A comparative analysis of surgically excised hereditary and sporadic pheochromocytomas: Insights from a single-center experience.

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor that usually originating from adrenal medullary chromaffin cells and producing one or more catecholamines, can manifest as hereditary or sporadic. While the majority pheochromocytomas are sporadic, hereditary forms are often associated with genetic syndromes such as von Hippel-Lindau, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, and neurofibromatosis type 1. This study aims to analyze data from our series of surgically excited pheochromocytoma patients and compare the characteristics between hereditary and sporadic cases. We retrospectively evaluated 33 diagnosed pheochromocytoma patients, documenting clinical features, surgical complications, and tumor characteristics in both hereditary and sporadic cases. Among the patients, 21% (7 individuals) had hereditary pheochromocytoma, while 79% (26 individuals) had sporadic cases. During diagnosis, hereditary pheochromocytoma patients exhibited a significantly lower mean age compared to the sporadic group (26.4 ± 9.9 years vs. 50.4 ± 14.0 years; p < 0.001). The maximum tumor size was also lower in hereditary cases compared to sporadic cases (p = 0.004). Adrenal tumor localization analysis showed that 63.6% were right-sided, 24.2% were left-sided, and 12.1% were bilateral. Laboratory analysis revealed significantly higher urinary norepinephrine levels in hereditary pheochromocytoma patients (p = 0.021). Our findings suggest that hereditary pheochromocytoma cases are characterized by a younger age at diagnosis, smaller tumor size, and a higher prevalence of multiple bilateral adrenal adenomas. We recommend genetic testing for all pheochromocytoma patients, particularly those with early-onset disease and bilateral adrenal tumors.

Should we review our prophylaxis approach for increased antibiotic resistance in transrectal prostate biopsy?

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to show the bacteriologic picture of acute prostatitis and bacteremia caused by infective agent after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSBx) and to determine the resistance rates of the infections in patients undergoing transrectal biopsy and to guide prophylaxis approach before biopsy. METHODOLOGY: The retrospective data of 935 patients who underwent TRUSBx between January 2010 to January 2019 were reviewed. Pre-biopsy urine cultures and antimicrobial susceptibility were obtained. Subsequently, patients admitted to the hospital with any complaint after biopsy were examined for severe infection complications. RESULTS: Of the 430 (61.7%) patients who underwent urine culture before the procedure, 45 (10.5%) had growth; 30 (66.7%) of the growing microorganisms were Escherichia coli. Twenty (44.4%) of all Gram-negative agents in pre-biopsy urine culture were susceptible to quinolone. Post TRUSBx bacteremia was present in 18.2%, urinary system infection in 83.6%, and hospitalization in 61.8% of 55 patients who were admitted to the hospital. In the isolated gram-negative microorganisms, fluoroquinolones resistance in urinary system infections was seen in 40% and bacteremia was seen in 70% of the cases. ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria were determined in 40% of infections in blood and 38.5% of urinary system infections in the post biopsy period in the current study. CONCLUSIONS: These high antibiotic resistance rates suggest that we better review our pre-procedure prophylaxis approaches.

Patients with testicular cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy: Compliance with follow-up in the first three years.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the compliance with follow-up in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) for testicular cancer at two academic hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study analyzed 104 patients with testicular tumors who had undergone surgery at least a year before and received ACT between March 2017 to March 2022. The mean follow-up was 29.2±16.2 (12-73) months. Patients were classified as fully compliant (100% compliance), moderately compliant (50-99%), poorly compliant (1-49%), and non-compliant (no attendance) according to their compliance with the follow-up schedule. RESULTS: At the end of the first year, 76% of patients were fully compliant. By the end of the second year, this number dropped to 50%. Furthermore, 25% of patients were identified as non-compliant in the second year and only 4.3% in the third year. When comparing patients who were compliant and non-compliant at first- and second-year follow-up, no statistically significant difference was found according to age, tumor size, disease stage, or ACT regimen (P=0.938, P=0.784, P=0.867, and P=0.282, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study showed that full compliance with follow-up gradually decreased over the years and that the factors examined were not able to predict this decrease. Prospective studies can help design individualized education and follow-up programs, considering each patient's tumor stage.

