The efficacy of early extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for the treatment of 5 to 10 mm upper ureteral stones: An observational study.

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) performed in the early period (within the first 24 hours). Data of patients who underwent SWL with a diagnosis of unilateral radiopaque 5 to 10 mm upper ureteral stones were retrospectively examined. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (early SWL) consisted of patients with SWL performed within 24 hours after the onset of colic pain (<24 hours), while group 2 (deferred SWL) comprised patients with SWL performed 24 hours or more from the onset of pain (≥24 hours). The primary endpoint of the study was planned to determine 1-month SFR in both groups. The secondary endpoint was determined to be the factor affecting SWL success. The mean age of 216 patients (130 men, 86 women) included in this study was 46.5 ±â€…12.1 years. SFR within 1 month was detected in 175 patients (81%). In the early SWL group, the average number of SWL sessions was fewer (1.26 vs 1.83 P = .026) and the time to the stone-free state was shorter (11 vs 15.4 days P = .044). SFR within 1 month was higher in the early SWL group (85.5% vs 71.8% P = .036). In multivariate analysis, stone size, Hounsfield Units, and early SWL were predictive factors for SWL success. Performing SWL within the first 24 hours is highly effective in patients with symptomatic 5 to 10 mm upper ureteral stones.

Comparison of two percutaneous nephrolithotomy methods for the treatment of pediatric kidney stones: mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy and standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the aim was to compare the results of mini and standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the treatment of pediatric kidney stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data for 128 patients < 18 years of age who underwent mini and standard PCNL due to pediatric kidney stones were retrospectively examined. Patients were divided into two groups: mini-PCNL (16-20 Fr) and standard PCNL (26 Fr). Surgery time, number of punctures to the pelvicalyceal system, hospital stay, postoperative hemoglobin drop, complications and stone-free status (SFR) were compared between the groups. Additional surgical intervention (double-J stent, ureterorenoscopy, secondary PCNL) performed after the surgery was recorded. The absence of residual stones or < 3 mm residual stones on kidney, ureter and bladder radiography (KUB) and ultrasonography (USG) performed in the third postoperative month were accepted as success criteria. RESULTS: There were 32 (43.8%) patients in the mini-PCNL group and 41 (56.2%) patients in the standard PCNL group. The mean age was 9.3 ± 4.1 years in the mini-PCNL group and 10.1 ± 5.4 years in the standard PCNL group. Mean stone size in the mini-PCNL group was 2.1 ± 1.2; while for standard PCNL it was 2.3 ± 1.4. The mean surgery time was statistically significantly higher in the mini-PCNL group (p = 0.005). There was no difference between the groups in terms of intraoperative double J stent use, postoperative complications and SFR. A double J stent was inserted in two patients in the mini-PCNL group and in one patient in the standard PCNL group due to urine leakage from the nephrostomy tract in the postoperative period. Although the postoperative hemoglobin drop was found to be significantly higher in standard PCNL (p = 0.001), hematuria and blood transfusion rates were low in both groups. Mean hospital stay was shorter in the mini-PCNL group compared to standard PCNL (3.6 ± 1.2 days vs. 2.5 ± 1.1; p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Although mini-PCNL has longer surgery time compared to standard PCNL, it should be preferred for the treatment of pediatric kidney stones due to advantages such as similar success and complication rates to standard PCNL, short hospital stay and less postoperative hemoglobin drop.

What is the best approach for pediatric kidney stones of moderate-sized between shock wave lithotripsy, ultramini percutaneous nephrolithotomy and retrograde intrarenal surgery?

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the results of ultramini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (UMP), shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in pediatric patients with kidney stones 10-20 mm size. METHODS: The files of 159 pediatric patients (36 RIRS, 39 SWL, 84 UMP) with kidney stones were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative age, sex, stone size and location were evaluated. The three methods were compared in terms of operation and fluoroscopy duration, complications with the modified Clavien grading system, and stone-free rate (SFR) in the postoperative first month. RESULTS: The stone burdens of the groups were similar (P = 0.102). At the end of the first month, SFR was higher in the RIRS and UMP groups compared to the SWL group (88.9%, 92.9% and 69.2%, respectively, P = 0.002). UMP had higher SFR for lower pole stones than the other two methods (P = 0.042). There was no difference in complications between the three methods (P = 0.758). CONCLUSION: SFR was similar for all three methods in all localizations, apart from lower pole stones. UMP had higher SFR for lower pole stones than the other two methods. There was no difference in terms of complications between the three methods.

