Comparison of nylon-flocked swabs and cotton swabs in the detection of human papillomavirus infection in men.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an oncogenic virus and the commonest sexually transmitted pathogen worldwide. Appropriate sampling is an important factor in infection management. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of cotton swabs (CS) and nylon-flocked swabs (NFS) in sampling for HPV-DNA PCR testing in male patients with genital warts. METHODS: The study included men with genital warts who presented to the urology outpatient clinic of Antalya Medical Park Hospital. Before wart treatment, multisite sampling of the penis and genital area was performed separately with CS and NFS. The samples were analyzed for HPV-DNA using real-time PCR. RESULTS: The study included 45 men with a mean age of 32.1 ± 8.6 years. At least one HPV type was detected in all 45 patients with NFS sampling and 44 patients with CS sampling (total HPV types detected: 106 and 84, respectively). NFS sampling detected 52 high-risk HPV types in 37 of the 45 patients, while CS sampling detected 37 high-risk types in 19 patients (p = 0.029). NFS sampling also detected a total of 54 low-risk HPV types in all 45 patients, versus 47 low-risk HPV types in 41 patients with CS sampling. Multiple HPV types were detected in 30 patients with NFS and 17 patients with CS (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: NFS were more effective than CS for HPV-DNA testing in men with genital warts. NFS were superior to CS in detecting multiple-type HPV infection and high-risk HPV types. The use of NFS should be recommended for HPV-DNA PCR testing in men.

Evaluation of the optimal sampling approach for HPV genotyping in circumcised heterosexual men with genital warts.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes a serious socioeconomic burden globally. However, there is currently no consensus on the optimal sampling method for HPVDNA genotyping in circumcised heterosexual men. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic efficacy of 6 different anatomic sampling sites in HPV DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of circumcised heterosexual men with genital warts. METHODS: The study included circumcised heterosexual men who presented to our clinic with complaints of genital warts. Swab samples were obtained from the penile shaft (PS), scrotum, coronal sulcus (CS), and external urethral meatus (EUM). First-void urine (FVU) and genital wart biopsy (GWB) were also tested for HPV DNA by PCR. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients (mean age: 36.9 ± 6.9 years) were included. None of the six samples studied was sufficient on its own to reveal all HPV types detected in a patient. When the samples were analyzed individually, GWB detected an average of 49.5% of total HPV types in a patient. This rate was 50.5% for PS, 40.4% for CS, 31.6% for scrotum, 26.3% for EUM, and 15.8% for FVU samples. The detection rate increased to 75.8% with combined testing of GWB and PS samples, 83.2% with GWB/PS/CS, 90.5% with GWB/PS/CS/scrotum, and 98.9% with GWB/PS/CS/scrotum/EUM samples. CONCLUSION: No single anatomic region or sample type can detect all HPV types present in circumcised heterosexual men by PCR assay. The detection rate approaches 99% when wart biopsy is combined with swab sampling of the penile shaft, coronal sulcus, scrotum, and external urethral meatus.

A Single-Center Experience With Kidney Transplantation in Patients Who Had Low Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

OBJECTIVES: Left ventricular hypertrophy is one of the most typical cardiac abnormalities detected in patients with end-stage renal disease. In patients with congestive heart failure, the most crucial factor determining patient survival is left ventricular ejection fraction. Herein, we present our experience with living donor kidney transplant recipients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of <50%. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent living donor kidney transplant in our center between November 2008 and November 2021 and had pretransplant left ventricular ejection fraction <50% were included. All patients had dialysis the day before surgery. All patients underwent 2-dimensional echocardiograms after dialysis and were categorized according to New York Heart Association classification, pretransplant and on posttransplant day 5. Demographic parameters and additional data, including pretransplant and posttransplant day 5 New York Heart Association classification, left ventricular ejection fraction at 6 months, and graft survival at 6 months, as well as patient survival data, were analyzed. RESULTS: Our study included 31 patients (mean age of 46.6 ± 18.3; range, 11-77 years). We found significant differences in New York Heart Association classifications before and after transplant, indicating that kidney transplant had a positive effect on pretransplant congestive heart failure in patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (P = .001). The mean pretransplant left ventricular ejection fraction was 32 ± 9.9% (range, 1%-45%), whereas the mean 6-month posttransplant left ventricular ejection fraction was 52 ± 8.7% (range, 28%-63%) (P < .001). Both graft loss and all-cause mortality rates were 12.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Low left ventricular ejection fraction is not a contraindication for kidney transplant. We suggest that myocardial scintigraphy should be performed in patients with end-stage renal disease and low left ventricular ejection fraction, and kidney transplant should be considered in those without ischemic findings.