Job satisfaction, depression severity and quality of life ratings of perioperative nurses in robotic-assisted and laparoscopic surgery.

The rapid introduction of technological developments into healthcare systems adds another layer of complexity to the already demanding jobs of nurses, particularly for those working in perioperative care. In the present study, our primary aim is job satisfaction, whereas the secondary outcomes are psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL) ratings of perioperative nurses who take part in robotic-assisted and pure laparoscopic surgery. A total of 101 perioperative nurses in six different centers were included in the study. Fifty-one of the nurses were working in robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery and 50 of them were working in pure laparoscopic surgery. All participants responded to Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MJSQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and SF-36 QoL Measurement Survey. The two groups did not differ in their total MJSQ, BDI and SF-36 QoL scores (pMJSQ:0.066, pBDI:0.329, pSF-36-QoL:0.136). In addition, there were no differences between the two groups in their intrinsic job satisfaction and extrinsic job satisfaction sub-scores (pintrinsic: 0.473, pextrinsic:0.121). Overall, 18.9% of the nurses reported having moderate to extreme depressive symptoms and most of them (87.1%) had low to moderate levels of job satisfaction. Finally, QoL ratings was generally at moderate levels. Perioperative nurses who work in robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery do not differ from those working in pure laparoscopic surgery in terms of their job satisfaction, psychological well-being, and QoL ratings. In addition, across groups' psychological well-being, job satisfaction, and QoL ratings were not particularly high, suggesting that more attention needs to be paid to improving the work conditions of perioperative nurses.

Can the Mayo Adhesive Probability Score Predict Perioperative Outcomes in Laparoscopic Total and Partial Adrenalectomy?

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether the Mayo adhesive probability (MAP) score could predict perioperative outcomes in transperitoneal laparoscopic total adrenalectomy (LTA) and laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy (LPA). Materials and Methods: The clinical data of 139 patients who underwent transperitoneal LTA (n = 116) or LPA (n = 23) between March 2013 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the images obtained from preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, the patients were divided into two groups: the low MAP score group (0-1 points) and the high MAP score group (2-5 points). General clinical features and perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: In patients with a high MAP score, the mean body mass index (BMI) (p: 0.005), tumor size (p: 0.005), operative time (p: 0.002), estimated blood loss (EBL) (p: 0.001), and complication rate (p: 0.013) were significantly higher compared with those with a low MAP score. The comparison of the patients between the LTA and LPA subgroups revealed that operative time and EBL were significantly higher in both subgroups among the patients with a high MAP score. Moreover, the complication rate in the LTA subgroup was significantly higher in the high MAP score group compared with the other group. The Multivariate analyses revealed that a high MAP score was a risk factor for prolonged operative time (Odds Ratio [OR]: 3.081, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.284-7.398, p: 0.012), increased EBL (OR: 2.495, 95% CI: 1.114-5.588, p: 0.026), and complications (OR: 6.085, 95% CI: 1.532-24.171, p: 0.01) Conclusions: Patients with a high MAP score had a prolonged operative time, increased EBL, and a higher complication rate compared with those with a low MAP score. In addition, we found that a high MAP score was an independent risk factor for perioperative parameters and complications in patients who underwent LTA and LPA.

Evaluation of Sexual Function in Patients with Lower Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Comparison of Pre- and Postoperative Status.

BACKGROUND: Neuroregulation of sexual functions requires coordination of parasympathetic, sympathetic, and somatosensory neuronal pathways. The nerves formed by the lower lumbar plexus provide the innervation of the urogenital organs. Lower lumbar disc hernias (LDHs) might impair the neuroregulation of sexual functions by compressing the neural structures. This prospective study aims to evaluate the effect of lower LDHs on libido and sexual dysfunctions. METHODS: A total of 61 sexually active patients diagnosed with single-level LDH who underwent unilateral microdiscectomy were included in the study. The patients' healthy sex partners were included in study as controls. The International Sexual Function Index-5 (IIEF-5) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used for sexual assessment of male and female participants, respectively. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment. RESULTS: According to the FSFI scores, all 20 female patients had preoperative sexual dysfunction, which improved in 15 (75%) patients after surgery (p < 0.001). According to the IIEF-5 score for men, 38 of 41 male patients had preoperative sexual dysfunction, which improved in 26 (68.4%) patients postoperatively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The preoperative sexual dysfunctions of LDH patients improved significantly after the microdiscectomy.

