The Relationship Between Lymphocyte Subtypes with Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Prostate Cancer in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The immune system has an essential role in the development of cancer by showing both anti-tumor and pro-tumor activities. Understanding the immune func- tion of patients with malignancy is of clinical importance for the evaluation, treatment, and prognosis of the disease. We aimed to evaluate lymphocyte subtypes in peripheral blood samples of prostate cancer patients and their relationship with clinicopathologi- cal features and prognosis. METHODS: One hundred thirty-seven patients who underwent open radical prosta- tectomy were included in our study. The percentages of CD3+T lymphocyte, CD19+ B lymphocyte, CD16/56 natural killer cells, CD4+ helper T lymphocyte, CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte, and CD45 total lymphocyte were evaluated for each patient using the blood sample taken into a hemogram tube before surgery. RESULTS: The pathological stage was T2 for 64 of the cases and T3 for 73. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 12.81 ± 6.20 months. The CD3+/CD4+ counts of the patients with pathological stage T2 were found to be statistically significantly higher than stage T3. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the prostate-specific antigen levels and CD3+/CD4+ percentages of the patients. There was no statistical significance between the percentages of lymphocyte subtypes and the presence of surgical margin, biochemical recurrence, adjuvant therapy, and cancer upgrade. CONCLUSION: We consider that the increase in the pathological stage and prostate-spe- cific antigen value and the decrease in the number of CD4+ T lymphocyte subtypes may be prognostic markers in prostate cancer patients.

Adaptation of the professionalism mini-evaluation exercise instrument into Turkish: a validity and reliability study.

BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing search for standardized scales appropriate for each culture to evaluate professionalism, which is one of the basic competencies of a physician. The Professionalism Mini-evaluation Exercise (P-MEX) instrument was originally developed in Canada to meet this need. In this study, it was aimed to adapt the P-MEX to Turkish and to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version. METHODS: A total of 58 residents at Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital were assessed with the Turkish version of P-MEX by 24 raters consisting of faculty members, attending physicians, peer residents, and nurses during patient room visits, outpatient clinic and group practices. For construct validity, the confirmatory factor analysis was performed. For reliability, Cronbach's alpha scores were calculated. Generalizibility and decision studies were undertaken to predict the reliability of the validated tool under different conditions. After the administration of P-MEX was completed, the participants were asked to provide feedback on the acceptability, feasibility, and educational impact of the instrument. RESULTS: A total of 696 forms were obtained from the administration of P-MEX. The content validity of P-MEX was found to be appropriate by the faculty members. In the confirmatory factor analysis of the original structure of the 24-item Turkish scale, the goodness-of-fit parameters were calculated as follows: CFI = 0.675, TLI = 0.604, and RMSEA = 0.089. In the second stage, the factors on which the items loaded were changed without removing any item, and the model was modified. For the modified model, the CFI, TLI, and RMSEA values were calculated as 0.857, 0.834, and 0.057, respectively. The decision study on the results obtained from the use of P-MEX in a Turkish population revealed the necessity to perform this evaluation 18 times to correctly evaluate professionalism with this instrument. Cronbach's alpha score was 0.844. All the faculty members provided positive feedback on the acceptability, feasibility, and educational impact of the adapted P-MEX. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that the Turkish version of P-MEX had sufficient validity and reliability in assessing professionalism among residents. Similarly, the acceptability and feasibility of the instrument were found to be high, and it had a positive impact on education. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 2020/249, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital.