Association between selective serotonin and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor therapy and hematuria.

BACKGROUND: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are used as first-line treatment for many psychiatric diseases, especially major depressive disorder. However, an important side effect of these drugs is the risk of bleeding due to platelet dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of hematuria in patients using SSRI/SNRIs and to compare with a control group. METHODS: This study included patients who were followed up and treated with SSRI/SNRI in the psychiatric outpatient clinic of the Antalya Medical Park Hospital between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2021 and a control group comprising patients who presented to the medical check-up outpatient clinic between the same dates. Complete urinalysis was performed for all patients and the results were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Each group included 100 patients with a female/male ratio of 1. The mean age was 41.45 ± 13.47 (16-74) years in the study group and 40.51 ± 13.75 (20-70) years in the control group (p = 0.519). Mean duration of SSRI/SNRI use in the study group was 13.35 ± 1.32 (1-64) months. The prevalence of hematuria was 17% in the SSRI/SNRI group and 6% in the control group (p = 0.015). All cases of hematuria were microscopic hematuria. CONCLUSION: Hematuria is significantly more common in patients receiving SSRI/SNRI treatment. The use of SSRI/SNRI should also be taken into account when investigating the etiology of hematuria.

Comparison of spermiograms of infertile men before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been interest in the impact of both SARS-CoV-2 infection and pandemic-induced social restrictions on male reproductive health. This study aimed to evaluate the spermiogram values of men who presented for infertility during the pandemic compared with the previous 2 years. METHODS: Patients who presented to a urology outpatient clinic for the first time due to infertility were included. The patients' age, semen volume, and spermiogram results were recorded. Based on the presentation date, the patients were divided into prepandemic group 1 (March 2018-February 2019), prepandemic group 2 (March 2019-February 2020), and pandemic group (March 2020-February 2021) for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 594 patients were included. There was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of the number of patients who presented for infertility (207, 190, and 197 patients, respectively; p=0.691). The mean age was 36.6±7.2 in the prepandemic group 1, 35.5±7.1 in the prepandemic group 2, and 33.1±6.3 in the pandemic group. Patients who presented during the pandemic were significantly younger (p<0.001). There were no differences between the groups in terms of semen volume (p=0.910) or rates of normospermia and pathological spermiogram findings (p=0.222). CONCLUSIONS: In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no significant difference in the number of patients who presented for infertility or in their spermiogram results compared with 2018 and 2019. However, it is noteworthy that the patients were significantly younger during the pandemic than in the previous 2 years.

Comparison of spermiograms of infertile men before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been interest in the impact of both SARS-CoV-2 infection and pandemic-induced social restrictions on male reproductive health. This study aimed to evaluate the spermiogram values of men who presented for infertility during the pandemic compared with the previous 2 years. METHODS: Patients who presented to a urology outpatient clinic for the first time due to infertility were included. The patients' age, semen volume, and spermiogram results were recorded. Based on the presentation date, the patients were divided into prepandemic group 1 (March 2018-February 2019), prepandemic group 2 (March 2019-February 2020), and pandemic group (March 2020-February 2021) for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 594 patients were included. There was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of the number of patients who presented for infertility (207, 190, and 197 patients, respectively; p=0.691). The mean age was 36.6±7.2 in the prepandemic group 1, 35.5±7.1 in the prepandemic group 2, and 33.1±6.3 in the pandemic group. Patients who presented during the pandemic were significantly younger (p<0.001). There were no differences between the groups in terms of semen volume (p=0.910) or rates of normospermia and pathological spermiogram findings (p=0.222). CONCLUSIONS: In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no significant difference in the number of patients who presented for infertility or in their spermiogram results compared with 2018 and 2019. However, it is noteworthy that the patients were significantly younger during the pandemic than in the previous 2 years.

