Flexible fibre optic vs digital ureteroscopy and enhanced vs unenhanced imaging for diagnosis and treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC): results from the Clinical Research Office of the Endourology Society (CROES)-UTUC registry.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the oncological outcomes of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) undergoing kidney-sparing surgery (KSS) with fibre-optic (FO) vs digital (D) ureteroscopy (URS). To evaluate the oncological impact of image-enhancement technologies such as narrow-band imaging (NBI) and Image1-S in patients with UTUC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Clinical Research Office of the Endourology Society (CROES)-UTUC registry is an international, multicentre, cohort study prospectively collecting data on patients with UTUC. Patients undergoing flexible FO- or D-URS for diagnostic or diagnostic and treatment purposes were included. Differences between groups in terms of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated. RESULTS: The CROES registry included 2380 patients from 101 centres and 37 countries, of whom 401 patients underwent URS (FO-URS 186 and D-URS 215). FO-URS were performed more frequently for diagnostic purposes, while D-URS was peformed when a combined diagnostic and treatment strategy was planned. Intra- and postoperative complications did not differ between the groups. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were 91.5% and 66.4%, respectively. The mean OS was 42 months for patients receiving FO-URS and 39 months for those undergoing D-URS (P = 0.9); the mean DFS was 28 months in the FO-URS group and 21 months in the D-URS group (P < 0.001). In patients who received URS with treatment purposes, there were no differences in OS (P = 0.9) and DFS (P = 0.7). NBI and Image1-S technologies did not improve OS or DFS over D-URS. CONCLUSIONS: D-URS did not provide any oncological advantage over FO-URS. Similarly, no differences in terms of OS and DFS were found when image-enhancement technologies were compared to D-URS. These findings underline the importance of surgeon skills and experience, and reinforce the need for the centralisation of UTUC care.

Renal pelvis urine Gram stain as a traditional, but new marker in predicting postoperative fever and stone culture positivity in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: an observational, prospective, non-randomized cohort study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of renal pelvis urine Gram staining (RPUGS) in predicting postoperative fever and renal stone culture (RSC) positivity in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: Totally 141 consecutive patients undergoing PCNL for renal stone were included between January 2018 and December 2019. The RPUGS and renal pelvis urine culture (RPUC) were performed using urine sample from renal collecting system, while RSC was performed using stone fragments. Patients were divided into two groups as Group 1 (n = 119) without postoperative fever (< 38 °C) and Group 2 (n = 22) with postoperative fever (≥ 38 °C). Stone culture and Gram staining models were created for predicting postoperative fever using constant covariates of the presence of residual stone, hydronephrosis, and stone burden. RESULTS: A significantly higher number of patients in Group 2 had RPUGS, RSC, and RPUC positivity (p < 0.001, for each). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of RPUGS in predicting postoperative fever were 72.7%, 89.9%, 57.1%, and 94.7%, respectively. It was observed that both models had similar predictive values and diagnostic performances. Although RSC and RPUGS had a similar diagnostic value in predicting postoperative fever in univariable analysis, both were found to be independent predictors in multivariable analysis (OR: 10.6, 95% CI 4.07-27.9, p < 0.001 and OR: 15.0, 95% CI 5.4-41.2, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, RPUGS is as effective as RSC in predicting fever after PCNL. We recommend RPUGS during PCNL to manage post-PCNL infectious complications.

The impact of IV contrast enhanced 18F-FDG PET/CT on the staging of bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the diagnostic accuracies of conventional radiological imaging (CI) methods magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography (MRI or CT) and intra venous (IV) contrast enhanced (CE) fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (18F-FDG PET/CT) for the staging of bladder cancer (BC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 18F-FDG CE-PET/CT results of 35 consecutive patients with BC were analyzed. Diagnostic value of CE-PET/CT and CI are compared for their accuracy in revealing primary tumors, nodal-distant metastasis, and the final tumor staging. The imaging results were compared with the gold standard, including of histopathology and clinical follow-up. We also investigated the effect of maximum standardize uptake value (SUVmax) and lymph node metastasis on survival. RESULTS: The CE-PET/CT had a diagnostic accuracy of 89% (31/35), compared to 57% (19/35) for CI. The results of CE-PET/CT imaging lead to upstaging in 37% (13/35) patients compared to CI staging. For primary tumor detection, the sensitivity of CE-PET/CT was 97% (34/35). Contrast enhanced-PET/CT detected nodal metastases in 19 (54%) patients, whereas CI detected in 9 (26%) patients. Contrast enhanced-PET/CT detected distant metastases in 14 (40%) patients, while conventional methods showed distant metastases in 9 (26%) patients. Maximum SUV of primary tumor does not have a significant effect on survival, whereas the median survival time of patients without lymph node metastasis is longer than patients who have lymph node metastasis (P=0.038). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that 18F-FDG CE-PET/CT had good diagnostic performance compared to conventional imaging for detecting primary tumor, nodal and distant metastasis in BC. Upstaging by CE-PET/CT changed the management of patients.

