Effects of varicocele on testicles: Value of strain elastography: A prospective controlled study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the structural changes in testicles of the patients with varicocele by strain elastography (SE) and to identify the relationship between semen analysis and hormone levels considering SE results. The patients were separated into two groups as varicocele and control, according to their physical examination and the scrotal colour duplex ultrasonography results. All patients underwent examination by hormonal profile, semen analysis, colour duplex ultrasonography and sonoelastography. Testicular volume, resistive index (RI) of intratesticular arterial flow, strain rate and varicocele measurements were recorded. The left testicle strain ratios (SR) median value was 0.18 (0.15-0.26) in the varicocele group and 0.25 (0.19-0.28) in the control group (p < 0.001). The median RI value was 0.59 (0.52-0.64) in the varicocele group and 0.52 (0.5-0.59) in the control group (p < 0.001). No difference was found considering volume between the right and left testicles in either group. These results showed that elastography could be useful to detect the damage caused by varicocele on testicles in early period. However, studies with more patients would help to increase elastography's value and reliability.

Does transrectal ultrasonography-guided biopsy of the prostate lead to possible further metastasis via circulating tumor cells?

Background/aim: We evaluate whether transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy might lead to spillage of tumor cells into peripheral blood as a result of disruption of the epithelial barrier and ultimately result in metastasis. Materials and methods: Eighty-eight patients underwent TRUS-guided prostate needle biopsy due to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) increase or abnormal digital rectal examination at the Samsun Research and Training Hospital (Samsun, Turkey) between April 2016 and September 2018. Approximately 10 mL of whole blood was collected from patients before, 1 week after, and 1 month after biopsy. Samples were analyzed for CD117 positivity and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) levels using flow cytometry. Patients with pathologically determined prostate cancer and without CD117 positivity before biopsy were included in the study. The study group thus consisted of 55 patients. Results: Subjects' PSA levels ranged from 2.3 to 40.0 ng/mL (median: 7.9 ng/mL), and their Gleason score was a median of 7 (range: 5­9). PSMA levels ranged between 9.3 ng/mL and 118.5 ng/mL and CD117 antigen levels between 0 and 5. We detected no CD117- positive cells in blood samples collected 7 days or 1 month after biopsy. Conclusion: We detected no circulating tumor cells in the peripheral circulation following biopsy. Prostate needle biopsy seems to be a safe method in terms of spillage of tumor cells into blood circulation as a possible cause of further metastasis.

The efficacy of udenafil in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequently observed in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis (HD) compared to non-uremic patients. This situation causes severe psychogenic problems in patients and disrupts the quality of life. Different phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors have been used, and efficacies revealed, for the treatment of ED in HD patients; however, there are no studies related to udenafil use or results for HD patients. This study retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and reliability of udenafil for HD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The laboratory findings, side effects after treatment, and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores before and after treatment were compared and evaluated for HD patients who applied to our urology clinic with ED complaints and were treated with udenafil. RESULTS: The results showed that in the HD patient group with ED, apart from ED, there were severe rates of other sexual dysfunction. In our patient group, there was a statistically significant improvement in all scores for erectile function (p = 0.033), orgasmic function (p < 0.001), sexual desire (p < 0.001), relationship satisfaction (p < 0.001), and general satisfaction (p < 0.001) after treatment. The reported side effects were headache in one patient and dyspepsia in one patient. CONCLUSION: We concluded that udenafil is an effective and reliable treatment approach for HD patients; however, our results require support from prospective randomized crossover studies with sildenafil.

Preputial bacterial colonisation in uncircumcised male children: Is it related to phimosis?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of uropathogens in the periurethral skin and the effect of phimosis on bacterial colonisation. METHODS: The observational cohort study was conducted in Samsun Research and Training Hospital, Samsun, Turkey from June to December, 2014, and comprised patients undergoing circumcision. Before circumcision, all children were examined in the operating room and the presence of phimosis was recorded. All patients had circumcision performed by the same surgical team under general anaesthesia. Before the procedure, samples were taken from preputial skin of all patients by swab before cleansing with polyvidone-iodine. The samples were inoculated on 5% sheep blood agar and eosin-methylene blue agar. RESULTS: The median age of the 117 children was 5 years (range: 1-12). Of the total, 19(16.2%) children had complete phimosis, and 72(61.5%) had partial phimosis. In all,91(77.7%) children had phimosis and 26(22.3%) had no phimosis. Of the 91 patients with different degrees of phimosis, 52(57.1%) had clinically significant uropathogenic bacterial colonisation >100,000 colony-forming units per millilitre [cfu/ml]). Of the 26 patients without phimosis, 13(50%) had clinically significant colonisation. Thus, there was no effect of the presence of phimosis on bacteria colonisation (p=0.655). CONCLUSIONS: Important uropathogens colonise the preputium in uncircumcised male children. There was no effect of phimosis on colonisation.

