Clinical characteristics of adult cases with urolithiasis from Turkey: A regional epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the metabolic and clinical characteristics of adult cases with stone disease from a regional part of Turkey. METHODS: The study included 2348 adult patients with sonography and/or computed tomography-proven urinary stones. All cases were given a questionnaire about the epidemiological features of urolithiasis. Aside from the type and severity of stoneforming risk factors, both patient (age, gender, BMI, associated comorbidities, first onset of stone disease, positive family history, educational level) and stone-related (size, number, location, chemical composition, previous stone attacks) factors have been thoroughly assessed. The data were evaluated in multiple aspects to outline the epidemiological features. RESULTS: The overall mean age value of the cases was 43.3 years, and the M/F ratio was 1.34. The first onset of the disease was found to vary between 15-57 years, with a mean value of 32.4 years. While most of the stones were located in kidney and ureter, calcium-containing stones constituted the most common type (CaOx 69%, CaOxPO4 7%). More than 42% of the cases suffered from multiple stone attacks; positive family history was present in 31.6%. Among the associated comorbidities, hypertension was the most common pathology (45.8%), and the BMI index value was >30 in 31.3% of the cases. 57.7% of the patients had just one stone attack, and 42.2% had recurrent stone formation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings clearly show that important implications may be extracted from epidemiologic data acquired from local scale research to implement an effective preventative program and closely monitor the patients.

Do YouTube videos on microscopic varicocelectomy provide reliable information?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the quality of YouTube videos about microscopic varicocelectomy. METHODS: On November 20, 2022, a YouTube search for "Microscopic Varicocelectomy" was conducted. Non-English videos uploaded by producers for commercial purposes that lacked audio and subtitles were excluded from the study. A total of 50 videos were evaluated using the Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score and the Global Quality Score, both of which are recognized internationally. Additionally, the researcher developed the Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score to evaluate the videos' technical content. The upload source, video length, number of views, likes, dislikes, and video power indexes were evaluated. RESULTS: The Global Quality Score, Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score, and Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score of the academically prepared videos were significantly higher than those of the physician-prepared videos (p<0.05). The Global Quality Score, Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score, and Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score of uploaded videos with audio, audio, and subtitles were significantly higher than those with only subtitles (p<0.05). The video duration was positively correlated with Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score, Global Quality Score, and Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score. The video power index had a strong positive correlation with the number of likes. Moreover, a strong positive correlation was observed, indicating that the Global Quality Score and Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score increased as the Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score increased. CONCLUSION: YouTube videos regarding microscopic varicocelectomy were of notably low quality. If the video content created by specialist physicians and academic centers is more meticulously organized, more accurate data can be transmitted. Consequently, viewing video content may not be advised based on the available data.

En bloc enucleation of the prostate with early apical release using a high-power (200 W) thulium device: studying a learning curve.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to reveal the learning curve of early apical release en bloc laser prostatectomy using a high-power thulium (200 W) laser device. METHODS: We obtained data on the initial 60 patients who had thulium laser enucleation of the prostate by a single surgeon between October 2021 and August 2022 to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia at our clinic. The cases were split into three groups, each consisting of 20 patients. Prostate volumes, prostate-specific antigen and hemoglobin levels, the International Prostate Symptom Score, Quality of Life scores, the International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores, and uroflowmetry parameters were documented preoperatively. The enucleation weight, the enucleation and morcellation times, as well as the efficiency, hospitalization, and catheterization durations were calculated. The patients were re-evaluated at 6 months postoperatively, examined for functional results, and compared to baseline conditions. RESULTS: Enucleation times, morcellation times, enucleation weight, and enucleation efficiency were significantly different among the groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in total operative time and morcellation efficiency. In terms of postoperative statistics, the reduction in hemoglobin was significantly greater in Group 1 compared to Group 2. Six months after surgery, all groups had comparable validated ratings (International Prostate Symptom Score, Quality of Life, and the International Index of Erectile Function-5) on postoperative examinations. There were no long-term complications in either group throughout the perioperative period. CONCLUSION: Completing 40 first cases would be sufficient for managing the learning curve for early apical release en bloc thulium laser enucleation of the prostate.