Evaluating the utility of the A.F. Genital System test for pathogen diagnosis in acute male urethritis.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the A.F. Genital System (Liofilchem® , Italy) in detecting pathogens compared with multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in men with acute urethritis. Men diagnosed as having acute urethritis between 1 April 2021 and 31 December 2021 were included. Urethral swab samples were obtained for A.F. Genital System and PCR testing in a randomly determined order. The efficacy of the A.F. Genital System was analysed by comparing the results of the two tests. The study included 83 patients (mean age 34.1 ± 11.3 years). A urethritis pathogen was detected in 69 patients (83.1%) by PCR and only 15 patients (18.1%) with the A.F. Genital System. The sensitivity of the A.F. Genital System in detecting acute urethritis pathogens was 21.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.6-32.8), and the specificity was 100% (95% CI: 78.5-100). Its sensitivity was 20% (95% CI: 7.1-45.2) in the diagnosis of gonococcal urethritis and 19.1% (95% CI: 11.2-30.4) in the diagnosis of non-gonococcal urethritis. PCR detected two or more urethritis pathogens in 9 patients (13.0%), while no polymicrobial infection was detected with the A.F. Genital System. Based on the results of multiplex real-time PCR, the A.F. Genital System had very low sensitivity in the detection of pathogens in acute male urethritis. It should be kept in mind that using this test in patients with acute urethritis may result in a high missed diagnosis rate for urethritis pathogens.

Prognostic value of HPV DNA in Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder: A Preliminary Report of 2-Year Follow-up Results.

PURPOSE: The association between the human papillomavirus (HPV) and anogenital carcinomas is well established. However, despite its anatomic adjacency, the relationship between HPV and urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) is less clear. Recent meta-analysis and case-control studies demonstrated a significant relationship between the presence of HPV DNA and UCB. The aim of this clinical study was to compare the 2-year follow-up results of HPV-positive and HPV-negative UCB patients to evaluate the prognostic value of HPV DNA positivity in UCB. METHODS: The study included patients with stage pTa and pT1 UCB who underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of HPV DNA between January 1 and November 30, 2018. Based on their PCR results, 19 HPV-positive and 38 HPV-negative UCB patients who had regular follow-up in our clinic were evaluated in terms of tumor recurrence and disease progression over a 2-year follow-up period. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, follow-up time, smoking, or tumor grade (P= .576, P= .368, P= .080, and P= .454). Tumor recurrence was observed at least once in 47.3% (n=9) of the 19 HPV-positive patients and 36.8% (n=14) of the 38 HPV-negative patients (P= .445). There was no difference in disease progression between the groups during follow-up. CONCLUSION: In our sample of UCB patients, the presence of HPV DNA was associated with a trend toward higher recurrence rate during the 2-year follow-up, though the difference was not statistically significant. No difference in disease progression was observed based on HPV DNA positivity.

Does the sexual function of the spouses change after the TOT procedure?