Incidence of bacterial colonisation after indwelling of double-J ureteral stent.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the bacterial colonisation after double-J stent use and the risk factors for bacteriuria linked to the stent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 102 patients (61 men and 41 women, mean age 47.5 ± 14.16) were examined. The stents were removed under aseptic conditions, and a urine culture was obtained before the removal of the stents. After the stents were removed, the upper, central and lower sections were separated, and washing water was sent through the stent. RESULTS: Bacterial colonisation was found in 29.4% (30 of 102) of the stents. The most frequently observed microorganisms were determined as staphylococcus, coagulase negative (8 of 30) and E. coli (5 of 30). The washing fluid used to clean the interior of the catheter produced pathogens in 8 patients (7.8%), and these pathogens were observed to be the same microorganisms that colonised the outside of the stent. There was no statistical difference between the patients with colonisation and those without in terms of age, gender, duration of stenting and reason for stent insertion. CONCLUSIONS: Though stent colonisation does not always entail symptomatic urinary tract infections, as shown in our study, the pathogens in the urine culture are the same as those colonising the stent, confirming the reality that colonisation is the main factor in these events. Additionally, according to our study, significant colonisation may be found in the first 3 weeks, contrary to the literature, causing us to consider that urinary tract infections may develop even in the early period.

Effective and Economical Option of Anesthesia in Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery.

Background: There is only limited data in the literature showing the effect of anesthesia methods on the success of retrograd intrarenal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate retrograd intrarenal surgery cases performed under spinal and general anesthesia in terms of effectiveness, cost, hospitalization time and complications. Methods: A total of 337 patients who underwent retrograd intrarenal surgery due to kidney stones between 2014 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. In our study, the patients were divided into two groups according to the anesthesia method administered: Group 1 consisted of 172 patients who received spinal anesthesia and Group 2 comprised 165 patients administered general anesthesia. Both groups were compared in terms of demographic data, localization and size of stone, radiographic stone density, operation time, complications, need for postoperative analgesia, length of hospitalization, and stone free rate. Results: The cost of general anesthesia was significantly higher compared to that of spinal anesthesia (p < 0.001). The analgesia application administered within the first six postoperative hours was significantly higher in the general anesthesia group (p < 0.001). In other findings, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Retrograd intrarenal surgery can be performed with similar safety and effectiveness under both general and spinal anesthesia. However, spinal anesthesia seems to be more advantageous due to the patients' lower need for analgesics in the early postoperative period and the lower cost of the anesthetics used.

Bosniak Classification and other Variables in the Prediction of Renal Cystic Masses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the variables of cystic renal lesions to predict the renal tumors. STUDY DESIGN: An observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Urology Department, Ankara Yüksek Ihtisas, Samsun Research and Training Hospitals, Turkey, from January 2013 to June 2017. METHODOLOGY: Records of patients with renal cystic lesions were retrospectively evaluated. Preoperative CT results in terms of diameter number and enhancement; and clinical variables such as gender body mass index [(weight (kg)/ height²(m)] and smoking status were recorded. Student's t-test and ANOVA were used for determing significance, which was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Due to pathology results, all group I patients were benign, 7.9% (3/38) of group II, 31.8% (7/22) of group II-F, 55.3% (21/38) of group III, 69% (40/58) group IV patients were found to be malignant. For clinical factors, obesity and smoking, while for radiological parameters, about 59.3 +11.7 HU enhancement were found to be predictor significant of malignancy (all p<0.05). No significant difference was observed between cystic lesion diameter number or laterality (right/left) and malignancy. CONCLUSION: Renal cysts have a high malignancy possibility in the patients with history of smoking in the past or actively, high BMI, and preoperative CT with about 59.3 +11.7 HU post-contrast enhancement.