Can near-infrared imaging distinguish a gelatin-based matrix granuloma from a malignancy in a kidney?

Aim: Differentiating granulomas from cancerous tissue poses a significant challenge in upper urinary tract surgery. We present the case of a 62-year-old male with a gelatin-based matrix (SurgifloTM) granuloma in the kidney following renal cyst decortication eight years earlier.Methods: Contrast-enhanced abdominal tomography revealed a Bosniak type-4 cyst at the previous operation site. The patient underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with near-infrared imaging.Results: The lesion presented as hypofluorescent relative to normal kidney tissue. Histopathological examination revealed a foreign body granuloma due to unabsorbed Surgiflo.Conclusion: The fluorescence pattern could not distinguish a Surgiflo granuloma from a malignant lesion of the kidney.

Male Urethral Stricture in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Urethral stricture is characterized by fibrosis that decreases urine flow. Metabolic syndrome is a complex disorder that causes fibrosis in many organs. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and appearance of urethral stricture and effects of metabolic syndrome on the recurrence of urethral stricture in patients with primary urethral stricture who underwent direct visual internal urethrotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-two male patients who underwent direct visual internal urethrotomy between 2014 and 2021 because of primary urethral stricture were included. Location, length, and type of urethral stricture, time from diagnosis to surgery, postoperative follow-up, time from surgery to recurrence, and postoperative follow-up duration with a urethral catheter were retrospectively analyzed and association with metabolic syndrome was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 50.48 ± 17.94 years. Recurrence was found in 34.1% and metabolic syndrome in 27.3%. Postoperative follow-up duration was significantly longer in patients with recurrence than in those without (P=.033). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of metabolic syndrome and postoperative urethral catheterization between patients with and without recurrence (P=.126, P=.714, respectively). Postoperative clean intermittent self-catheterization use was found to be statistically higher in patients with recurrence than in patients without recurrence (P=.018). Postoperative urinary tract infection rate was found to be significantly higher in patients with metabolic syndrome compared to patients without metabolic syndrome (P=.001). CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome was not associated with recurrence. However, postoperative urinary tract infections were more common in patients with metabolic syndrome than in patients without. Clean intermittent self-catheterization used postoperatively may increase the risk of stricture.

Selection for antimicrobial prophylaxis in emergency and elective transurethral procedures: Susceptibility pattern in Türkiye.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to determine the most appropriate antimicrobial agents for prophylactic antibiotic use during emergency and elective transurethral procedures. METHODS: The study was conducted in five hospitals located in five different geographical regions of Türkiye. The microorganism cultured in urine before emergency and elective transurethral procedures in these centers between March 2021 and March 2022 were reviewed retrospectively from the hospital records. Demographic data (age and gender) of the patients, comorbid disorders, previous urological procedures, anomalies of the urogenital tract, use of urethral catheters (permanent or clean intermittent catheterization), cultured microorganisms, and antibiotic susceptibilities were noted. The patients hospitalized or had antibiotics for any reason in the previous 1 month were excluded from the study. RESULTS: A total of 1450 patients, 742 men (51.2%) and 708 women (48.8%), were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 55.3±19.36 (1-98) years. Diabetes mellitus was evident in 271 (18.7%) patients. The five most common microorgan-isms cultured in urine, in order of frequency, were: ESBL (-) Escherichia coli in 418 (28.8%), ESBL (+) E. coli in 309 (21.3%), Klebsiella pneumonia in 183 (12.6%), Enterococcus faecalis in 124 (8.6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 89 (6.1%). The susceptibility rates to antimicrobial agents recommended for prophylaxis by the American Urology Association and the European Association of Urology guidelines were found as follows: cefepime 87.1%, ampicillin+sulbactam 84%, TMP-SMX 71.6%, amoxicillin+clavulanate 63.5%, cefoxitin 59%, ceftazidime 58.6%, cefuroxime 43.5%, ceftriaxone 43%, and cefixime 38.4%. CONCLUSION: We found that currently recommended antimicrobials provide poor coverage for the most common pathogens isolated. Urologists should consider patient-based antibiotic prophylaxis in endoscopic urethral procedures, follow appropriate proto-cols, and consider local antibiotic resistance.

