Is varicocoelectomy indicated in infertile men with isolated teratozoospermia? a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Clinical palpable varicocoeles in conjunction with isolated teratozoospermia are rarely observed. Therefore, the effects of varicocoelectomy on sperm morphology are not clear. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compile studies that assess the effectiveness of varicocoelectomy in isolated teratozoospermia to reach a more consistent and reliable conclusion. MATERIAL-METHODS: The present meta-analysis was registered to PROSPERO (CRD42023467933). We utilized the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline to report the outcomes. Articles published before 1 October 2023 were included in the study. The search terms used were teratozoospermia, isolated teratozoospermia, varicocoelectomy for isolated teratozoospermia, and semen analysis after varicocoelectomy in isolated teratozoospermia. RESULTS: We identified 1,013 studies in full publications or abstracts using the methodology and the search terms. Five studies were included for systematic review, while four were included for meta-analysis. The five studies (10-14) included 348 patients aged 18-44 years. The pooled analysis revealed a significant improvement in sperm morphology in isolated teratozoospermia patients undergoing varicocoelectomy (Q = 199.42, p < 0.0001; I2  = 98.49%). The pooled analysis revealed no significant improvement in sperm concentration in isolated teratozoospermia patients undergoing varicocoelectomy (Q = 5.69, p = 0.058; I2  = 64.85%). Three of the examined studies provided information regarding pregnancy rate and it was high in all studies. According to the Newcastle-Ottowa scale (NOS) assessment, the total quality score of all studies was 7. The funnel plot test demonstrated a visible asymmetry, and Begg and Mazumdar's rank correlation test confirmed the publication bias (p = 0.04). DISCUSSION: Varicocoelectomy can be an effective and reliable treatment option in patients with isolated morphology abnormalities and clinically palpable varicocoele. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis reported that varicocoelectomy may increase pregnancy rates by improving semen parameters in infertile men with isolated teratozoospermia, although this conclusion requires further evidence.

Comparison of Middle and Lower Calyceal Access for Renal Pelvis Stone in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Prospective Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible effects of calyceal choice for renal puncture under sonographic guidance on the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 70 patients for whom ultrasound-guided PNL was planned for 20-30-mm single renal pelvic stones were prospectively allocated to group 1 (n:35) with middle calyx entry or group 2 (n:35) with lower calyx entry. Procedure-related parameters such as duration of operation, stone-free rates, complication rates, and radiation exposure time were analyzed in detail. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 45.67 ± 1.50 years and the mean stone size was 316.4 ± 17.95 mm2. There was no significant difference regarding the age, BMI, stone burden, and the grade of hydronephrosis between the groups. Skin to collecting system distance was significantly shorter in the middle calyx entrance (p = 0.021). Total duration of the procedure was again significantly shorter in group 1 cases (74.69 ± 2.94 min) than in group 2 (84.29 ± 4.25 min) (p = 0.003). Regarding the success rates, the postoperative stone-free rate was higher in group 1 (91.4% in group 1, 80.0% in group 2, p = 0.305). Last, there was no statistically significant difference in hemoglobin reduction rates, blood transfusion requirements, and complication rates between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Getting access to the renal pelvis through the middle calyx during ultrasonic guided PNL procedure is more advantageous to lower the calyceal approach by reducing both the duration of the PNL procedure with significantly higher stone-free and comparable complication rates.

Functional and morphological recovery of solitary kidneys after drainage. Double J stent placement vs emergency ureteroscopy: which one is reasonable?

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the functional and morphological recovery of solitary kidneys following the relief of obstruction by two different approaches. Data of 65 adult patients with acute renal failure in obstructed solitary kidney were evaluated. Depending on the type of emergent decompression procedure while 34 patients were treated with a double J stent placement only 31 patients underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy with double J stent placement. Following these procedures, in addition to the amount of excreted urine during the first 24 h, changes in the serum creatinine levels and the degree of hydronephrosis were noted and evaluated during the first week of follow-up after intervention. Evaluation of the urine output values during the first 24-h period revealed a statistically significant difference in favour of ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Serum creatinine levels in terms of the mean change in serum creatinine values and also percentage of the changes revealed no statistically significant change between two groups. Comparative evaluation of the change in the degree of hydronephrosis between baseline and post-procedural seventh day values revealed a statistically significant decrease in favour of ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Lastly, there was a statistically insignificant but meaningful difference with respect to the percent of change in the degree of hydronephrosis between two group of cases. Although temporary decompression of the obstructed solitary kidney by placing a double J stent may relieve the obstruction to a certain extent; emergent ureteroscopic lithotripsy could be applied as a reasonable alternative where adequate experience and technical availability are present.