Repair of hypospadiac urethral duplication with dismembered urethroplasty.

Urethral duplication is a complex and rarely seen anomaly with three anatomic variants: epispadiac (dorsal), hypospadiac (ventral) and Y-type. Here we report an 11-year-old male patient with hypospadiac urethral duplication who presented with daytime urinary incontinence and dribbling, urethral stricture and possible obstructive uropathy. After endoscopic treatment of the stricture in the ventral (dominant) urethra, urethral reconstruction was done anastomosing the ventral (dominant) and dorsal (non-dominant atretic urethra) in a dismembered fashion.

The effect of migraine and tension-type headaches on female sexual functions: A prospective, cross-sectional, controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effects of migraine and tension-type headaches (TTH) on female sexual function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study, sexually active females; 45 who were suffering from migraines, 47 who were TTH patients as diagnosed by a neurology clinic, and 50 who were healthy women that served as the control group were included. Sexual functions of the cases were evaluated through the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) with Turkish validation and the results were compared among the groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the ages and body mass index (BMI) of the migraine, TTH, and control groups. Although there was no significant difference between the FSFI scores of women with migraines and TTH, the FSFI scores of these two groups were found to be statistically significantly lower than that of the control group (16.77±4.27, 17.56±3.47, 26.81±3.19) (p<0.001). When all subgroup scales of FSFI scores were examined, both migraine and TTH groups were found to be significantly lower than the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study shows that migraines and TTH disrupt the quality of life for patients and cause female sexual dysfunction. Therefore, it is important that patients with neurologic disorders are also evaluated for sexual dysfunction.

Effect of Intra-abdominal Pressure Rise on Hematological Parameters in Laparoscopic Urologic Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential utility of hematological parameters in the diagnosis of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Health Sciences University, Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Samsun, Turkey, from January 2016 to July 2017. METHODOLOGY: Forty-two patients who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic urologic surgery were included. Blood samples were obtained during periods of pre-insufflation, insufflation, and desufflation to determine the effects of increased intraabdominal pressure (IAP) on hematological parameters, respectively. RESULTS: Leukocyte and neutrophil median values changed with time (p<0.001). The median pre-insufflation, insufflation, and desufflation values for leukocytes were 6.3 fL (4.2-7.8 fL), 7.2 fL (4.4-9.9 fL), and 8.1 fL (4.9-13.5 fL), respectively. In the pre-insufflation period, the median value for neutrophils was 3.7 x 103 µL (2.0-6.2 x 103 µL), increasing 5.1 x 103 µL (2.1-9.7 x 103 µL) during insufflation and 6.1 × 103 µL (3.1-10.0 x 103 µL) during desufflation. The median values obtained in pre-insufflation period were significantly lower than those recorded in the other periods. There was no difference between the median values obtained during insufflation and those obtained during desufflation. The mean platelet volume (MPV) values during pre-insufflation, insufflation, and desufflation were 8.2 fL (6.3-9.6 fL), 8.8 (6.2-10.3 fL), and 8.1 (6.6-10.6 fL), respectively. There was a statistically significant increase in MPV values during high IAP (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The rise in MPV during IAP rise indicated that this parameter may be used to detect IAH.

Parameatal cyst of urethra: a rare congenital anomaly.

We report a case of parameatal urethral cyst in a 15-year-old boy which is a very rare congenital anomaly. The cyst recognized at infancy but the boy presented to our clinic at the age of 15 when the mass was grown enough to cause spraying of urine and poor cosmesis. Complete excision of the cyst with total removal of the epithelium is the required for treatment and prevention of recurrence.

Is semirigid ureteroscopy sufficient in the treatment of proximal ureteral stones? When is combined therapy with flexible ureteroscopy needed?

