Comparison of corporal plication for the correction of congenital penile curvature in pre-pubertal and post-pubertal patients: Does age matter?

We retrospectively reviewed and compared the results of corporal plication procedures for the correction of congenital penile curvature (CPC) between pre-pubertal and post-pubertal boys and find whether age matters in the success rates. We reviewed the records of 32 patients with CPC without hypospadias treated by simple plication near the 12 o'clock position between 1998 and 2018 in our clinic. Patients under 13 years of age and not had puberty yet were accepted as pre-pubertal. Residual curvature less than 10° during follow-up was accepted as a surgical success. The mean age of the pre-pubertal group was 8.3 (2-12) years, while 16.2 (14-21) for the post-pubertal patients. The mean follow-up was 38.7 (24-154) months in the pre-pubertal group and 45.1 (23-150) months in the post-pubertal group. The success rates of corporal plication in pre-pubertal and post-pubertal groups were 78% and 83% respectively (p = .753). The success rates of corporal plication were similar between pre-pubertal and post-pubertal boys. However, as the series was small further studies should be favoured to determine the effect of age on success rates.

Treatment outcomes of semirigid ureterorenoscopy and intracorporeal lithotripsy in pregnant women with obstructive ureteral calculi.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the outcomes of semirigid ureterorenoscopy and intracorporeal lithotripsy as a definitive treatment in pregnant women with obstructive ureteral calculi. A retrospective analysis was performed of 16 pregnant patients referred to gynecology department with ureteral obstruction from 2007 to 2009. The mean age was 25 years, and mean gestation period was 30 weeks. Of the 16 patients; 50% had fever, 100% flank pain, 56% dysuria, 25% gross hematuria, 50% positive urine culture, and 75% pyuria and microscopic hematuria. Abdominal ultrasonography was the principle diagnostic test used. The mean stone size was 9.45 mm. Eleven of the 16 patients, 54% had stones located in the distal ureter and 46% proximal ureter. The stones were fragmented using a swiss pneumatic lithoclast through 9.5 F semirigid ureteroscope by 0.035 mm safety guidewire with the patient under general anesthesia. Eleven patients had obstruction due to the ureteral calculi. Eight of 11 patients had complete fragmentation of the calculi by ureteroscopy as a primary treatment. Push-back was performed in the other three patients. By applying Dj catheter, and performing eswl after giving birth, the patient became stone-free. Dj catheter was applied peroperative to all 16 patients. No complications were recorded, and all patients completed the full term of pregnancy. The results of our study have shown that semirigid ureteroscopy to diagnose ureteral calculi and treat them with intracorporeal pneumatic lithotripsy and ureteral stent insertion, as indicated, is the most efficient and definitive treatment modality in pregnant women.