The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Peyronie's Disease in Rat Model.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of intratunical injection of platelet rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD) in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats (300-350 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham, PD, PD + PRP, and PRP. The PD + PRP groups received intratunical injections with 0.1 mL PRP on day 15 (treatment) or day 0 (PRP effect). Forty-five days following transforming growth factor-beta 1 injection, rats underwent pathological examination. Tissues were evaluated histologically for fibrosis grade (Haematoxylin & Eosin staining), collagen/smooth muscle ratio (Masson Trichrome staining) and type III/type I collagen ratio (Picro-sirius red staining). Statistical analysis was performed by Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square followed by the Mann-Whitney U test for post hoc comparisons. RESULTS: Significant changes were found in all 3 groups compared to the sham group (p < 0.0001 for fibrosis, p = 0.001 for collagen/smooth muscle ratio and p = 0.003 for type III/type I collagen ratio). The values in the PRP group and the findings in the PD group are similar (p = 0.122 for fibrosis, p = 0.221 for collagen/smooth muscle ratio and p = 1.0 for type III/type I collagen ratio). CONCLUSION: This is the first study of PRP on PD. As a result of pathological examinations, PRP shows PD-like effects in rats. PRP may be a cheap, easily accessible, and an effective disease model for PD treatment research.

The Predictive Value of Ischemia-Modified Albumin in Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to investigate the predictive value of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) as an oxidative stress indicator in renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: Forty female Wistar Albino rats were divided into 5 groups: Group-1, sham; group-2, 20 min I/R, group-3, 30 min I/R; group-4, 40 min I/R; and group-5, 60 min I/R. Blood samples were taken, and nephrectomy was performed in the sham group before ischemia was induced. At the end of the defined periods for each group, reperfusion was achieved and a blood sample was taken and nephrectomy was performed. At the end of the 6-hour reperfusion period, the blood sample was taken again and the other kidney is removed. IMA in serum and total anti-oxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index in both serum and tissue were examined. RESULTS: Serum IMA values were significantly different between the groups (p = 0.009), and there was a significantly difference in TOS values between ischemic serum (p = 0.024) and tissue samples (p = 0.02). However, there was no significant difference in serum and tissue TAS values after ischemia (p = 0.9). Serum IMA, TOS and TAS and tissue TOS and TAS values after reperfusion were not significantly different. There was a significant correlation between tubular damage and ischemia duration in histopathological examination of renal tissue after I/R (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Serum IMA values increased in parallel with the duration of ischemia, and this increase was supported by histopathological damage findings.

Age-related prevalence of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and anticoagulation therapy use in a urolithiasis population and their effect on outcomes: the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Ureteroscopy Global Study.

PURPOSE: This study examined the prevalence of risk factors for urological stone surgery and their possible influence on outcome and complications following ureteroscopy (URS). METHODS: The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Ureteroscopy Global Study collected prospective data on consecutive patients with urinary stones treated with URS at centers around the world for 1 year. The prevalence of common comorbidities and anticoagulation therapy and their relationship with complications and age were examined. RESULTS: Of 11,719 patients, 2,989 patients (25.8%) had cardiovascular disease, including 22.6% with hypertension, and 1,266 patients (10.9%) had diabetes mellitus. Approximately six percent of patients were receiving oral anticoagulation therapy, including aspirin (3.7%) and clopidogrel (0.8%). The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus and the proportion of patients receiving anticoagulant medication and/or antidiabetes treatment increased with age. Elderly were more likely to develop a postoperative complication when they had diabetes, a cardiovascular disease or received anticoagulation therapy. Post-operative bleeding was higher in patients receiving anticoagulants than those not receiving them (1.1 vs. 0.4%; p < 0.01). Patients with risk factors for stone formation had more complications than those without (4.9 vs. 3.0%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study confirming in a global population that URS can effectively and safely be performed in a population with high comorbidity. The risk of a complication was highest among elderly patients presenting with comorbidities.

Higher Serum Endothelial-Specific Molecule-1 (ESM-1/Endocan) Levels are Associated with Poor Pathological Outcomes in Primary Bladder Cancer: A Non-randomized, Prospective, Case-Control Study.

