Comparison of oncological and functional results of robotic and open perineal radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the functional and oncological outcomes of patients who underwent open perineal radical prostatectomy (OPP) and robotic perineal radical prostatectomy (RPP) for prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: The data of patients who underwent OPP and RPP from June 2016 to February 2019 due to localized PCa were analyzed. Demographic characteristics, perioperative data and oncological results of the patients were recorded. In addition, the incontinence status of the patients immediately after catheter removal and at the 3rd, 6th, and 12th months were compared. Potency status was evaluated among the patients with preoperative potency, and 12th month potency status was compared. RESULTS: A total of 135 patients were included, of whom 58 (43%) were in the OPP group and 77 (57%) were in the RPP group. The operation time was statistically significantly shorter in the OPP group (83.90 ± 15.48 vs. 110.88 ± 28.10 min, p = 0.001). The amount of bleeding was significantly lower in the RPP group (59.51 ± 22.04 vs. 74.06 ± 17.66, p = 0.002). The continence rates evaluated at the early period, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months were 40.3%, 80.5%, 87.0%, and 90.9%, respectively, for the RPP group and 36.2%, 70.7%, 86.2%, and 89.7%, for the OPP group, indicating no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the 12th month rates of postoperative potency according to the surgical technique (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although differences were observed between the OPP and RPP techniques in terms of perioperative parameters, oncological and functional results were similar.

A Retrospective Analysis of 83 Patients with Testicular Mass Who Underwent Testis-Sparing Surgery: The Eurasian Uro-oncology Association Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Herein, we analyzed the histopathological, oncological and functional outcomes of testis-sparing surgery (TSS) in patients with distinct risk for testicular cancer. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study on consecutive patients who underwent TSS. Patients were categorized in high- or low-risk testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) according to the presence/absence of features compatible with testicular dysgenesis syndrome. Histology was categorized per size and risk groups. RESULTS: TSS was performed in 83 patients (86 tumors) of them, 27 in the high-risk group. Fifty-nine patients had a non-tumoral contralateral testis present. Sixty masses and 26 masses were benign and TGCTs, respectively. No statistical differences were observed in mean age (30.9 ± 10.32 years), pathological tumor size (14.67 ± 6.7 mm) between risk groups or between benign and malignant tumors (p = 0.608). When categorized per risk groups, 22 (73.3%) and 4 (7.1%) of the TSS specimens were malignant in the high- and low-risk patient groups, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the only independent variable significantly related to malignant outcome was previous history of TGCT. During a mean follow-up of 25.5 ± 22.7 months, no patient developed systemic disease. Local recurrence was detected in 5 patients and received radical orchiectomy. Postoperative testosterone levels remained normal in 88% of those patients with normal preoperative level. No erectile dysfunction was reported in patients with benign lesions. CONCLUSION: TSS is a safe and feasible approach with adequate cancer control, and preservation of sexual function is possible in 2/3 of patients harboring malignancy. Incidence of TGCT varies extremely between patients at high and low risk for TGCT requiring a careful consideration and counseling.

Comparison of two different grafts for the surgical treatment of peyronie's disease.

The aim of this study was to compare two different graft techniques, namely saphenous vein (SV) and buccal mucosa (BM) used together with plaque incision for the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD) in terms of success, safety and patient and partner satisfaction. The study included 41 patients diagnosed with PD and treated with plaque incision and grafting between December 2015 and November 2019. Eighteen patients underwent plaque incision and BM grafting while the remaining 23 patients underwent plaque incision and SV grafting. Pre-operative plaque size, curvature angle, curvature start time and penis length were statistically similar between the SV and BM graft groups. No statistical difference was detected between the BM and SV graft groups in terms of the sixth- and 12th-month mean International Index of Erectile Function scores, Patient Global Impression of Improvement scores, penis lengths and final partner satisfaction rates during the follow-up period. Residual curvature was observed in three (13.1%) patients in the SV graft group and two (11.2%) patients in the BM graft group. With their high success and low side effect rates, both grafting techniques with plaque incision can be safely performed for tunical lengthening, based on the surgeon's experience.