The prevalence and topographic distribution of penile calcification in a large cohort: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

The prevalence of penile calcification in the population remains uncertain. This retrospective multicenter study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of penile calcification in a large cohort of male patients undergoing non-contrast pelvic tomography. A total of 14 545 scans obtained from 19 participating centers between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed within a 3-months period. Eligible scans (n = 12 709) were included in the analysis. Patient age, penile imaging status, presence of calcified plaque, and plaque measurements were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationships between calcified plaque, patient age, plaque characteristics, and plaque location. Among the analyzed scans, 767 (6.04%) patients were found to have at least one calcified plaque. Patients with calcified plaque had a significantly higher median age (64 years (IQR 56-72)) compared to those with normal penile evaluation (49 years (IQR 36-60) (p < 0.001). Of the patients with calcified plaque, 46.4% had only one plaque, while 53.6% had multiple plaques. There was a positive correlation between age and the number of plaques (r = 0.31, p < 0.001). The average dimensions of the calcified plaques were as follows: width: 3.9 ± 5 mm, length: 5.3 ± 5.2 mm, height: 3.5 ± 3.2 mm, with an average plaque area of 29 ± 165 mm² and mean plaque volume of 269 ± 3187 mm³. Plaques were predominantly located in the proximal and mid-penile regions (44.1% and 40.5%, respectively), with 77.7% located on the dorsal side of the penis. The hardness level of plaques, assessed by Hounsfield units, median of 362 (IQR 250-487) (range: 100-1400). Patients with multiple plaques had significantly higher Hounsfield unit values compared to those with a single plaque (p = 0.003). Our study revealed that patients with calcified plaques are older and have multiple plaques predominantly located on the dorsal and proximal side of the penis.

The Predictive Factors of Renal Loss After Iatrogenic Ureteral Avulsion in the Medicolegal Perspective.

Objectives: As an effective and minimally invasive technique, ureteroscopy has some potential intraoperative complications. Ureteral avulsion is among these complications, although rare. This study aimed to determine factors predicting nephrectomy by considering ureteral avulsion from a medicolegal perspective for the 1st time in the literature. Methods: A total of 33 patients with ureteral avulsion during ureteroscopic surgery, who presented to various hospitals in Turkey between September 2004 and April 2019 and whose cases were being reviewed at the Institution of Forensic Medicine with regard to malpractice, were evaluated retrospectively. The patients who underwent nephrectomy after ureteral avulsion were evaluated as Group 1, and those who underwent reconstructive surgery as Group 2. Results: The mean age of the patients was 39.5±12.1 years. Seventeen (51.5%) patients had partial and 16 (48.4%) had complete ureteral avulsion. Nephrectomy was performed in 14 (42.4%) patients, and ureteral reconstruction in 19 (57.5%) patients. It was determined that the patients in Group 1 had more proximal stones and a higher degree of hydronephrosis compared to Group 2. Complete avulsion developed in 71.4% of the patients in Group 1 and in 31.6% of those in Group 2. After avulsion, 78.6% of the patients in Group 1 were treated in a state hospital, and 63.2% of those in Group 2 were treated in a tertiary referral hospital. The increase in the degree of hydronephrosis, presence of complete avulsion, and intervention at a state hospital were determined as independent predictive factors for nephrectomy. Conclusion: This is the first study with the largest cohort in the literature to medicolegally evaluate ureteral avulsion and determine predictive factors for nephrectomy. Although each patient should be treated with different methods in the presence of ureteral avulsion, our study aimed to provide a common approach to this catastrophic complication.

A Critical Analysis of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lesion Diameter Threshold for Adverse Pathology Features.

To investigate the relationship between lesion size determined using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and histopathological findings of specimens obtained after mpMRI fusion biopsy and radical prostatectomy (RP). We retrospectively analysed 290 patients with PCa who underwent an MRI fusion biopsy. We measured the diameter of suspicious tumour lesions on diffusion-weighted mpMRI and stratified the cohort into two groups. Group A included patients with a suspicious tumour lesion 10 mm and Group B included those with a suspicious tumour lesion > 10 mm. In Group B, the PI-RADS score determined in mpMRI was higher than Group A, and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of clinical T-stage. The PCa detection rate and the number of positive cores were statistically significantly higher in Group B than in Group A. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in relation to the biopsy, the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade values, and the presence of clinically significant PCa. In Group B, pathological T-stage and extraprostatic extension (EPE) and surgical margin (SM) positivity were found to be higher among the patients who underwent RP. In the multivariate analysis, the mpMRI lesion size being > 10 mm was found to be an independent predictive factor for SM and EPE positivity. The clinical results of this study support the modification of the lesion size threshold as 10 mm for use in the differentiation of PI-RADS scores 4 and 5.