AIM: This prospective study aimed to evaluate sexual function in women who underwent transobturator tape (TOT) sling surgery and their male sexual partners compared to before the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included a total of 202 women with stress urinary incontinence who underwent the TOT procedure between April 2018 and February 2020, and their partners. All of the women completed the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire while their partners completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire before and 6 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Mean IIQ-7 and UDI-6 scores were significantly lower at postoperative month 6 compared to preoperative values (p < 0.001). Mean FSFI scores were 22.5 ± 1.7 preoperatively and 27.8 ± 1.6 at postoperative month 6 (p < 0.001). Pain score did not change significantly (p = 0.4), but there were significant increases in the other FSFI domains of desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). The partners' mean IIEF score was 50.05 ± 5.4 preoperatively and increased to 59.7 ± 6.8 postoperatively (p < 0.001). No significant differences were detected in erectile or orgasmic function (p = 0.16, p = 0.67), whereas desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction scores increased significantly (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: TOT surgery improves sexual function not only in women but also their partners.

Update on the Management of Urological Problems Following Kidney Transplantation.

Urological problems in kidney transplant recipients are not limited only to posttransplantation urological complications. These problems are a cause of significant patient mortality and morbidity that have wide-ranging effects on graft survival throughout the entire life of the graft. Ultimately, the transplant comprises a major portion of the urinary system; therefore, the transplant team should be prepared for foreseeable and unforeseeable urological problems in the short and long terms. These mainly include postoperative urological complications (urine leakage, ureteral stenosis, and vesicoureteral reflux), bladder outlet obstruction, and graft urolithiasis. In recent years, significant advances have been made in the management of urological complications, especially due to advances in endourologic interventions. The aim of this review is to summarize the management of urological problems after kidney transplantation in the context of the current literature.

Evaluation of the efficacy of masturbation on distal ureteral stones: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of masturbation on the spontaneous expulsion of distal ureteral stones 5-10 mm in size. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 128 men with distal ureteral stones were randomly divided into 3 groups. All patients received standard medical therapy. Patients in group 1 (n = 43) were instructed to masturbate at least 3-4 times a week, patients in group 2 (n = 41) received tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day, and patients in group 3 (controls, n = 44) received standard medical therapy alone. Rates of expulsion, need for analgesic, and ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The mean ages of the patients in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 37 ± 5.0, 37.6 ± 4.6, and 38.4 ± 6.8 years, respectively (p = 0.7). The mean stone size in each group was 6.93 ± 1.1 mm, 7.1 ± 0.9 mm, and 6.87 ± 1.1 mm, respectively (p = 0.4). Spontaneous passage rates in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 81.4%, 80.5%, and 43.2%, respectively, and were significantly higher in group 1 (p = 0.001) and group 2 (p = 0.001) when compared with group 3. Analgesic requirement in groups 1, 2, and 3 was 1.7 ± 0.6, 1.5 ± 0.6, and 1.8 ± 0.6 times per day, respectively, and was significantly lower in the tamsulosin group than in the control group (p = 0.004) CONCLUSION: Masturbation and tamsulosin increased the spontaneous passage of distal ureteral stones 5-10 mm in size. Masturbating at least 3-4 times a week was as effective as tamsulosin. Masturbation and tamsulosin also reduced the need for ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy.

Laparoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy: Experience of High-Volume Center with 2,477 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: Donors' health and safety are mandatory in the living-donor kidney transplantation procedure. Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LLDN) provides an increase in donor numbers with its benefits and becomes a standard of care. We aimed to explain the results, complication rates, tips, and tricks of the largest number of LLDN case series ever performed in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2012 and December 2019, 2,477 live donor case files were analyzed retrospectively. Age, gender, hospitalization times, body mass index, warm ischemia times, operation times, numbers of arteries, side of the kidneys, and complications were noted. RESULTS: 1,421 (57.4%) of 2,477 donors were female (p = 0.007). Operation times and warm ischemia times were found longer in right-sided LLDN and donors with multiple renal arteries (p = 0.046, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). Obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2) did not affect warm ischemia times while prolonging the operation times (p = 0.013). Hospitalization times and numbers of complications were higher in obese donors. CONCLUSIONS: LLDN seems to be a reliable solution with fewer complications and higher satisfaction rates. We hope to illuminate the way with tips and trick points for beginner transplant surgeons based on the experience obtained from 2,477 LLDN cases.

