Comparison of the overall survival of different treatment methods in patients with Muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Bladder-Sparing Approach was presented in patients who are not willing or not suitable for Radical Cystectomy (RC). There have been inconsistencies in the literature regarding the comparison of survival rates of these two methods. Our objective is to evaluate the survival rate of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) undergoing different treatment methods. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: A secondary care, multicenter study in Kerman, Iran 2008 to 2016. PARTICIPANTS: All 200 patients who were diagnosed with Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer and were admitted to our hospitals. Patients with inaccessible medical files and patients with pathologies other than TCC were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Radical cystectomy and different methods of bladder preservation were compared based on their survival rate. INTERVENTIONS: Radical cystectomy or bladder preservation. RESULTS: Overall survival of the patients was 2 years [95% CI: 1.37-2.63]. The overall 5-year survival rate of patients with MIBC was 32%. Having a 6.4 years overall survival, the RC group showed the highest survival compared with others (p = 0.01); the overall survival of patients undergoing TMT, TURT, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy monotherapy was 3.15 years [95% CI: 2.242-4.061], 4.06 [95% CI: 3.207-4.931], 2.58 [95% CI: 1.767-3.399], and 3.14 [95% CI: 1.614-4.672] years, respectively. Patients younger than 65 undergoing RC had an overall survival of 7 years, compared with 2 years for the TMT group. (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The Bladder-Preservation method, as a replacement for RC, showed a lower overall survival rate in our study. A prospective randomized clinical trial may declare the best treatment.

Ultrasound-guided renal puncture followed by endoscopically guided tract dilatation vs standard fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy for non-opaque renal stones; a randomized clinical trial.

This study was designed to evaluate the non-inferiority of ultrasound puncture followed by endoscopically guided tract dilatation compared to the standard fluoroscopy-guided PCNL. Forty patients with non-opaque kidney stones eligible for PCNL were randomly divided into two groups. The standard fluoroscopy-guided PCNL using the Amplatz dilator was performed in the XRAY group. In the SONO group, the Kidney was punctured under an ultrasound guide followed by tract dilatation using a combination of the Amplatz dilator based on the tract length and an endoscopically guided tract dilatation using a bi-prong forceps in cases of short-advancement. The primary outcome was successful access. In 90% of cases in the XRAY and 95% in the SONO group access dilatation process was performed uneventfully at the first attempt (p = 0.5). In 45% of cases in the SONO group, bi-prong forceps were used as salvage for short-advancement. In one case in the X-ray group over-advancement occurred. One month after surgery, the stone-free rate on the CT-scan was 75% for the X-ray group and 85% for the SONO group (p = 0.4). There were no significant differences in operation time, hospitalization duration, transfusion, or complication rates between the two groups. We conclude that ultrasound-guided renal puncture, followed by endoscopically guided tract dilatation can achieve a high success rate similar to X-ray-guided PCNL while avoiding the harmful effects of radiation exposure and the risk of over-advancement.

Impact of Season Variation on Semen Quality: A Comprehensive Retrospective Analysis of Data From Patients at an Eastern Iranian Tertiary Care Fertility Center Over a Decade.

Seasonal changes are assumed to affect various sperm characteristics based on photoperiods, temperature, and air pollution. According to the literature, most studies were performed on populations of Western countries, and there are limited studies performed in the Middle East with variable results. This study evaluated the seasonality of sperm characteristics among men of reproductive age in an andrology center in Kerman, Iran, where the seasonal temperature varies significantly, with average temperatures ranging from 50 °F (10 °C) to 75.2 °F (24 °C). We retrospectively evaluated the sperm analysis test record. Sperm samples were obtained from 2,948 men during 10 years, excluding those with azoospermia. Samples were assessed for volume, concentration, motility, and morphology according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. We performed a comprehensive comparative literature review of the studies investigating the association between seasonal variation and sperm quality. The mean semen volume was higher in the summer compared with other seasons (p = .04). The mean percentage of sperm motility was higher in the spring and less in winter (p = .03). Sperm morphology-related parameters, measured by the percent of normal morphology, were significantly better in winter (p = .03). Our findings suggest seasonality of sperm characteristics among men of fertility age. Semen volume, motility, and morphology were affected by the photoperiod of reproductive seasons. Results might support the influential role of seasonal variations in the possibility of fertility, especially among those using assisted reproductive technologies and those with oligospermia.