The goals of this study were to examine cases of proximal ureteral stones in which semirigid or flexible ureteroscopes alone were insufficient for endoscopic treatment, requiring the combination of both. A total of 137 patients were retrospectively evaluated. Holmium laser was used as the energy source for stone fragmentation. Each operation was begun with a 6/7.5 Fr semirigid ureteroscope (URS), and continued with a 7.5 Fr flexible URS in those procedures that failed to reach the stone or push-up. Double J stents were inserted into those patients in whom the flexible URS failed. Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) or a repeat ureteroscopy (after 2-4 weeks) was planned in those patients who were considered to be treated unsuccessfully. The demographic features of the patients, stone sizes, treatment outcomes, need for additional treatment, complications, and the results of the postoperative 1-month early follow-up were evaluated. The mean age of the patients (77 males and 60 females) was 38 ± 6.7 years old, the mean stone size was 12.3 ± 3.7 mm, and the number of patients with persistent hydronephrosis was 86 (62.8 %). A stone-free diagnosis was achieved in a total of 124 patients (90.5 %), using a semirigid URS in 80 patients and a flexible URS in 44 patients. Treatment using a flexible URS was administered in 38 patients (27.7 %) due to push-up, and in 6 patients (4.3 %) because of the failure to advance the semirigid URS into the ureter. The treatment failed in 13 patients (9.4 %) despite the use of both methods. Treatment using low-caliber semirigid ureteroscopy and a holmium laser is possible, regardless of the stone size, in female patients without hydronephrosis. However, the need for combined treatment with flexible ureteroscopy is increased in male patients with hydronephrosis.

The Application of Kidney Injury Molecule-1 to Determine the Duration Between Shockwave Lithotripsy Sessions.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the role of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) in determining the intervals between shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) sessions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, controlled study. It included 40 patients with unilateral kidney stones and 40 healthy persons of a similar age group as controls. The patients' midflow urine samples were collected before SWL and 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after the procedure. RESULTS: The average age in the SWL and control groups was 45 ± 14 and 39 ± 15 years, respectively (P = 0.336). The average KIM-1 value before SWL was 0.74 ± 0.35 ng/mL, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.51 ± 0.14 ng/mL) (P < 0.001). Similarly, the average values of the urine samples after SWL were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.001). When the KIM-1 values of the patients given SWL were compared within the group, the KIM-1 values 1 hour (1.06 ± 0.51) and 1 day (0.99 ± 0.67) after the procedure were statistically clearly higher than those before the procedure (P < 0.001) and statistically clearly higher than those of the control group (P = 0.005). The KIM-1 values 1 week and 1 month after the procedure were not significantly different than the preprocedure values (P = 0.652 and P = 0.747, respectively). CONCLUSION: KIM-1 is a noninvasive biomarker that may be used to show renal damage because of stones and early-stage renal damage linked to SWL. In addition, post-SWL KIM-1 values may be used to determine the interval between SWL sessions.

Pathological Investigation of Childhood Foreskin: Are Lichen Sclerosus and Phimosis Common?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate histopathological results of foreskin removed during circumcision in the pediatric age group and the relationship between these and the degree of phimosis. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Urology, Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Samsun, Turkey, from June to December 2014. METHODOLOGY: Male children undergoing planned circumcision were examined for the presence and degree of phimosis which was recorded before the operation. After circumcision, the preputial skin was dermatopathologically investigated. Pathological investigation carefully evaluated findings such as acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, increased pigmentation and atrophy in addition to findings of Lichen Sclerosus (LS) in all specimens. The pathological findings obtained were classified by degree of phimosis and evaluated. RESULTS: The average age of the 140 children was 6.58 ±2.35 years. While 61 (43.6%) children did not have phimosis, 79 (56.4%) patients had different degrees of phimosis. Classic LS was not identified in any patient. In a total of 14 (10%) children, early period findings of LS were discovered. The frequency of LS with phimosis was 12.6%, without phimosis was 6.5% (p=0.39). The incidence of histopathologically normal skin in non-phimosis and phimosis groups was 37.7% and 22.7%, respectively. In total, 41 (29.3%) of the 140 cases had totally normal foreskin. CONCLUSION: Important dermatoses such as LS may be observed in foreskin with or without phimosis. The presence of phimosis may be an aggravating factor in the incidence of these dermatoses.

Pediatric extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: multi-institutional results.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy, auxiliary procedures and complications of pediatric extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) performed with electrohydraulic lithotripters. METHODS: Children with urolithiasis, aged between 0 and 15, were retrospectively evaluated. ESWL was performed by using two different electrohydraulic lithotripters, Elmed Multimed Classic (Elmed Medical Systems, Ankara, Turkey) and E-1000 (EMD Medical Systems, Ankara, Turkey), between January 2008 and December 2012 in four different referral centers in Turkey. RESULTS: 85.5% of patients were stone-free at 3 months. Further ESWL treatment was needed in 33.7% of the cases (one session, n = 55; two sessions, n = 15; three sessions, n = 13). Steinstrasse occurred in 10 patients but 8 of them cleared completely during the follow-up period. Urinary tract infection was detected in 3 (3.9%), fever in 3 (3.9%) and a small subcapsular hematoma in one (1.3%) patient, respectively. When the stones were divided into two groups as those with diameters <10 mm and ≥10 mm, it was found that the stone-free rate was associated with stone diameter, and that the smaller diameters had higher but statistically insignificant stone-free rates (P = 0.196). CONCLUSION: ESWL yields favorable results with low rates of complication and auxiliary procedures in selected pediatric patients.

Comparison of Sexual Functions in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women.

PURPOSE: The physiology and anatomy of pregnant women change during pregnancy. Pregnancy is an anatomically and physiologically amended process experienced by women and as a result of these changes, sexual life of pregnant women alters during pregnancy. We aimed to compare sexual functions of pregnant and non-pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sexually active 246 pregnant women were included into this cross-sectional controlled study. A total of 210 non-pregnant women were served as control. Both groups were compared in terms of age, gestational age, presence of urinary incontinence, body mass index, and obstetrical history. Sexual functions of the women were evaluated with Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Data were analyzed using chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, Fisher's Exact, Shapiro Wilk, Kruskal Wallis and Dunnett's tests where appropriate. The Pvalues < .05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean age in both groups were comparable (P = .053). Median total FSFI scores in the pregnant women were significantly lower than those non-pregnant (18.9 vs. 22.7; P < .05). Additionally, the subgroup analyses of the FSFI scores were found that, total FSFI score is significantly lower in the pregnant group compared to non-pregnant group (P < .05). Furthermore, rate of sexual dysfunction in pregnant women was significantly higher than those non-pregnant women (91.08% vs. 67.61%, P = .0001). However, in pregnant women, no meaningful difference in rate of sexual dysfunction was found according to the trimesters (P = .632). Moreover, gravidity and parity exhibited negative impacts on the sexual functions. But number of abortions did not affect sexual function. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that pregnancy significantly diminishes sexual function in women. We believe that, couples need to be counseled regarding the impact of pregnancy on sexual functions.

Intravesical Sodium Chondroitin Sulphate to Treat Overactive Bladder: Preliminary Result.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to verify the efficacy and safety of intravesical treatment with sodium chondroitin sulfate (CS) in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) who are refractory to previous antimuscarinic treatment. METHODS: This study was performed between June 2012 and January 2015 and included 31 consecutive women (mean age, 42.10±7.34 years) with OAB who had been previously treated with two types of antimuscarinic drugs. The results of gynecologic and cystoscopic examinations were normal, and OAB comorbidity was absent. Treatment with intravesical instillations containing 40 mL CS (0.2%; 2 mg/mL) was administered for 6 weeks; after weekly treatments, monthly treatments were administered. The OAB-validated 8 (OAB-V8) symptom scores, nocturia, frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, and urinary volumes measured by uroflowmetry were evaluated for all the patients. The values obtained before the treatment were statistically compared with those obtained six months after the treatment. RESULTS: The duration of the symptoms was 18.36±6.19 months. A statistically significant improvement of the patients' conditions was observed in terms of the OAB-V8 symptom scores, nocturia, frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, and urinary volumes measured by uroflowmetry after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations of this study, the outcomes confirmed that CS therapy is safe and effective for the treatment of OAB.

