Understanding the Male Perspective: Evaluating Quality of Life and Psychological Distress in Serbian Men Undergoing Infertility Treatment.

The experience of an infertility diagnosis and treatment imposes a profound burden on affected individuals, encompassing not only physical and medical aspects but also a plethora of psychological, social, and emotional factors. By employing a multimodal assessment featuring validated self-report questionnaires, physical measurements, and clinical records, the present study aimed to explore the quality of life and psycho-emotional distress of men undergoing infertility treatment in Serbia, thereby addressing the dearth of research on the underrepresented male perspective in this domain. Findings revealed diverse semen abnormalities among participants (n = 96, average age 37.69 ± 5.72), with significant associations between longer treatment durations and reduced sperm motility. The observed rates of men surpassing predetermined DASS-42 questionnaire thresholds for depression, anxiety, and stress in the analyzed cohort were 13.54%, 11.46%, and 22.92%, respectively. Summary scores in conceptual areas comprised in the SF-36 questionnaire ranged from 49.00 ± 6.25 for the mental health dimension to 90.16 ± 17.75 obtained in the physical functioning subscale. Patients with a longer treatment duration demonstrated lower scores in the role emotional domain, indicative of a less favorable emotional state. Expectedly, inverse correlations were found between the SF-36 mental health score and DASS-42 subscales. By addressing the existing knowledge gap and highlighting the unique needs of infertile men, the finding of this study may contribute to a more inclusive and holistic approach to infertility research and management.

Role of AMPK/mTOR-independent autophagy in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

We examined the status and role of autophagy, a process of lysosomal recycling of cellular material, in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Paired samples of tumor and adjacent non-malignant tissue were collected from 20 patients with ccRCC after radical nephrectomy. The mRNA levels of apoptosis (BAD, BAX, BCL2, BCLXL, BIM) and autophagy (ATG4, BECN1, GABARAP, p62, UVRAG) regulators were measured by RT-qPCR. The protein levels of autophagosome-associated LC3-II, autophagy receptor p62, apoptotic marker PARP, as well as phosphorylation of autophagy initiator Unc 51-like kinase 1 (ULK1), its activator AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and 4EBP1, the substrate of ULK1 inhibitor mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), were analyzed by immunoblotting. The mRNA levels of pro-apoptotic BAX, anti-apoptotic BCLXL and pro-autophagic ATG4, p62 and UVRAG were higher in ccRCC tumors. Autophagy induction was confirmed by an increase in phospho-ULK1 and degradation of the autophagic target p62, while apoptotic PARP cleavage was unaltered. AMPK phosphorylation was reduced and 4EBP1 phosphorylation was increased in ccRCC tissue. The expression of apoptosis regulators did not correlate with clinicopathological features of ccRCC. Conversely, high mRNA levels of ATG4, GABARAP and p62 were associated with lower tumor stage, as well as with smaller tumor size and better disease-specific 5-year survival (ATG4 and p62). Accordingly, low p62 protein levels, corresponding to increased autophagic flux, were associated with lower tumor stage, reduced metastasis and improved 5-year survival. These data demonstrate that transcriptional induction of autophagy in ccRCC is accompanied by AMPK/mTOR-independent increase in ULK1 activation and autophagic flux, which might slow tumor progression and metastasis independently of apoptosis.

The Polyphenols as Potential Agents in Prevention and Therapy of Prostate Diseases.

In recent years, the progress of science and medicine greatly has influenced human life span and health. However, lifestyle habits, like physical activity, smoking cessation, moderate alcohol consumption, diet, and maintaining a normal body weight represent measures that greatly reduce the risk of various diseases. The type of diet is very important for disease development. Numerous epidemiological clinical data confirm that longevity is linked to predominantly plant-based diets and it is related to a long life; whereas the western diet, rich in red meat and fats, increases the risk of oxidative stress and thus the risk of developing various diseases and pre-aging. This review is focused on the bioavailability of polyphenols and the use of polyphenols for the prevention of prostate diseases. Special focus in this paper is placed on the isoflavonoids and flavan-3-ols, subgroups of polyphenols, and their protective effects against the development of prostate diseases.

Single-stage repair of obliterated anterior urethral strictures using buccal mucosa graft and dorsal penile skin flap.

