and mTOT (9.3% and 8.6%, resp.). CONCLUSIONS: TVT, TOT, and mTOT are highly effective and safe methods in the treatment of SUI. There are no differences in the efficacy between the methods with a little higher percentage of complications in the TVT group.

NSS for an RCC in a patient with renal insufficiency after heart transplant because of right ventricular tumor.

The effect of the immunosuppressive therapy on the development of neoplasms has become the object of an ever increasing interest for clinicians all over the world. The literature on neoplasms development in the course of therapy following transplants has confirmed a considerable increase in the incidence of neoplasms of the skin and lymph nodes. Organ neoplasms developing in patients after transplants are characterized by increased progression, poor cellular diversification and a more unfavorable prognosis than in the general population The aim of the study is to present the case of a nephron-sparing surgery of a renal tumor (NSS) without any intraoperative ischaemia in a 55-year-old female patient with an orthotopic heart transplant and renal insufficiency following a prolonged immune suppression. It is estimated that the patients at the highest risk of neoplasm development are those in the first months after transplant, especially heart transplant. They require maximum doses of immunosuppressive drugs. In the case of patients with initial renal insufficiency the duration of ischaemia of the organ operated on should be minimized, and if possible, surgery should be conducted without clamping the renal pedicle. The surgical treatment of RCC (renal cell carcinoma) in transplant patients does not require any reduction in the amount of the immunosuppressive drugs.