Comparing the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and ureteroscopic lithotripsy in the treatment of proximal ureteral stones in children: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Ureteroscopic lithotripsy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy methods are commonly used in the treatment of proximal ureteral stones. There are no adequate studies showing which method is more effective in children. In our study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of two treatment methods, commonly used for proximal ureteral stones in children. METHODS: A total of 78 patients who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy (n = 38) and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (n = 40) due to stones located in the proximal ureter between 2010 and 2021 were included in the study. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Chi-square, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the demographic characteristics of the groups, except for the mean age values (p = 0.008). A statistically significant difference was found in favor of the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy group in terms of stone-free rates after the first intervention, complication rates requiring intervention, re-intervention rates, and the average number of anesthesia sessions per patient until stone-free status (p = 0.043, p = 0.009, p = 0.017, and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this retrospective study suggest that extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is the primary treatment option for single, non-complicated proximal ureteral stones.

Sextant Biopsy-Based Criteria for Clinically Insignificant Prostate Cancer Are Also Valid for the 12-Core Prostate Biopsy Scheme: A Multicenter Study of Urooncology Association, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Epstein criteria based on sextant biopsy are assumed to be valid for 12-core biopsies. However, very scarce information is present in the current literature to support this view. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the validity of Epstein criteria for clinically insignificant prostate cancer (PCa) in a cohort of the currently utilized 12-core prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) scheme in patients with low-risk and intermediate-risk PCa. METHOD: Pathological findings were separately evaluated in the areas matching the sextant biopsy (6-core paramedian) scheme and in all 12-core schemes. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the final pathology report of RP as true clinically significant PCa (sPCa) and insignificant PCa (insPCa) groups. Predictive factors (including Epstein criteria) and cutoff values for the presence of insPCa were separately evaluated for 6- and 12-core TRUS-Bx schemes. Then, different predictive models based on Epstein criteria with or without additional biopsy findings were created. RESULTS: A total of 442 patients were evaluated. PSA density, biopsy GS, percentage of tumor and number of positive cores, PNI, and HG-PIN were independent predictive factors for insPCa in both TRUS-Bx schemes. For the 12-core scheme, the best cutoff values of tumor percentage and number of positive cores were found to be ≤50% (OR: 3.662) and 1.5 cores (OR: 2.194), respectively. The best predictive model was found to be that which added 3 additional factors (PNI and HG-PIN absence and number of positive cores) to Epstein criteria (OR: 6.041). CONCLUSIONS: Using a cutoff value of "1" for the number of positive biopsy cores and absence of biopsy PNI and HG-PIN findings can be more useful for improving the prediction model of the Epstein criteria in the 12-core biopsy scheme.

Retrospective analysis of factors affecting sperm retrieval with microscopic testicular sperm extraction in infertile men with Klinefelter syndrome: A multicentre study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the data currently available on predictors of sperm retrieval (SR) in infertile men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). The data of infertile patients with KS who were evaluated for primary infertility in the andrology outpatient clinics of six centres were retrospectively reviewed. SR, fertilization and pregnancy rates were evaluated. While SR was achieved with microscopic testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in 57.7% of the cases, the positive pregnancy rate was 22%. While mosaicism was significantly associated with achieving pregnancy, it was not significant for SR (p = 0.002 and p = 0.136 respectively). However, receiving medical treatment prior to mTESE was a positive factor for both achieving pregnancy (p = 0.010) and successful SR (p = 0.032). Unsurprisingly, fertilization rate was a variable that increased the pregnancy rate (p = 0.001). In addition, total testosterone value correlated with SR (p < 0.001). For patients with KS, pregnancy can be achieved by obtaining sperm through mTESE, especially in those with mosaic karyotype, normal partner fertility, a high fertilization rate and who receive appropriate medical treatment before mTESE.

Effect of vesicourethral anastomosis technique on functional results in retropubic radical prostatectomy.