Assistant port is unnecessary for robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children: a comparative cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the postoperative outcomes including the cosmetic results of robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) performed with and without assistant port in pediatric population. METHODS: 47 patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction consecutively underwent RALP were stratified as: three-port (Group 1, n = 26) and four-port (Group 2, n = 21). In Group 1, no assistant port was placed and double-J stent was introduced with the aid of an angiocatheter via the percutaneous route. In group 2, an assistant port was placed. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), the Vancouver Scar Scale(VSS), Satava, Clavien classification systems, and success rates were compared. RESULTS: We found similar success rates for both groups (group 1:96.2%, group 2:100%). Two groups were similar in terms of improvement in the postoperative anteroposterior diameter of the renal pelvis and parenchymal thickness. There was no difference in terms of perioperative and postoperative complication rates (group 1:19.2%, group 2:9.5%). The total PSAS was significantly lower in Group 1 (p < 0.008). No difference was observed for VSS and OSAS. CONCLUSIONS: Using an assistant port does not improve the success or complications of RALP, while the cosmetic outcomes are inferior to three-port RALP in children. We suggest avoiding the use of assistant port during RALP in children.

The role of penile elastography in the evaluation of erectile dysfunction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to measure the change in penile stiffness by evaluating corpus cavernosum (CC) with shear wave elastography (SWE) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Material and methods: Seventy outpatient patients aged 50-80 years who were diagnosed with COPD were evaluated using SWE. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire (IIEF-5 >17: Group A, IIEF-5 <17: Group B). The measurements were made in both transverse and longitudinal sections. Results: The mean age of the patients was 60 ±7.9 years. The duration of COPD was significantly higher in Group B than in Group A (p = 0.003). The mean SWE values of right transverse mid-portion of corpus penis (RTM) and left transverse mid-portion of corpus penis (LTM) in Group B (21.1 ±5.6 kPa and 20.8 ±4.8 kPa, respectively) were significantly higher than in Group A (15.2 ±2.3 kPa and 15.8 ±2.7 kPa, respectively); (p <0.001 and p <0.001, respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between IIEF-5 scores and the duration of COPD (p <0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between IIEF values and RTM and LTM values of the patients (p <0.05 and p <0.05, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between the duration of COPD and both RTM and LTM values (p <0.05 and p <0.05, respectively). Conclusions: In our study, according to the SWE findings, we showed the effect of systemic changes created by COPD on penile tissue and the negative effect of this on erectile function in patients.

Relationship of MRI-measured pelvimetric dimensions and surgical positions with anaesthesia parameters in robotic perineal prostatectomy. / Influencia entre las dimensiones pélvicas medidas por RMN y las posiciones quirúrgicas en parámetros anestésicos durante la prostatectomía radical robótica perineal.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Theaim of this study was to determine the effect formedby pelvic diameters preoperatively measured throughmultiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) and different surgical positions on anesthesiaparameters used during perineal robot-assisted radicalprostatectomy (p-RARP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six different pelvimetricdimensions were determined preoperatively.Respiratory and hemodynamic variables of the patientswere measured separately and repeatedly in thesupine position, exaggerated lithotomy position at thebeginning of the 15° Trendelenburg position and the60th minute of insufflation. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in thepartial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in the exaggeratedlithotomy position compared to the supine position.There was no significant change in the partial pressureof carbon dioxide (PCO2) in the exaggerated lithotomyposition compared to the supine position. In the 60thminute of insufflation, there was a significant increasein the PCO2 compared to the supine and exaggerated lithotomy positions. There was no statistically significantchange in the end-tidal carbon dioxide tension(EtCO2), with surgical position or insufflation time. Asignificant negative correlation was observed betweenthe distance of the ischial spines (ISD) and PCO2 change,and a significant positive correlation was observedbetween the angle of the symphysis pubis-seminalvesicles (ASS) and PCO2 change. A significant positivecorrelation was observed between the ASS value andEtCO2 change between the 60th minute of insufflationand exaggerated lithotomy position. CONCLUSION: In our study, the effect caused by differingpelvimetric diameters, surgical positions, andduration of anesthesia during p-RARP on anesthesiaparameters were shown.