En bloc enucleation of the prostate with early apical release using a high-power (200 W) thulium device: studying a learning curve

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to reveal the learning curve of early apical release en bloc laser prostatectomy using a high-power thulium (200 W) laser device. METHODS: We obtained data on the initial 60 patients who had thulium laser enucleation of the prostate by a single surgeon between October 2021 and August 2022 to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia at our clinic. The cases were split into three groups, each consisting of 20 patients. Prostate volumes, prostate-specific antigen and hemoglobin levels, the International Prostate Symptom Score, Quality of Life scores, the International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores, and uroflowmetry parameters were documented preoperatively. The enucleation weight, the enucleation and morcellation times, as well as the efficiency, hospitalization, and catheterization durations were calculated. The patients were re-evaluated at 6 months postoperatively, examined for functional results, and compared to baseline conditions. RESULTS: Enucleation times, morcellation times, enucleation weight, and enucleation efficiency were significantly different among the groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in total operative time and morcellation efficiency. In terms of postoperative statistics, the reduction in hemoglobin was significantly greater in Group 1 compared to Group 2. Six months after surgery, all groups had comparable validated ratings (International Prostate Symptom Score, Quality of Life, and the International Index of Erectile Function-5) on postoperative examinations. There were no long-term complications in either group throughout the perioperative period. CONCLUSION: Completing 40 first cases would be sufficient for managing the learning curve for early apical release en bloc thulium laser enucleation of the prostate.

Residual fragment size following retrograde intrarenal surgery: a critical evaluation of related variables.

Given the limited data on the predictive factors of residual kidney stone size after flexible ureteroscopy (fURS), this study aims to investigate the variables affecting residual stone size. The medical records of 642 patients without complications being treated for kidney stones with fURS between July 2014 and May 2022 were reviewed retrospectively, and the information of the 170 patients in whom residual stones were found was recorded. In addition to patient-specific factors and stone characteristics, length of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative fever, and preoperative antiaggregant use were evaluated. Of the 170 patients ultimately included in the study. The mean age was 51.56 (± 14.70). The mean stone size was 14.01 mm (± 5.75), the mean residual stone size was 7.04 mm (± 2.51), and the mean stone density was 829 Hounsfield units (± 395.06). The mean infundibulopelvic angle (IPA) was 49.37º (± 15.37), and 41.2% of the stones were non-opaque. The mean parenchymal thickness was 22.88 mm (± 5.55). 34 patients were on antiaggregant therapy. Preoperative stone size increases in stone density and decreases in IPA were found to be correlated with increase residual stone size (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, larger residual stones were observed after the fURS procedure in patients using anticoagulants and those without hydronephrosis (p = 0.02 and p = 0.016, respectively). Use of reliable predictive factors to forecast residual stone size after fURS may help to inform those treated and enable urologists to design rational surgical strategies.

Analysis of stone-free rates and residual fragment sizes following standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy: mistakes in the treatment of non-opaque kidney stones.

Our presented study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of stone opacity, on both the success of percutaneous nephrolithotomy and the sizes of residual fragments following the procedure. Medical records of patients undergoing PCNL treatment for kidney stones at our clinic between July 2014 and May 2022 were evaluated in a retrospective manner. A total sample size of 304 patients with the required criteria was included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the radiopacity status of the stones assessed in the kidney-ureter-bladder graphy (KUB) [Group O (n = 211): opaque, Group N (n = 93): non-opaque)]. Demographic data, laboratory results, and surgical follow-up information were comparatively evaluated between groups. The mean age and percentage of female patients were higher in Group N (45.2 vs. 25,1%; p < 0.001). Also, patients in this group were associated with more comorbidities. No significant difference was present regarding stones' laterality, size, surface area, and localization. Cases in the Group N group demonstrated higher median hemoglobin reduction [1.7 (IQR = 1.2-2.5) vs. 2 (IQR = 1.6-2.6); p = 0.047]. The stone-free rates in Group O patients were higher (67.8% vs. 53.8%; p = 0.014). The size of the residual fragments was meaningfully larger in Group N cases [8 (IQR = 7-13) vs. 10 (IQR = 8-16); p = 0.032]. Finally, no significant difference was observed between the groups regarding both minor (as grade 3a and below) and major (grade 3b and above) assessed by the Modified Clavien-Dindo Classification. Our data show that treatment of patients with so-called non-opaque kidney stones by PCNL results in low SFR and larger residual fragments, which is due to a variety of errors that should be avoided by appropriate measures.

