Comparative differences between T1a/b and T1e/m as substages in T1 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of the depth of lamina propria invasion in patients with T1 bladder cancer and to display comparative differences between the T1a/b and T1e/m substaging systems. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 106 patients with primary stage T1 urothelial bladder tumours who underwent surgery between January 2009 and December 2014. Pathologic specimens were re-evaluated to confirm the diagnosis of T1 and substaging by the same pathologist using two systems: T1a and T1b, and T1m and T1e. Age, tumour size, multiplicity, associated carcinoma in situ, tumour grade, and T1 substaging system were investigated to detect the relation between disease progression and recurrence. RESULTS: The recurrence rate was 52% for T1a (n=42) vs. 76% for T1b (n=20) (p=0.028) and 55% for T1m (n=32) vs. 62% for T1e (n=30), respectively (p=0.446). There was no significant difference between the substaging groups for disease progression: T1a (n=12, 15%) vs. T1b (n=7, 27%), and T1m (n=8, 13.8%) vs. T1e (n=11, 23%) (p>0.05). In the multivariate analysis, tumour size >3 cm (p=0.008), multiplicity (p=0.049), and substaging T1b (p=0.043) were independent predictive factors for tumour recurrence. According to the Kaplan-Meier actuarial method, recurrence-free survival was significantly different in patients with pT1a tumours compared with those with pT1b tumours (p=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Substaging T1 provides a prediction of disease recurrence. Regarding recurrence, T1a/b substaging can provide better knowledge of disease behaviour because it is predicted as more superior than T1 m/e, and it can help in determining the requirement for early cystectomy.

Assessment of hormonal activity in patients with premature ejaculation

ABSTRACT Purpose Premature ejaculation is considered the most common type of male sexual dysfunction. Hormonal controls of ejaculation have not been exactly elucidated. The aim of our study is to investigate the role of hormonal factors in patients with premature ejaculation. Materials and Methods Sixty-three participants who consulted our outpatient clinics with complaints of premature ejaculation and 39 healthy men as a control group selected from volunteers were included in the study. A total of 102 sexual active men aged between 21 and 76 years were included. Premature ejaculation diagnostic tool questionnaires were used to assessment of premature ejaculation. Serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, total and free testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine and thyroxine were measured. Results Thyroid-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin levels were significantly lower in men with premature ejaculation according to premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (p=0.017, 0.007 and 0.007, respectively). Luteinizing hormone level (OR, 1.293; p=0.014) was found to be an independent risk factor for premature ejaculation. Conclusions Luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are associated with premature ejaculation which was diagnosed by premature ejaculation diagnostic tool questionnaires. The relationship between these findings have to be determined by more extensive studies.

Assessment of hormonal activity in patients with premature ejaculation.

PURPOSE: Premature ejaculation is considered the most common type of male sexual dysfunction. Hormonal controls of ejaculation have not been exactly elucidated. The aim of our study is to investigate the role of hormonal factors in patients with premature ejaculation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three participants who consulted our outpatient clinics with complaints of premature ejaculation and 39 healthy men as a control group selected from volunteers were included in the study. A total of 102 sexual active men aged between 21 and 76 years were included. Premature ejaculation diagnostic tool questionnaires were used to assessment of premature ejaculation. Serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, total and free testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine and thyroxine were measured. RESULTS: Thyroid-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin levels were significantly lower in men with premature ejaculation according to premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (p=0.017, 0.007 and 0.007, respectively). Luteinizing hormone level (OR, 1.293; p=0.014) was found to be an independent risk factor for premature ejaculation. CONCLUSIONS: Luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are associated with premature ejaculation which was diagnosed by premature ejaculation diagnostic tool questionnaires. The relationship between these findings have to be determined by more extensive studies.

Clinical significance of serum and urinary HER2/neu protein levels in primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