Value of the newly developed pelvic dimension index/prostate volume ratio in predicting positive surgical margin in prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of pelvimetric measurements, in particular the pelvic dimension index (PDI)/prostate volume (PV) ratio (PDI/PV), in predicting positive surgical margin (PSM) in prostate cancer (PC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 127 patients who had pre-operative pelvic imaging were included in this study. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Apical depth (AD), interspinous distance (ISD), intertuberous distance (ITD), bony femoral width (BFW), soft-tissue width (SW), symphysis angle (SA), anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic inlet (API), anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic mid-plane (APM), anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic outlet (APO), pelvic depth (PD), bony width index (BWI), soft tissue width index (SWI), pelvic cavity index (PCI), PDI and PV were measured on MRI or CT. Using PDI and PV, we developed a new parameter of "PDI to PV ratio" (PDI/PV). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictive potential of variables in detection of PSM. RESULTS: The AD, PV, SA and total prostate specific antigen (PSA) were significantly higher in PSM( +), while PDI, BWI, SWI, API, PDI/PV and PD were significantly lower in PSM( +) (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, PDI/PV ratio and clinical stage were all significant predictor of PSM, where PDI/PV ratio was the strongest predictor, followed by clinical stage. CONCLUSION: Pelvimetric measurements indicating deep location of the prostatic apex rather than pelvic width are more effective in predicting PSM. Prediction of PSM with pelvimetric measurements, in particular PDI/PV ratio, may be helpful for surgical planning in preoperative period.

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.

Can HALP score, a new prognostic tool, take the place of traditional scoring systems in Fournier's gangrene?

PURPOSE: Fournier's Gangrene (FG) is a fatal condition, therefore prognosis prediction is a crucial step before treatment planning. We aimed to investigate the predictive value of Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte and Platelet (HALP) score which is frequently employed in vascular disorders and malignancies, on disease severity and survival in FG patients and to compare HALP score with well-known scoring systems on this aspect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-seven men who had surgical debridement for FG between December 2006 and January 2022 were included in this study. Their symptoms, physical examination findings, laboratory tests, medical histories, vital signs, extent and timing of the surgical debridement and antimicrobial therapies were noted. The HALP score, Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI) and Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) were evaluated for their predictive values for survival. RESULTS: FG patients were grouped as survivors (Group 1, n = 71) and non-survivors (Group 2, n = 16) and the results were compared. The mean ages of survivors (59 ± 12.55 years) and non-survivors (64.5 ± 14.6 years) were similar (p = 0.114). The median size of necrotized body surface area was 3% in Group 1 and 4.8% in Group 2 (p = 0.013). On admission, hemoglobin, albumin and serum urea levels and white blood cell counts were significantly different in two study groups. Two study groups were similar for HALP scores. However, ACCI and FGSI scores were greater significantly in non-survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that HALP score does not predict a survival successfully in FG. However, FGSI and ACCI are successful outcome predictors in FG.