Robot-assisted radical perineal prostatectomy: a review of 95 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the early functional and oncological outcomes of a large series of patients who underwent robot-assisted radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the patients who underwent robot-assisted RPP for localized prostate cancer between November 2016 and September 2018. Patients who had locally advanced disease proven on biopsy or were suspected to have locally advanced disease on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and patients who had a contraindication for the exaggerated lithotomy position were not included in this study. Patient demographics, preoperative and postoperative variables, complications and follow-up times were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 95 patients were included. Their mean ± sd age was 61.5 ± 6.5 years. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) preoperative prostate-specific antigen level was 6.1 (3.7) ng/mL, the median (IQR) operating time was 140 (25) min, and the mean ± sd blood loss was 67.4 ± 17 mL. Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) was performed for 12 patients (12.6%). The median (IQR) hospital stay was 1 (1) days. Positive surgical margins were present in eight patients (8.4%). After catheter removal, the immediate continence rate was 41%. Continence rates were 78%, 87% and 91%, respectively, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Potency rates were 49%, 69% and 77%, respectively, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery for patients who had adequate potency preoperatively. The median (IQR) follow-up time was 13 (3.1) months. CONCLUSION: We conclude that robot-assisted RPP is a reliable and effective surgical technique that can be employed in the treatment of localized prostate cancer regardless of prostate volume, especially in patients with a history of abdominal surgery. As an additional advantage, PLND can be performed through the same incision.

Comparison of preoperative locoregional Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET-CT and mp-MRI results with postoperative histopathology of prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Conventional imaging modalities are inadequate to evaluate locoregional extension of prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of the current retrospective study was to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of Gallium-68 prostate-specific membrane antigen-11 (Ga-68 PSMA-11) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) for staging preoperative PCa patients with correlating histopathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with histologically proven PCa underwent both Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET/CT and mp-MRI before robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. For each tumor area, correlations with histopathological results were defined for tumor localization, extraprostatic extension (EPE) of the tumor, invasion of seminal vesicle (SVI) and bladder neck invasion (BNI). In patients with regional lymph node (LN) dissection, histopathological results were also correlated with imaging modalities. RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for detection of EPE and SVI were higher for mp-MRI than Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET/CT. On the other hand Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET/CT had significant successful results for detection of LN metastases when compared with mp-MRI. But for BNI detection both modalities had same insufficient results. Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET/CT had strong results for appropriate tumor localization in the gland. CONCLUSION: Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT has superior results for assessing local LN metastases and for intraprostatic tumor localization. Whereas, mp-MRI must be the preferred modality for determining SVI and EPE. But both imaging modalities failed for determining BNI accurately. Both modalities should be used in conjunction with each other for better treatment planning.

The impact of single positive surgical margin features on biochemical recurrence after robotic radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Parameters predictive of biochemical or clinical recurrence after Radical Prostatectomy (RP) were determined as pre-treatment PSA value, pathologic tumor stage, tumor grade and presence of Positive Surgical Margin (PSM), extracapsular extension and seminal vesicle invasion and the status of pelvic lymph nodes. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of additional features in patients undergoing RP in our clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 556 RP operations performed between 2009 and 2016 for prostate cancer at this clinic. Preoperative and postoperative data of the patients were retrospectively reviewed. RP specimens were examined by two pathologists specialized in this subject. Of these patients, 78 (14.02%) patients with PSM were included in the study. The pathology slides of these patients were reassessed. The length of PSM (mm), localization (apex, basis and posterolateral) and Gleason pattern at this margin was determined and statistical correlations with BCR were calculated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up after the RP of 41 patients included in the study was 37.4 ± 13.2 months. During the follow-up period of the patients, BCR was observed in 16 patients (39.02%). No statistically significant difference was observed in age and prostate volume between the groups with and without BCR development (p > 0.05). Preoperative PSA level was found to be statistically significantly higher in the group with BCR development compared to the group without recurrence (p = 0.004). In-group comparisons in each aforementioned Gleason score groups were performed in terms of BCR development and the preoperative Gleason score in the group with development of recurrence was found to be statistically significantly higher compared to the group without recurrence (p = 0.007). The length of the surgical margin was measured as 7.4 ± 4.4 mm in the BCR-developing group and 4.7 ± 3.8 mm in the no-BCR- developing group; it was statistically significantly higher in the group with development of recurrence (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Length and location of the PSM and the Gleason score detected in the PSM region could not predict biochemical recurrence according to the results of this present study. However high preoperative PSA value is an independent prognostic factor for biochemical recurrence.