Robotic simple prostatectomy is a safe and effective technique for benign prostatic hyperplasia: Our single center initial short-term follow-up results for 42 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is one of the biggest problems of aging men. Prostate surgery is now well defined in the case of failure of medical therapy. Robotic simple prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical method with an alternative to open simple prostatectomy in large prostate volumes. We present our simple prostatectomy technique with robot, perioperative, and short-term functional result in our clinic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2017 and January 2021, 42 patients underwent simple robotic prostatectomy were retrospectively evaluated. Preoperative, perioperative, and post-operative clinical data were analyzed. Post-operative continence status, voiding, and erectile functions were evaluated using uroflowmetry and international prostate symptom score (IPSS) at sixth week and third month. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 71 (66-78) years. No major complications were observed in any of the patients. Urethral catheters were removed on the fourth post-operative day. Except for one case, all of the cases urinated spontaneously after the catheter was removed. One case could not urinate spontaneously, and urethral catheter was placed again. Three days later, the urethral catheter was removed, and patient urinated spontaneously. None of the patients reported stress urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction. The mean operative time was 112minutes, the mean hospital stay was 1.6 days, the mean post-operative IPSS was 6, and the mean post-operative Q max was 24.4mL s 1. CONCLUSION: Robotic simple prostatectomy may be an effective and safe alternative minimally invasive technique in the treatment of large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Is fluoroscopy necessary during flexible ureteroscopy for the treatment of renal stones?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) without fluoroscopy during the treatment of renal stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2013 and August 2018, 744 patients' data were evaluated retrospectively. Of these, 576 patients were included in the study. All fURS were performed by experienced surgeons. All procedures were planned with zero-dose fluoroscopy. But, if fluoroscopy was necessary for any reasons, these patients were excluded from the study. Demographic data, perioperative parameters, stone-free rate (SFR), and complication rates were recorded. RESULTS: Of the patients planned for fluoroless fURS (ffURS), the procedure was successfully achieved in 96.7% (557/576 patients), as 19 patients required fluoroscopy during the procedure for various reasons. In the patients included in the study, the mean (SD) stone size was 11.6 (5.2) mm and the mean (SD) operating time was 39.4 (8.2) min. After the first session of ffURS, the SFR was 83.3% (achieved in 464 patients). Second and third sessions of ffURS were performed in 32 (5.7%) and seven (1.2%) patients, respectively. Overall, the complication rate was 11.8% and all complications were minor (Clavien-Dindo Grade I or II). CONCLUSIONS: The ffURS technique seems to be a safe and effective treatment compared to conventional fURS in patients with renal stones. This procedure should be performed in experienced centers, where fluoroscopy can be considered not to be mandatory during fURS. ABBREVIATIONS CIRF: clinically insignificant residual fragment; CT: computed tomography; EAU: European Association of Urology; (f)fURS: (fluoroless) flexible ureteroscopy; FT: fluoroscopy time; KUB: plain abdominal radiograph of the kidneys, ureters and bladder; mSv: millisievert; PCNL: percutaneous nephrolithotomy; pps: pulse-per-second; rem: roentgen equivalent man; PUJ: pelvi-ureteric junction; SFR: stone-free rate.

Unusual intrascrotal lesions in adults in urological practice. / Lesiones intraescrotales inusuales en adultos en la práctica clínica urológica.

OBJECTIVE: Unusual intrascrotal lesions in adults generally have been described as case reports in the medical literature. We present two lesions observed in two clinics over more than 28 years, with their radiological, pathological and clinical characteristics. METHODS: Retrospective study preformed between 1989 and 2017 in 446 patients undergoing inguinal orchiectomy. Clinical data were obtained reviewing patient` s tables. All patients were evaluated with physical examination, medical history, serum tumor markers (alpha fetoprotein, beta human chorionic gonadotropin, LDH), and scrotal ultrasound in the perioperative period. RESULTS: In 396 cases (88,78%) the diagnosis was germ cell or non-germ cell tumor and the remainder 50 patients (11.2%) presented 15 different intrascrotal lesions. These lesions were rhabdomyosarcoma (1 patient), intrascrotal cavernous hemangioma (1 patient), dermoid cyst (2 cases), epidermoid cyst (4 patients), paratesticular mesothelioma (1 case), parietal testicular tunica vaginalis cyst (2 patients), spermatic granuloma (3 cases). The number of patients with tuberculosis orchitis was 6 and granulomatous orchitis 8. There were 8 patients with fibrous pseudotumor. 1 patient presented testicular plasmocytoma. Metastatic involvement secondary to lymphoma and leukemia appeared in 4 cases. Brucella epididymitis-orchitis 7 cases. 2 cases of adult pure yolk sac testicular tumors. Additional evaluations and treatments were performed depending on histologic diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The exact diagnosis of these lesions is difficult due to their rarity and they must always be considered for differential diagnosis.

OBJETIVO: Las lesiones intraescrotales adultas inusuales generalmente se han descrito como un informe de caso en la literatura. Estas lesiones que se observaron en dos clínicas durante más de 28 años se presentan aquí con características radiológicas, patológicas y clínicas.MÉTODOS: Este estudio retrospectivo se realizó entre 1989 y 2017 en 446 pacientes sometidos a orquiectomía inguinal. Los datos clínicos se obtuvieron mediante la revisión de tablas de pacientes. En el período preoperatorio, todos los pacientes evaluados con examen físico, historial de detalles, marcadores tumorales séricos (alfa-fetoproteína, beta-gonadotropina coriónica humana, lactato deshidrogenasa), ultrasonografía doppler escrotal. RESULTADOS: Se diagnosticaron tumores testiculares germinales y no germinales en 396 casos (88,78%) y los 50 pacientes restantes (11,22%) presentaron 15 lesiones intraescrotales diferentes. El tipo de estas diferentes lesiones intraescrotales fueron rabdomiosarcoma paratesticular (1 paciente), hemangioma cavernoso intraescrotal (1 caso), quiste dermoide (2 casos), quiste epidérmico (4 pacientes), mesotelioma paratesticular (1 caso), quiste de capa parietal de túnica testículo vaginal (2 pacientes), granuloma espermático (3 casos). El número de pacientes con orquitis tuberculosa y granulomatosa fue de 6 y 8 pacientes, respectivamente. Los pacientes con pseudotumor fibroso fueron 8 casos. Plasmacitoma del testículo se observó en 1 paciente. La afectación metastásica debida a linfoma y leucemia se observó en un total de 4 casos. Se observó epididimo- orquitis de Burucella en 7 casos. El número de tumores adultos en el testículo puro del saco vitelino fue de 2 casos. Se realizaron evaluaciones y tratamientos adicionales según el diagnóstico histológico. CONCLUSIONES: El diagnóstico exacto de estas lesiones es difícil debido a su rareza y siempre debe considerarse en el diagnóstico diferencial.

Association of genetic polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor gene and susceptibility to sporadic prostate cancer.

Genetic and environmental factors are involved in prostate cancer (PCa) etiology. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may contribute to the PCa pathogenesis. The goal of this study is to determine the role of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and haplotypes in the development and progression of sporadic PCa. One hundred and thirty-three PCa patients and 157 age-matched healthy controls were genotyped for the Apa I (rs7975232), Bsm I (rs1544410) and Taq I (rs731236) polymorphisms in VDR gene by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. An association was observed between the Apa I polymorphism and PCa predisposition (P = 0.03). When compared with AA genotype, there was a highly notable difference in the frequencies of the Aa (P = 0.02), aa (P = 0.026) and Apa I ''a'' allele carriers (Aa + aa) (P = 0.009) genotypes. Furthermore, we found a statistical difference in the allele frequencies of the Apa I polymorphism between the sporadic PCa patients and control subjects (P = 0.013). The genotype distribution for the Bsm I and Taq I polymorphisms were similar between cases and controls (P > 0.05). No clinically significant relationship was found between the three-locus haplotypes and development of sporadic PCa. The genotype frequencies for the three polymorphisms of the VDR gene within subgroups of PCa (defined by tumor stage, Gleason score, PSA levels) were also analyzed, but no statistically noteworthy difference was observed (P > 0.05). As far as we know, this is the first study which investigates the relationship between VDR genotypes and sporadic PCa in the Turkish population. Our findings suggest that the VDR ApaI (rs7975232) polymorphism may play a role in the development of sporadic PCa.

The use of polymer clips in transperitoneal laparoscopic nephropexy.

Here we report a patient with symptomatic mobile kidney (nephroptosis) who was treated successfully with transperitoneal laparoscopic nephropexy with the use of nonabsorbable polymer clips. In this procedure, clips were used on Gerota's fascia to fix the kidney to the transversus abdominis fascia and the triangular ligament. This method is easier and requires less time than previously reported techniques.

Shock wave lithotripsy or retrograde intrarenal surgery: which one is more effective for 10-20-mm renal stones in children.

OBJECTIVES: To compare shock wave lithotripsy and flexible ureteroscopy in children with renal stone's diameter of 10 to 20 mm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study including 79 children, who had renal stone and underwent either shock wave lithotripsy or flexible ureteroscopy between January 2007 and June 2017. Of those, 38 patients underwent shock wave lithotripsy assigned as group 1 and 41 patients underwent flexible ureteroscopy assigned as group 2. Stone-free rate, fluoroscopy time, procedure time, complication rates, hospitalization time, and cost-effectiveness were monitored and included in the analyses. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 4.4 ± 3.5 in group 1 and 4.9 ± 4.1 in group 2. Stone-free rate was not different in both groups in the first and third months of follow-up. The mean fluoroscopy time was statistically significantly longer in group 1 compared to group 2. Procedure and hospitalization times were longer in group 2 compared to group 1. No complications were seen in either groups. The expenditure was calculated as 135.23 and 869.41 Euro per patient for groups 1 and 2, respectively, which shows significant higher cost in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: In this present study, we have shown that shock wave lithotripsy is cheaper, has short hospitalization time and long fluoroscopy time and similar stone-free rate, and has the same efficiency compared to flexible ureteroscopy regarding pediatric renal stones with the diameter between 10 and 20 mm.

The Efficacy of Ureteroscopy Without Fluoroscopy for Ureteral and Renal Stones in Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVES: In the pediatric population, there have been significant improvements in the treatment of stones in recent years. Conventionally, ureteroscopy (URS) and/or retrograde intrarenal surgery are techniques performed with fluoroscopy. When using fluoroscopy, problems, including malignancy, may arise because of radiation exposure in the patient, physician, and operation room staff. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possibility of ureteroscopic treatment without fluoroscopy in children with ureteral and renal stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2010 and April 2017, pediatric patients were enrolled in this study. Data were retrospectively evaluated. URS was performed by the experienced surgeons in our center. Fluoroscopy was not routinely used during the operations. Demographic data, perioperative parameters, and success and complication rates were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-seven renal units from 61 patients were operated on. URS without fluoroscopy was achieved in 95.0% of 61 patients (95.5% of 67 renal units). Three patients needed fluoroscopy during the operation. The mean stone size was 12.4 ± 5.3 mm, and the mean operation time was 41.9 ± 15.1 minutes. The success rates in the postoperative first and third mounts were 82.1% (55 renal units) and 88.0% (59 renal units), respectively. For 10 patients, second-session URS without fluoroscopy was needed. Clinically insignificant residual fragments were detected in three patients. There were no major complications. CONCLUSION: URS without fluoroscopy for ureteral and renal stones in pediatric patients can be safely and effectively performed in experienced centers.

Flexible Ureterorenoscopy versus Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for the Treatment of Renal Stones.

PURPOSE: To compare the pain status and stone free rates of flexible ureterorenoscopy (F-URS) versus mini-percutaneousnephrolithotomy (mini-PNL) for the treatment of 1-to 2-cm renal stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was retrospectively designed with match paired method. Between January 2013 and December 2016, 387 patients underwent stone surgery for renal stones, 45 patients underwent FURS and 45 patients underwent mini-PNL. 90 patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical procedures. Group 1 patients underwent F-URS, and Group 2 patients underwent mini-PNL. During the intraoperative andpostoperative periods, pain management for all patients was standardized. Pain scores were determined using a visual analogue scale (VAS) completed at 2, 6, 12 and 24 hours postoperatively. The stone free status, hemoglobin levels, fluoroscopy time (FT), operation time (OT), hospitalization time (HT), return to work time (RWT), and complications were noted for each patient. RESULTS: Of all patients, the mean age was 41.1 ± 12.1 years and the mean stone size was 13.9 ± 2.9 mm. The VAS scores were significantly higher in the mini-PNL group at 2, 6, 12 and 24 hours (P < .05). The stone-free status and complication rates were similar between the two groups (P > .05); however, the hemoglobin decreases and the fluoroscopy, operation, hospitalization and return to work times were higher in the mini-PNL group than in the F-URS group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: F-URS is less painful than mini-PNL for the treatment of 1- to 2-cm renal stones. However, the stone free rate is similar between the two procedures while mini-PNL is superior in terms of fluoroscopy, operation, hospitalization and return to work duration. We think that F-URS is more comfortable and less painful than mini-PNL and achieves a similar stone free rate for the treatment of 1- to 2-cm renal stones.

The association of 5alpha-reductase II (SRD5A2) and 17 hydroxylase (CYP17) gene polymorphisms with prostate cancer patients in the Turkish population.

To date, research has led to the invention of multiple genes and their single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and environmental factors that influence the prostate cancer (PCa) pathogenesis. Therefore, the genes involved in these pathways are candidates for PCa predisposition. It is thought that polymorphisms of 5alpha-reductase II (SRD5A2) and 17 hydroxylase (CYP17) genes are likely to increase susceptibility. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk association of SRD5A2 and CYP17 gene polymorphisms in the development and progression of PCa in the Turkish population. In this study, 100 PCa patients and 105 healthy controls were studied. SRD5A2 and CYP17 gene polymorphisms were determined by real-time PCR and polymerase chain reaction-restriction length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) techniques. First, the AT and TT genotypes of SRD5A2 gene at codon 49 were not observed. Second, there was no significant association between the polymorphisms at codon 89 and the risk of PCa. Third, in the CYP17 gene, the A1A1 genotype is more common (46%) in cases than controls (32.4%). The odds ratios (ORs) of the A1A1 genotype was found at 1.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-3.74) compare with the A2A2 genotype. Genotyping results of the SRD5A2 and CYP17 genes were also analyzed in relation to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, Gleason score (GS), and tumor stage, but no statistically significant difference was observed (P > 0.05). Finally, we conclude that there was no evidence of an association between CYP17 (P = 0.134) and SRD5A2 (P = 0.784) polymorphism and PCa risk in the Turkish population.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy for xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in the absence of kidney stones or clinical urinary infection.

Here, we present a patient who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy for a nonfunctional kidney on the left side, and who was found to have xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) on the subsequent histopathology examination. XGP is a severe, chronic infection of the renal parenchyma. Nephrectomy is the treatment of choice. Preoperative diagnosis of XGP can be challenging because the clinical presentation may vary. Our patient's loss of kidney function was due to a simple cortical kidney cyst that compressed the urinary collecting system. He presented only with mild flank pain and a poorly functioning kidney, and therefore XGP was not suspected before surgery. Because of the renal and perirenal inflammatory changes that commonly accompany XGP, the laparoscopic approach is difficult and is therefore rarely used. However, laparoscopic nephrectomy for XGP offers an easier recovery for the patient and therefore deserves further consideration as a method of treatment.

Assessment of urinary symptoms in children with dysfunctional elimination syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: This study was organized to form a symptom scale for diagnosis and assessment of urinary and bowel symptoms in children with dysfunctional elimination syndrome (DES). METHODS: The study group included 81 children presented to our clinic with symptoms of DES like enuresis, abnormal voiding, urinary tract infection and urgency, between January 2003 and February 2004. Age matched 102 children with no history of urological complaints were randomly recruited from a public school as control group. Children with isolated, mono-symptomatic nocturnal enuresis were not taken to the study. All children and parents were requested to fill a 35-item questionnaire related to symptoms of DES. After statistical analysis, questions from the initial form that had a P-value <0.05 and an area under curve (AUC) value >0.6 were selected to form a final scale. RESULTS: The mean ages for study and control groups were 8.7 +/- 2.5 and 8.3 +/- 2.2 years, respectively (P = 0.236). The final scale was composed of 15 questions. The cut-off score for the presence of DES was determined as 7.5 (sensitivity 85.2%, specificity 93.1%, AUC value = 0.943) for the total population. When only the male population were concerned the cut-off score was 4.5 (sensitivity 93.8%, specificity 78%, AUC value = 0.913) while the cut-off score for the female population was 7.5 (sensitivity 87.7%, specificity 94.2%, AUC value = 0.953). CONCLUSION: Providing objective assessment of symptom severity, formation of a validated scoring system for children with DES might be a good tool for diagnosis, confirmation of treatment results and follow up. It might also be useful for screening purposes.

Surgical treatment of an acquired posterior urethral diverticulum with cystoscopy assisted robotic technique.

A 42-year-old man with a history of recurrent urethral stenosis, recurrent urinary tract infection and macroscopic hematuria has referred to our clinic. He underwent several internal urethrotomies and currently using clean intermittent self-catheterization. During the internal urethrotomy, we noted a large posterior urethral diverticulum (UD) between verumontanum and bladder neck. His obstructive symptoms were resolved after the catheter removal. But perineal discomfort, urgency and dysuria were prolonged about 3-4 weeks. Urinalysis and urine culture confirmed recurrent urinary tract infections. Due to this conditions and symptoms, we planned a surgical approach which was planned as transperitoneal robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach. This technique is still applied for the diverticulectomy of the bladder. In addition to this we utilized the cystoscopy equipments for assistance. During this process, cystoscope was placed in the UD to help the identification of UD from adjacent tissues like seminal vesicles by its movement and translumination. Operating time was 185 min. On the post-operative third day he was discharged. Foley catheter was removed after 2 weeks. Urination was quite satisfactory. His perineal discomfort was resolved. The pathology report confirmed epidermoid (tailgut) cyst of the prostate. Urethrogram showed no radiologic signs of UD after 4 weeks. Irritative and obstructive symptoms were completely resolved after 3 months. No urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation was noted. While posterior UD is an extremely rare situation, surgical treatment of posterior UD remains uncertain. To our knowledge, no above-mentioned cystoscopy assisted robotic technique for the treatment was described in the literature.

Surgical management of urinary stones with abnormal kidney anatomy.

In spite of the fact that urologic surgical techniques used by urologists are becoming more and more minimally invasive and easier because of developing technologies, surgical approaches for the urinary stones in kidneys with abnormal anatomy are still confusing. The objective of this article is to determine the treatment options in these kidneys. For this purpose, between 2005 and 2015, we retrospectively evaluated patients operated for urolithiasis with various congenital renal anomalies in five referral urology clinics in our country. Of the 178 patients (110 male, 60 female), 96 had horseshoe kidneys, 42 had pelvic ectopic kidneys (PEKs), and 40 had isolated rotation anomalies (IRAs) of the kidney. We evaluated the patients for stone-free rate (SFR), mean operation time, mean hospitalization time, and complication rate. In horseshoe kidney, SFRs for retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) groups were 72.2% and 90%, respectively. In PEKs, these rates were 83.6% and 100% for RIRS and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, respectively. SFRs in kidneys with IRA were 75% for RIRS and 83.3% for PNL. The mean operation time for RIRS and PNL groups in horseshoe kidney was 40.5±11.2 minutes and 74.5±19.3 minutes, respectively. In PEKs, these times were 52.1±19.3 minutes and 53.1±24.3 minutes for RIRS and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, respectively. Mean operation time in kidneys with IRA was 48.7±14.4 minutes for RIRS and 53.2±11.3 minutes for PNL. Mean hospitalization times for RIRS and PNL groups in horseshoe kidneys were 1.4±0.7 days and 2.2±1.4 days, respectively. In PEKs, these times were 2.7±1.8 days and 1.9±0.4 days for RIRS and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, respectively. Mean operation time in kidneys with IRA was 1.5±0.9 days for RIRS and 1.8±0.6 days for PNL. The results of our study showed that RIRS could be used in all of types of abnormal kidneys with small- and medium-sized renal calculi safely and satisfactorily.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in L-shaped kidneys: report of two cases.

The L-shaped or tandem kidney is a type of crossed ectopia with fusion in which the crossed kidney assumes a transverse position during its attachment to the inferior pole of the other kidney. Calculus formation is a well-known sequel of congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract and we like to present two patients harbouring calculi in L-shaped kidneys treated by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). The first patient had a calculus in renal pelvis of the transverse kidney. The second case had multiple calculi in renal pelvis and calices of the vertically positioned kidney. After three sessions, first patient was stone free, whereas no fragmentation in the second case. As a conclusion, ESWL might be an option for L-shaped kidneys.

An uncommon application of shock wave lithotripsy: encrusted double pigtail ureteral stent.

A 70-year-old man was referred to our clinic for removal of a retained encrusted pigtail ureteral stent. Previously, in another institution they tried to remove the stent but it was broken and the intravenous pyelography(IVP) showed that the piece of the stent was located in the left renal pelvis. The retained stent was tried to be removed by rigid ureteroscopy (as the flexible was damaged at that occasion) but we were unsuccessful. Before attempting a more invasive procedure we tried extra corporal shock wave lithotripsy, (ESWL) to fragment the encrusted double-J and enable the patient to pass fragments from the ureter. After two sessions the stent was completely disintegrated and the patient passed all of the fragments easily to become stent-free after 2 months.

Does the Intensity of Cutting Power Affect Postoperative Symptoms During Transurethral Resection with a Monopolar System?

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intensity of cutting power on postoperative symptoms after transurethral resection (TURP) with a monopolar system for benign prostatic hyperplasia. One hundred thirty-six men with benign prostatic obstructions undergoing elective transurethral prostatectomy were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into three groups according to the intensity of cutting power. The cutting power intensities were 80-119 W for group 1, 120-159 W for group 2, and 160-200 W for group 3, respectively. In the postoperative period, patients were evaluated with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality-of-life (QoL) questionnaires. In the postoperative period, maximal flow rate (Q max), and post-voiding residue (PVR) were significantly improved in patients who had monopolar TURP performed. When compared to the other groups, the IPSS score was found to be significantly higher in group 3 at 3, 4, and 8 weeks. In addition, the QoL assessment scores for group 3 were superior at 3 weeks. The improvements of Q max and PVR were similar among the three groups (p < 0.0001). At the end of 3 months, IPSS and QoL were significantly improved in all groups. The intensity of cutting power during prostate resection with a monopolar system may affect the postoperative improvements and symptoms.

Aqueous extract of Urtica dioica makes significant inhibition on adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from patients with prostate cancer.

AIM: Investigation of possible effects of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica leaves on adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: Ten prostate tissues from patients with pathologically proven localized prostate cancer (Gleason scores 4 to 7) were used in the study. In the tissues, ADA activities with and without preincubation with different amounts of Urtica dioica extracts were performed. RESULTS: Aqueous extract of Urtica dioica results in significant inhibition on adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity of prostate tissue. CONCLUSION: ADA inhibition by Urtica dioica extract might be one of the mechanisms in the observed beneficial effect of Urtica dioica in prostate cancer.

The importance of re-evaluation in patients with cystitis glandularis associated with pelvic lipomatosis: a case report.

Pelvic lipomatosis is a rare, proliferative disease involving an overgrowth of normal fat in the pelvic retroperitoneal space. Cystitis glandularis, cystitis cystica, or cystitis follicularis can be observed in 75% of patients with pelvic lipomatosis. We describe a 58-yr-old man with pelvic lipomatosis in whom adenocarcinoma of the bladder was diagnosed in the second transurethral resection of the bladder 1 month after the first operation. This proliferative disease can cause obstruction of the bladder drainage leading to a proliferative cystitis because of an altered environment rich in protein fluid. Because the association of this proliferative disease with adenocarcinoma of the bladder is frequent, we recommend close follow-up of these patients to detect the associated adenocarcinoma of the bladder.