Can additional variables be used to predict stone-free rates following retrograde intrarenal surgery? Anticoagulants and parenchyma thickness: a detailed examination.

The purpose of this article is to identify the factors that predict the success of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), with a focus on the effect of renal parenchymal thickness and anticoagulant use on stone-free rates. From February 2014 to April 2022, cases of kidney stones treated with RIRS at our clinic were retrospectively screened. The study included 642 cases meeting all inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients who were observed to be stone free after a single session of RIRS were assigned to Group F, while those with residual fragments were assigned to Group R. Group F comprised 472 patients, while Group R included 170 patients. The two groups have compared certain preoperative and postoperative laboratory and radiological parameters. The infundibulopelvic angle was significantly more acute in Group R (45.63 ± 16.25 vs. 49.28 ± 15.36, p = 0.011) while patients in Group F tended to have thicker parenchyma (27.39 ± 8.38 vs. 22.88 ± 5.56, p < 0.001). In our analysis of multivariate logistic regression, stone size (OR: 1.074, 1.037-1.113; p < 0.001), lower calyceal location (OR: 0.550, 95% CI 0.364-0.831; p = 0.005), multiple numbers of stones (OR 0.254, 95% CI 0.166-0.389; p = < 0.001), the value of parenchymal thickness (OR 0.911, 95% CI 0.882-0.941; p = < 0.001) and more importantly use of anticoagulants/antiplatelets (OR 0.557, 95% CI 0.333-0.933; p = 0.026) appeared to be independent predictors of stone-free status after RIRS. Further evaluation of the data revealed that the cut-off value of the renal parenchymal thickness for an effective stone-free status in a ROC curve analysis was 24.5 with 62.9% sensitivity and 56.8% specificity (area under curve value: 0.654 [95% CI 0.608-0.699, p < 0.001]). The endourologist may be able to make more informed decisions by evaluating renal parenchymal thickness in addition to patient-related factors like anticoagulant use, which we find significantly affects outcomes, along with the stone and renal anatomy-related factors.

Innovative training modality for sacral neuromodulation (SNM): Patient-specific computerized tomography (CT) reconstructed 3D-printed training system: ICS School of Modern Technology novel training modality.

INTRODUCTION: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an effective treatment of urinary and bowel dysfunction, including secondary to neurological disorders. The learning curve for the optimal electrode placement for SNM is steep, expensive, and limited by patient factors such as obesity and previous injuries. We aim to create a patient specific 3-dimensional (3D) model for successful SNM training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 26 urology residents who had different level of knowledge and experience were enrolled to the 3D SNM training program. The creation of 3D sacrum model has been started with evaluation of real patient computerized tomography images and creation of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine files. The segmented anatomic structures from the files then edited and stereolithographic files were generated for 3D-model prints via Mimics© software. The 3D-printed models were used for training and evaluation of participants during the SNM intervention was performed. The evaluation of 3D SNM model training was led by one mentor who is expert on SNM. RESULTS: On the preprinted 3D sacrum model all 26 participants were requested to perform the essential steps to complete a SNM procedure and individual procedure time was recorded. The mean and median scores were 18.8 and 19, respectively according to Likert scores (min 11 max 28). CONCLUSIONS: SNM is increasing in popularity as a treatment option with physicians and patients with refractory symptoms. Few experienced specialists exist, and more effective training methods are needed to tackle the increasing demand, and individual patient anatomy.

Do YouTube videos on microscopic varicocelectomy provide reliable information?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the quality of YouTube videos about microscopic varicocelectomy. METHODS: On November 20, 2022, a YouTube search for "Microscopic Varicocelectomy" was conducted. Non-English videos uploaded by producers for commercial purposes that lacked audio and subtitles were excluded from the study. A total of 50 videos were evaluated using the Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score and the Global Quality Score, both of which are recognized internationally. Additionally, the researcher developed the Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score to evaluate the videos' technical content. The upload source, video length, number of views, likes, dislikes, and video power indexes were evaluated. RESULTS: The Global Quality Score, Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score, and Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score of the academically prepared videos were significantly higher than those of the physician-prepared videos (p<0.05). The Global Quality Score, Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score, and Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score of uploaded videos with audio, audio, and subtitles were significantly higher than those with only subtitles (p<0.05). The video duration was positively correlated with Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score, Global Quality Score, and Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score. The video power index had a strong positive correlation with the number of likes. Moreover, a strong positive correlation was observed, indicating that the Global Quality Score and Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score increased as the Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score increased. CONCLUSION: YouTube videos regarding microscopic varicocelectomy were of notably low quality. If the video content created by specialist physicians and academic centers is more meticulously organized, more accurate data can be transmitted. Consequently, viewing video content may not be advised based on the available data.

Comparison of dusting and fragmentation methods in the flexible ureteroscopic treatment of kidney lower calyx stones.

To compare the long-term stone-free status of patients who underwent fragmentation of stones followed by active basketing versus stone dusting and spontaneous passage following flexible ureteroscopic treatment for lower calyceal stones. The dusting or fragmentation methods were randomly assigned to patients who were scheduled to undergo RIRS for only renal lower calyceal stones between February 2019 and May 2022, prospectively. Stone-free rates were determined after 3 months by non-contrast computed tomography and patient demography; preoperative and postoperative follow-up data of both groups were evaluated comparatively. While the fragmentation method was applied in 32 patients, the dusting method was applied in the remaining 31 cases. The two groups did not differ significantly regarding the demographic data and laboratory findings. Mean stone size was similar in both groups of cases. Operation time was significantly longer for fragmentation (93.23 ± 27.20 vs 78.43 ± 30.08, p = 0.045) and evaluation of the success rates after 3 months did show that patients in the dusting group had a higher rate of stone-free status when compared with the other group of cases (65.6 vs 87.1%, p = 0.043). Lastly, postoperative fever rates were not significantly different between the two groups (12.5 vs 9.7%, p = 0.518). Our findings showed that dusting the lower calyceal stones during fURS would reveal higher stone-free rates during long-term follow-up periods, and the mean operation time will be shorter in these patients.

Association between international index of erectile function-5 scores and circadian patterns of newly diagnosed hypertension in erectile dysfunction patients.