Comparison of robotic and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for small renal tumours.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a single surgeon oncological and functional outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) compared to robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) for pT1a renal tumours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2016, a retrospective review of 42 patients who underwent LPN (n = 20) or RPN (n = 22) by same surgeon was performed. Patients were matched for gender, age, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score, tumour side, RENAL and PADUA scores, peri-operative and post-operative outcomes. RESULTS: There was no significant differences between the two groups with respect to patient gender, age, BMI, ASA score, tumours side, RENAL and PADUA scores. Mean operative time for RPN was 176 vs. 227 minutes for LPN (p = 0.001). Warm ischemia time was similar in both groups (p = 0.58). Estimated blood loss (EBL) was higher in the LPN. There was no significant difference with preoperative and postoperative creatinine and percent change in eGFR levels. Only one case in LPN had positive surgical margin. CONCLUSIONS: RPN is a developing procedure, and technically feasible and safe for small-size renal tumours. Moreover RPN is a comparable and alternative operation to LPN, providing equivalent oncological and functional outcomes, as well as saving more healthy marginal tissue and easier and faster suturing.

A rare cause of acute post renal failure: Retroperitoneal fibrosis.

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is an inflammatory process which may cause acute renal failure. In patients who admitted to emergency services with obstructive uropathy, retroperitoneal fibrosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis. We present our ten cases who admitted to emergency department with obstructive acute renal failure related to retroperitoneal fibrosis.

Does the suturing technique (barbed continuous versus conventional interrupted) impact the outcome of anastomotic urethroplasty?

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare continuous suture (CS) and interrupted suture (IS) techniques applied in excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) urethroplasty in terms of surgical success and complication rates. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was conducted on patients with bulbar urethral strictures measuring ≤ 2.5 cm who underwent EPA between April 2020 and December 2022. Patients with a history of urethral reconstruction, multiple strictures, a history of pelvic radiotherapy, a diagnosis of Lichen sclerosis, a history of surgery due to congenital penile curvature or Peyronie's disease, and a follow-up period of less than 12 months were excluded. The patients were divided into two groups according to the suture technique used (CS or IS), and the groups were compared for demographic and perioperative data. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients (CS n = 52, IS n = 55) were included in the sample. The mean age of the entire patient group was calculated to be 56.2 years and the mean stricture length was 19.3 mm. Operation time and postoperative catheter time were shorter in the CS group (94.7 ± 7.3 vs. 117.2 ± 5.7 min and 9.9 ± 1.6 vs. 15.8 ± 1.9 min, p < 0.001, respectively). The groups were similar regarding anatomical success, stress urinary incontinence, penile numbness, curvature, and postoperative infection (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: No significant difference was observed in terms of success or complications between the CS and IS techniques employed during EPA urethroplasty. However, in addition to reducing the operation time, the CS technique offers the advantage of safely removing the urethral catheter earlier.

Use of autologous fascia in midurethral sling surgeries; comparison of transobtrator and retropubic ways.

OBJECTIVES: To compare autologous transobturator-tape (A-TOT) and autologous transvaginal tape (A-TVT) surgeries in terms of effectivity and complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Preoperative data, duration of the operation, complications and postoperative visual analogue scores were noted. Patients were assessed 12 months after surgery. An objective cure was defined as a negative CST and no need for reoperation due to SUI. Subjective cure was defined as a PGI-I score ≤ 2. Symptom severity and QoL were measured using the total score and the total QoL score of the ICIQ-FLUTS. RESULTS: Retrospectively 44 patients (A-TOT:29, A-TVT:15) were enrolled in this study. Mean follow-18 months. Preoperative parameters were similar. The VAS score at the 8th hour postoperatively was higher in the A-TOT group and similar at the 24th h (p = 0.007 and p = 0.587, respectively). Grade 3 complications according to clavien dindo were only observed in the A-TOT group. At 12 month the objective cure rates according to CST were 96.5% and 100 the subjective cure rates according to PGI-I veew 96.5% and 100%. A positive CST findingwasrecorded in one patient (3.3%) in the A-TOT group. Total score and total quality of life (QoL) scores on the ICIQ-FLUTS were found to be significantly improved in both groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) (Tab. 4). Similar improvements were found in both groups in the overall and quality of life subscores of the ICIQ-FLUTS filling and voiding sections (p = 0.476, p = 0.315, p = 0.520, and p = 0.448, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The A-TOT technique has objective, subjective cure, and overall complication rates comparable to those of the A-TVT technique. The use of autologous fascia provides an opportunity to avoid mesh-related complications.

99mTc-PSMA targeted robot-assisted radioguided surgery during radical prostatectomy and extended lymph node dissection of prostate cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: The feasibility of tracer production of 99mtechnetium (Tc)-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-I&S sterile cold kit, imaging with single photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), and 99mTc-PSMA-radioguided robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (99mTc-PSMA-RG-RALRP) technique for lymph node (LN) dissection of primary prostate cancer (PCa) patients were evaluated prospectively. METHODS: Fifteen primary PCa patients with intermediate- or high-risk score according to D'Amico risk stratification who had PSMA receptor affinity with Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET/CT were enrolled. After 99mTc-PSMA-I&S injection and SPECT/CT imaging, 99mTc-PSMA-RG-RALRP with DaVinci XI robotic platform and laparoscopic gamma probe were performed. Radioactive rating of resected tissue was compared with post-operative histopathology. Physiological and pathological uptakes of organs and tissues for both imaging modalities were compared. RESULTS: Physiological radiotracer distribution was similar for both imaging modalities. PCa lesions were much more visible on PET/CT. Metastatic LNs could not be visualized with SPECT/CT. Eighteen of 297 totally dissected LNs were metastatic, which were exactly the same with per-operative probe counts with sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and negative and positive predictive value of all 100%. The median follow-up was 23.5 ± 4.6 months. tPSA reduction was > 98%. The 2.5 years biochemical recurrence-free survival, PCa-specific treatment-free survival and overall survival rates were 86,7%, 66,7% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Tc-99 m-PSMA-RG-RALRP is a promising technique for extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) during robotic surgery, which may shorten the operation time and reduce complication risks. If LN metastases is detected during surgery with PSMA-targeted probe, it may be an early indicator of PCa-spesific treatment planning. Tc-99 m-PSMA-I&S SPECT/CT is not as successful as Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET/CT for diagnosis of primary PCA lesions or LN metastases.

Testicular torsion in the medicolegal perspective: Why is the diagnosis missing?

BACKGROUND: By examining patients with testicular torsion (TT) that caused problems in medicolegal terms, the present study aims to define markers causing medical neglect or malpractice in similar conditions and perform a retrospective examination to characterize the medical aspects of patients with TT. METHODS: In this study, 53 patients who underwent orchiectomy for TT following interventions made between 2004 and 2019 in different hospitals of Turkey and had satisfactory clinical findings in their files based on medicolegal inspections were included. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was nine years. Twenty-three (43.4%) of the patients had TT on the left side, 29 (54.7%) had TT on the right side, and one (1,9%) patient had bilateral TT. It was noticed that 31 (58.5%) patients had epididymo-orchitis (EO), seven patients had (13.2%) urinary infection, five (9.4%) patients had a hydrocele, and four (7.5%) patients had renal colic, and the others had testicle contusion, gastroenteritis, inguinal hernia, and acute appendicitis as misdiagnoses. The mean time that passed between admission and TT diagnosis was detected as 59±11.2 hours. A statistically significant relation was detected between the branch of the physician who first evaluated the patients and the presence of performing scrotal examination and imaging during admission. The ratio of physical scrotal examinations by emergency service physicians was lower than with the urologists. Among the preliminary examiner allowed to be an advanced evaluation for the possibility of missing diagnosis by an independent specialist physicians, 25 (47.2%) were urologists, 22 (41.5%) were emergency service physicians, four (7.5%) were pediatricians, and two (3.8%) were radiologists. CONCLUSION: Physicians should perform the required evaluations for a suitable diagnosis and treatment by putting aside their medicolegal concerns and prevent the problems by giving priority to patient health. For the correct diagnosis and proper management of TT, it is necessary to increase the information levels of physicians, and patients should be explored urgently in the event of any clinical suspicion.

Is neutrophile to lymphocyte ratio a predictor of Gleason score upgrading according to risk classifications in patients with prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the parameters that predict Gleason Score (GS) upgrading in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) and especially the ability of neutrophile to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting the upgrading. METHODS: Patients who underwent RARP for prostate cancer in our clinic between January 2013 and January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' demographic data, preoperative and postoperative parameters were all recorded in the database. NLR was calculated by dividing the absolute neutrophil count (NC) by the absolute lymphocyte count (LC). Patients were classified as low, moderate and high risk according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCNN) Guidelines. Any increase in GS between biopsy results and radical prostatectomy specimens were consideredas an GS upgrading. RESULTS: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 571 patients, 205 patients without GS upgrading (Group 1) and 366 patients with GS upgrading (Group 2), were included. The mean preoperative PSA values and prostate volumes were 10.8 ± 8 ng/dL and 45 ± 18.8 ml, respectively. Group 2 had a significantly high NC and NLR, significantly low platelet count (PC) and LC, (p=0.0001, 0.0001, 0.001 and0.002, respectively). Group 2 was found to have significantly higher positive surgical margin (PSM), extraprostatic extension (EPE) and seminal vesical invasion (SVI) (p<0.001). There was no significant correlation between the parameters of NLR and PSM, EPE, SVI, and lymph node invasion (LNI). Binomial logistic regression showed patients with increased NLR had 1.68 times higher odds to exhibit an upgrade in GS in the post-surgical histopathological analysis. CONCLUSIONS: NLR calculated preoperatively is an easy diagnostic method that can predict GS upgrading in patients scheduled for radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

OBJETIVOS: Determinamos los parámetros que predicen el grado de sobregradación de Gleason en pacientes que recibieron prostatectomía radical robótica asistida por laparoscopia (PRRL) y especialmente la habilidad de la tasa de neutrófilos/linfocitos (NLR) a la hora de predecir la sobregradación.MÉTODOS: Los pacientes que recibieron PRRL por cáncer de próstata en nuestra clínica entre enero 2013 y enero de 2018 se analizaron retrospectivamente. Los datos demográficos, parámetros preoperatorios y postoperatorios fueron reportados en la base de datos. NLR se calculo dividiendo el numero absoluto de neutrófilos (NC) por el numero absoluto de linfocitos (LC). Los pacientes se clasificaron como bajo, moderado y alto riesgo en la relación a las guías de National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCNN). Cualquier aumento en el grado de Gleason entre los resultados de la biopsia y la prostatectomía radical fueron considerados como una sobregradación de grado deGleason. RESULTADOS: Después de aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, un total de 571 pacientes, 205 sin sobregradación de Gleason (Grupo 1) y 366 pacientes con sobregradación de Gleason (Grupo 2). La media de PSA preoperatorio y volúmenes prostáticos fueron de 10,8 ± 8 ng/dL y 45 ± 18,8 ml, respectivamente. El grupo 2 presentó un NC y NLR más alto, significativamente, bajos niveles de plaquetas y LC (p=0,0001, 0,0001, 0,001 y 0,002, respectivamente). El grupo 2 demostró tener niveles significativamente más altos de márgenes quirúrgicos (PSM), extensión extraprostatica (EPE) e invasión de vesículas seminales (SVI) (p<0,001). No se econtró una correlación significativa entre los parámetros de NLR y PSM, EPE, SVI, invasión ganglios linfáticos. El modelo de regresión binomial logística demostró que los pacientes con un incremento de NLR tuvieron 1,68 más veces de tener una sobregradación de Gleason en el análisis histopatológico postquirúrgico. CONCLUSIONES: El cálculo de NLR preoperatorio es un método fácil de diagnóstico que puede predecir la sobregradación de Gleason en pacientes que van a recibir una prostatectomía radical por cáncer de próstata.