Better outcomes with desmopressin melt than enuretic alarm therapy in children with nocturnal enuresis during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the treatment of children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) with desmopressin melt versus an enuresis alarm. Materials and methods: This study included 56 children with primary MNE who were taking desmopressin melt or using an alarm. Their anxiety levels were evaluated using the Social Anxiety Scale for Children-Revised. For both treatment methods, data from a 3-month bedwetting diary between the third and sixth months of the pre-pandemic treatment were compared with those assessed during the same period during the pandemic. Results: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the median 3-month mean frequency of MNE was 1 (0-7.67) in children using desmopressin melt versus 1.33 (0-6) in those using alarm treatment (p = 0.095). During the COVID-19 pandemic period, the median monthly mean frequency of MNE was 1.33 (0-7.33) in children using desmopressin melt versus 6 (1.33-13) in those using alarm treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying psychological effects did not affect the treatment efficacy of desmopressin melt in children with primary MNE but did adversely affect that of enuresis alarms.

The effect of intravesical cocktail therapy combined with low-dose amitriptyline on primary bladder pain syndrome.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We compared the effectiveness of intravesical combination treatment and intravesical treatment plus low-dose amitriptyline in patients with primary bladder pain syndrome (PBPS). METHODS: A total of 53 patients were included in the study. Demographic data, voiding frequency, nocturia, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, validated O'Leary-Sant IC Symptom Index (ICSI), and IC Problem Index (ICPI) scores and scores on the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire were collected from the patients at the beginning of the treatment, and at the 6th week and 6th month of the treatment. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 received intravesical treatment for 6 weeks. Group 2 received intravesical treatment plus amitriptyline at a dosage of 10 mg/day. RESULTS: The frequencies of voiding and VAS scores were significantly improved in groups 1 and 2 at the 6th week compared with pretreatment (in group 1 p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and in group 2 p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively). The median ICSI and ICPI scores also significantly decreased in groups 1 and 2 (in group 1 p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and in group 2 p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively). Scores on the dimensions of the SF-36 questionnaire were significantly improved in both groups. There was no significant change in terms of VAS, nocturia, ICSI or ICPI scores when comparing the 6th week and 6th month results in groups 1 and 2 (all p > 0.05). Only role functioning/emotional achieved a significant improvement in group 2 (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Intravesical combination therapies are effective in PBPS treatment. Adding low-dose amitriptyline to intravesical therapy in patients with PBPS improves emotional status.

Is there any predictive value of the ratio of the upper to the lower diameter of the ureter for ureteral stone impaction?

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine if the ratio of the upper to the lower diameter of the ureter could have any predictive value for ureteral stone impaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had a solitary unilateral ureteric stone, determined by noncontrast computerized tomography, were assessed if they had undergone ureteroscopic lithotripsy. A total of 111 patients, 84 males (76%), and 27 females (24%), were recruited to the study. Demographic data of the patients and preoperative radiological parameters based on noncontrast computerized tomography were recorded. The impaction status was also assessed during the operation. RESULTS: Of the 111 patients, ureteral stones in 63 (57%) patients were determined to be impacted, and ureteral stones in 48 (43%) were nonimpacted. Impacted stones were more common in older patients, female patients, and patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 2. CONCLUSIONS: Significant relationships were found between the impaction status and transverse stone length, longest stone length, upper diameter of the ureter, ratio (upper diameter of the ureter/lower diameter of the ureter), and anteroposterior diameter of the pelvis. These parameters were higher in patients with impacted stones.

The relationship between premature ejaculation and the timing of pre-adult circumcision.

We aimed to investigate the relationship between premature ejaculation and the age when men had been circumcised before adulthood. A total of 2,768 sexually active male patients aged between 18 and 65 years were included in this study. A multicentre study was conducted prospectively with the participation of 20 centres. A survey consisting of 12 questions prepared by the researchers, as well as the validated Turkish versions of the five-item Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, was administered to all participants. The study included 1,603 participants who met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference in the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool and self-reported ejaculation time between the participants who had been circumcised at different ages during childhood. Remembering circumcision experience with fear or anxiety did not increase the risk of sexual dysfunction compared to the participants who described their experience with happiness or with no particular emotion. There was no significant difference in Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool scores or the self-reported ejaculation time of the participants circumcised at different ages. The age of childhood circumcision, having a fearful or anxious circumcision experience, does not affect the risk of premature ejaculation in adult life.