Objective: We aimed to compare serum and urinary HER2/neu levels between healthy control group and patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Additionally, we evaluated relationship of HER2/neu levels with tumor stage, grade, recurrence and progression. Materials and Methods: Fourty-four patients with primary non-muscle invasive bladder tumors (Group 2) and 40 healthy control group (Group 1) were included the study. Blood and urinary samples were collected from all patients and HER2/neu levels were measured by ELISA method. Blood and urinary HER2/neu levels and additionally, ratio of urinary HER2/neu levels to urinary creatinine levels were recorded. Demographic data and tumor characteristics were recorded. Results: Mean serum HER2/neu levels were similar between two groups and statistically significant difference wasn't observed. Urinary HER2/neu levels were significantly higher in group 2 than group 1. Ratio of urinary HER2/neu to urinary creatinine was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1, (p=0,021). Serum and urinary HER2/ neu levels were not associated with tumor stage, grade, recurrence and progression while ratio of urinary HER2/neu to urinary creatinin levels were significantly higher in high-grade tumors. HER2/neu, the sensitivity of the test was found to be 20.5%, and the specificity was 97.5%, also for the urinary HER2/neu/urinary creatinine ratio, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were found to be 31.8% and 87.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Urinary HER2/neu and ratio of urinary creatinine urine were significantly higher in patients with bladder cancer compared to healthy subjects. Large series and controlled studies are needed for use as a tumor marker.

Clinical significance of serum and urinary HER2/neu protein levels in primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare serum and urinary HER2/neu levels between healthy control group and patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Additionally, we evaluated relationship of HER2/neu levels with tumor stage, grade, recurrence and progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourty-four patients with primary non-muscle invasive bladder tumors (Group 2) and 40 healthy control group (Group 1) were included the study. Blood and urinary samples were collected from all patients and HER2/neu levels were measured by ELISA method. Blood and urinary HER2/neu levels and additionally, ratio of urinary HER2/neu levels to urinary creatinine levels were recorded. Demographic data and tumor characteristics were recorded. RESULTS: Mean serum HER2/neu levels were similar between two groups and statistically significant difference wasn't observed. Urinary HER2/neu levels were significantly higher in group 2 than group 1. Ratio of urinary HER2/neu to urinary creatinine was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1, (p=0,021). Serum and urinary HER2/ neu levels were not associated with tumor stage, grade, recurrence and progression while ratio of urinary HER2/neu to urinary creatinin levels were significantly higher in high-grade tumors. HER2/neu, the sensitivity of the test was found to be 20.5%, and the specificity was 97.5%, also for the urinary HER2/neu/urinary creatinine ratio, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were found to be 31.8% and 87.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary HER2/neu and ratio of urinary creatinine urine were significantly higher in patients with bladder cancer compared to healthy subjects. Large series and controlled studies are needed for use as a tumor marker.

Is there a relationship between severity of coronary artery disease and severity of erectile dysfunction?

INTRODUCTION: The correlation between erectile dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery disease has been emphasized and ED has been recognized as a potential independent risk factor and/or predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD). We evaluated the association between the number of occluded coronary arteries in myocardial infarction (MI) patients with the severity of ED, and investigated the influence of related risk factors in our study group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 183 male patients who underwent coronary angiography because of acute MI from November 2009 to May 2011 were included. Following the stabilization of patients after the treatment, each patient was evaluated for erectile functionality. Risk factors such as age, diabetes, smoking, waist circumference, hypertension, and hematologic parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Among 183 patients with a mean age of 55.2 years who underwent coronary angiography due to acute MI, 100 (54.64 %) had ED, while the ED rate was 45.36 % (44/97) in cases of single-vessel disease, 64.5 % (31/48) in cases of two-vessel disease, and 65.7 % (25/38) in cases of three-vessel disease. The mean IIEF score was 24.2 ± 4.3, 20.4 ± 4.9 and 20.5 ± 4.2 for single or two or three-vessel disease, respectively. The presence of hypertension aggravated ED only in patients with three-vessel disease and increased total and LDL cholesterol levels in patients with single-vessel or two-vessel disease were accompanied by significantly decreasing IIEF scores. CONCLUSION: The severity of ED correlated with the number of occluded vessels documented by coronary angiography, in male patients with acute myocardial infarction. In addition, the presence of hypertension had a significant influence over erectile function only in patients with three-vessel occlusion.

Bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery for the treatment of bilateral renal stones.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery in the treatment of bilateral renal stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2008 to February 2012, 42 patients who had undergone bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and laser lithotripsy were included in the study. The procedures were performed in the lithotomy position on an endoscopy table under general anesthesia, beginning on the side in which the stone size was smaller. Plain abdominal radiography, intravenous urograms (IVU), renal ultrasonography (USG) and / or non-contrast tomography (CT) scans were conducted for all patients. The success rate was defined as patients who were stone-free or only had residual fragment less than 4 mm. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients (28 male, 14 female) with a mean age 39.2 ± 14.2 were included in the present study. The mean stone size was 24.09 ± 6.37 mm with a mean operative time of 51.08 ± 15.22 minutes. The stone-free rates (SFR) were 92.8% and 97.6% after the first and second procedures, respectively. The average hospital stay was 1.37 ± 0.72 days. In two patients (4.7%), minor complications (Clavien I or II) were observed, whereas no major complications (Clavien III-V) or blood transfusions were noted in the studied group. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral single-session RIRS and laser lithotripsy can be performed safely and effectively with a high success rate and low complication rate in patients with bilateral renal stones.