Evaluation of the results of dorsolateral buccal mucosal augmentation urethroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the results of dorsolateral buccal mucosal augmentation urethroplasty in patients with a long- segment urethral strictures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty male patients who underwent urethroplasty in our clinic between November 2015 and January 2017 were evaluated. The outcomes of single-stage dorsolateral buccal mucosal augmentation urethroplasty were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were followed-up at 2nd-3rd weeks, 3rd and 6th months after the operation. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 59.45±13.6 years. Mean length of the strictures was 4.59±1.99 cm (3-11 cm) and mean length of buccal mucosal graft was 6.8±1.98 cm (5-13 cm). Mean duration of operation was 149.25±47.39 minutes (95-270 min) and mean blood loss was calculated as 165.5±63.05 mL (75-280 mL). The success rate of dorsolateral buccal mucosal augmentation urethroplasty was calculated as 85% after a mean follow-up of 7.38±2.6 months. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications in the urethroplasty region or the mouth except one patient. Three patients who were found to have a decline in the maximum voiding rate in the postoperative 3rd month were included in the dilation program. CONCLUSION: Single-stage dorsolateral buccal mucosal augmentation urethroplasty is a surgical option to be used in the treatment of long segment urethral strictures with high success and low complication rates in experienced hands.

Comparison of cold-knife optical internal urethrotomy and holmium:YAG laser internal urethrotomy in bulbar urethral strictures.

INTRODUCTION: To compare the results of cold-knife optical internal urethrotomy (OIU) and Holmium:YAG laser internal urethrotomy (HIU) in primary bulbar urethral strictures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 63 patients diagnosed with primary bulbar urethral stricture between August 2014 and September 2015 were assigned to the OIU (n = 29) and HIU (n = 34) groups. The demographic variables, biochemistry panels, and preoperative and postoperative uroflowmetry results including the maximum flow rate (Qmax) and mean flow rate (Qmean) values, retrograde urethrography, and diagnostic flexible urethroscopy findings were recorded prospectively. Demographic features and preoperative values were not statistically different between groups (p >0.05). Mean surgical times were 18.4 ±2.3 min for OIU and 21.9 ±3.8 min for HIU groups, which was statistically significant (p <0.05). There was no significant difference in complication rates in both groups (p = 0.618). RESULTS: Postoperative Qmax values were increased in both groups even though postoperative Qmax values were not significantly different between the two groups in the short- and long-term results at 3, 6, and 12 months (p >0.05). There was no recurrence in the first 3 months in either group. The urethral stricture recurrence rate up to month 12 was not statistically significant for the OIU group (n = 6, 20.7%) as compared to the HIU group (n = 11, 32.4%; p = 0.299).At follow-up, the SFR and IFR was 96% and 88% at 3-months, and 82% and 71% at 12-months, respectively (p <0.001). While almost three-quarters of patients were stone and infection free at 12-months, the majority of those with stones recurrence also had recurrence of their UTI. CONCLUSIONS: HIU is an alternative method to OIU, and it has similar success rates in the treatment of short segment bulbar urethral strictures.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in identical twins.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH, Bochdalek type) is rarely seen in both members of identical twins. Herein, we report a 37 weeks' twins with CDH along with a brief review of the literature. Both the neonates survived.