Effects of mesh surgery on sexual function in pelvic prolapse and urinary incontinence

ABSTRACT Purpose: We aimed to determine pre-operative and post-operative sexual function scores of patients who underwent four-arm polypropylene mesh implantation surgery to treat urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Materials and Methods: A prospective study from January 2011 to November 2015 including patients (n: 72) submitted to surgical mesh implantation (four-arm anterior mesh implant (Betamix POP4®, Betatech Medical, Turkey) questioned the patients with Female Sexual Function Index evaluation form. The questionnaire was applied to all patients at pre-operative, post-operative 3rd month and post-operative 1st year periods. Results: The mean age of the patients was 47.2±7.1 years. The mean Body Mass Index (kg/m2) was 28.7±3.7. The average of incontinence duration (year) was 4.6±2.6 and the average for operation time (min) was 35.7±2.1. After the urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse surgery, it was observed that incontinence complaints of patients reduced. Furthermore, there was a positive change in quality of life and sexual function of patients at the post-operative period. There was a statistically significant increase according to Female Sexual Function Index score among all three periods (16%, 86% and 100% respectively, p=0.001) and improvement of sexual functions was observed. Conclusions: Transvaginal mesh use in the surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse improves quality of life. However, risk factors such as transvaginal mesh usage indication, surgical technique and experience of the surgeon, suitability of the material, the current health status of the patient and postoperative personal care of the patient may affect the success of operations.

Effects of mesh surgery on sexual function in pelvic prolapse and urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine pre-operative and post-operative sexual function scores of patients who underwent four-arm polypropylene mesh implantation surgery to treat urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study from January 2011 to November 2015 including patients (n: 72) submitted to surgical mesh implantation (four-arm anterior mesh implant (Betamix POP4R, Betatech Medical, Turkey) questioned the patients with Female Sexual Function Index evaluation form. The questionnaire was applied to all patients at pre-operative, post-operative 3rd month and post-operative 1st year periods. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 47.2±7.1 years. The mean Body Mass Index (kg/m2) was 28.7±3.7. The average of incontinence duration (year) was 4.6±2.6 and the average for operation time (min) was 35.7±2.1. After the urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse surgery, it was observed that incontinence complaints of patients reduced. Furthermore, there was a positive change in quality of life and sexual function of patients at the post-operative period. There was a statistically significant increase according to Female Sexual Function Index score among all three periods (16%, 86% and 100% respectively, p=0.001) and improvement of sexual functions was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal mesh use in the surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse improves quality of life. However, risk factors such as transvaginal mesh usage indication, surgical technique and experience of the surgeon, suitability of the material, the current health status of the patient and postoperative personal care of the patient may affect the success of operations.

Long-term follow-up results and complications in cancer patients with persistent nephrostomy due to malignant ureteral obstruction.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the long-term complications and predisposing factors for these complications in patients with malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) treated with percutaneous nephrostomy (PN). METHODS: The records of patients with MUO treated with PN between January 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed for PN dislodgement, PN obstruction, PN replacement, pyelonephritis, hospitalizations due to PN complications, and other complications due to PN such as macroscopic hematuria, skin infections, or renal/perirenal abscess. RESULTS: Data for a total of 147 patients (229 renal units [RU], 107 males, 40 females) were evaluated. In 174 (76%) RU, PN was replaced due to PN dislodgement. The predisposing factors for PN dislodgement were follow-up time, body mass index (BMI), chemotherapy, diabetes mellitus (DM), low educational level (LEL), pyelonephritis, and catheter-related skin infections (CSRI). The PN was replaced in 40 RU due to obstruction. The predisposing factors for obstruction were follow-up time and BMI. Pyelonephritis developed at least once in 61 (41.5%) patients. Follow-up time, BMI, previous surgery, DM, and LEL were the predisposing factors for pyelonephritis. CSRI developed in 16 RU. Follow-up time, BMI, DM, and LEL were the predisposing factors for CSRI. Macroscopic hematuria developed in 11 patients. Follow-up time, previous surgery, DM, chemotherapy, and LEL were predisposing factors for macroscopic hematuria. CONCLUSION: The most common complication in patients with MUO treated with PN was PN dislodgement. However, life-threatening complications such as macroscopic hematuria and severe infections can also occur. Patients with DM, LEL, and chemotherapy are at high risk of PN-related complications.