OBJECTIVE: To present a single-stage repair of obliterative urethral strictures by simultaneous use of a buccal mucosa graft and longitudinal dorsal penile skin flap. METHODS: Between February 2007 and October 2016, 51 patients with obliterative anterior urethral stricture underwent single-stage substitution urethroplasty. A buccal mucosa graft was harvested and fixed to the corpora cavernosa as the dorsal part of the neourethra, and a vascularized dorsal penile skin flap was created, transposed ventrally and sutured to the buccal mucosa graft to form ventral part of the neourethra. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 12-129 months (mean 49 months). The mean age of the patients was 48 years (range 15-71 years). The mean length of the obliterated urethral segment, measured during the operative procedure, was 5.2 cm. The etiology of strictures was: unknown, hypospadias and trauma in 19, 27 and five patients, respectively. Five patients were lost to follow up, and 46 patients were analyzed for the outcome. At the end of the follow-up period, recurrence of the stricture occurred in seven (15.2%) patients, whereas 39 (84.8%) patients did not develop stricture. An additional three (6.5%) patients developed fistula, resulting in overall successful voiding in 36 (78.3%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: A combined buccal mucosa graft and longitudinal dorsal penile skin flap could be a good choice for one-stage substitution urethroplasty in complex obliterative urethral strictures, with an acceptable complication rate.

Pulsed versus continuous mode fluoroscopy during PCNL: safety and effectiveness comparison in a case series study.

To compare the total fluoroscopy time (FT) based on the fluoroscopy mode used-continuous vs. pulsed-in patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The study cohort evaluated 111 patients who underwent PCNL by a single surgeon. Standard (continuous) fluoroscopy of 30 frames per second (fps) was used in the first 56 cases (SF group), while the next 55 consecutive cases were performed under pulsed fluoroscopy of two fps (PF group). The presence of surgeon's previous experience decreased the possible impact of the learning curve on the outcome. In both groups, using ultrasound in combination to fluoroscopy performed the renal access. The stone complexity was determined using Guy's stone score (GSS). Complications were evaluated using Clavien-Dindo classification. Median FT was significantly lower in PF group (76.8 s) compared to SF group (155.4 s) (p < 0.001). Stone-free rate was related to the Guy's stone score (GSS) classification reaching 100 % in GSS 1 cases in both groups. In GSS 2 cases the stone free rate was 87.5 % in SF group, while in PF group it was 92.3 %. Stone free rate in GSS 3 cases was 73.3 and 85.7 % in SF and PF groups, respectively. In cases of GSS 4 stone free rate was 52 % in SF group and 55.6 % in PF group, respectively. Presence of residual fragments and complications were comparable in both groups. Following ultrasound-guided puncture during PCNL, the use of pulsed fluoroscopy leads to significantly lower radiation exposure comparing to the use of continuous fluoroscopy. This advantage does not compromise the safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Testis sparing surgery in the treatment of bilateral testicular germ cell tumors and solitary testicle tumors: A single institution experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the oncologic and functional outcomes of testicular sparing surgery (TSS) based on a single institution experience. METHODS: Forty-one patients with bilateral and 3 patients with solitary testicle tumors were referred to our institution. The inclusion criteria for TSS were normal serum testosterone levels, and tumor size (<2 cm). Sperm analysis and hormone status evaluation were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. None of the patients underwent local radiation therapy following TSS for reasons of fertility preservation. RESULTS: A total of 26 TSS were performed in 24 patients. The median follow-up period was 51.0 months. Seven patients developed local recurrence, of which 5 had TIN and were subjected to radical orchiectomy, whereas re-do TSS was done in remaining 2 patients. The overall survival of the study group was 100%, and the presence of testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN) was associated with worse recurrence-free survival (P=0.031, log-rank). Testosterone values were normal in all of the patients, while 4 patients achieved conception. CONCLUSIONS: TSS is acceptable from an oncological point of view, and it enables continuation of a patient's life without lifelong hormonal substitution. Additionally, local irradiation therapy could be delayed in patients with TIN who wish to father children, but with high local recurrence rate.