Is there a relationship between severity of coronary artery disease and severity of erectile dysfunction?

Introduction The correlation between erectile dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery disease has been emphasized and ED has been recognized as a potential independent risk factor and/or predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD). We evaluated the association between the number of occluded coronary arteries in myocardial infarction (MI) patients with the severity of ED, and investigated the influence of related risk factors in our study group. Materials and Methods 183 male patients who underwent coronary angiography because of acute MI from November 2009 to May 2011 were included. Following the stabilization of patients after the treatment, each patient was evaluated for erectile functionality. Risk factors such as age, diabetes, smoking, waist circumference, hypertension, and hematologic parameters were recorded. Results Among 183 patients with a mean age of 55.2 years who underwent coronary angiography due to acute MI, 100 (54.64%) had ED, while the ED rate was 45.36% (44/97) in cases of single-vessel disease, 64.5% (31/48) in cases of two-vessel disease, and 65.7% (25/38) in cases of three-vessel disease. The mean IIEF score was 24.2 ± 4.3, 20.4 ± 4.9 and 20.5 ± 4.2 for single or two or three-vessel disease, respectively. The presence of hypertension aggravated ED only in patients with three-vessel disease and increased total and LDL cholesterol levels in patients with single-vessel or two-vessel disease were accompanied by significantly decreasing IIEF scores. Conclusion The severity of ED correlated with the number of occluded vessels documented by coronary angiography, in male patients with acute myocardial infarction. In addition, the presence of hypertension had a significant influence over erectile function only in patients with three-vessel occlusion. .

Bilateral Single-Session Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for the Treatment of Bilateral Renal Stones

Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery in the treatment of bilateral renal stones. Materials and Methods: From December 2008 to February 2012, 42 patients who had undergone bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and laser lithotripsy were included in the study. The procedures were performed in the lithotomy position on an endoscopy table under general anesthesia, beginning on the side in which the stone size was smaller. Plain abdominal radiography, intravenous urograms (IVU), renal ultrasonography (USG) and / or non-contrast tomography (CT) scans were conducted for all patients. The success rate was defined as patients who were stone-free or only had residual fragment less than 4 mm. Results A total of 42 patients (28 male, 14 female) with a mean age 39.2 ± 14.2 were included in the present study. The mean stone size was 24.09 ± 6.37 mm with a mean operative time of 51.08 ± 15.22 minutes. The stone-free rates (SFR) were 92.8% and 97.6% after the first and second procedures, respectively. The average hospital stay was 1.37 ± 0.72 days. In two patients (4.7%), minor complications (Clavien I or II) were observed, whereas no major complications (Clavien III-V) or blood transfusions were noted in the studied group. Conclusions Bilateral single-session RIRS and laser lithotripsy can be performed safely and effectively with a high success rate and low complication rate in patients with bilateral renal stones. .

Efficacy of three different alpha 1-adrenergic blockers and hyoscine N-butylbromide for distal ureteral stones.

PURPOSE: To evaluate hyoscine N-butyl bromide (HBB) and three different alpha-1 blockers in the treatment of distal ureteral stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 140 patients with stones located in the distal tract of the ureter with stone diameters of 5 to 10mm were enrolled in the present study and were randomized into 4 equal groups. Group 1 received HBB, Group 2 received alfuzosin, Group 3 received doxazosin and Group 4 received terazosin. The subjects were prescribed diclofenac injection (75 mg) intramuscularly on demand for pain relief and were followed-up after two weeks with x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urinary ultrasonography every week. The number of pain episodes, analgesic dosage and the number of days of spontaneous passage of the calculi through the ureter were also recorded. RESULTS: The average stone size for groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 was comparable (6.13, 5.83, 5.59 and 5.48 mm respectively). Stone expulsion was observed in 11%, 52.9%, 62%, and 46% in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The average time to expulsion was 10.55 ± 6.21 days in group 1, 7.38 ± 5.55 days in group 2, 7.85 ± 5.11 days in group 3 and 7.45 ± 5.32 days in group 4. Alpha blockers were found to be superior to HBB (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Medical treatment of distal ureteral calculi with alfuzosin, doxazosin and terazosin resulted in a significantly increased stone-expulsion rate and decreased expulsion time when compared with HBB. HBB seems to have a negative effect on stone-expulsion rate.