Ultrasonographic Detection of Retrorenal Colon in Prone Position: An Alternative to Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) in prone position to detect retrorenal colon (RRC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, we included 310 patients who presented to our clinic between April 2017 and June 2019. All patients were evaluated for RRC with US and CT in prone position. Kappa compliance coefficient (κ) was used to express the compliance between CT and US outcomes. RESULTS: This study included 119 (38%) female and 191 (62%) male patients with a mean age of 44.5 ± 16.1 years. With both CT and US, RRC was detected in a total of 42 (13.5%) patients. RRC was found in 9 patients (8%) on the right side, in 32 patients (18%) on the left side and in 1 patient on both sides with CT (P = .036). However, with US, it was detected in 10 patients (8%) on the right, in 31 patients on left side and in 1 patient on both sides (P = .083). The RRC detection compliance coefficients were excellent between US and CT (κ: 0.945). CONCLUSION: US used in prone position is a suitable and practical imaging alternative to CT for detection of RRC.

Muslim mothers mainly saw circumcision in terms of religion or tradition but wanted it to be carried out medical professionals.

AIM: This study assessed the relationship between the education level of Muslim Turkish mothers whose sons had been circumcised and their views on circumcision. METHODS: Interviews based on 20 close-ended questions were carried out in the Çukurova region of southern Turkey between June 2015 and September 2016. The participants were 1497 Muslim Turkish mothers whose sons had been circumcised and who were recruited using convenience sampling in schools, hospitals and public spaces. RESULTS: Most (82%) of the mothers saw circumcision as a religious and traditional requirement, 64% mentioned the health benefits and 48% mentioned cosmetic appearance. The majority (80%) were performed by health organisations, with two-thirds (66%) expressing this preference. Most circumcisions were at school age (38%), which was about 6 years of age plus at the time of the study, and there were no complications in 79% of cases. Higher education levels were associated with views that circumcision was an important surgical procedure, it decreased the risk of urinary tract infections, it should be performed in hospitals and the foreskin did not prevent sexual intercourse. CONCLUSION: Circumcision was mainly seen as a religious and traditional ritual, and more highly educated Turkish Muslim mothers were better informed about the health aspects.

Atrial electromechanical duration prolongs in patients with erectile dysfunction.

Background: It is well known that erectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) development. On the other hand, prolongation of the duration of atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) is known to be a precursor for AF development. We aimed to evaluate AEMD in patients with ED patients without documented AF.Methods: Total of 68 outpatients with previously documented vascular ED and 44 participants without ED were enrolled to the current study. Sixty-eight patients with ED called as ED group and 44 participants without ED served as control group. We performed International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire for all participants to determine the disease severity of ED groups and to diagnose ED in control groups. Patients with a IIEF-5 score ≥22 were defined as having normal erectile functions. Both intra- and inter-AEMD were measured with tissue Doppler imaging. P-wave dispersion (PWD) was measured on a 12-lead electrocardiogram.Results: Basal characteristics were similar between the two groups. PWD, inter- and right intra-AEMD were significantly prolonged in patients with ED, compared to the control group (p = .02, p < .001 and p < .001, respectively). In the correlation analysis, IIEF-5 score was significantly negative correlated with systolic blood pressure, right intra- and inter-AEMD (r = -0.37, p = .02; r= -0.27, p = .02; r = -0.39, p = .001, respectively).Conclusions: According to current study results, AEMD is significantly correlated with ED severity and may be useful to stratify ED patients to the high-risk group for future development of AF as a cheap and easy method.

Is urotherapy alone as effective as a combination of urotherapy and biofeedback in children with dysfunctional voiding?