AIM: To compare serum endothelial-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1 or endocan) levels between individuals with primary bladder cancer (BC) who have various pathological features of BC and healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 154 consecutive patients with primary BC (Group-1) and 52 healthy volunteers (Group-2) were accepted into this prospective, non-randomized, observational research between January 2017 and December 2018. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from each participant to measure serum ESM-1/endocan levels. Group-1 was further divided into subgroups as Group-1A (pTa), Group-1B (pT1) and Group-1C (pT2) based on the transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) histopathological results. In addition Group-1 was divided into other subgroups based on pathological features of BC including tumor grade, tumor volume and muscle-invasive status. Groups were compared statistically regarding ESM-1/endocan levels. RESULTS: Median age of the individuals was 63 (22) years in Group-1 and 66 (11) years in Group-2 (p = 0.051). There were 140 (90.9%) males and 14 (9.1%) females in Group-1 and 30 (57.7%) males and 22 (42.3%) females in Group-2 (p < 0.001). The serum ESM-1/endocan measurements were lower in Group-2 than in Group-1 (p = 0.018). Of the patients in Group-1, 62 (40.3%) had low-grade tumors and 92 (59.7%) had high-grade tumors. When Group-1 was further divided into other subgroups according to different pathological features of BC such as tumor stage, grade, muscle-invasive status and tumor volume it was detected that there was a statistically meaningful difference between all subgroups of Group-1 and Group-2 in terms of serum ESM-1/endocan levels (p < 0.05 for each). The serum ESM-1/endocan cut-off value (3.472 ng/mL) had a specificity of 57.7%, sensitivity of 59.1%, NPV (negative predictive value) of 32.3% and PPV (positive predictive value) of 80.5% for predicting the presence of BC with an AUC (Area Under the Curve) of 0.609 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.524-0.694; p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: The serum ESM-1/endocan levels can be considered a potentially useful predictor for BC. Higher serum ESM-1/endocan levels are related with poor pathological outcomes in BC.

Evaluation of Nephrolithometric Scoring Systems to Predict Outcomes of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of nephrolithometric scoring systems used to predict the complexity of renal stones for the outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 81 patients who underwent RIRS for nephrolithiasis between January 2013 and October 2017 were reviewed in this retrospective study. Guy's Stone Score (GSS), the S.T.O.N.E., Clinical Research Office of the Endourologic Society (CROES), and Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity (S-ReSC) nephrolithometry scores were assessed by same researcher for each patient from preoperative non-contrast enhanced computed tomography scans. These nephrolithometric scores, stone characteristics and complications were compared in patients with/without residual stone. RESULTS: The median (IQR) age of patients (37 female/44 male) was 45 (20) years. The median (IQR) stone burden was 139.4 (125.4) mm2 and the mean Hounsfield unit (HU) value was 1034.46 ± 239.56. The stone burden, S.T.O.N.E. and S-ReSC scores were statistically significantly higher and the CROES score was significantly lower in patients with a residual stone (p < 0.001, for all). The incidence of residual stones was statistically significantly higher in patients with Grade 3 GSS (p = 0.018). While S.T.O.N.E., S-ReSC and CROES were significantly correlated with stone-free rates, GSS failed to correlate with stone-free status. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the predictive value of stone burden was higher for residual stones, compared to S-ReSC scoring (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nephrolithometric scoring systems nomograms used to predict the PCNL success were not superior to stone burden in predicting the RIRS success.

Shock wave lithotripsy deteriorates male sexual functions related to the treatment-driven anxiety: A prospective, non-randomized, self-controlled study. / La litotricia extracorporea deteriora la función sexual masculina en relación a la ansiedad por el tratamiento: un estudio prospectivo, no randomizado auto-controlado.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigatel ongitudinal changes in sexual functions (SF), anxiety status, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) in male urolithiasis patients. METHODS: Between February 2015 and April 2017, 85 consecutive male patients with kidney or ureter stones and treated with SWL were included. Patients were evaluated for SF, anxiety status, and HRQoL with questionnaire forms before and at the third month after SWL. Correlation between baseline and third-month scores of International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15) subdomains and anxiety was evaluated. Uni- and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to identify changes in IIEF-15 subdomain scores at three months. RESULTS: Mean age was 42.80 ± 9.42 years. Significantly decreased IIEF-15 subdomain scores, increased anxiety and Short Form-36 (SF-36) subdomain scores were achieved at three months (p<0.05, for each). The baseline median values of erectile function (IIEFEF), orgasmic function (IIEF-OF), sexual desire (IIEF-SD), intercourse satisfaction (IIEF-IS), and overall satisfaction (IIEF-OS) were 26, 9, 8, 12, and 8, respectively. The same scores were 26, 9, 6, 9, and 8 at month 3, respectively. According to multivariable analysis, the difference in Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores was an independent risk factor for both changing in IIEF-SD and IIEF-IS (b= -0.094, 95%CI: -0.179 - -0.009, p=0.030 and b= -0.197, 95%CI: -0.350 - -0.044, p=0.012, respectively). The difference in the State Anxiety (STAISA) scores was an independent risk factor for changing in IIEF-IS (b= -0.075, 95%CI: -0.146 - -0.004,p=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: SWL may lead to impaired SF related to treatment-driven anxiety and significantly improve HRQoL of male patients in short term.

OBJETIVO: Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar los cambios longitudinales en la función sexual, estado de ansiedad y calidad de vida después de la litotricia extracorpórea en pacientes varones conlitiasis. MÉTODOS: Entre febrero 2015 y abril 2017, 85 pacientes varones consecutivos con litiasis renales o ureterales tratados con litotricia extracorpórea fueron incluidos. Los pacientes fueron evaluados en relación a la función sexual, estado de ansiedad, y calidad de vida con cuestionarios de calidad de vida antes y a los 3 meses de la litotricia extracorpórea. Correlación entre los resultados de International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15) iniciales y a los 3 meses en los dominios de ansiedad, fueron evaluados. Análisis de regresión univariada y multivariada fue utilizada para identificar cambios en IIEF-15 a los 3 meses. RESULTADOS: La edad media fue de 42,80 ± 9,42 años. Una caída significativa de los resultados de los subdominios de IIEF-15 con incremento de la ansiedad y Short Form-36 (SF-36) fueron conseguidos a los 3 meses (p<0,05, para cada uno). Los resultados medios en función eréctil (IIEF-EF), función orgásmica (IIEF-OF), deseo sexual (IIEF-SD), satisfacción en las relaciones (IIEF-IS), y satisfacción general (IIEF-OS) fueron 26, 9, 8, 12, y 8, respectivamente. Los mismos resultados fueron 26, 9, 6, 9, y 8 a los 3 meses, respectivamente. En el análisis multivariado, la diferencia en Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) fue un factor de riesgo independiente para ambos, cambiando en IIEF-SD y IIEF-IS (b= -0,094, 95%CI: -0,179 ­ -0,009, p=0,030 y b= -0,197, 95%CI: -0,350 ­ -0,044, p=0,012, respectivamente). La diferencia en el State Anxiety (STAI-SA) fue un factor de riesgo independiente para cambio en IIEF-IS (b= -0,075, 95%CI: -0,146 ­-0,004, p=0,039). CONCLUSIONES: La litotricia extracorpórea comporta cierto grado de disfunción sexual relacionada con la ansiedad del tratamiento y mejora significativamente la calidad de vida en los pacientes varones a corto plazo.

Is cystoscopy follow-up protocol safe for low-risk bladder cancer without muscle invasion?

OBJECTIVE: The applicability of cystoscopy follow-up protocol that is indicated for low-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in the guidelines was investigated for our population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent transurethral resection with a diagnosis of primary bladder tumor in our clinic within 10 years with low grade of pathology pTa and follow-up periods of at least 5 years were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty-one patients (39 males and 12 females) who were diagnosed with a low-risk NMIBC, had no recurrence at the 3-month control cystoscopy, and followed up for the first 2 years on 3-month basis with cystoscopy were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 57.37 ± 12.21 years (range: 29-80 years), and the mean duration of recurrence was 25.76 ± 32.45 months. In the cystoscopy follow-ups of 51 patients, up to the 6th month, a total of 12 (24%); up to the 9th month, a total of 21 (41%); up to the 12th month, a total of 30 (59%); up to the 15th month, a total of 36 (71%); up to the 18th month, a total of 36 (71%); up to the 21st month, a total of 39 (77%); and up to the 24th month, a total of 41 (80%) patients were reported to have recurrence. In the case of patients with no recurrence at the 9th month cystoscopy, it was determined that 50% of the patients had recurrence in the first 6 months and 67% in the first 2 years. CONCLUSION: The majority (80%) of recurrences in low-risk NMIBC occurred in the first 2 years. If the follow-up protocol described in the guidelines had been applied, patients with relapses would have a delay of at least 6 months of diagnosis. Therefore, even if there is no recurrence in the low-risk NMIBC at the 3rd and 9th months, it may be more appropriate to follow the cases in the first 2 years with follow-up cystoscopy every 3 months.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin is an early marker of renal damage in lower urinary tract obstruction in rats. / NGAL es un marcador precoz de daño renal en la obstrucción del tracto urinario inferior en ratas.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the urinary NGAL levels with serum creatinine levels as an early biomarker for renal injury in rats with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). METHODS: Twenty male Wistar Albino rats dividedin to 4 groups. In each group basal serum creatinine and urinary NGAL levels were evaluated. In Group 1 (Sham/Control group) only laparotomy was performed.In Group 2 (14th day partial BOO) and Group 3 (28th day partial BOO) partial obstruction and in Group 4(Complete BOO) complete obstruction was performed. Serum creatinine levels and urinary NGAL levels were evaluated in Group 4 on the third day of the study, in Group 2 on the 14th day and in Group 3 and Group 1 on the 28th day. Urethra, ureters and kidneys were excracted by laparotomy and evaluated for histopathologic examination. RESULTS: The increase in plasma creatinine levels after obstruction was statistically significant in Group 4 ( p <0.005). There was significant difference between the groups in urinary NGAL levels after obstruction (p<0.005). Post-obstruction urinary NGAL level was highest in Group 4 and it was statistically significant when compared to beginning levels (p<0.005). In Group 3, increase in urinary NGAL levels were higher (p<0.005) with no increase in plasma creatinine level after obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that urinary NGAL levels might be an early biomarker for renal dysfunction in partial bladder outlet obstruction which may cause renal impairment through upper urinary tract injury.Therefore, urinary NGAL may play role during the treatment choice and follow-up in BOO patients.

OBJETIVOS: Comparar los niveles urinariosde NGAL con la creatinina sérica como marcador precoz de daño renal en ratas con obstrucción del tracto urinario inferior. MÉTODOS: 20 ratas Wistar Albino masculinas fueron divididas en 4 grupos. En cada grupo se midió el nivel basal de creatinina en suero así como los niveles urinarios de NGAL. En el grupo 1 (Sham/Grupo Control) solo se realizó laparotomía. En el grupo 2 (14 días después de una obstrucción tracto urinario inferior parcial) y el grupo 3 (28 días después de una obstrucción tracto urinario inferior parcial) se realizó una obstrucción parcial y en el grupo 4 (obstrucción completa) una obstrucción completa. Los niveles de creatinina sérica y NGAL urinario fueron evaluados en el grupo 4 en el 3er día del estudio; en el grupo 2 en el día 14 del estudio y en el grupo 1 en el día 28. Uretra, uréteres y riñones se quitaron por laparotomía y se hizo un análisis histológico. RESULTADOS: El incremento en la creatinina sérica después de la obstrucción fue estadísticamente significativo en el grupo 4 (p<0,05). Hubo suficiente diferecia entre los grupos en términos de NGAL urinario después de la obstrucción (p<0,005). Los niveles de NGA post-obstructivos fueron superiores en el grupo 4 y fue estadísticamente significativo en comparación con los niveles iniciales. En el grupo 3, el incremento en los niveles de NGAL urinario fue superior (p<0,005) sin incrementeo en los niveles de creatinina en plasma después de la obstrucción. CONCLUSIONES: Se puede concluir que los niveles de NGAL urinarios podrían ser un marcador de lesión renal en caso de obstrucción parcial del tracto urinario inferior. Por tanto, NGAL urinario debe jugar un papel durante la elección de tratamiento y seguimiento de pacientes con obstrucción del tracto urinario inferior.

Does preoperative hydronephrosis affect the stone-free rate of micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy?

OBJECTIVES: Micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy (microperc) is a new minimal-invasive technique.We aimed to investigate whether preoperative hydronephrosis has an impact on the stone-free rate of microperc. METHODS: In this study, 66 consecutive patients were included and divided into 2 groups:patients without preoperative hydronephrosis (group-1) and patients with preoperative hydronephrosis (group-2).Both groups were compared for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), stone burden, stone location, fluoroscopy and operative time, blood loss, stone-free rate and perioperative and postoperative complication rates. Parameters were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses for the stone-free rate. RESULTS: The mean age, gender, BMI, stone location, and blood loss were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Stone burden in group-2 was greater than group-1 (p=0.011). In addition, mean fluoroscopy time in group-1 was found to be significantly lower (p < 0.05). However, operative time was comparable among the groups (p=0.169). Lastly, group-2 had a higher rate of perioperative and postoperative complication rates and lower success rate (p=0.023, p=0.027 and p=0.001, respectively). The success was significantly affected by hydronephrosis, stone burden and location (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that unsuccessful outcome was significantly associated only with the presence of hydronephrosis (OR 0.225,p=0.033). CONCLUSION: This study seems to suggest that presence of hydronephrosis is a major factor on the stone free rate of microperc procedures.