Efficacy of three different alpha 1-adrenergic blockers and hyoscine N-butylbromide for distal ureteral stones

PURPOSE: To evaluate hyoscine N-butyl bromide (HBB) and three different alpha-1 blockers in the treatment of distal ureteral stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 140 patients with stones located in the distal tract of the ureter with stone diameters of 5 to 10mm were enrolled in the present study and were randomized into 4 equal groups. Group 1 received HBB, Group 2 received alfuzosin, Group 3 received doxazosin and Group 4 received terazosin. The subjects were prescribed diclofenac injection (75 mg) intramuscularly on demand for pain relief and were followed-up after two weeks with x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urinary ultrasonography every week. The number of pain episodes, analgesic dosage and the number of days of spontaneous passage of the calculi through the ureter were also recorded. RESULTS: The average stone size for groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 was comparable (6.13, 5.83, 5.59 and 5.48 mm respectively). Stone expulsion was observed in 11 percent, 52.9 percent, 62 percent, and 46 percent in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The average time to expulsion was 10.55 ± 6.21 days in group 1, 7.38 ± 5.55 days in group 2, 7.85 ± 5.11 days in group 3 and 7.45 ± 5.32 days in group 4. Alpha blockers were found to be superior to HBB (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Medical treatment of distal ureteral calculi with alfuzosin, doxazosin and terazosin resulted in a signi?cantly increased stone-expulsion rate and decreased expulsion time when compared with HBB. HBB seems to have a negative effect on stone-expulsion rate.

Reducing infectious complications after transrectal prostate needle biopsy using a disposable needle guide: is it possible?

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the use of a disposable needle guide results in a decreased incidence of infectious complication after transrectal prostate needle biopsy (TPNB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty five patients who underwent 10-core TPNB were randomized into two groups. A pre-biopsy blood and urine examination was performed in both groups. Group 1 (25 patients) underwent biopsy with disposable biopsy needle guide and Group 2 (30 patients) underwent biopsy with reusable biopsy needle guide. All patients had a blood and negative urine culture before the procedure. The patients received ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice a day beginning the day before the biopsy and continued for 3 days after. Serum C-reactive protein levels and urine and blood specimens were obtained 48 h after the biopsy. Primary endpoint of the study was to determine the effect of needle guide on the bacteriologic urinary tract infection (UTI) rate and secondary end point was to determine symptomatic UTI. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 63.46 (range 55 to 68) years. There were no significant differences regarding the prostate-specific antigen level, prostate size, existence of comorbidity in two groups before the procedure. Bacteriologic and symptomatic UTI was detected in 4% vs. 6.6% and 4% vs. 3.9% in Group 1 and 2 relatively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of a disposable needle guide does not appear to minimize infection risk after TPNB. Large scale and randomized studies are necessary to determine the effect of disposable needle guide on infection rate after TPNB.

Reducing infectious complications after transrectal prostate needle biopsy using a disposable needle guide: is it possible?

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the use of a disposable needle guide results in a decreased incidence of infectious complication after transrectal prostate needle biopsy (TPNB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty five patients who underwent 10-core TPNB were randomized into two groups. A pre-biopsy blood and urine examination was performed in both groups. Group 1 (25 patients) underwent biopsy with disposable biopsy needle guide and Group 2 (30 patients) underwent biopsy with reusable biopsy needle guide. All patients had a blood and negative urine culture before the procedure. The patients received ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice a day beginning the day before the biopsy and continued for 3 days after. Serum C-reactive protein levels and urine and blood specimens were obtained 48h after the biopsy. Primary endpoint of the study was to determine the effect of needle guide on the bacteriologic urinary tract infection (UTI) rate and secondary end point was to determine symptomatic UTI. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 63.46 (range 55 to 68) years. There were no significant differences regarding the prostate-specific antigen level, prostate size, existence of comorbidity in two groups before the procedure. Bacteriologic and symptomatic UTI was detected in 4 percent vs. 6.6 percent and 4 percent vs. 3.9 percent in Group 1 and 2 relatively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of a disposable needle guide does not appear to minimize infection risk after TPNB. Large scale and randomized studies are necessary to determine the effect of disposable needle guide on infection rate after TPNB.