AIM: We aimed to compare the functional results of two different vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) techniques used in open retropubic radical prostatectomy. METHODS: A total of 476 patients including the first group with four-focus VUA at 12-, 3-, 6-, and 9-o'clock positions (n = 288) and the second group with six-focus VUA at 12-, 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, and 10-o'clock (n = 188) were included in the study. Perioperative data, erectile function, and continence status over a 12-month period were compared. RESULTS: Demographic and perioperative data were similar between two groups. The number of patients with VUA stricture in the first group was significantly higher those in the second group (5.1% vs 3.2%, P = .017). The mean time to stricture development was also shorter in the first group (48.9 vs 74.3 days, P = .002). The number of continent patients at the 6th and 12th months were higher in the second group (79.3% vs 62.8%, P < .001; 92.4% vs 81.3%, P = .032, respectively). There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of the number of potent patients (P = .194 for 6 months and P = .351 for 12 months). CONCLUSIONS: Better continence results can be provided with the six-focus VUA technique compared with the four-focus technique. The number of anastomotic sutures in VUA may affect functional results and can be a determinative factor for surgeons who focus on functional results as well as oncological results.

A new technique in the treatment of ureteroenteric anastomosis stricture: Repair of ureteroenteric anastomosis stricture with low lombotomy incision (retroperitoneal approach).

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Ureteroenteric anastomosis stricture (UEAS) is one of the complications of urinary diversion and may lead to serious consequences. In this study, we evaluated our UEAS revision technique outcomes performed with a low lombotomy incision in the lateral decubitus position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients who underwent surgical repair due to isolated right UEAS between January 2010 and June 2019 were included in the study. Anastomosis stricture was confirmed by ultrasonography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance urography techniques. Ultrasonography was used to detect hydronephrosis, which is a finding secondary to stricture. However, opaque urography imaging methods were used to confirm the definitive diagnosis of the stricture. Demographic and clinical data, preoperative and postoperative 3rd month serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and dynamic renal scintigraphy data of patients were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 49.7 ± 9.3 minutes. No perioperative complications were observed. While the overall stricture rate was 11.4%, the isolated right-sided stricture rate was 5.7%. Preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine values were similar. Preoperative eGFR value was 58.8 ± 12.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 and postoperative value was 53.5 ± 11.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 . T½ level decreased in postoperative period (22.3 ± 8.2 min vs 15.1 ± 4.3 min). CONCLUSIONS: Open revision of the UEAS with retroperitoneal approach provides lower morbidity rates and shorter hospitalisation time compared to other methods. The retroperitoneal approach is the main advantage of this technique and prevents morbidity caused by other techniques performed intraperitoneally and owing to it is an open technique, it can be easily applied in isolated right-sided UEAS.

Mechanisms and grading of nocturia: Results from a multicentre prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the pathophysiological mechanisms of nocturia and the correlation of these mechanisms with nocturia severity. METHODOLOGY: After approval by the local ethics committee, all patients with nocturia (≥1 nocturnal void/night) were included and filled the Overactive Bladder questionnaire, Nocturia Quality of Life, Incontinence Questionnaire - Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (male), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (female) and 3-day frequency-volume chart. Patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of nocturia: group 1 consisted of patients with mild (1-2 voids/night), group 2 with moderate (3-4 voids/night) and group 3 with severe nocturia (>4 voids/night). Comparative analysis was performed between groups, and P < .05 was deemed as statistically significant. RESULTS: About 68.1%, 64.1% and 8.7% of the patients had nocturnal polyuria (NP), reduced bladder capacity and global polyuria, respectively. 42.7% of the patients had mixed nocturia. 6.1% of the patients did not comply with the aforementioned subtypes and defined as isolated nocturia. Regarding the severity of nocturia, 155 (41%) patients had mild, 167 (45%) patients had moderate and 57 (15%) patients had severe nocturia. Increased nocturia severity was related with decreased quality of life; higher age, urinary tract symptom scores, nocturnal urine volume, evening fluid consumption and beta-blocker medication rates. Increased nocturia severity was also associated with higher NP, global polyuria and reduced bladder capacity rates. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturia mechanisms may vary between mild and moderate to severe nocturia groups according to the present study. Nocturia grading with identification of subtypes may help for better standardisation of the diagnostic and treatment approaches as well as for the design of future clinical trials.