Medium-Term Stone Recurrence after zero-fragment transperitoneal Laparoscopic Pyelolithotomy Compared with Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Large Single Renal Pelvis Stones.

PURPOSE: To compare medium-term stone recurrence between laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LP) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 98 patients who underwent PCNL or LP (2015-2019) for large single renal pelvis or staghorn stones (≥ 2 cm) were selected. The stone-free rate was evaluated using a computed tomography scan at one month and then, ultrasonography at six months intervals during the first year and annually thereafter for up to three years. Time-to-stone recurrence was compared using the Kaplan-Meier estimate. Hazard ratio was estimated by Cox regression. RESULTS: The one month stone-free rate was 93.88% in the LP group vs. 79% in the PCNL group (P = .03). The mean overall time-to-stone recurrence was 31 (CI:24-34) months in the LP vs. 28 (CI: 23-32) in the PCNL groups (P = .02). Cox regression analysis showed that PCNL increased the risk of stone recurrence with a hazard ratio of 2.3 (CI: 1.1 - 5.3) compared to the laparoscopy. (p = .03) In subgroup analysis, time-to-stone recurrence in those without previous history of intervention was estimated at 31 (CI: 27 to 35) months in the LP vs. 25 (CI:16 to 34) in PCNL groups (= 0.04). Subanalysis with a BMI cutoff of 25 kg/m2 showed an overall time-to-stone recurrence of 34 (CI:30 to 37) months in the LP group and 28 (CI:22 to 33) months in the PCNL group (= 0.04) in those with BMI higher than 25 kg/m2. CONCLUSION: Medium-term time to stone recurrence was in favor of LP compared with PCNL for large single renal pelvis or staghorn stones.

TERT Promoter Mutations as Simple and Non-Invasive Urinary Biomarkers for the Detection of Urothelial Bladder Cancer in a High-Risk Region.

Bladder cancer (BC) is the 10th most common cancer in the world. While there are FDA-approved urinary assays to detect BC, none have demonstrated sufficient sensitivity and specificity to be integrated into clinical practice. Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) gene mutations have been identified as the most common BC mutations that could potentially be used as non-invasive urinary biomarkers to detect BC. This study aims to evaluate the validity of these tests to detect BC in the Kerman province of Iran, where BC is the most common cancer in men. Urine samples of 31 patients with primary (n = 11) or recurrent (n = 20) bladder tumor and 50 controls were prospectively collected. Total urinary DNA was screened for the TERT promoter mutations (uTERTpm) by Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) assays. The performance characteristics of uTERTpm and the influence by disease stage and grade were compared to urine cytology results. The uTERTpm was 100% sensitive and 88% specific to detect primary BC, while it was 50% sensitive and 88% specific in detecting recurrent BC. The overall sensitivity and specificity of uTERTpm to detect bladder cancer were 67.7% and 88.0%, respectively, which were consistent across different tumor stages and grades. The most frequent uTERTpm mutations among BC cases were C228T (18/31), C250T (4/31), and C158A (1/31) with mutant allelic frequency (MAF) ranging from 0.2% to 63.3%. Urine cytology demonstrated a similar sensitivity (67.7%), but lower specificity (62.0%) than uTERTpm in detecting BC. Combined uTERTpm and urine cytology increased the sensitivity to 83.8%, but decreased the specificity to 52.0%. Our study demonstrated promising diagnostic accuracy for the uTERTpm as a non-invasive urinary biomarker to detect, in particular, primary BC in this population.

Comparing Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy with Vaginal Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation in the Treatment of Vaginal Apical Prolapse; the First Randomized Clinical Trial: A pilot study.

PURPOSE: To compare two methods of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSCP) and sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) in terms of efficacy and safety in the treatment of vaginal apical prolapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 32 patients with symptomatic vaginal apical prolapse, referred to the female urology clinic of Kerman University, Iran, during 2018-2019. The patients were re-examined at 12 months after surgery. Objective success was recorded using Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) classification as primary outcome. The subjective success of the methods was determined by the quality-of-life parameters, based on Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7), Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), and Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) scores as secondary outcomes. Moreover, complications were recorded in both groups. RESULTS: The amount of intraoperative bleeding was significantly higher in the SSLF group, compared to the LSCP group (P = 0.01). Persistent pain was observed in two (12%) patients in the LSCP group and five (31%) patients in the SSLF group (P = 0.2). The decrease in the total PFIQ-7 score was in favor of the LSCP group but not statistically significant (p = 0.06). The LSCP group showed bigger improvement in vaginal (p = 0.04) and bowel (p = 0.03) scores. The results of the PISQ-12 and PFDI-20 questionnaires as well as POP-Q examination were not different in two groups. CONCLUSION: Although the surgical methods of LSCP and SSLF can be equally effective in the treatment of apical prolapse, LSCP appears to be superior to SSLF regarding less bleeding.

CAG repeats and one polymorphism in androgen receptor gene are associated with renal calcium stone disease.

PURPOSE: Evidence suggests that androgens can be involved in the pathogenesis of renal stones. This study aimed at investigating coding region polymorphisms and CAG repeats in androgen receptor (AR) and their association with active renal calcium stone disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male patients with calcium kidney stones (N = 106) with at least two episodes of stone recurrence or size increase during the past 5 years (ASF) were enrolled from December 2008 to April 2009. Control individuals were recruited after matching for age and gender from healthy individuals without current stone or history of stone disease. Genetic sequencing and single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) were used to determine AR polymorphisms in the patients and controls. RESULTS: Two polymorphisms were identified in the AR gene: Silent G to A polymorphism in the first exon of the AR gene and C to G polymorphism in intron 4. CAG repeats ranged from 12 to 37. The C/G polymorphism in intron 4 and CAG repeats were associated with the status of active renal calcium stone disease (all p < 0.05). The CC variant of C/G polymorphism was not observed in patients with stone disease. CAG repeats less than 20 and more than 28 were mostly observed in ASF patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CAG repeats and intron 4 C/G polymorphism in the AR gene have an association with renal calcium stone disease.

The Evaluation of Survival Rate in Patients with Prostate Cancer by Bayesian Weibull Parametric Accelerated Failure-Time Model.

Background: Prostate cancer is the most prevalent malignancy in men. This study was carried out to determine effective factors on the survival rate of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer in Kerman, Iran. Methods: The present study was conducted as a retrospective cohort of 238 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer from 2011 to 2019 in Kerman, Iran. First, the demographic and clinical information of patients were collected. Then, the information on patient survival up to June 2019 was tracked, and their latest statuses of death or survival were recorded. Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Bayesian Weibull parametric accelerated failure-time model were used for data analysis. Data analysis was carried out by Stata and SAS. Results: The mean age of patients in the diagnosis was 73.28±10.08 year. The patient's 1, 2, 3 and 5-years of overall survival rates were equal to 78.54%, 65.97%, 56.64% and 49.30, respectively. Patients under surgical therapy relatively held longer survival times compared to the rest of the therapies. Patients under chemotherapy had shorter survival times. Age at diagnosis, occupation, chemotherapy, surgery, education, and smoking variables significantly affected patients' survival (P<0.05). Conclusion: Patients' survival duration increases if the disease is diagnosed at younger ages and its preliminary development stages. Smoking cessation is strongly recommended after diagnosis, as it is associated with a lower survival rate. Patients who underwent radical prostatectomy surgery showed higher survival rates than radiotherapy, hormone ablation, or chemotherapy. Moreover, patients with higher education had more prolonged survival.