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare standard urotherapy with a combination of urotherapy and biofeedback sessions and to determine the changes that these therapies promote in children with dysfunctional voiding. Patients and Methods: The data of 45 patients who participated in the study from January 2010 to March 2013 were evaluated. All patients underwent urinary system ultrasonography to determine post-void residual urine volumes and urinary system anomalies. All patients were diagnosed using uroflowmetry - electromyography (EMG). The flow pattern, maximum flow rate, and urethral sphincter activity were evaluated in all patients using uroflowmetry - EMG. Each patient underwent standard urotherapy, and the results were recorded. Subsequently, biofeedback sessions were added for all patients, and the changes in the results were recorded and statistically compared. Results: A total of forty - five patients were included, of which 34 were female and 11 were male and the average age of the patients was 8.4 ± 2.44 years (range: 5 - 15 years). After the standard urotherapy plus biofeedback sessions, the post-void residual urine volumes, incontinence rates and infection rates of patients were significantly lower than those with the standard urotherapy (p < 0.05). A statistically significant improvement in voiding symptoms was observed after the addition of biofeedback sessions to the standard urotherapy compared with the standard urotherapy alone (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study showed that a combination of urotherapy and biofeedback was more effective in decreasing urinary incontinence rates, infection rates and post - void residual urine volumes in children with dysfunctional voiding than standard urotherapy alone, and it also showed that this combination therapy corrected voiding patterns significantly and objectively.

Is urotherapy alone as effective as a combination of urotherapy and biofeedback in children with dysfunctional voiding?

OBJECTIVE: To compare standard urotherapy with a combination of urotherapy and biofeedback sessions and to determine the changes that these therapies promote in children with dysfunctional voiding. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of 45 patients who participated in the study from January 2010 to March 2013 were evaluated. All patients underwent urinary system ultrasonography to determine post-void residual urine volumes and urinary system anomalies. All patients were diagnosed using uroflowmetry - electromyography (EMG). The flow pattern, maximum flow rate, and urethral sphincter activity were evaluated in all patients using uroflowmetry - EMG. Each patient underwent standard urotherapy, and the results were recorded. Subsequently, biofeedback sessions were added for all patients, and the changes in the results were recorded and statistically compared. RESULTS: A total of forty - five patients were included, of which 34 were female and 11 were male and the average age of the patients was 8.4 ± 2.44 years (range: 5 - 15 years). After the standard urotherapy plus biofeedback sessions, the post-void residual urine volumes, incontinence rates and infection rates of patients were significantly lower than those with the standard urotherapy (p < 0.05). A statistically significant improvement in voiding symptoms was observed after the addition of biofeedback sessions to the standard urotherapy compared with the standard urotherapy alone (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that a combination of urotherapy and biofeedback was more effective in decreasing urinary incontinence rates, infection rates and post - void residual urine volumes in children with dysfunctional voiding than standard urotherapy alone, and it also showed that this combination therapy corrected voiding patterns significantly and objectively.

Beneficial effects of rolipram, a phosphodiesterase 4 specific inhibitor, on testicular torsion-detorsion injury in rats.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of Rolipram, a selective phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, on testicular torsion - detorsion injury. METHODS: Sixty young male rats were divided into five groups. In each group, the right testes of six rats were removed four hours after detorsion for biochemical analysis, and the right testes of the remaining six rats were removed 24 h after detorsion for pathological analysis. In group 1 (sham-operated) right orchiectomy was performed without torsion, and right testes were sent to the laboratory for biochemical and pathologic analyses. In group 2 (control) torsion was applied to the right testes for 60 min, and detorsion was performed without the administration of Rolipram. In group 3 torsion was applied to the right testes for 60 min. 1 mg/kg Rolipram was administered 30 min before detorsion. In group 4 torsion was applied to the right testes for 60 min, and 1 mg/kg Rolipram was administered during detorsion. In group 5 torsion was applied to the right testes for 60 min. 1 mg/kg Rolipram was administered 30 min after detorsion. The malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were determined. The rates of necrosis and apoptosis were evaluated by histopathological examination. RESULTS: The level of malondialdehyde was higher in the torsioned groups (Group 2, 3, 4, 5) than that in group 1 (p = 0.004). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the level of nitric oxide (p = 0.182). Apoptosis was higher in groups 2, 3 and 4 than in group 1; however, apoptosis was similar in group 1 and group 5 (p = 0.122). The level of necrosis in group 1 was similar to that in groups 4 and 5 (p = 0.194 and p = 0.847, respectively). CONCLUSION: We suggest that the administration of Rolipram can decrease the rate of necrosis and apoptosis in testicular ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