OBJETIVOS: La nefrolitotomíamicropercutanea (microperc) es una nueva técnica mínimamente invasiva. Investigamos si la hidronefrosis preoperatoria tiene un impacto sobre la tasa de pacientes libres delitiasis de la microperc.MÉTODOS: En este estudio, 66 pacientes consecutivos fueron incluidos y divididos en 2 grupos: pacientes sin hidronefrosis preoperatoria (grupo 1) y pacientes con hidronefrosis preoperatoria (grupo 2). Se compararon ambos grupos por edad, género, índice de masa corporal (IMC), carga litiásica, localización de la litiasis, fluoroscopia y tiempo operatorio, sangrado, tasa de pacientes libres de litiasis, y tasas de complicaciones peri y postoperatorias. Las variables fueron analizadas utilizando análisis uni y multivariado para la tasa de pacientes libres de litiasis. RESULTADOS: Edad media, género, localización de la litiasis y sangrado fueron similares en ambos grupos (p>0,05). La carga litiásica en el grupo 2 era mayor que en grupo 1 (p=0,011). Además, el tiempo medio de fluoroscopia en el grupo 1 era significativamente menor (pera comparable en los dos grupos (p=0,169). Finalmente, el grupo 2 tenía una tasa de complicaciones peri y postoperatorias mayor y una tasa de éxitos menor (p=0,023, éxito estaba significativamente influido por la hidronefrosis, la carga litiásica y la localización de la litiasis (p>0,05). El análisis de regresión logística reveló que los resultados sin éxito se asociaban significativamente sólo con la presencia de hidronefrosis (OR 0,225,>p=0,033).CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio parece sugerir que la presencia de hidronefrosis es un factor principal en la tasa de pacientes libres de litiasis de los procedimientos de microperc.

Improving the diagnosis of high grade and stage bladder cancer by detecting increased urinary calprotectin expression in tumor tissue and tumor-associated inflammatory response.

Purpose: To investigate whether measurement of urinary calprotectin can serve as a biomarker in the diagnosis of primary bladder cancer and to confirm its diagnostic role in determining high grade and stage disease. Materials and Methods: Urinary calprotectin was measured in spot urine samples from patients with primary bladder cancer and control subjects. To confirm levels in urine, tissue samples were also obtained from bladder tumor and healthy trigone of bladder by transurethral resection in both groups. Finally, calprotectin levels in tissue and urine of the patients and control subjects were compared and their diagnostic potential was investigated in high grade and stage bladder cancers. Results: Of 82 participants, 52 were patients with bladder cancer and 30 were control subjects. The two groups were comparable in terms of age, smoking status, and comorbidities. Tissue and urinary calprotectin levels were significantly higher in the bladder cancer group. In subgroup analyses, urinary calprotectin levels were significantly higher in patients with high-grade, muscle-invasive tumors. After receiver operating characteristic analyses, the sensitivity and specificity of urinary calprotectin was 100% and 96.7%, respectively, in the diagnosis of primary bladder cancer. High grade and stage bladder cancers were detected with sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 74.2%, and 80% and 84.8%, respectively. Conclusions: Urinary calprotectin may be a valuable parameter in the diagnosis of primary bladder cancer with high sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, it may be useful in the prediction of high grade and stage disease. However, more investigations are needed.

Relation between Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Presence and Severity of Erectile Dysfunction.

Previous studies have evidenced that inflammation and endothelial dysfunction have a crucial role in erectile dysfunction (ED). Increased monocyte count or activity and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels have been associated with inflammation. The monocyte to HDL-C ratio (MHR) is a recently emerged indicator of inflammation. We aimed to investigate the relationship between MHR and ED. In this retrospective study, a total of 120 patients were enrolled, 60 of them having ED and 60 having a normal erectile function. The presence of ED was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Patients with ED were compared with the control group for IIEF-5 and MHR. The mean ages of patients and controls were 55.6±5.53 and 56.42±6.63 years, respectively (p = 0.47). The risk factors for ED were similar between cases and controls. The total testosterone, glucose and creatinine levels did not differ between groups. While the HDL-C, LDL-C and triglyceride levels were similar between groups, the monocyte count (0.55±0.20 vs. 0.73±0.18, p < 0.0001) and MHR was significantly greater in patients with ED than in those without ED (1.31 vs. 1.77, p < 0.0001). MHR was significantly negatively correlated with IIEF-5 (p < 0.0001). To our knowledge, this is the first study that has shown a significant and independent association between elevated MHR and ED.

Role of contrast-enhanced 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in the diagnosis and staging of renal tumors.

PURPOSE: The objectives of this prospective study are to compare intravenous contrast-enhanced (CE) fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) PET/computed tomography (CE F-FDG PET/CT) with conventional methods (CT/MRI) and to evaluate the relationship of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) with Fuhrman grade in patients with renal tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 62 patients [35 males and 27 females; mean age 55.8±12.7 (range: 27-81) years] were enrolled in the study. CE F-FDG PET/CT scanning included whole-body (early) and abdominal imaging (late) 1 and 2 h after intravenous F-FDG administration, respectively. SUVmax was calculated for primary tumors. CE F-FDG PET/CT and CT/MRI findings were compared with respect to primary tumors and staging. RESULTS: The sensitivity of CE F-FDG PET/CT in primary tumor detection was 98%, which was very close to that of CT/MRI (100%). CE F-FDG PET/CT resulted in correct staging in 84% of the cases, compared with 68% of the cases with conventional methods (52 vs. 42 patients). SUVmax values of early PET for the primary tumors were significantly correlated with the Fuhrman grades (P<0.001). CE F-FDG PET/CT enabled the detection of synchronous tumors in four patients, one of which was incorrectly diagnosed as having metastasis by CT. Distant metastases were detected in 16 patients with CE F-FDG PET/CT and in 13 patients with routine conventional methods. CONCLUSION: CE F-FDG PET/CT showed similar results compared with CT/MRI in the detection of primary tumors, but it was superior to conventional methods in the detection of metastasis and staging. Given the highly significant correlation between SUVmax values and the Fuhrman grading, CE F-FDG PET/CT may play a significant role in the evaluation of patient prognosis.

Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate rebiopsy: How many core sampling should be applied to which patient?

BACKGROUND: We investigated the correlation between the sampled number of cores in rebiopsy and the cancer detection rate (CDR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and twelve patients with normal rectal examination who had undergone rebiopsy in the past 5 years were examined retrospectively. Moreover, 68% of them had undergone 12 cores (Group 1) while 32% had undergone 20 cores (Group 2). Both groups were compared with respect to the CDR. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups in terms of age, total prostate-specific antigen, and prostate volume (P > 0.05). Forty-one (19%) of 212 patients were diagnosed with cancer, and the CDR was significantly higher in Group 2 (30.9% vs. 13.9%, P = 0.004). This rate increased from 6.5% to 20% (P = 0.025) and from 0% to 33.3% (P = 0.023), respectively, with 12-core and 20-core rebiopsies in patients whose initial pathology indicated benign and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN). Furthermore, cancer was detected in 24 (40%) of 60 patients who were diagnosed with atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP) in the initial biopsy. However, despite being higher in 20-core biopsy group (47.6% vs. 35.9%), this was not statistically significant (P = 0.377). CONCLUSIONS: At least 20 cores should be sampled in rebiopsy, especially in the patients diagnosed with benign and HGPIN. However, we believe that standard systematic sampling will be sufficient for the patients diagnosed with ASAP.

Effect of Stone Composition on the Outcomes of Semi-Rigid Ureteroscopy Using Holmium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser or Pneumatic Lithotripsy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of laser lithotripsy (LL) and pneumatic lithotripters (PL) in calcium oxalate (CaOx) and calcium phosphate (CaP) stones and assess whether these stone compositions affect the outcomes of LL and PL. STUDY DESIGN: Comparative, descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Turkey, from August 2010 to August 2015. METHODOLOGY: A total of 114 patients underwent ureteroscopy using LL and PL. Fifty-eight (50.9%) had CaOx stones and 56 (49.1%) had CaP stones. The lithotripters were compared in stone composition groups, and stone compositions were compared in lithotripter groups. Patient characteristics, perioperative parameters, and postoperative complications were compared. RESULTS: The baseline patient and stone characteristics were similar in all groups. The operation time of the PL and LL for the patients with CaP stones (68.75 ±32.88 and 44.48 ±34.37 minutes, respectively) was significantly shorter than the operation time of the PL and LL for the patients with CaOx stones (91.56 ±30.54 and 65.75 ±37.74 minutes, (p=0.012 and p=0.009, respectively). Moreover, the patients with CaOx or CaP treated with LL 65.75±37.74 and 44.48 ±34.37 minutes, respectively) had significant shorter operation time than the PL (91.56 ±30.54 and 68.75 ±32.88 minutes, (p=0.046 and p=0.01, respectively). Stone-free rates were similar in all groups. The PL for the patients with CaP stones caused more postoperative fever and infection than the other groups (p=0.050). CONCLUSION: Though both PL and LL are effective in the treatment of CaOx and CaP stones, LL had a significantly shorter operation and hospitalization time and complication rates in patients with CaOx and CaP stones. So LL is a more feasible and safer modality in the treatment of recurrent CaP stones.

The effect of antibiotherapy on prostate-specific antigen levels and prostate biopsy results in patients with levels 2.5 to 10 ng/mL.

PURPOSE: This controlled prospective study aims to investigate the possible effects of antibiotic treatment on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and its derivatives, and consequently on the transrectal biopsy rates, in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty patients aged 45 to 70 years old, with a PSA level between 2.5 and 10 ng/mL and normal digital rectal examinations (DRE), were included in this study between June 2009 and November 2010. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups. The first group received oral levofloxacin 500 mg 1*1 for 21 days; the second, the control group, was given no treatment. Initially, total PSA, free PSA, a DRE, urinary ultrasonography (including prostate volume, postvoiding residual urine), uroflowmetry, International Prostate Symptom Score, National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index, and International Index of Erectile Function tests were performed. All of these were repeated at the end of 3 weeks of antibiotic treatment. An additional PSA measurement was also performed at day 10 of the treatment. All patients underwent transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy at day 21, just the day after the final (third) PSA sampling. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 59.6 years. Overall, in 23 patients, prostate cancer was detected, including those found in the rebiopsies. Statistically, there were significant changes in values of PSA and its derivatives in the treatment group (from 5.31 to 4.69 and 4.58 ng/mL, consecutively). Focusing on prostate cancer patients in both the treatment and control groups, however, we did not detect any significant change in the same parameters. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic treatment given to the patients with a PSA level between 2.5 and 10 ng/mL can be beneficial, before a decision for TRUS guided prostate biopsy, just in a limited subgroup, by reducing the PSA levels below the threshold value. Considering the large population of patients in the gray zone, however, it still does not provide clear solid evidence for avoiding unnecessary prostate biopsies.

Novel technique of cytolithotripsy for large bladder stones.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated a minimally invasive surgical technique involving a single percutaneous access with a laparoscopic trocar under video-cystoscopic vision for managing large bladder stones. All patients were candidates for open surgery. MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Fourteen patients with bladder stones larger than 3 cm in diameter or multiple stones were treated with this technique. The procedure involved the percutaneous placement of a laparoscopic trocar under cystoscopic control and the introduction of a rigid nephroscope into the bladder. Stones were cleansed via fragmentation or direct removal. DISCUSSION: The technique was successful in all cases, resulting in controlled, stone-free bladders; there were no surgical complications. The mean operation time was comparable to that of standard management. All patients discharged uneventfully. None reported urethral stricture during the 24-month follow-up period. Percutaneous cystolithotripsy under endoscopic control is easy to perform and should be considered as an alternative for large or multiple bladder stones as it decreases the risk of urethral stricture.

Higher Serum Endothelial-Specific Molecule-1 (ESM-1/Endocan) Levels are Associated with Poor Pathological Outcomes in Primary Bladder Cancer: A Non-randomized, Prospective, Case-Control Study

Aim: To compare serum endothelial-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1 or endocan) levels between individuals with primary bladder cancer (BC) who have various pathological features of BC and healthy volunteers. Materials and Methods: 154 consecutive patients with primary BC (Group-1) and 52 healthy volunteers (Group-2) were accepted into this prospective, non-randomized, observational research between January 2017 and December 2018. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from each participant to measure serum ESM-1/endocan levels. Group-1 was further divided into subgroups as Group-1A (pTa), Group-1B (pT1) and Group-1C (pT2) based on the transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) histopathological results. In addition Group-1 was divided into other subgroups based on pathological features of BC including tumor grade, tumor volume and muscle-invasive status. Groups were compared statistically regarding ESM-1/endocan levels. Results: Median age of the individuals was 63 (22) years in Group-1 and 66 (11) years in Group-2 (p = 0.051). There were 140 (90.9%) males and 14 (9.1%) females in Group-1 and 30 (57.7%) males and 22 (42.3%) females in Group-2 (p < 0.001). The serum ESM-1/endocan measurements were lower in Group-2 than in Group-1 (p = 0.018). Of the patients in Group-1, 62 (40.3%) had low-grade tumors and 92 (59.7%) had high-grade tumors. When Group-1 was further divided into other subgroups according to different pathological features of BC such as tumor stage, grade, muscle-invasive status and tumor volume it was detected that there was a statistically meaningful difference between all subgroups of Group-1 and Group-2 in terms of serum ESM-1/endocan levels (p < 0.05 for each) (AU)