Comparing Periurethral Injection of Autologous Muscle-Derived Stem Cell and Fibroblasts with Mid-Urethral Sling Surgery in the Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: In this study, we analyzed the therapeutic effect of periurethral injection of autologous muscle-derived stem cell versus mid-urethral sling surgery at a 1-year follow-up. Method: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 30 women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) who had not responded to conservative treatments, after registering the participants and obtaining informed consent. Patients were divided into two groups of 15 each treated with periurethral injection of muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) and mid-urethral sling surgery, respectively. Follow-ups were done at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the treatment using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UISF) and Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL) questionnaires, clinical examination, cough test, and 1-hour pad test. The results were analyzed within the groups and then compared between the two groups. Moreover, both groups were compared in terms of postoperative complications. Results: At the 1-year follow-up, in the stem cell group, 10 patients (66.6%) experienced improvements after the periurethral injection of stem cells; half of these patients (33.3%) reported a full recovery. In the mid-urethral sling group, 13 patients (93.3%) experienced improvement, and 12 patients (80%) reported a full recovery. The analysis of ICIQ-UISF and I-QOL questionnaires indicated that the responses in both groups were significant, but the response in the stem cell group was significantly lower compared with the standard surgery group. No considerable complications were observed in the two groups. Conclusion: Although the periurethral injection of MDSCs considerably improves the symptoms with minimum complications in women with SUI, its therapeutic response is significantly lower compared with mid-urethral sling surgery.

The Effect of Intracavernosal Injection of Stem Cell in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetic Patients: A Randomized Single-blinded Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men is increasing. As well, the prevalence of diabetes, as one of the causes of sexual dysfunction, is rising in many countries. Due to the failure of common therapies in some patients with sexual dysfunction, it is necessary to develop an effective alternative treatment, such as stem cell therapy, for this problem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized single-blinded clinical trial, 20 diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction, who were resistant to common treatments, were selected and divided into two groups of intervention and control (n=10 per group). Autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were extracted from oral mucosa and then infused via intracavernosal injection (50-60 ×106 cells) to the participants of the intervention group. Normal saline was injected in the control group. The patients were followed up with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF5) questionnaire, as well as color Doppler duplex ultrasound. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistance index (RI) were determined three and six months after the interventions. RESULTS: The mean IIEF5 scores in the intervention group were 7.2 ± 2.1, 9.2 ± 3.4, and 10.6 ± 4.7 before, three months, and six months after the injection, respectively, showing a significant ascending trend (P = 0.01). Comparing the intervention and control groups, there was a significant difference in the IIEF5 score change during six months after the injection (P = 0.02). Regarding the PSV and RI of penis vessels, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. However, these parameters showed upward and improving trends in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: Intracavernosal injection of stem cells improved sexual function and PSV and RI indices of penile arteries in diabetic patients.

Opium and Cigarette Smoking are Independently Associated with Bladder Cancer: The Findings of a Matched Case - Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer disproportionally affects the communities. While it is the ninth most common cancer in the world, in some parts of Iran including Kerman province it is the most common cancer among men. This study aimed to determine potential risk factors of bladder cancer in Kerman province, Iran. METHODS: During February to July 2020, in this matched hospital-based case-control study, 100 patients with bladder cancer and 200 healthy individuals (matched in age and sex) were recruited. Socio-demographics status, occupational exposures, common diet, history of drug use and family history of cancer, were collected using a structured questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were applied and crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) along with their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. Data were analyzed using Stata version 14 software. RESULTS: Opium consumption, cigarette smoking and low level of income were associated with increased chance of bladder cancer. Compared to never use, use of opium up to 18000 Gram -year was associated with increased chance of bladder cancer (AOR: 6; 95% CI =2.3, 15.5). The chance was higher among those who used opium more than 18,000 Gram - year (AOR: 11.3; 95% CI =2.3, 15.5). In comparison with never smokers, the chance of bladder cancer increased among those who smoked up to 20 pack-year cigarette) (AOR: 3.4; 95%CI= 1.3, 8.9) and those who smoke ≥ 20 pack-year (AOR: 15.8; 95% CI= 5.9, 42.4). CONCLUSIONS: The observed strong dose-response association between opium consumption, cigarette smoking and bladder cancer highlights the need for extension of harm reduction programs especially in regions with high burden of disease.

Preoperative anxiety among Iranian adult patients undergoing elective surgeries in educational hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Although surgical techniques have been improving, preoperative anxiety is still a challenge in preoperative care and is known as an expected response experienced by patients waiting to undergo surgery. The present study aimed to compare preoperative anxiety levels in three educational hospitals in Kerman. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three educational hospitals in Kerman, Iran, from December 2017 to May 2018. The participants were 100 patients from each hospital (300 patients in sum) who were selected through the convenience sampling method. Sampling was not restricted to sex and type of surgery. The 40-item Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was administered to the patients to assess the level of preoperative anxiety experienced by them. Bivariate linear regression models were used to compare the preoperative state anxiety levels based on the patients' demographic information. A multivariate linear regression model was used to determine the predictors of preoperative state anxiety. RESULTS: The participants were 149 males and 151 females with a mean age of 36.38 (12.75) years (age range: 12-79 years). Almost two-third of the patients showed upper-middle symptoms of state anxiety (n = 197, 65.7%) followed by upper-middle symptoms of trait anxiety (40% and 49.3%, respectively). There was a significant relationship between the patient's sex and state anxiety (P = 0.05) and also between trait anxiety and state anxiety (P ≤ 0.001). It was shown that train anxiety could predict state anxiety before surgery (B: 0.53, 95% confidence interval: 0.44, 0.62; P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study confirmed the presence of preoperative anxiety in a sample of Iranian patients. Although the anxiety scores were not very high, organizing intervention and training programs to control and reduce preoperative anxiety among patients seems essential.

Our Experience with Totally Ultrasonography-Guided Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Children.

Purpose: To present the safety and efficacy of totally ultrasonography-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for managing urinary stones in pediatric patients. Patients and Methods: Ten children with a mean age of 5.4 (3-11) years underwent totally ultrasonography-guided PCNL from March 2013 to November 2013. The pyelocaliceal system was punctured with the patient in the prone position by using ultrasonographic guidance, and the tract was dilated using a single-shot dilation technique. All steps of renal access were performed by using ultrasonography; no fluoroscopy was used. PCNL in all cases was performed by using adult instruments. Results: The mean stone size was 28.9±6.7 mm (range 17-35 mm). The mean access time to stone was 4.45±2.25 minutes (range 3-10 min). The mean nephroscopic time was 45.9±17 minutes (range 20-80 min). The stone-free rate was 83%. Mean hospital stay of patients was 3 days (range 2-5 days). No major complications were happened. Only one patient needed ureteral stent insertion because of urinary leakage from the nephrostomy tract. Conclusion: Our experience with totally ultrasonography-guided PCNL using adult size instruments in children revealed proper results and acceptable complications compared with the standard technique of PCNL. Likewise, this alternative method has the advantage of preventing radiation hazard.

Effectiveness of Aromatherapy for Relief of Pain, Nausea, and Vomiting after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting are common side effects of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Nowadays, non-pharmacological and complementary therapies have been noticed. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of lavender and clary sage on the pain, nausea, and vomiting after percutaneous nephrolithotomy. METHODS: This is a randomized clinical trial study on 79 patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Patients were randomly divided into three groups of lavender aromatherapy (n = 27), clary sage aromatherapy (n = 26), and a control group (n = 26). Each of the intervention groups received the inhalation aromatherapy immediately and 3 and 6 h after the operation. Pain, nausea, and emetic episodes in patients of the three groups were measured before the intervention and 30 min after each intervention using a visual analog scale and checklist. RESULTS: Pain decreased significantly in the clary sage aromatherapy group. Nausea had a downward trend in the two groups of aromatherapy. The lavender aromatherapy group had the lowest incidence of emetic episodes compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: Regarding the annoying pain, nausea, and vomiting after percutaneous nephrolithotomy for patients, and taking into account the complications of drug therapy, the use of complementary non-pharmacological methods can help increase the comfort of patients.