Effect of the Ureteral Access Sheath Size on Acute Kidney Injury Biomarkers in Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the diameter of the ureteral access sheath (UAS) used during RIRS on kidney injury based on acute kidney injury (AKI) biomarkers. METHODS: This prospectively randomized controlled study included a total of 125 patients divided into three groups: group 1 (n = 52) in which a 12/14 Fr UAS was used, group 2 (n = 52) in which a 9.5/11.5 Fr UAS was used, and group 3 (n = 21) that was designed as the control group with no urogenital disease history. Urine samples were collected preoperatively and at the postoperative second and 24th hours after surgery and analyzed for AKI using the urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (uKIM-1), N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocain biomarkers. RESULTS: In group 1, there was no statistical change in any of the three AKI biomarkers at the postoperative second or 24th hour compared to the preoperative period. In group 2, the values of all three AKI biomarkers were statistically significantly increased at the postoperative second and 24th hours compared to the preoperative period while no statistical difference was observed between the two postoperative evaluation times. At the postoperative second hour, the uKIM-1 value was statistically significantly higher in group 2 compared to group 1 (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showed that AKI was not observed in RIRS performed with a 12/14 Fr UAS while the use of a 9.5/11.5 Fr UAS resulted in AKI according to the assessment of the related biomarkers.

Impact of Urinary pH on the Efficacy of a Postoperative Single Instillation of Mitomycin-C.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the urinary pH value on the efficacy of a postoperative single instillation of mitomycin-C. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Urology, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey from 2011 to 2016. METHODOLOGY: Patients newly diagnosed with low-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and given a postoperative single instillation of mitomycin-C were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic data and pre-instillation urinary pH values of the patients were recorded. All patients included in the study (n=117) were followed up for five years. The primary outcome was the time to the first recurrence. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of 87 patients with no recurrence and Group 2 comprised 30 patients that had recurrence during the follow-up. RESULTS: The mean pre-instillation urinary pH value was significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 (5.89 vs. 5.37, p <0.001). The receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the cut-off value of urinary pH in predicting recurrence was 5.25. The patients with a urinary pH value of 5.25 or greater had significantly higher recurrence-free survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: The patients with higher urinary pH before a single instillation of mitomycin-C had better recurrence-free survival. KEY WORDS: Bladder cancer, Mitomycin-C, Single instillation, Urinary pH.

Comparison of holmium laser enucleation with bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: Results of a multicentre study.

To assess the efficacy and morbidity of the holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The study included 60 (55%) and 49 (45%) patients who underwent laser and bipolar enucleation of the prostate respectively. According to the perioperative data, except for length of hospital stay and enucleated prostate weight, all the remaining parameters were similar between the groups. There were significant differences between the preoperative and the postoperative third and 12th month voiding parameters in both groups. In the laser group, the maximum urine flow rate value was better than the bipolar group at the postoperative third and 12th months. However, we did not find any statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the serum prostate-specific antigen level, International Prostate Symptom Score and postvoid residual urine volume at the postoperative third and 12th months. Our results show that both laser and bipolar techniques are effective minimally invasive surgical treatment options for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. When compared to bipolar technique, laser technique provides shorter hospital stay, more prostatic tissue enucleation and better maximum urine flow rate values.

The Impact of Ureteral Access Sheath Size on Perioperative Parameters and Postoperative Ureteral Stricture in Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery.

Objective: To investigate the effect of the diameter of ureteral access sheath (UAS) used during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) on operative parameters, perioperative ureteral injury, and ureteral stricture development. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled trial and included 320 patients who underwent RIRS. The patients were divided into two groups according to the diameter of UAS (9.5F/11.5F [Group 1] and 12F/14F [Group 2]) placed during the operation. At the end of the operation, ureteral injury was checked visually using semirigid ureterorenoscopy and classified according to the ureter injury scale. In the postoperative first year, the control CT urography images were used to observe newly developing ureteral dilatation. Results: There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of patient and stone characteristics, operative time, postoperative stone-free rate, and postoperative infection development parameters. In Group 1, 30 (18.8%) of the patients had low-grade and 8 (5%) of the patients had high-grade ureteral injury, while in Group 2, 44 (27.5%) had low-grade and 19 (11.9%) had high-grade ureteral injury (p = 0.013). In the postoperative period, ureteral stricture was found in 5 (1.6%) patients, of whom 4 (2.5%) were in Group 2 and 1 (0.6%) (p = 0.371). Conclusion: The results of our study showed that the use of a 12F/14F UAS in patients who are not previously stented increases the risk of high-grade ureteral injuries; however, despite this increase there is no difference in ureteral stricture formation.