Effects of mirabegron on JJ stent-related symptoms: A multicentric study.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effect of mirabegron 50 mg/daily for JJ stent-related symptoms after ureteroscopic stone surgery. METHODS: Medical records of 145 patients who were given a single daily oral dose of 50 mg of mirabegron for relieving stent-related symptoms were retrospectively analysed. Demographic and clinical data and stone parameters were recorded. All participants completed the Turkish version of the Ureter Symptom Score Questionnaire (USSQ-T) on the postoperative 7th day, and again after at least 3 weeks, before JJ stent removal. The severity of stent-related symptoms was statistically compared before and after the mirabegron treatment. RESULTS: The mean urinary symptoms score decreased significantly from 30.87 ± 9.43 to 22.61 ± 6.78 (P < .0001), mean body pain score decreased significantly from 21.82 ± 11.22 to 14.03 ± 7.52 (P < .0001), mean work performance score decreased from 10.50 ± 8.61 to 7.02 ± 6.51 (P < .0001) and mean general health score decreased significantly from 15.43 ± 6.50 to 11.12 ± 3.70 (P < .0001). The mean sexual matters score significantly decreased from 3.88 ± 3.40 to 2.48 ± 2.03 (P < .0001), the additional problem score decreased from 9.31 ± 4.61 to 6.51 ± 2.83 (P < .0001) and the overall quality of life (QoL) score decreased from 5.18 ± 1.94 to 4.23 ± 1.71 after mirabegron use (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Daily use of 50 g of mirabegron significantly improved stent-related symptoms, sexual matters and quality of life.

Nation-wide analysis of the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on daily urology practice in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To present a nation-wide analysis of the workload of urology departments in Turkey week-by-week during Covid-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY: The centres participating in the study were divided into three groups as tertiary referral centres, state hospitals and private practice hospitals. The number of outpatients, inpatients, daily interventions and urological surgeries were recorded prospectively between 9-March-2020 and 31-May-2020. All these variables were recorded for the same time interval of 2019 as well. The weekly change of the workload of urology during pandemic period was evaluated, also the workload of urology and the distributions of certain urological surgeries were compared between the pandemic period and the same time interval of the year 2019. RESULTS: A total of 51 centres participated in the study. The number of outpatients, inpatients, urological surgeries and daily interventions were found to be dramatically decreased by the 3rd week of pandemics in state hospitals and tertiary referral centres; however, the daily urological practice were similar in private practice hospitals throughout the pandemic period. When the workload of urology in pandemic period and the same time interval of the year 2019 were compared, a huge decrease was observed in all variables during pandemic period. However, temporary measures like ureteral stenting, nephrostomy placement and percutaneous cystostomy have been found to increase during Covid-19 pandemic compared with normal life. CONCLUSIONS: Covid-19 pandemic significantly affected the routine daily urological practice likewise other subspecialties and priority was given to emergent and non-deferrable surgeries by urologists in concordance with published clinical guidelines.

Investigation of genotype-phenotype correlation in patients with AZF microdeletion in a single-reference centre.

In this study, we aimed to elucidate the relationship between AZF deletion type and clinical information of azoospermic patients with AZF microdeletion in the Turkish population. Azoospermic patients with normal karyotype and AZF microdeletion were analysed retrospectively by collecting clinical data including hormone profile, demographic characteristics and micro-TESE results. As a result of the AZF microdeletion tests of 42 cases with 46 XY karyotype, AZFa deletion was detected in 3 cases, AZFb deletion in 2 cases, AZFc deletion in 31 cases, AZFb + AZFc deletion in 4 cases and AZFa + AZFb + AZFc deletion in 2 cases respectively. Spermatozoon was obtained in 16 cases with AZFc microdeletion with micro-TESE. Pregnancy was achieved in 2 cases. There was no statistically significant difference between the type of deletion and age, height, weight, body mass index, hormone profile and testicular volume. When AZF is evaluated according to the type of microdeletion, it will be appropriate to plan the medical and surgical options more carefully in a multidisciplinary manner in cases with deletions including AZFa, AZFb or their combinations. Also, genotype-phenotype correlation was found to be consistent with the literature; particularly patients having AZFc deletions were found to have a chance for pregnancy.

Comparison of robotic and open radical prostatectomy: Initial experience of a single surgeon.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to make a comprehensive comparison of the first hundred robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) cases of a single surgeon in a high-volume center. METHODS: Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative data were collected retrospectively. Perioperative, oncological data and functional results in the first year were compared between the two groups. There were 204 RARPs between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2019, and 755 RRPs between April 1, 2007 and December 31, 2019. RESULTS: While the operation time was in favor of the open group (117 vs 188 min, p<0.001), the estimated blood loss (328 vs 150 ml, p<0.001), blood transfusion rate (12 vs 2, p=0.021), and re-operation rate (6 vs 0, p=0.001) were in favor of the robotic group. Mean length of hospital stay (5.4 vs 3.1, p<0.001), urine leak rate (11 vs 2, p=0.033), complication rate (37 vs 16, p=0.018), and the 12th month continence rate (67 vs 85, p=0.002) were better in the robotic group. CONCLUSIONS: RARP may provide better perioperative outcomes and lower complication rates after the surgeon factor is eliminated in the early period. Since our case group includes the initial 100 patients, studies with larger patient groups with longer follow-up are needed to adapt these early results to general outcomes.

Impact of previous SWL on ureterorenoscopy outcomes and optimal timing for ureterorenoscopy after SWL failure in proximal ureteral stones.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the impact of previous unsuccessful shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) therapy on ureterorenoscopy (URS) outcomes in proximal ureteral stones and to define whether there is any optimal timing for safe URS after SWL. METHODS: The patients who underwent URS for proximal ureteral stones between the years 2015 and 2018 in eight centers were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to previous SWL history; group 1 consisted of patients without SWL before URS for the stone [SWL (-)] and group 2 consisted of patients with a previous SWL for the stone [SWL (+)]. Demographics, operation outcomes and stone characteristics were compared between these two groups. Regarding the complication and success rates, optimal timing for URS after SWL for the stone was calculated with receiver operator characteristics curve analysis. RESULTS: Totally 638 patients were included (group 1: 466 patients and group 2: 172 patients). The operation and hospitalization times, rate of ureteral stenting and complications were significantly higher in group 2. Stone free status was similar between the groups. Optimal timing for URS after SWL was calculated as 16.5 days (AUC = 0.657, p = 0.012) with a sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 72%, regarding the complication rates. Complication rates were significantly higher in patients who were operated before 16.5 days (27.7% vs 6.5%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The optimal timing; 2-3 weeks delay of the URS procedure after unsuccessful SWL may decrease complication rates according to our results.

Evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms in children with Down syndrome: A prospective, case-controlled cohort study.

AIMS: In children with Down syndrome (DS) which causes cognitive impairment and intellectual disability (ID), dysfunctional voiding is proposed to be more common than in the normal population. In this study, we aimed to compare the voiding symptoms of DS children with a control group by validated questionnaires. METHODS: Thirty-seven DS children without any previous urological complaints and 59 non-DS healthy children as control group was included in the study. Overactive bladder symptoms and dysfunctional voiding were evaluated with validated Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-V8) and Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score (DVSS) questionnaire, respectively. Data were arranged, descriptive and comparative statistical analysis were performed. RESULTS: Demographic data of the two groups were similar except age of completing toilet training being higher in DS group. Total OAB-V8 and DVSS scores were significantly higher in the DS group. The mean scores of questions regarding voiding frequency, urgency and urgency incontinence in OAB-V8 were significantly higher in the DS group. The mean daytime incontinence, urgency, urgency incontinence, and quality of life scores in the DVSS were also significantly higher in the DS group. CONCLUSIONS: DS children have more frequent dysfunctional voiding than the normal population. ID of these children may prevent the expression of these symptoms. Awareness and early detection of these symptoms are crucial to prevent devastating complications such as renal failure. Therefore, validated questionnaires are simple, useful, and noninvasive methods.

Predictive Factors of Ureterorenoscopy Outcomes in Proximal Ureteral Stones: A Multicenter Study of Aegean Study Group of the Society of Urological Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the predictive factors in a holistic manner for ureterorenoscopy (URS) outcomes in proximal ureteral stones by a multicenter study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of patients who underwent URS for proximal ureteral stones between the years 2015 and 2018 in eight centers were recorded retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups according to URS success: Group 1 consisted of patients with successful URS, and Group 2 consisted of patients with unsuccessful URS. The two groups were compared in terms of risk factors, stone, and clinical characteristics of patients. RESULTS: A total of 638 patients were included in the study. Group 1 consisted of 527 (82.6%) patients, and Group 2 consisted of 111 (17.4%) patients. In multivariate logistic analysis, the key risk factors for URS success was found to be age (OR = 0.980, 95% [CI] = 0.963-0.996, p = 0.018), stone area (OR = 0.993, 95% [CI] = 0.989-0.997, p = 0.002), and operation time (OR = 0.981, 95% [CI] = 0.968-0.994, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: To make the treatment decision of proximal ureteral stones, it is necessary to examine several parameters including available equipment, stone, and patient characteristics. Physicians should keep these risk factors in mind in the decision of treatment options.

Predisposing factors for erectile dysfunction and response to treatment in younger males: Are they different from those of older men? An observational-comparative study.

We aimed to correlate the predisposing demographic and clinical factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) in young men and treatment response in these men with data from older men. The patients were divided into two groups: <40 years (group I, n = 58) and ≥40 years (group II, n = 73). ED was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire, and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaire was used to evaluate mood status. The number of patients with morning rigidity and normal libido was higher in group I (70.7% vs. 16.4%, p = .039 and 72% vs. 37%, p = .047). The increase in scores other than IIEF-Orgasmic Function and Sexual Desire domain scores after treatment was higher in the first group (p = .029, p = .035 and p < .001 respectively). In multivariate analysis, the factors predicting the low IIEF-Erectile Function domain score in young men were testosterone level and BDI score (p = .026 and p = .034). Although psychogenic factors contribute significantly to the aetiology of ED, hormone profile is more preserved in young men than in older men.

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia infection outbreak in a tertiary urology clinic: analysis of influencing factors with a controlled trial

Background/aim: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-KP) infections encountered in urology patients differentiate from infections caused by other factors, both in respect to prophylaxis and treatment stage, and require a special approach. We aimed to analyse the predisposing factors and the antibiotherapies for CR-KP infection outbreak in a tertiary urology clinic. Materials and methods: There were 75 patients in the CR-KP positive group (Group I) and 146 patients in the CR-KP negative group (Group II). Analysis of the predisposing factors for CR-KP infection and comparison of the reinfection rate and the antibiotherapies in the 2 groups were the endpoints. Results: In the first group, age, comorbidity, previous antibiotic use, and nephrostomy tube rates were higher (P = 0.015, P = 0.001, P = 0.004, and P < 0.001, respectively). In the second group, open urological surgery rate, and the proportion of patients presenting with flank pain, lower urinary tract symptoms, and haematuria were higher (P = 0.029, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.007). In the first group, the proportion of patients treated with transurethral bladder tumour resection was higher, whereas, percutaneous nephrolithotomy was higher in the second group (P = 0.045 for both). While hospitalization and Foley catheterization duration were longer in the first group (P < 0.001 for both), double J stent and nephrostomy duration were longer in the second group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.005). Mean leukocyte count at admission was higher in the first group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Advanced age, comorbidities, previous antibiotic use, and prolonged Foley catheterization duration are predisposing factors for this infection in the urology department. Two-week administration of combination antibiotic regimens containing carbapenem were effective for the treatment of this infection.

The effect of Hydrodistension in combination with Pentosan Polysulfate on treatment outcomes and compliance in the treatment of bladder pain syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of bladder hydrodistension combined with pentosan polysulfate (PPS) treatment in interstitial cystitis (IC)/bladder pain syndrome (BPS). METHODS: In this study, 339 patients diagnosed with IC/BPS were categorized into two groups. The first group only received 300 mg/day PPS, while the second group received 300 mg/day PPS following bladder hydrodistension. The results were evaluated at the 3rd, 6th, and 12th months after the first dose using the interstitial cystitis symptom index (ICSI), international cystitis problem index (ICPI), visual analog scale (VAS), and female sexual function index (FSFI). RESULTS: PPS treatment started just after hydrodistension was significantly more effective than PPS treatment alone and combined treatment significantly reduced the rate of non-compliance such that, at the end of the 3rd month, 12.1% patients in Group-1 did not continue their treatment whereas only 1.9% of patients in Group-2 did not continue. CONCLUSIONS: The study results indicate that PPS treatment started just after hydrodistension yields significantly better results in terms of both symptom improvement and treatment compliance in patients with IC/BPS.

Do sperm parameters and infertility affect sexuality of couples?

We aimed to analyse the relationship between sperm parameters and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score, the testosterone (T) level in infertile men and between FSFI score and partners' fertility. Patients were divided into three groups; (group 1: azoospermia [n = 57], group 2: sperm count <15 million [n = 41], group 3: sperm count >15 million [n = 81]). Patients and their partners filled the IIEF and FSFI forms. The normality of the tests was analysed with Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Spearman's rho test, a nonparametric test, was used to correlate the data. A value of p < .05 was considered statistically significant. There was a positive correlation between the sperm count, other sperm parameters, morphology and motility and IIEF score, FSFI score and T (p = .037, .028 and .041 respectively). We found a positive correlation between IIEF score and FSFI score (p = .182). Infertile partners' FSFI score was lower than fertile partners' scores (p = .023). Male infertility causes severe sexual dysfunction in couples, and female sexual dysfunction increases in parallel to that of men. Male sexual function also tends to decrease with low sperm count. While the clinician evaluates infertile couples, psychological and sexual functions should also be evaluated and patients should not be deprived of appropriate treatment.