By the beginning of this study in 2019, it was known that hypertension is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction, and also, there are circadian changes that occur in blood pressure. Further, non-dipping hypertension is known to be linked to poor cardiac outcomes and erectile functions, so the research described in this article was initiated with an aim to explore the potential relationship between erectile dysfunction and circadian patterns of newly diagnosed hypertension. Between April 2019 and May 2022, 583 patients aged 30-70 years were diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED) in our outpatient clinic. Applying our exclusion criteria to 583 patients, a group of 371 patients left with us; these patients were referred to the cardiology clinic for hypertension evaluation with consecutive ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Data were collected for the study prospectively. Of the 371 patients evaluated with ABPM, 125 had newly diagnosed hypertension (mean BP ≥135/85 mmHg in ABPM). These patients were divided into two groups according to the pattern of hypertension identified in ABPM: dippers (Group D) and non-dippers (Group ND). They were then compared using clinical and laboratory findings, including erectile function scores. While the number of patients in the ND group was 83, the number in the D group was 42. In the ND group, the mean age was higher (59 ± 10 vs. 54 ± 12, p = 0.0024). IIEF-5 (international index of erectile function) scores were determined to be significantly lower in the ND group (14.4 ± 4.9 vs. 11.5 ± 4.6, p = 0.001). Also, serum creatinine levels were higher in Group ND than in D (0.96 ± 0.12 vs. 1 ± 0.15, p = 0.001). In our multivariate analysis, IIEF-5 scores (OR: 0.880, 95% CI: 0.811-0.955; p = 0.002) and serum creatinine levels (OR: 1027, 95% CI: 1003-1052; p = 0.025) were found to be independent risk factors of non-dipper HT. The cut-off value of the IIEF-5 score for non-dipper HT in a ROC curve analysis was 13.5 with 64.3% sensitivity and 66.1% specificity (area under curve value: 0.673 [95% CI: 0.573-0.772, p < 0.001]). This study showed that, in patients with ED, the non-dipper pattern was associated with poorer erectile function when HT was newly diagnosed. We also found that the severity of erectile dysfunction is an independent marker for non-dipper HT.

What Is the Effect of Inguinal Hernia Operations on Sexual Functions?

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate sexual function before and after inguinal hernia surgery using a standard, internationally approved, patient-administered questionnaire. METHODS: 57 male inguinal hernia cases operated with the Lichtenstein hernioplasty technique were prospectively included in the study. Patients who agreed to participate in the study had the IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function) scoring system form consisting of 15 questions filled in preoperatively, during the first and sixth months after surgery. Patients' age, BMI, comorbidity, employment status, hernia type, hernia size, and single or bilateral hernia were recorded. The relationship between these variables was evaluated by statistical analysis. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found in terms of erectile function, sexual desire, intercourse function, and overall satisfaction, when the preop-postop first month, preop-postop sixth month, and postoperative first month-postop six-month scores were compared (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pain and swelling due to an inguinal hernia can negatively affect the sexual functions of the patient, and most of the patients benefit from this after the surgery. Sexual dysfunction may be one of the indications for an inguinal hernia operation.

Urologic Surgery in Digital Era: Foresights and Futuristic Approach.

The new scientific developments and technological opportunities that have led to significant changes all build up the digital era. In medicine, the use of new technologies in patient diagnosis and treatment processes has opened new horizons for physicians and patients. As considering for the medical training, 3-dimensional modeling opportunities, virtual reality, augmented reality, and various simulators offered by the new technologies of the digital era have become a new hope. The 3-dimensional scanning and modeling, 3-dimensional medical printing, virtual reality technologies applications and simulators in urology are very recent and valuable. Besides, the exoscope-assisted 3-dimensional open surgery provides high-resolution 3-dimensional images to surgeons with high comfort as compared with old-fashioned operating microscopes. New modalities that tried to be integrated in robotic surgery are 3-dimensional reconstruction, usage of indocyanine green, augmented reality, contrast ultrasound, haptic feedback, and availability of single port. Some new companies announced their new robotic systems in the market. The use of these new technological applications during medical training, especially at the beginning of the education curve for various surgical interventions, may be beneficial in terms of reducing possible complications that may be encountered due to inexperience at the beginning of the education process and increasing patient safety. Urology will also stay at the futuristic approach in medicine, while 3-dimensional technologies used more widely in this field.

Duplicated vas deferens: A case report and comprehensive review of the literature.

Duplication of vas deferens is a very rare anomaly which two vasa deferentia are found in the spermatic cord. It can be recognised during autopsy or cadaveric dissection and also several surgical procedures which require spermatic cord dissection including inguinal hernia repair, orchiopexy, vasectomy, varicocelectomy, vasectomy reversal and radical prostatectomy. Recognition of the duplicated vas deferens is important to avoid surgical complications such as an unsuccessful vasectomy or transection of the vas. It was reported in only three cadavers and 31 patients since 1959. In this study, we describe a new case of duplicated vas deferens found incidentally during routine inguinal hernia repair in a 66-year-old patient. We also review all previously reported cases in the literature to draw attention to this rare but important anomaly.

Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on sexuality: a cross-sectional study among couples in Turkey.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been continuing to affect the lives of all people globally. It has been shown that restrictions due to changes in lifestyles lead to mental health problems. This study aims to investigate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on couples' sexuality. A total of 245 volunteers (148 men and 97 women) were enrolled in the study. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale were administered to screen anxiety and depression symptoms. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) along with self-constructed sexual behavior questionnaire were administered to participants, in order to evaluate sexual functions and behavioral changes during the pandemic. Sexual function scores (IIEF erectile function domain and total FSFI) during pandemic (24.55 ± 5.79 and 24.87 ± 7.88, respectively) were lower compared to the prepandemic period (26.59 ± 4.51 and 26.02 ± 6.22, respectively) (p = 0.001 and p = 0.027, respectively). During pandemic compared to prepandemic period, the frequency of sexual intercourse decreased in men (p = 0.001) and women (p = 0.001) while sexual avoidance and solitary sexual approach behaviors (masturbation or watching sexual content videos, etc.) increased in men (p = 0.001) and women (p = 0.022). However, the couples that spent more time together during the pandemic reported better sexual function scores (men; p = 0.001, women; p = 0.006). Although this is the first study evaluating couples from Turkey with a convenience sample, further studies with a greater number may better elucidate the effects of this pandemic on sexuality.

Novel Anatomic Mapping of Pelvic Plexus at Prostatic and Periprostatic Region on Fresh Frozen Cadaveric Setting.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the exact localization of neural pathway and the frequency of nerve fibers, which are located in the pelvic facial layers in the prostate and periprostatic regions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used four fresh frozen cadavers in this trial. Anatomical layers of anterior rectus fascia and abdominal rectus muscle were dissected to reach the retropubic area. Prostate, visceral and parietal pelvic fascia, levator ani muscle and puboprostatic ligaments were identified. Nine tissue samples, each 1x1 cm in size, were obtained from each cadaver and grouped separately. The locations of these samples are as follows. Group G I from 12 o'clock (apical region), G II from right prostatic apex, G III from 2 o'clock, G IV from right far pelvic lateral, G V from 5 o'clock, G VI from 7 o'clock, GVII from left far pelvic lateral, G VIII from 10 o'clock and G IX from left prostatic apex. Nerve distribution, frequency and diameters of these 9 groups were compared to each other. RESULTS: 36 specimens were obtained from 4 cadavers. Mean number of nerve fibers was 14.1. The number of nerve fibers in each location were not statistically different from each other (P = .9). Mean nerve diameter was 89.1 µm. Mean diameter of nerves was statistically different between groups II, III IV and VI and VIII (P = .001). No difference was seen amongst others. CONCLUSION: The distributions of nerve fibers at prostate and peri-prostatic region were homogeneous while the nerve diameters varied amongst the different regions.

The novel laparoscopic training 3D model in urology with surgical anatomic remarks: Fresh-frozen cadaveric tissue.