Detection of CYP1A1 and GSTP1 gene polymorphisms in bladder cancer patients in a Turkish population using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding genetic polymorphisms might facilitate the analysis of differences between individuals in their susceptibility to developing cancers as a result of environmental carcinogens. Skin, lung, colon and bladder cancers emerge from biological defects in GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 gene expressions. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there was an association between CYP1A1 and GSTP1 gene polymorphisms and bladder cancer in a Turkish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 120 individuals (60 patients with bladder cancer and 60 healthy individuals), and their DNAs were isolated. A polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR - RFLP) method was used to detect the frequencies of CYP1A1 NM_000499.3: c.*1189T > C and GSTP1 NM_000852.3: c.313A > G polymorphisms in bladder cancer patients. RESULTS: The frequency of the CYP1A1: c.*1189 TC genotype and C allele were significantly different between bladder cancer patients and healthy individuals (p=0.001 and p=0.005, respectively). However, there was no significant difference for the GSTP1: c.313 AG genotype or G allele between both study groups (p=0.699 and p=0.360, respectively). CONCLUSION: A polymorphic site of the CYP1A1 gene might be involved in the development of bladder cancer. However, the investigated GSTP1 polymorphic site did not represent an important risk factor for the development of bladder cancer in a Turkish population.

Is the Homocysteine Level a Good Predictive Marker for Evaluating Kidney Function in Patients After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the preoperative, early and late postoperative homocysteine levels and its relationship with kidney function in patients after undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients with kidney stones underwent PNL and blood samples were taken preoperatively as well as at 48 hours and three months after the operation. The homocysteine level was determined by high pressure liquid chromatography and the fluorometric method in blood samples with ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid. The Cockcroft - Gault formula was used to calculate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Non-contrast computed tomography was performed for all patients before surgery. Stone burden was calculated asthe sum of the area of each stone in mm2. RESULTS: Fourteen male (60.9%) and nine female (39.1%) patients were recruited for this study, and the median age was 44.3 ± 15.17 (20 - 71) years. There were no statistically significant differences between the preoperative homocysteine level and the level at 48 hours post-operation (P = .460). However, the homocysteine level three months after the operation was significantly lower than the preoperative and 48 hour levels (P = .001 and P = .003, respectively). CONCLUSION: Renal function, which deteriorated after the PNL procedure, was preserved or improved over time. Homocysteine may be a sensitive indicator to assess the change in renal function pre-and post-PNL.

Six arms mesh implant application with organ-preserving in a young patient with total pelvic organ prolapse.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is defined as the prolapse of the pelvic organs toward or through the vaginal opening as a result of the weakening of the combination of nerves, muscles and fascia, which normally protect and support the physical position of pelvic organs. In this case report, the 30-year old patient who applied with the pelvic prolapse through the vaginal opening was treated with Sacro Uterine Ligamentopexy and anterior 6 arms mesh implant, without applying hysterectomy. In the short follow-up period of three months, both anatomic improvement and positive developments in sexual and social life have been recorded in the patient's life. In conclusion, we determined that six arms mesh implant organ preserving approach is functional, safe and effective for young women at reproductive age.

Paraoxonase and arylesterase activity in bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress is the main pathogenetic mechanism in bladder cancer among many other causes. We aimed to investigate whether a potential relationship exists between bladder cancer and the activities of paraoxonase (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE) enzymes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 56 patients with bladder cancer, and 57 healthy individuals. The relationships between enzyme activity and tumour grade, stage, muscular invasion and tumour size were evaluated. For statistical analysis, One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Independent-T, ANOVA and Post-Hoc Bonferroni tests were used. RESULTS: Serum levels of PON1 and ARE enzymes, and total cholesterol were significantly lower in bladder cancer group. While other lipid parameters were similar in both the patient and the control groups. Levels of ARE were positively correlated with lipid parameters except for HDL cholesterol. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that decreased serum PON1 and ARE enzyme activities are related with tumour load and recurrence. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm predictive role of enzymatic activities of PON1 and ARE in the diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer.