Bladder paraganglioma treated with open partial cystectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Bladder paraganglioma is a neuroendocrine tumor that accounts for less than 0.1% of all bladder tumors. Symptoms caused by catecholamine release such as hypertension, palpitation, syncope, and macroscopic hematuria are the most common findings. Treatment modalities include transurethral resection, and partial or total cystectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old Turkish female patient was examined for hematuria that had been persisting for 6 months. Among the clinical findings, only hematuria was present. Absence of adrenergic symptoms such as hypertension, palpitations, and syncope at the first presentation made it difficult to consider bladder paraganglioma in the differential diagnosis. Therefore, cystoscopy and transurethral resection were performed with the thought of urothelial cancer. Findings such as hypertension and bradycardia that developed during diagnostic transurethral resection suggested that it might be bladder paraganglioma. After the radiological evaluation and endocrinological preparation, the patient underwent partial cystectomy. CONCLUSION: The rarity of cases having been reported in the literature leads to uncertainties in the management of bladder paraganglioma. Adrenergic symptoms developing during transurethral resection should suggest paraganglioma in the differential diagnosis. A multidisciplinary approach and medical treatment are mandatory to prevent life-threatening complications such as hypertensive crisis, vascular collapse, and multiple-organ system failure. We aimed to report the clinical presentation that includes only macroscopic hematuria mimicking urothelial cancer and to emphasize the multidisciplinary approach in the treatment.

Comparison of Prostate Biopsy Using Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Prostate Biopsy Indications.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to evaluate the efficacy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging before standard tru-cut biopsy in making prostate cancer diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 160 patients with prostate biopsy indications were prospectively evaluated between May 2017 and October 2018. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging was taken after obtaining a written informed consent from all patients. Cognitive transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy was performed based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging results. Standard tru-cut biopsy was included to reduce false-negative rate. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 software. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 65.94 ± 7.90 (48-84) years. Around 19.37% of the patients had a specificity in the digital rectal exam. The mean prostate-specific antigen value of the patients with adenocarcinoma was 42.1 ng/mL and it was 10.2 ng/mL in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia. It was observed that the prostate-specific antigen values in prostatic adenocarcinomas were significantly higher than those in benign prostate hyperplasia (P < .001). The results of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and the biopsy were 100% similar in terms of zones in patients with adenocarcinoma. All of the biopsy results of the patients who were evaluated to have normal prostate tissue in multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated as benign prostate hyperplasia; on the other hand, 13.6% of PI-RADS 2 lesions, 14% of PI-RADS 3 lesions, 31.8% of PI-RADS 4 lesions, and 85.7% of PI-RADS 5 lesions were determined to be adenocarcinoma. It was observed that the prevalence of adenocarcinoma increased as the risk elevated in multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging evaluated by experienced radiologists may be instructive of urologists and reduce the need for unnecessary biopsies.

Protective effect of taxifolin against prooxidant and proinflammatory kidney damage associated with acrylamide in rats.

The current study investigates the biochemical and histopathological effects of taxifolin on acrylamide-induced kidney damage. A 50 mg/kg dose of taxifolin was administered via oral gavage to the taxifolin + acrylamide (TACR) group (n-6) consisting of male albino Wistar rats. The same volume of distilled water used as solvent was orally administered to the acrylamide (ACR) (n-6) and healthy (HG) (n-6) groups. One hour after the administration of taxifolin and distilled water, a 20 mg/kg dose of acrylamide was orally administered to the TACR and ACR groups. This procedure was repeated once a day for 30 days. In the acrylamide group, malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) levels were found to be high, total glutathione (tGSH) levels were found to be low, and there was severe interstitial haemorrhage; additionally, tubular necrosis, tubular atrophy, leucocyte infiltration, and glomerular structures with expanded Bowman's space were observed. In the taxifolin group, where the increase of MDA, IL-1ß, and TNF-α and the decrease of tGSH associated with acrylamide have been prevented, any histopathological finding other than mild necrosis and atrophic tubules was not found. This suggests that Taxifolin would prevent kidney tissue from acrylamide-induced damage would be effective in treating acrylamide-induced nephrotoxicity, inhibiting the increase of MDA, IL-1ß and TNF-α, and decreasing tGSH associated with acrylamide.

Expression of androgen receptor and estrogen receptor-beta in foreskin tissue of hypospadiac and healthy boys. / Expresión de receptores androgénicos y estrogénicos beta en la piel prepucial de hipospadias y niños sanos.

OBJECTIVES: This prospective study aimed to investigate the expression of the androgen receptor(AR) and the estrogen receptor-ß (ER-ß) in foreskint issues in boys with and without distal hypospadias. METHODS: Thirty boys with distal hypospadias were evaluated. Fifteen boys who under went elective circumcision over a period of 18 months served as the control group. The presence of AR and ER-ß in foresk in tissues was investigated immunohistochemically. RESULTS: The percentages of AR in epithelial cells were18.9 ± 27.3% in the hypospadias group and 3.3 ±5.3% in the circumcision group, and the difference betweent he groups was significant (p=0.034). Of the stromal cells, 19.5 ± 26.8% in the hypospadias group and2.6 ± 4.4% in the circumcision group were positive lystained for AR (p=0.004). In the hypospadias group,significantly higher stromal cell percentage of ER-ß was found compared to that in the control group (24± 24.5% and 1.3 ± 1.1%, respectively, p<0.001). Moreover, epithelial cell percentage of ER-ß was higher in the hypospadias group than that in the control group,and the respective values were 6.8 ± 10.1% and 0.9± 1.3% (p<0.0001)CONCLUSION: The percent of AR and ER-ß expression were higher in hypospadias-affected foresk in than in the normal foreskin. Whether the normal function of these receptors reveals, there is a need for more detailed studies.

OBJETIVO: Este estudio prospectivo que pretende investigar la expresión del receptor androgénicoy estrogénico en la piel prepucial en niños con y sin hipospadias distal.MÉTODOS: Treinta niños con hipospadias distal fueron evaluados. 15 niños recibieron una circuncisión electiva en un periodo de 18 meses y sirvieron de grupo control.La presencia de RA y RE-ß en la piel prepucial se investigo por immunohistoquimica. RESULTADOS: El porcentaje de expresión del receptor androgenico en células epiteliales fue de 18,9+/-27,3% en el grupo hipospadias y 3,3+/- 5,3% en el grupo de circuncisión. La diferencia entre ambos grupos fue significativo (p=0,034). En las células estromales,19,5+/- 26,8% en el grupo hipospadias y 2,6+/-4,4% en el grupo circuncisión fueron positivos para el RA (p=0,004). En el grupo de hipospadias, un porcentaje mas elevdo de expresión de RE-b ß se evidencio en comparación al grupo control (24+/-24,5%y 1,3+/-1,1, respectivamente, pel porcentaje de células epiteliales con RE-ß fue superior en el grupo hipospadias que en el grupo control; los valores respectivos fueron 6,8+/-10,1% y 0,9+/-1,3%(p<0,0001).CONCLUSIÓN: En este estudio se sugiere que la expresiónde RA y RE fueron superiores en el grupo conhipospadias que en piel prepucial normal. Se requierenmas estudios para determinar el significado de esta expresión.

Effect of anakinra, an interleukin one beta antagonist, on oxidative testicular damage induced in rats with ischemia reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported in the literature that proinflammatory interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) is increased in cases of testicular ischemia reperfusion (I/R) damage. This information suggests that anakinra, an IL-1ß antagonist, may be effective in testicular I/R damage. OBJECTIVE: In our study, we investigated the effect of anakinra on testicular I/R damage induced in rats with torsion/detorsion. METHODS: The 50mg/kg anakinra+testicular torsion/detorsion (KTD-50) and 100mg/kg anakinra+testicular torsion/detorsion (KTD-100) groups received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg of anakinra, respectively. In turn, the testicular torsion/detorsion (TTD) and sham operation (SOG) groups received a single dose of distilled water as a solvent 1h before ketamine anaesthesia. After the testes of the TTD, KTD-50 and KTD-100 groups were subjected to torsion and detorsion for 4h each, the rats were killed with a high-dose anaesthesia, and their testicles were removed and evaluated through biochemical, gene expression and histopathological examinations. The results were evaluated in comparison with those of the SOG group. RESULTS: The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and IL-1ß showed significant increases in the TTD group, which underwent torsion/detorsion, compared to the KTD-50, KTD-100 and SOG groups. Conversely, the levels of glutathione (tGSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPO) and glutathione s-transferase (GST) were found to be significantly higher in the KTD-50, KTD-100 and SOG groups than in the TTD group. CONCLUSION: Anakinra at a 100mg/kg dose histologically suppressed better oxidative stress and tunica albuginea, germ cell, seminiferous tubule and interstitial damage in the testicular tissue compared to a 50mg/kg dose. Experimental results indicate that anakinra might be beneficial in the attenuation of testicular I/R damage.

Effect of etoricoxib on experimental oxidative testicular ischemia-reperfusion damage in rats induced with torsion-detorsion.

Etoricoxib features antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties concomitantly, suggesting that it may be beneficial in testicular ischemia reperfusion (I/R) damage. Our aim is to investigate the effects of etoricoxib on testicular I/R damage induced with torsion-detorsion (TD). The etoricoxib + torsion-detorsion (ETD) groups of animals were given etoricoxib in 50 and 100 mg/kg of body weight (ETD-50 and ETD-100), while the testes torsion-detorsion (TTD) and sham operation rat group (SOG) animals were given single oral doses of distilled water as a solvent. TTD, ETD-50 and ETD-100 groups were subjected to 720° degrees torsion for four hours, and detorsion for four hours. The SOG group was not subjected to this procedure. Biochemical, gene expression and histopathological analyses were carried out on the testicular tissues. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were significantly higher, and the levels of total glutathione (tGSH) and glutathione reductase (GSHRd) were significantly lower in the TTD group, compared to the ETD-50, ETD-100 and SOG groups. Etoricoxib at a dose of 100 mg/kg better prevented I/R damage than the 50 mg/kg dose. Etoricoxib may be useful in clinical practice in the reduction of I/R damage on testes caused by torsion-detorsion.

Posterior Urethral Polyp: First Holmium-YAG Laser Ablation on a 3-Month-Old Infant.

BACKGROUND: Urethral polyps are rare benign pathologies seen in the male posterior urethra, more frequently originating from verumontanum. In this article, we aimed to discuss diagnosis and treatment of a urethral polyp causing hematuria and urinary infection in a 3-month-old male infant. This is the first case in the literature in which a urethral polyp is treated with Holmium yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 3-month-old male infant, and complains were hematuria and crying during micturition. Ultrasonography and voiding cystourethrogram were used for diagnosis. Urethral polyp was observed on urethrocystoscopy. Ablation was performed with a newborn cystoscope. CONCLUSION: Urethral polyp can cause hematuria and urinary obstruction and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pathologies such as posterior urethral valve and cecoureterocele that could cause infravesical obstruction. Holmium-YAG laser is a good choice of treatment with easy application possibilities using a newborn cystoscope, especially for newborns and infants who have thin urethra.

The effect of nimesulide on oxidative damage inflicted by ischemia-reperfusion on the rat renal tissue.

The objective of our study is to research biochemically and histopathologically the effect of nimesulide on oxidative damage inflicted by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) on the rat renal tissue. Twenty-four albino Wistar type of male rats were used for the experiment. The animals were divided into groups as: renal ischemia-reperfusion control (RIR), nimesulide+renal ischemia-reperfusion of 50 mg/kg (NRIR-50), nimesulide+renal ischemia-reperfusion of 100 mg/kg (NRIR-100), and sham groups (SG). In NRIR-50 and NRIR-100 groups were given nimesulide, and RIR and SG groups were given distilled water, an hour after anesthesia. Groups, except for the SG group, 1-h-ischemia and then 6-h-reperfusion were performed. In the renal tissue of the RIR group in which the malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OHGua) levels were measured, the COX-1 and COX-2 activities were recorded. Nimesulide at 100 mg/kg doses reduced the oxidant parameters more significantly than 50 mg/kg doses; on the other hand, it raised the antioxidant parameters. It has been shown that 100 mg/kg doses of nimesulide prevented the renal I/R damage more significantly than a dose of 50 mg/kg, which shows that nimesulide, in clinics, could be used in the prevention of I/R damage.

Renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma mimicking urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract.

Epithelioid angiomyolipoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor arising mainly in the kidney that can potentially behave aggressively. Epithelioid angiomyolipoma can often resemble sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma, high grade renal carcinoma or sarcoma. Its similarity to renal cell carcinoma has been emphasized in most of the cases reported in literature. With the purpose of contributing to the awareness of this similarity, a 32-year-old female patient with renal epitelioid angiomyolipoma in the left kidney which radiologically mimicked urothelial cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract is presented.

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy under sedoanalgesia for treatment of kidney stones in infants: a single-center experience with 102 cases.

OBJECT: We present the efficacy of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) therapy administered with sedoanalgesia in infants with kidney stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 102 patients aged 5-24 months who had kidney stones and received SWL therapy under sedoanalgesia using a Siemens Lithostar Modularis device. Patient and stone characteristics, therapy parameters, pain score, complications, discharge time, and follow-ups were registered and evaluated. Pain score was assessed using a Neonatal Infant Pain Score (NIPS). Postanesthetic discharge scoring system (PADSS) was used for the assessments of postprocedural discharge procedure. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 17.2 ± 6.3 months (5-24 months). Mean stone size was 7.9 ± 3.3 mm (5-23 mm). The most common concomitant metabolic disorders were hypercalciuria and hypocitraturia. The stone-free rates of the infants were 70.6, 87.3, and 99.1 % after the first, second, and third sessions of SWL therapy, respectively. The mean NIPS scores procedure during, and at 1 h after SWL procedure were determined as 0.24 ± 0.45 and 0.34 ± 0.47, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between two pain score values (P = 0.114). The mean discharge time of patients after the SWL procedure were 108.6 ± 27.9 min. Forty-two patients (41.1 %) were followed up. The follow-up period varied between 8 and 48 months (mean 19.5 months); none of those patients showed evidence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or renal function impairment. CONCLUSIONS: SWL therapy under sedoanalgesia is a safe and efficient treatment modality that can be administered with low complication rates and high stone-free rates in the treatment of renal stones in infants.

Ureteroscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy: is this procedure safe in pregnant women with ureteral stones at different locations?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of ureteroscopy and Holmium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet lithotripsy for the treatment of ureteral stones with different localizations in symptomatic pregnant women. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 19 pregnant patients referred to our center between January 2005 and December 2012 with symptomatic hydronephrosis requiring surgical intervention. 7.5 F and 9.5 F semirigid ureterorenoscopy with Holmium laser lithotripsy was used for treatment in all patients. Complications were stratified according to modified Clavien criteria. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 25.4 (18-41) years, and the mean gestation duration was 24.8 (7-33) weeks. Six cases (31.5%) had a history of stone. Solitary kidney secondary to previous nephrectomy was observed in 2 patients and 1 patient had a hypoplastic kidney. Abdominal ultrasonography was used as the main diagnostic tool. Mean stone size was 9.2 mm (6-13). The location of the stones was the lower, middle, and upper ureter in 8 (42.1%), 5 (26.3%) and 6 (31.5%) cases, respectively. All stones were fragmented with Holmium laser lithotripsy. Of the 19 patients, 11 (57.8%) required double J stent insertion peroperatively. Intraoperative urological and obstetric complications were not observed. Postoperatively two complications were noted. According to Clavien criteria a complication was level 1, and the other was level 2. CONCLUSIONS: For treatment of pregnant women with symptomatic ureteral stones in every location, Holmium laser lithotripsy with a semirigid ureteroscopy can be used as judicious treatment. This approach is effective and safe with an acceptable complication rate.

Giant isolated renal cyst hydatid: From diagnosis to treatment.

Hydatid cyst disease is a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Renal involvement is rarely seen as 2-4% of all cases. Rarely renal involvement is isolated whereas commonly it accompanies involvement of other organs. We aimed to present a 30-year-old male patient with renal involvement reaching a giant size and undiagnosed in another center.

Long-term efficacy and safety of interferon-alpha-2B in patients with mumps orchitis.

The aim of this study was to determine long-term efficacy and safety subcutaneous injection of interferon-alpha-2B in patients with mumps orchitis in terms of testicular volume and other testicular functions. Mumps orchitis was evaluated in 37 patients. Patients were hospitalized and administered 1 × 3,000,000 IU subcutaneous injection of interferon-alpha-2B daily for 7 days. The testicular volumes of all the patients were measured by ultrasonography in the 18th month following treatment termination. The testes volumes were evaluated by descriptive statistics as percentages. Patients were divided into three groups according to testes volumes and differences between the involved and non-involved testicles. Group I included patients with normal testes volume (> 12 ml) and a difference between testes of less than 2 ml or 20%; Group II (atrophic groups) included patients with testes volume of less than 12 ml; and Group III (hypotrophic groups) included patients with testes volume of greater than 12 ml and a difference between testes of more than 2 ml or 20%. Groups were compared in terms of results of semen analysis and serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Patients' ages ranged between 17 and 41 years (mean: 28.3 years). A total of nine atrophy cases were identified. Sixteen patients were determined to have hypotrophic testes with a difference of 2-10 ml or 20% between the involved and non-involved testicles, despite the absence of testicular atrophy. A comparison of groups revealed that sperm density, total sperm count, total motile sperm count, and motility percentage were significantly higher in Group I than in the other groups, while serum FSH and LH levels were lower in Group I than in the other groups. Although the use of interferon-alpha-2B appears to prevent testicular atrophy and protect testicular function, it leads to a considerable difference in the volume between testicles and a significant loss of testicular function. As a result, further studies are required in order to investigate the efficacy of the drug.

An unusual etiology of fever of unknown origin: Foley catheter.

Fever may appear due to known causes such as infections, but may sometimes occur as a result of unknown pathologies. These pathologies can be included in a miscellaneous group of fever of unknown origin. We report one case of bladder stone including a foreign body in a 40-year-old man with a stroke admitted for high fever, blocked miction and bladder symptoms.

Seventeen years' experience of penile fracture: conservative vs. surgical treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Penile fracture is the rupture of the tunica of one or both corpora cavernosa due to direct blunt trauma to the erected penis. Partial or complete rupture of the urethra or injury to the deep dorsal vein may accompany penile fracture. AIM: To compare conservative and surgical treatment modalities in terms of duration of hospitalization, early and late complications such as penile nodule and curvature, erectile dysfunction, and painful erection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Treatment results and complications in two groups were evaluated with history and physical examination, and International Index of Erectile Function-5 Questionnaire was used for erectile function assessment. Methods. The charts of 42 men diagnosed with penile fracture were retrospectively reviewed, and two treatment modalities were compared: conservative (Group I) and surgical (Group II). Results. Between 1991 and 2008, a total of 42 patients with penile fracture were followed in our clinic for a mean of 18 months (range: 6-30 months). Five men who refused surgical treatment were treated conservatively, and the other 37 patients underwent surgical treatment. In Group II, the most common complication was painful erection (in 4 of 37 patients, 10.8 %), whereas in Group I, 80 % (4/5 patients) suffered complications such as wound infection, painful erection, penile nodule and curvature, and erectile dysfunction. Conclusion. Diagnosis of penile fracture can be based on history and physical examination; diagnostic tests such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are generally not required. Fractures must be repaired either immediately or delayed. Because management with emergency surgical repair is the most effective approach, with the lowest complication rate, surgical treatment should be preferred compared to a conservative approach.

Comparison of the effectiveness and safety of MPL 9000 and Lithostar Modularis shockwave lithotriptors: treatment results of 263 children.

In this study, we aimed to compare the treatment results of two different shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) machines used in the management of pediatric urolithiasis. Between January 1993 and October 2004, Dornier MPL 9000 (electrohydraulic) had been used, and since then Siemens Lithostar Modularis (electromagnetic) has been used. The last evaluation was done 3 months after SWL treatment in terms of the success rate, use of anesthesia and complications. A total of 263 children (171 boys and 92 girls), with an age range of 9 months-14 years (mean age 8.1 +/- 3.8 years) were included in this study. Of the patients treated with the Dornier MPL 9000, 60.1% (173/104) required general anesthesia and 69 needed sedation. In contrast, for all patients treated with the Lithostar Modularis necessitated only sedo-analgesia (90 children). The hospital stay was shorter for Siemens Lithostar Modularis than those of Dornier MPL 9000 (26.2 vs. 35.5 h, P = 0.03). The success rate for the electromagnetic unit (86.5%) was almost identical that achieved with the electrohydraulic unit (85.2%) in the stones for the different location. Success rates were compared for stone burden subsets, the differences were insignificant for both lithotriptors (P > 0.05, for all). The electromagnetic unit had a significantly higher success rate for distal ureteral calculi (86.2 vs. 54.5%, P = 0.034). The efficiency quotients (EQ) for distal ureteral calculi were significantly different in favor of electromagnetic machine (56 vs. 40%). The complication rates for SWL were not significantly different for electrohydraulic and electromagnetic lithotriptors (8.7 and 6.2%, respectively). This study showed that SWL treatment was effective and safe in pediatric urolithiasis using both electrohydraulic and electromagnetic machines. Electromagnetic machine was more effective than electrohydraulic one for distal ureteral calculi. Additionally, the electromagnetic lithotriptor has significant clinical advantages over the electrohydraulic lithotriptor in terms of anesthesia requirements, hospitalization duration and fluoroscopic targeting.

The efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in children.

Technological advances in the design of shock wave lithotriptors have precipitated important changes in the management of urolithiasis in children. New generation lithotriptors have reduced the need for anesthesia, lowered hospitalization duration, and resulted in better fluoroscopic targeting reducing radiation exposure. Currently, shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) has become standard first line treatment for most renal and ureteral calculi in children. Herein, the literature and assess success rates, re-treatment rates, preoperative stenting, anesthesia requirements, side effects, and complications of SWL were reviewed. As a result, we aimed to demonstrate that SWL is safe for the treatment of pediatric urolithiasis.

The role of succinylcholine in the prevention of the obturator nerve reflex during transurethral resection of bladder tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To present our 8 year experience in the prevention of the obturator nerve reflex during transurethral resection of bladder tumors. METHODS: This study was performed in Ataturk University Hospital between 1999 and 2007. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 89 patients with inferolateral bladder tumors, who underwent transurethral resection under epidural or general anesthesia and requested obturator nerve reflex inhibition. Epidural anesthesia was administered to 57 patients, while the remaining 32 patients underwent general anesthesia via mask; and succinylcholine was administered prior to resection. RESULTS: Of the 57 patients received epidural anesthesia, 18 were diagnosed as inferolateral bladder tumors during endoscopy and had to undergo general anesthesia. Obturator nerve block was attempted preoperatively in 39 patients. However, a nerve identification failure, a hematoma, and 4 obturator nerve reflex events, despite the block, were observed and these patients were subjected to general anesthesia with succinylcholine. Fifty-six patients (32 patients initially had general anesthesia and 24 converted from epidural to general anesthesia) were all given succinylcholine prior to resection. CONCLUSION: Due to its mechanism of action, succinylcholine is completely effective and represents a simple alternative to obturator nerve block. No contraction was observed in any patient given succinylcholine.