Laparoscopic surgery is routinely used to treat many urological conditions and it is the gold standard treatment option for many surgeries such as radical nephrectomy. Due to the difficulty of learning, laparoscopic training should start outside the operating room. Although it is a very different model of laparoscopic training; the aim of this review is to show the value of human cadaveric model for laparoscopic training and present our experience in this area. Fresh frozen cadaveric model in laparoscopic training, dry lab, cadaveric model, animal models and computer based simulators are the most commonly used models for laparoscopic training. Cadaveric models mimic the live setting better than animal models. Also, it is the best way in demonstrating important anatomic landmarks like prostate, bladder, and pelvic lymph nodes templates. However, cadaveric training is expensive, and should be used by multiple disciplines for higher efficiency. The laparosopic cadaveric training starts with didactic lectures with introduction of pelvic surgical anatomy. It is followed by hands-on dissection. A typical pelvic dissection part can be completed in 6 hours. Surgical robot and some laparoscopy platforms are equipped with 3-D vision. In recent years, we have use the stereoscopic laparoscopy system for training purposes to show exact anatomic landmarks. Cadavers are removed from their containers 3 to 5 days prior to training session to allow enough time for thawing. Intracorporeal suturing is an important part of laparoscopic training. We believe that suturing must be practiced in the dry lab, which is significantly cheaper than cadaveric models. Cadaveric training model should focus on the anatomic dissection instead. In conclusion, fresh-frozen cadaveric sample is one of the best 3D simulation models for laparoscopic training purposes. Major aim of cadaveric training is not only mimicking the surgical technique but also teaching true anatomy. Lack of availability and higher financial cost are the two setbacks for the use of cadavers. Surgeon should learn basic laparoscopic skills with box trainers prior to cadaveric skill training.

A New Alternative for Difficult Ureter in Adult Patients: No Need to Dilate Ureter via a Balloon or a Stent with the Aid of 4.5F Semirigid Ureteroscope.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectivity of 4.5F ultrathin ureteroscope (UT-URS) without any need for active or passive dilation in the treatment of adult patient population in whom ureteral orifices cannot be engaged using conventional URS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among a total of 512 adult patients who had undergone URS between April 2012 and November 2015 in our department for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, 43 (8.4%) patients required ureteral dilation because we could not engage ureteral orifice. In adult patients in whom we could not engage ureteral orifice with 7.5F and 8F semirigid URS, we tried to complete the operation using 4.5F UT-URS without resorting to dilation. Age and gender of the patients, indication for operation, stone size, location, operative times, laterality of stone(s), stone-free rates, length of hospital stay, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 34.5 ± 11.2 (21-66) years. The patients had undergone operations for ureteral stone (n = 39), unexplained hydronephrosis (n = 2), and ureteral stenosis (n = 2). Mean stone size was 8.2 ± 2.3 (4-18) mm. Mean operative time was 64.2 ± 13.5 minutes. In 37 of 39 patients, a complete stone-free rate (94.8%) was achieved. Mean length of hospital stay was 8.9 ± 5.8 hours. CONCLUSION: It has been demonstrated that in an adult patient population in whom ureteral orifices cannot be engaged using conventional URS, ureteral access could be achieved with 4.5F UT-URS without any need for dilation. At the same time, use of 4.5F UT-URS resulted in an acceptable treatment success and lower complication rates in most of these patients without the need for a second session.

Simulation of RIRS in soft cadavers: a novel training model by the Cadaveric Research On Endourology Training (CRET) Study Group.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the use of fresh-frozen concurrently with embalmed cadavers as initial training models for flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) in a group of urologists who were inexperienced in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). METHODS: Twelve urologists involved in a cadaveric fURS training course were enrolled into this prospective study. All the participants were inexperienced in fURS. Theoretical lectures and step-by-step tips and tricks video presentations on fURS were used to incorporate the technical background of the procedure to the hands-on-training course and to standardize the operating steps of the procedure. An 8-item survey was administered to the participants upon initiation and at the end of the course. RESULTS: Pre- and post-training scores were similar for each question. All the participants successfully completed the hands-on-training tasks. Mean pre-training duration [3.56 ± 2.0 min (range 1.21-7.46)] was significantly higher than mean post-training duration [1.76 ± 1.54 min (range 1.00-6.34)] (p = 0.008). At the end of the day, the trainers checked the integrity of the collecting system both by endoscopy and by fluoroscopy and could not detect any injury of the upper ureteral wall or pelvicalyceal structures. The functionality of the scopes was also checked, and no scope injury (including a reduction in the deflection capacity) was noted. CONCLUSIONS: The fURS simulation training model using soft human cadavers has the unique advantage of perfectly mimicking the living human tissues. This similarity makes this model one of the best if not the perfect simulator for an effective endourologic training.