Epidural anesthesia can block the negative effects of prostaglandin mediators during prostate surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammation plays a key role in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an important inflammation factor found in enlarged prostatic tissue that can be the main cause of inflammatory pain. The aim of this study was to investigate whether epidural anesthesia can block the negative effects of prostaglandin mediators during prostate surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 60 patients who underwent open prostatectomy. All patients were randomly allocated to one of two study groups. The first group received general anesthesia and the second group a combination of general and epidural anesthesia. Main outcome measures were plasma concentration of PGE2, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine, before induction of anesthesia and at the time of enucleation. RESULTS: Preoperative serum concentrations of PGE2 were high in both groups. During enucleation, serum concentrations of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine increased, followed by a rise of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the group of patients that received only general anesthesia. Serum concentration of PGE2 was at the same level as before induction of anesthesia in both groups. CONCLUSION: Epidural anesthesia blocks transmission of painful stimulus through the spinal cord caused by prostaglandin release and prevents the rise of catecholamines and blood pressure. Open prostatectomy can become a safer procedure performed under a combination of general and epidural anesthesia. Negative intraoperative effects of inflammatory prostate mediators during other techniques for prostate surgery could also be blocked with epidural anesthesia.

Prognostic significance of non-muscle-invasive bladder tumor history in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic factors for survival and disease recurrence in patients treated surgically for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), focusing especially on the impact of history of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-center series of 221 consecutive patients who were treated surgically for UTUC between January 1999 and December 2010 was evaluated. Patients who had a history of bladder tumor at a higher stage than the upper tract disease, preoperative chemotherapy, or previous contralateral UTUC were excluded. None of the patients included in this study had distant metastasis at diagnosis of UTUC. In total, 183 patients (mean age 66 years, range 36-88) were then available for evaluation. Tumor multifocality was defined as the synchronous presence of 2 or more pathologically confirmed tumors in any upper urinary tract location (renal pelvis or ureter). All patients were treated with either open radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) or open conservative surgery. Recurrence-free probabilities and cancer-specific survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (28%) had previous carcinoma not invading bladder muscle. Previous history of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer was significantly associated with tumor multifocality (P < 0.001), concomitant bladder cancer (P < 0.001), higher tumor stage (P = 0.020), and lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.026). Using univariate analyses, history of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer was significantly associated with an increased risk of both any recurrence (HR = 2.17; P = 0.003) and bladder-only recurrence (HR = 3.17; P = 0.001). Previous carcinoma not invading bladder muscle (HR = 2.58; P = 0.042) was an independent predictor of bladder-only recurrence. Overall 5-year disease recurrence-free (any recurrence and bladder-only recurrence) survival rates were 66.7% and 77%, respectively. Previous history of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer was not associated with cancer-specific survival. Our results are subject to the inherent biases associated with high-volume tertiary care centers. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with previous history of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer had a higher risk of having multifocal and UTUC with higher tumor stages (pT3 or greater). History of bladder tumor was an independent predictor of bladder cancer recurrence but had no effect on non-bladder recurrence, and cancer-specific survival in patients who underwent surgical treatment of UTUC.

Expression of neural cell adhesion molecule in renal cell carcinoma.

Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is important for cell migration and it could be expressed in some renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In recent decades, the incidence of RCC has been steadily rising by 2-4% each year. In this study NCAM expression and correlation with nuclear grade in different RCC were analyzed. We analyzed NCAM expression on 7 different RCC cell lines and 32 different RCC by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blot and FACS analysis. NCAM expression is detected in 6 cell lines and 16 RCC cases. NCAM-140 kDa isoform is expressed in different RCC and RCC cell lines. NCAM expression in non-invasive clear cell RCC is lower than in clear cell RCC with high nuclear grade. Expression of NCAM is not exclusive for specific RCC type, so NCAM can not be used as a specific diagnostic marker for RCC. NCAM expression is in correlation with nuclear grade in clear cell RCC, suggesting that NCAM expression is involved in aggressive behavior and metastatic potential in RCC.

Glycosaminoglycans in the urinary bladder mucosa, tumor tissue and mucosal tissue around tumor.