Analysis of recurrent urethral strictures due to iatrogenic urethral trauma

Background/aim: We aimed to analyze the effects of stricture location, etiology, age, and catheterization time on recurrence rate and recurrence time in patients who underwent direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU) for urethral strictures. Materials and methods: Patients were divided into three groups according to the location of the stricture: penile urethra, membranous urethra, and prostatic urethra strictures. Patients were also divided into three groups according to etiologic factors: strictures secondary to endoscopic procedures, urethral catheterization, and open or radical prostatectomy (anastomotic strictures were included in this group). Patients were also divided into three groups according to catheterization time: <2, 2-5, and >5-7 days. Recurrence rate and time data were analyzed according to stricture location, etiology, age, and catheterization time. Results: The recurrence rate was significantly higher in endoscopic procedures. Recurrence rate was significantly lower and recurrence time was significantly earlier in penile urethral strictures. Recurrence rate was significantly lower and recurrence time was significantly longer in short catheterized group than in the other two groups. However, first recurrence time was not different between the groups, while second and multiple recurrence times were significantly earlier in patients <60 years old.Conclusion: Patients are exposed to multiple operations as a result of frequently recurring urethral strictures. Although DVIU is an important first-line treatment method for strictures, alternative methods should be considered for frequently recurring cases.

How Does the COVID-19 Pandemic Influence Histopathological Outcomes for Urologic Cancers?

OBJECTIVE:  The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted all routine health care services and resulted in a significant reconfiguration of urologic cancer services and care pathways across the globe. This study aimed to retrospectively determine the pandemic's impact on the urologic oncological surgery outcomes at a high-volume referral center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the number and histopathological outcomes of urologic oncological procedures in a referral center coded during the pandemic and data of the period before the pandemic as control. Data were extracted from patient files and hospital records. The pathological examination included a complete histopathological staging according to TNM stage. RESULTS: A total of 683 patients were included in the study, 424 (62%) of which were operated in the pre-pandemic period. There was a 39% decline in urologic oncological surgical activity in the pandemic, mostly in renal and prostate cancer. The mean tumor size was larger in renal cancer patients who underwent surgery during the pandemic (5.6 cm vs 4.5 cm, p=0.002). During the pandemic, more lymph node involvement was seen after radical cystectomy and prostatectomy (50% vs 27.8%, p=0.024 and 12.5% vs 4.5%, p=0.026, respectively). No differences in terms of main pathologic features were observed in patients undergoing radical orchiectomy. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 appeared to adversely effect oncologic outcomes in patiens undergone surgery for prostate and bladder cancer. Tumor development induced by a delay in diagnosis may cause severe consequences for patients. Reprioritizion of non-deferrable urologic oncological seems crucial.

Postchemotherapy retroperitoneal residual mass resection for germ cell testicular tumors: a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) plays an important role in the management of advanced germ cell testicular tumors. Bilateral template lymph node dissection is considered a standard treatment in postchemotherapy residual masses; however, modified unilateral templates have gained acceptance in patients with unilateral residual disease. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the perioperative and oncological outcomes of the patients with advanced testicular cancer who underwent unilateral modified template PC-RPLND in our center. METHODS: This is a retrospective study in which patients who underwent PC-RPLND in a referred center between 2004 and 2021 were investigated. All patients had three or four cycles of chemotherapy and retroperitoneal residual masses. Data were retrospectively collected from medical, operative, radiology, and pathology records and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients underwent PC-RPLND. The mean age was 32.7±8.1 years (19-50). According to the disease stage at presentation, there were 39 patients with stage 2 and 18 patients with stage 3. The average tumor size after chemotherapy was 57.6±2.7 mm (25-117). The overall complication rate was 35% (20/57 patients). No grade 4 and 5 complications were observed. Pathologic review demonstrated the presence of teratoma in 28 (49.1%) patients, fibrosis and/or necrosis in 15 (26.3%) patients, and viable germ cell tumor in 14 (24.5%) patients. The mean follow-up was 69.4 months (8-201). During follow-up after surgery, 14 (24.5%) deaths occurred due to advanced disease. CONCLUSION: PC-RPLND is a major component of the management of advanced testicular germ cell cancer. Our study demonstrated that modified unilateral template is an effective and safe procedure in the postchemotherapy setting for selected patients.