An Overnight Stay Versus three Days Admission after Uncomplicated Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of discharging patients on the first postoperative day after an uncomplicated percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: after an uncomplicated successful PCNL without significant residual stone (>5mm) or any complication up to the first postoperative day, we randomly assigned patients into two groups-Group 1: overnight surgery, and Group 2: routine discharge after three days. Patients with significant residual stone on control fluoroscopy were excluded. Ninety eight and 102 patients were assigned to groups 1 and 2, respectively. Serum Hemoglobin and Cr were evaluated before the operation as well as the first postoperative day. Stone free status was evaluated using ultrasound and KUB radiography at the first postoperative day. RESULTS: The stone and patient characteristics were not different in two groups. The preoperative and change in the hemoglobin and creatinine levels were not significantly different between the two groups. Nine patients (9.2%) in Group 1 and five (4.9%) in Group 2 were readmitted because of complications (mainly hematuria) (p=.23). Of the readmitted patients, five in Group 1 (55%), and three in Group 2 (60%) received blood transfusion (p=.87). in these patients, group 1 received 1.6±0.51 units of blood compared with 1.93±0.25 in group 2 (p=.07). All the readmitted patients did well with conservative therapy with no need for angioembolization. CONCLUSION: In uncomplicated PCNL with no significant residual stone, discharging the patient on the first postoperative day is safe. The outcome is comparable to a routine three-day hospital stay.

The effect of counseling and family planning education on Knowledge and attitude of comorbid families

To improve the comorbid families behavior, knowledge, and attitudes about evidencebased options, we undertook an educational intervention. In current study, we evaluated the knowledge and attitude of the comorbid families about family planning option s pre and post informing program. the knowledge and attitudes of the comorbid families about family planning options pre and post educational intervention, from Feb -2015 to April-2016. This is a pre-post intervention survey analysis of seventy-six monogamous married couples. Couples were sequentially enrolled if they met inclusion criteria of harboring comorbidities when seeking family planning services. we evaluated the participants by using a questionnaire based on health belief model prior to and fo llowing the educational intervention. Education sessions incloude an educational video programme and a question and answer parts. For analyzing our data was used c hi-square, paired t-test, Spearma n and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Directed family planning education to couples with comorbidities significantly altered their attitude and knowledge. Counseling led to more informed choice behavior about family planning methods,by prioritizing permanent methods of vasectomy versus tubal ligation, especially after the education intervention (P<0.005). Family planning education and counseling directed to couples with multiple comorbidit ies should be a priority in health centers as because the appropriate contraceptive choice will improve their health literacy and outcomes

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy of staghorn renal stones in pediatric patients using adult-sized instrument.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedure performed with adult-sized instruments in pediatric cases with staghorn kidney stone. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of 94 percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures performed during 15 years in a single center for 82 pediatric patients with staghorn calculi using adult-sized instruments (24-Fr nephroscope). Stone free status was defined as complete clearance of the stones or the presence of insignificant residual stones of <3 mm in diameter. RESULTS: The mean age was 108 ± 53 months (range, 14-180 months). There were 39 patients (48%) with complete staghorn stones and 43 cases (52%) with partial staghorn. We fulfilled 91.4% of operations through a single access. The stone free rate was 86.6% after one percutaneous nephrolithotomy session. In total, seven patients referred for shock wave lithotripsy and four cases were scheduled for the second percutaneous nephrolithotomy session. Fever occurred in 18 patients (21%) and bleeding requiring transfusion in four children (5%). Prolonged leakage from nephrostomy site requiring anesthesia for double J stent placement occurred in one patient. No grade IV or V Clavien complication occurred. CONCLUSION: The success rate and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy with adult-size instruments in pediatric patients are acceptable.

Organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides and bladder cancer: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to pesticides is associated with an increase in the incidence of cancer. We aimed to investigate the association of serum organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) levels and GSTM1/GSTT1 gene polymorphism with bladder cancer (BC). METHODS: This study was performed on 57 patients with BC and 30 controls (C). Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, arylesterase activity of paraoxonase-1 (ARE), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in serums of all participants. Genomic DNA was extracted using the salting out method and GSTM1/GSTT1 gene polymorphisms were examined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay. Measurement of OCPs (α-hexachlorocyclohexane [α-HCH], ß-HCH, γ-HCH, 2,4-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane [2,4-DDT], 4,4-DDT, 2,4- dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene [2,4-DDE], and 4,4-DDE) in serum was carried out using an FID-equipped gas-chromatography system. RESULTS: AChE activity was significantly lower, ARE activity and TAC were declined but it was not statistically significant, however, α-HCH, γ-HCH, 4,4-DDE, 2,4-DDT, and 4,4-DDT pesticides, and MDA were significantly higher in BC patients compared with the control subjects. Also, a positive correlation was found between the number of smoked cigarettes and the years of smoking with BC development. There was no association between GSTM1/GSTT1 gene polymorphisms and OCPs in BC patients. CONCLUSION: Due to the higher levels of some OCPs in the BC patients, along with the reduction in AChE activity and increased MDA levels, it may be concluded that OCPs and OPs play an important role in the induction of BC in southeastern Iran.

Amplatz versus Balloon for Tract Dilation in Ultrasonographically Guided Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare balloon with Amplatz for tract dilation in totally ultrasonographically guided PCNL (UPCN). METHODS: We randomized 66 patients candidate for sonographically guided PCNL in the flank position in two study groups. In the first group, we used single step Amplatz dilation (AG) technique in which the 28- or 30-French Amplatz dilator is used for tract dilation. In the other group, we dilated the tract using balloon dilator (BG). We compared procedure time, success rate of dilation, and postoperative clinical outcomes and cost between two groups. RESULTS: The rate of short dilation was higher in the Amplatz group (57.6%) compared with Balloon group (36.4%) (P=0.08). When using Amplatz for lower pole access, short dilation occurred in 81% of cases compared with 44% in the BG (P=0.02). Overall operation was longer in the AG (80±21 versus 65±20 minutes P=0.02). Stone free rate was 87.9% in the AG compared with 72.7% in the BG (p=0.12). Mean cost of the surgery was 603±85 USD and 718±78 USD in the AG and BG, respectively (P=0.0001). Hemoglobin drop, transfusion rate, renal function alteration, duration of hospitalization, and complication rate based on Clavien classification were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: AG showed a higher rate of short dilation compared with BG; consequently, overall operating time was significantly longer in the AG whereas BG was significantly more expensive than AG. Bleeding and other complications were similar in two groups. We observed an advantage for balloon dilation over Amplatz when approaching the lower pole calyxes.

A case of bilateral perinatal testicular torsion that presented with unilateral torsion; necessity of contralateral testis exploration.

Perinatal testicular torsion is a rare emergency in a neonate that prompts immediate attention. Bilateral testicular torsion is extremely rare. We report a case of bilateral torsion that presented with unilateral scrotal swelling but significant atrophy and dark discoloration of the contralateral testis that was secondary to asynchronous prenatal torsion. There is no consensus about exploration of the contralateral testis when exploring a case with unilateral testicular torsion. Nevertheless, findings in this case report indicate that bilateral exploration is mandatory in each case of perinatal testicular torsion to evaluate the condition of contralateral testis and fix it to prevent development of future torsion that may result in anorchia.