A multicenter-based critical analysis of laser settings during intrarenal laser lithotripsy by the Turkish academy of urology prospective study group (ACUP study).

OBJECTIVE: In this multicenter prospective study, we aimed to evaluate the use of holmium:yttrium-- aluminum-garnet laser during retrograde intrarenal surgery for kidney stones and the relationship between laser-related parameters and procedure-related perioperative parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The 769 patients whose laser setting parameters (fiber thickness, number of shots, frequency (max.), laser power (max.), and total energy) were completely registered were included in this study program. The intraoperative ureteral lesions were evaluated using postureteroscopic lesion scale (PULS) scores and the postoperative complications with the modified Clavien-Dindo classification system. RESULTS: The maximum levels of laser power and the frequency were used in the middle calyceal stones; the value of total energy consumed was found to be higher gain in cases with multiple stones (all parameters P < .05). There was a significant positive correlation among (mean number of shots [P < .001, r » 0.46], frequency [P » .009, r » 0.1], maximum power [P < .001, r » 0.11], total energy [P < .001, r » 0.25]), anesthesia time (P < .001, r » 0.42), surgery time (P < .001, r » 0.47), and stone size. The mean number of shots increased (P < .001, r » 0.25), and the frequency level decreased (P < .001, r » -0.17) significantly with increasing Hounsfield unit (HU) values. Again, the mean number of shots and maximum laser power increased in correlation with the increasing hospitalization time (P » .004, r » 0.09 and P » .02, r » 0.07, respectively). In addition, it was observed that higher laser subparameter values and thicker fibers were used in PULS grade 2. CONCLUSION: As the stone size and HU values increased, laser-setting parameters were found to show significant variability. The increase in different parameters of the laser setting was found to be associated with longer anesthesia time, surgery time, and hospitalization period and increased risk of local trauma with PULS grade.

What is the role of inflammatory markers in predicting spontaneous ureteral stone passage?

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of inflammatory markers in predicting the spontaneous passage of ureteral stones. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 279 patients with ureteral stones sized 4-10 mm that were managed conservatively. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of 137 patients who passed the stone spontaneously; Group 2 comprised 142 patients without spontaneous stone passage. The groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests. In addition, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the significance of the parameters. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 41.2 years. The patients in Group 1 had a significantly lower mean stone size, white blood cell count and neutrophil count. In addition, stone location, presence of hydronephrosis and history of urolithiasis were significantly different between the groups. Neutrophil percentage, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were insignificantly lower in Group 1. In a multivariate analysis, stone size, distal location and hydronephrosis status significantly predicted the spontaneous stone passage. However, inflammatory markers including white blood cell count, neutrophil count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio could not determine the likelihood of spontaneous stone passage. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that inflammatory markers are no meaningful parameters for the prediction of spontaneous stone passage.

Evaluation of factors associated with the detection of incidental prostate cancer after open prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

We aimed to evaluate the incidental prostate cancer (PCa) rate and predictive factors in patients who underwent open prostatectomy (OP) with a pre-diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study included patients with a pre-diagnosis of BPH, who underwent OP due to symptomatic prostate enlargement. Our database included age, medications, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), free/total PSA ratio, PSA density, digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate volume, serum neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and histopathological results after OP. Of the 430 patients that underwent OP, 406 (94.4%) with a benign pathological diagnosis were evaluated as the benign group and 24 (5.6%) detected to have PCa constituted the incidental PCa group. The rate of incidental PCa was much higher in the elderly patients. The cut-off value of age was 71.5 years in the PCa group according to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. According to the multivariate analysis, DRE and the presence of MetS were effective in predicting PCa (p < .001 and p = .031, respectively). DRE was found 16 times more effective and MetS was 2.8 times more effective than the other parameters. Our results showed that DRE and the presence of MetS could be useful predictive factors of incidental PCa in OP.