New Approach to Microscopy of Gram-Stained Urethral Smear: The Kissing Slide Method.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of microscopy of Gram-stained smear (GSS) for the detection of male urethral infection is debatable, especially in cases with low inflammation and no visible urethral discharge. This clinical study compared GSS samples collected with the conventional swab method and our new technique, the kissing slide method, together with polymerase chain reaction results to demonstrate the effectiveness of this new method in men with acute urethritis. METHODS: The study included 64 men who presented to the urology outpatient clinic with complaints of acute urethritis between October 2019 and January 2020. Two GSS samples were collected from each patient, first using the kissing slide method (applying the slide directly to the urethral mucosa), followed by the conventional method. The results were compared with polymerase chain reaction findings. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 37.4 ± 7.8 years, and 68.7% had no visible urethral discharge on physical examination. At a GSS threshold of ≥5 polymorphonuclear leukocytes/high-power field, sensitivity values were 60% (95% confidence interval [CI], 42.32%-75.41%) for the kissing slide method and 23.33% (95% CI, 11.79%-40.93%) for the conventional method. At a threshold of ≥2 polymorphonuclear leukocytes/high-power field, sensitivity values with the kissing slide and conventional methods were 80% (95% CI, 62.69%-90.5%) and 50% (95% CI, 33.15%-66.85%) in all patients, and 66.67% (95% CI, 41.71%-84.82%) and 20% (95% CI, 7.047%-45.19%) in cases without visible urethral discharge, respectively. CONCLUSION: The new kissing slide method is a noninvasive alternative method that may have better sensitivity than the conventional GSS sampling method in the diagnosis of male acute urethritis. Randomized studies are needed to verify these findings.

Evaluation of the Renal Arteries of 2,144 Living Kidney Donors Using Computed Tomography Angiography and Comparison with Intraoperative Findings.

OBJECTIVES: A carefully chosen and suitably prepared kidney donor is essential in living-donor kidney transplantation. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is an effective imaging method for evaluating the renovascular morphology of donor candidates. The aim of this study was to evaluate renal artery variations in kidney donors using CTA and compare the findings with the number of arteries detected during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 2,144 living donors who underwent pretransplant renovascular assessment using CTA and laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in our center between August 2012 and October 2018. The number of renal arteries to the donor kidney detected on CTA was compared with the number of arteries discovered intraoperatively. RESULTS: The mean age of the 2,144 living kidney donors included in the study was 47.19 ± 13.3 (18-87) years. According to CTA findings, 81.1% (n = 1,738) had a single renal artery, 17.2% (n = 369) had double renal arteries, 1.6% (n = 35) had triple renal arteries, and 0.1% (n = 2) had quadruple renal arteries. The same number of renal arteries were detected by CTA and in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in 97.9% (n = 2,099) of the donors. In the other 2.1% (n = 45), fewer renal arteries were detected intraoperatively compared to their CTA findings. None of the donors included in the study had a greater number of renal arteries discovered during nephrectomy than by CTA. CONCLUSION: CTA is a highly accurate method for the evaluation of renovascular variations in donor candidates for living-donor kidney transplantation. However, it must be kept in mind that double or multiple renal artery variations may be detected on CTA in 18.9% of donor candidates.

HPV infection in urology practice.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common pathogen of sexually transmitted disease worldwide. While HPV is responsible for low-grade benign lesions in the anogenital area such as condyloma acuminatum, it is also strongly associated with cervical, anal, vulvar/vaginal, and penile carcinomas. In addition to being an oncogenic virus, HPV causes a substantial socioeconomic burden due to the recurrence of benign lesions, the lack of a definitive treatment option that provides a complete cure, and the high cost of treatment. The global incidence of HPV infection is rising, especially among young and sexually active individuals; as a result, in recent years these infections have also become increasingly conspicuous in urology practice, both as incidental findings and primary complaints. The aim of this review is to evaluate the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment modalities of HPV infections in light of the current literature from the urologist's perspective.