The case study in the applicability of the improvements in the treatment of urinary system stone diseases in Anatolia: the last ten years with the sample of Western Black Sea region.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of stone diseases is high in Turkey. Thanks to the technological improvements and to the increase in the number of qualified and experienced specialists in the last thirty years, there has been an increase in the application of minimally invasive methods in the stone disease surgery. This study, with a sample survey of Western Black Sea region, aims at revealing the changes and improvements in the treatment of stone diseases in different centers in Anatolia within the last ten years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six centers in 4 of the provinces of the Western Black Sea Region were selected and the patients' files were retrospectively analyzed. The treatment methods that were recommended for and/or applied to the patients diagnosed with urinary stone diseases were recorded by years. The urinary stone diseases were divided into three separate groups; kidney, ureters and bladder. Treatment options were recorded into categories as open surgery, percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, retrograde intrarenal surgery, semirigid ureterorenoscopy, flexible ureterorenoscopy, and ESWL. RESULTS: A total of 26044 patients with stone diseases have been treated in the above-mentioned centers for the last 10 years. The distributions of the stone diseases in relation to their localization were as follows: - kidney stones: 9040 (34.7%), ureter stones: 15264 (58.6%), and bladder stones: 1740 (6.7%). As for the distribution of the treatment in relation to the treatment methods, it was seen that open surgery for 1032 (4%) patients, endoscopic surgery for 15038 (58%) patients, and ESWL for 9974 (38%) patients had been applied. While URS and PCNL are currently the commonly used treatment methods in the Western Black Sea Region, RIRS has begun to be used in a limited number of patients for the last 3 years. CONCLUSION: Though being a little late, the advances in endrourology offer practical applications in the Western Black Sea region as well. Although this study suggests implications for the evaluating of the periphery outcomes of the improvements in stone disease treatments, for the planning of training schemes, and for equipment planning, further research based on more data from more centers is needed to have a nation-wide perspective.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the primary treatment of encrusted ureteral stents.

Double pigtail (JJ) ureteral stents, are the most commonly used method of urinary diversion in the ureteral obstructions. Encrustations may occur as a result of prolonged exposure due to forgetting these stents in the body. Removing these materials might be an annoyance. Forty-four patients from three tertiary referral centres with forgotten JJ stents left in them between the years 2007 and 2014 were included in the study. Stents could not be removed by attempted cystoscopy. As an alternative approach, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was the first choice since it is minimally invasive. The results of that treatment are presented along with the relevant demographic data. JJ stenting for urolithiasis was performed in 36 patients, after open surgery in five patients, and for oncological reasons in three patients. ESWL was applied to stents or to any suspicious region adjacent to the stent. In 29 of 44 patients, the stents were easily removed under cystoscopic procedures while in one patient the fragmented residual stent was spontaneously excreted. In eight patients, ureteroscopy was required; in five patients, percutaneous nephrolithotripsy was required; and in one patient, open surgery was required in order to remove stents. ESWL can be considered as a first-line treatment when a forgotten JJ stent is detected despite all precautions after any kind of urological intervention involving insertion of ureteral stents.

A comparison of efficacies of holmium YAG laser, and pneumatic lithotripsy in the endoscopic treatment of ureteral stones.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the effectiveness of holmium YAG laser and pneumatic lithotripsy in the treatment of ureteral stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 216 patients who had established indications of ureteroscopy between November 2011 and June 2012 were included in this study. Patients' files were retrospectively reviewed by dividing cases as groups that underwent pneumatic (PL) or laser lithotripsy (LL) procedures. Age, sex, stone burden and localization, duration of follow-up, operative times were evaluated. Stone-free rates were evaluated by ureteroscopical examination, postoperative scout films and ultrasonography. RESULTS: Group PL consisted of 109 and group LL of 107 patients. Median age was 43.93±15.94 years in Group PL and 46.15±14.54 years in Group LL. Male to female ratio, stone burden and localization were similar for both groups. Overall success rate was 89.9% in Group PL and 87.9% in Group LL, respectively (p<0.791). With the aid of additional procedures, success rate was 100% for both groups at the end of the first month. Groups were not different as for operative time, rate of insertion of an ureteral catheter and its removal time. Hospitalization period was apparently somewhat shorter in Group LL (p=0.00). CONCLUSION: Pneumatic lithotripsy can be as efficacious as laser lithotripsy and be used safely in the endoscopic management of ureteral stone. In comparison of both methods, we detected no differences as to operative time, success of operation and the time to removal of the catheter, however, hospitalization period was shorter in Group LL.