INTRODUCTION/AIM: Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) are one of the main constituents of the connective tissue and cellular membrane. Their presence has been evidenced in mucosa and muscular tissue of the urinary bladder of both healthy individuals and those affected by carcinoma. This suggest their potential role in the onset of bladder carcinoma and follow-up of those patients. The aim of the study was to determine GAG levels in tumor tissue and the surrounding bladder mucosa in patients with bladder tumor, as well as in the bladder mucosa in patients with bladder carcinoma, and to compare the results according to the grade and stage of tumor and relapse. METHODS: Tissue samples were taken in 61 patients (48 males and 13 females), mean age 61.5 years, range 40-92 years, obtained by transurethral resection (TUR) of bladder tumor, and 8 healthy persons. Determination of a total GAG content in the tissue samples was done by the Whiteman's method and then compared regarding the tumor grade and stage. RESULTS: Tumor grade and stage directly correlated with the levels of GAG. The GAG levels were significantly higher in tumor samples as compared to healthy mucosa. CONCLUSION: Higher GAG levels were recorded in all the patients with bladder tumors comparing to samples obtained from healthy individuals. GAG levels do not predict tumor relapse.

[Vesicovaginal fistulas: results of surgical treatment during ten years].

INTRODUCTION: Vesicovaginal fistulas (VVF) are the most common and the most frequent type of urogenital fistulas. They may have a different etiology. In most cases, surgery is required for treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the results of surgical therapy of VVF in a tertiary level institution over the last decade. METHODS: The retrospective study of results was conducted involving a total number of 99 women who were surgically treated for VVF at the Clinic of Urology of the Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade in the period from 2001-2010. RESULTS: Over the past ten years VVF occurred after hysterectomy in 74.7% of cases, and almost twice more frequently after hysterectomy for a benign gynecological disease. In the surgical treatment of primary VVF transvesical approach was used in 53.53% (52/99) of cases. Relapses were treated surgically using transperitoneal approach in all cases. No significant difference was found in respect to the applied approach in the surgical treatment of primary fistulas. In even 94% (93/99) of cases the problem of VVF was solved by a single surgical intervention only. In total, in 107 interventions 8 (7.4%) relapses were recorded. CONCLUSION: The study showed that VVF occurred after hysterectomy in three quarters of cases, more frequently after hysterectomy due to a benign gynecological disease. Early detection with timely and appropriate treatment of gynecological diseases will reduce the number of conditions that may lead to VVF. Surgical treatment of VVF yielded satisfactory results; it was shown that even in 94% of cases the problem of VVF was solved by a single surgical intervention only, however further improvement is certainly necessary.

Morphology of Balkan endemic nephropathy: current state.

Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) is interesting renal disease, because of its unique clinical, epidemiological and morphological characteristics: intensive interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy without any inflammation. In the present paper we evaluate the incidence of BEN from the morphological point of view for the last decade. Therefore we analyzed material obtained from autopsies, kidney biopsies and nephrectomy due to upper urothelial cancer (UUC) from the patients which were divided into two groups: those with permanent residence in BEN areas and those from nonendemic areas. At the Institute of Pathology, University of Belgrade for the last 15 years we had only 1 autopsy due to BEN out of 6,825. More than 30 years ago there were over 50 autopsy cases of BEN at the same institute. For the last decade we had only 2 kidney biopsies suspected for BEN out of 2,182, but morphologically not confirmed as BEN. However, previously we had over 40 kidney biopsies diagnosed as early or late stage of BEN. At the Clinical Center of Serbia 180 nephrectomies were performed due to UUC. The incidence of UUC for the last five years in BEN regions has significantly decreased, whereas at the same time in non-BEN regions it has remained on the same level. There was no morphological difference of the renal tissue adjacent to tumor between patients from BEN and non-BEN regions. According to our study based on routine pathological work, we could clearly conclude that BEN today is more clinical and epidemiological than a morphological entity.

Possible ways to enhance renin-angiotensin prescribing efficiency: Republic of Serbia as a case history?

BACKGROUND: Multiple reforms have been instigated across Europe to enhance prescribing efficiency. Supply-side reforms in the Republic of Serbia include measures to lower the price of generics and originators, with demand-side measures including patient copayments and prescribing restrictions. Specific measures for renin-angiotensin inhibitor drugs include a 50% copayment for angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) versus approximately 50 cents per prescription for established angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), as there is no perceived difference in effectiveness between the two classes. OBJECTIVES: To assess the influence of these measures on ARB utilization, as well as reimbursed prices of ACEIs and ARBs over time. METHOD: Observational retrospective case study of all ambulatory care patients in the Republic of Serbia's Health Insurance Fund database who were dispensed at least one ACEI or ARB alone or in combination (fixed dose combination [FDC]) between 2005 and 2011. Utilization measured in defined daily doses (DDDs) and only reimbursed expenditure (overall and expenditure/DDD) as Health Insurance perspective. RESULTS: There was a 1.8-fold increase in renin-angiotensin inhibitor drug utilization, rising to 207.4 DDDs/1000 inhabitants per day in 2011. This is driven principally by a 19.6-fold increase in ACEI FDCs. There was only limited utilization of ARBs at just 2% of total renin-angiotensin inhibitor drugs in 2011. Reimbursed expenditure increased 2.54-fold due to an appreciable increase in ACEI FDC utilization at approximately twice the cost of ACEIs in recent years. Alongside this, we noted considerable differences in expenditure/DDD for different ACEIs. CONCLUSION & FUTURE PERSPECTIVE: High patient copayments for ARBs appreciably limited their utilization in Serbia, which mirrors the findings from other studies. Potential future measures to enhance prescribing efficiency include reference pricing for ACEIs based on the lowest price of an established ACEI. In addition, reference pricing for FDCs should be based on the reference price of the individual components combined. This builds on recent reforms restricting the reimbursement of FDCs until 3 months after individual components have been prescribed separately.

Upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma: location is not correlated with prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the impact of tumour location on the disease recurrence and survival of patients who were treated surgically for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma (UUT-TCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-centre series of 189 consecutive patients who were treated surgically for UUT-TCC between January 1999 and December 2009 was evaluated. Patients who had previously undergone radical cystectomy, preoperative chemotherapy or contralateral UUT-TCC were excluded. In all, 133 patients were available for evaluation. Tumour location was categorized as renal pelvis or ureter based on the location of the dominant tumour. Recurrence-free probabilities and cancer-specific survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: The 5-year recurrence-free and cancer-specific survival estimates for the cohort in the present study were 66% and 62%, respectively. The 5-year bladder-only recurrence-free probability was 76%. Using multivariate analysis, only pT classification (hazard ratio, HR, 2.46; P = 0.04) and demographic characteristics (HR, 2.86 for areas of Balkan endemic nephropathy, vs non-Balkan endemic nephropathy areas; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-5.98; P = 0.005) were associated with disease recurrence. Tumour location was not associated with disease recurrence in any of the analyses. There was no difference in cancer-specific survival between renal pelvis and ureteral tumours (P = 0.476). Using multivariate analysis, pT classification (HR, 8.04; P = 0.001) and lymph node status (HR, 4.73; P = 0.01) were the only independent predictors associated with a worse cancer-specific survival. CONCLUSION: Tumour location is unable to predict outcomes in a single-centre series of consecutive patients who were treated with radical nephroureterectomy for UUT-TCC.

Isolated eyeball metastasis of non-seminomatous germ cell testicular tumor.

INTRODUCTION: Testicular tumors most frequently metastasize to regional lymph nodes. Non-seminomatous tumor metastasis of testicle (NSGCTT) to the eyeball is rare. CASE REPORT: We presented a 24-year old man, referred to the ophthalmologist due to acute pain and abrupt loss of sight in the left eye accompanied by its enlargement. Orbital and endocranial computerized tomography (CT) was carried out, indicating the tumor in the left eye. His previous medical history provided the information that the right testicle was painlessly enlarged for 8 months. Ultrasonography showed a completely tumorously altered testis. Abdominal and chest CT failed to reveal any secondary deposits in visceral organs and lymph glands. Tumor markers (AFP - alpha-fetoproteins, beta hCG - human choronic gonadotropin beta) were elevated. Right radical orchiactomy was performed (showed NSGCTT), followed by polychemotherapy with cisplatinum 100 mg/m2, etoposide 120 mg/m2, bleomycin 15 mg/m2 (PEB x 4), resulting in normalization of tumor marker values and significant regression of the left eyeball. Next, the left eye enucleation and ocular prosthesis implantation was carried out. Pathohistological evaluation indicated fibrosis and necrosis only. In a 5-year follow-up period, the patient was free of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Isolated hematogenous metastasis of the NSGCTT to the eye is rare. In our case, the left eye was the only metastatic localization. After chemotherapy and eye enucleation the patient was in a 4-year follow-up period free of the recurrence.

Preoperative preparation of patients with renal diseases.

If patients with renal diseases had to undergo surgical intervention, they should be prepared in such a way to be in a stable phase of the underlying surgical disease, without any infection, euvolemic, with satisfactory blood pressure and corrected electrolyte balance. These patients need to be hydrated well before intervention, the fall of blood pressure during intervention should be avoided and adequate hydration after the intervention must be continued (taking into account the condition of the kidneys, heart and age of patient). It is assumed that nephrotoxic drugs are to be evaded in renal patients or, if they were necessary, the dosage and dosing interval should be adjusted and prolonged, respectively. The use of radiographic contrast is not advisable, but if required, plentiful hydration will be needed, the least workable contrast dose and, if possible, with lower ionic charge and lower osmolarity will be administered. If surgical intervention was urgent and if there was not enough time for conservative therapy, i.e., correction of electrolytes, volemia, blood pressure and higher values of nitrate substances, a renal patient would be temporarily dialyzed in the immediate preoperative and postoperative course. Any surgical intervention in these patients may aggravate the renal function and bring the patient closer to dialysis treatment. Nevertheless, sometimes the benefit of surgical treatment for the acute surgical disease is higher (especially if it was life-threatening) than the risk of renal function exacerbation and coming closer to dialysis.

Preoperative assessment of patients with end stage renal failure.

Patients with end stage renal failure (ESRF) present a number of challenges to the anesthesiologist. They may be chronically ill and debilitated and have the potential for multisystem organ dysfunction. Patients with primary renal disease are likely younger and have good cardiopulmonary reserve. Older patients with renal failure secondary to diabetes mellitus or hypertension may suffer the ravages of diffuse atherosclerosis and heart disease. To safely manage these patients we need to understand the benefits and limitations of dialysis, problems related with primary disease, pathophysiological effects of ESRF, and the altered pharmacology of commonly used anesthetic agents and perioperative medications in ESRF. Problems encountered by anesthesiologist in ESRF patients include hypertension, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, anemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperkaliemia, hyponatremia and circulatory collapse. All surgical procedure in patients with ESRF carries significant risk of peri- and postoperative complications (mostly cardiovascular) and even fatal outcome.

Usage of a Trans-Obturator-Tape (T.O.T.) "outside-in" approach in surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyzed the efficacy and safety of a new minimally invasive surgical procedure using the Trans-Obturator-Tape with"outside-in" approach for treatment female stress urinary incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 31 women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) associated with urethral hypermobility, underwent the T.O.T. procedure (March 2010 to January 2011). 5 patients were previously operated for incontinence. Mean age was 59 years (37-80). 10 patients were having mixed incontinence. A non-elastic, polypropylene tape was placed under the mid-urethra. The surgical placement technique utilises a trans-obturator percutaneous approach. All patients underwent post-operative clinical examination, cough-stress test (full bladder), uroflowmetry, and post-voiding residual assessment. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 5 months (1-9). At 6 months follow-up 96.7% of the patients were completely cured. The overall peri-operative complication rate was 6.4% with no vascular, nerve or bowel injury. One patients (3.4%) had post-operative urinary retention. CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the results obtained by the instigator of the technique, E. Delorme, and allows us to consider T.O.T. as an effective and safe technique for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.

The importance of physical therapy in the postoperative period after total cystectomy of bladder carcinoma.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study is to evaluate the results and complications after radical cystectomy due to carcinoma of the bladder and to point out the significance of post-operative physical treatment and rehabilitation of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In the period of 3 years (2007-2010), at the Urological Clinic in Belgrade, we performed 195 total cystectomies for invasive bladder carcinoma with the use of different types of urinary diversion. The operation was performed in 162 men (83%) and 33 women (17%). RESULTS: Survival, complications and postoperative recovery was dependent on the type of urinary diversion which was used, stage of disease and general condition of patients before surgery. The worst result was achieved in patients who underwent ureterocutaneostomy and the complications were represented in 30% of patients. In the group of patients where the ileal conduit was applied, complications were recorded in 10% of patients, while mortality was 5%. In the group of patients where the continent urinary diversion was performed, complications were recorded in 5% of patients in mind of stecoral fistulas, urinary fistulas and ileus. CONCLUSION: The timely application of the physical therapy and rehabilitation in these patients is of great importance, because it reduces complications and allows faster recovery and release from the hospital.