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: Determinarel efecto de los diámetros pélvicos preoperatoriosmedidos a través de la resonancia magnética multiparamétrica(RMNmp) y las diferentes posicionesquirúrgicas en los parámetros anestésicos durante laprostatectomía radical perineal. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se midieron seis dimensionespélvicas preoperatorias diferentes. Las variablesrespiratorias y hemodinámicas se midieron de formaseparada y repetida en las posiciones de decúbito supino,litotomía forzada al inicio del Trendelemburg a15º y a los 60min de insuflación. RESULTADOS: Se registró un aumento significativo dela presión parcial de oxigeno (PaO2) en litotomía forzada comparada a la posición de decúbito supino. Nohubo cambios significativos en la presión de dióxidode carbono (PCO2) en litotomía forzada comparada condecúbito supino. A los 60min de insuflación, hubo unaumento significativo de la PCO2 comparado con decúbitosupino y litotomía forzada. No hubo cambiossignificativos en la presión máxima de CO2 al final dela espiración (EtCO2) con las posiciones o el tiempo deinsuflación. Se observó una correlación negativa entrela distancia entre las espinas isquiáticas (EEII) y elcambio de PCO2, mientras que se observó correlaciónpositiva entre el ángulo de la sínfisis del pubis-vesículasseminales y el cambio de PCO2. Una correlaciónpositiva se observó entre el valor del ángulo sínfisispubis-vesículas seminales y EtCO2 con respecto a lainsuflación al minuto 60 y la litotomía forzada. CONCLUSIÓN: En nuestro estudio se demuestra lainfluencia de los diámetros pélvicos, las posicionesquirúrgicas y la duración de la anestesia en los parámetrosanestésicos durante la prostatectomía radicalrobótica perineal.

The optimal settings of holmium YAG laser in treatment of pediatric urolithiasis.

The aim of this study is to present our experience on the use of the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser in pediatric patients for pediatric urolithiasis and describe the optimal settings. A total of 116 children who underwent urolithiasis treatment (percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), ureterorenoscopy (URS), retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS)) were included. The mean age of the patients was 8.4 ± 5.2 years (1-18). The mean follow-up was 26 ± 8.8 months (9-45). There was no difference between the mean stone sizes of PNL and RIRS patients (p = 0.816). Operations were performed with 200, 272, and 365-µm fibers. In mini-URS, stone fragmentation was achieved with the energy settings set between 0.5 and 1 J and frequency set to > 8 Hz. In RIRS, fragmentation was achieved with the setting of 0.5-0.8 J at 10-20 Hz. Stone fragmentation was performed with energy settings of 0.8 to 2 J between 5 and 15 Hz for PNL. There was no significant difference between the stone-free rates of the PNL and RIRS (p = 0.150). Four postoperative complications occurred (Clavien II), which included febrile urinary infections in two patients who underwent mini-URS, one patient who underwent PNL, and one patient who underwent RIRS. Our results confirmed that Ho-YAG laser can be effectively used in children for stone treatment by using low-energy high-frequency settings for URS and RIRS and a high energy setting for PNL.

Supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in a Patient with Solitary Lung: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) surgeries are performed with different patient positions, anesthesia methods and different-sized access sheaths in order to reduce the complication rates. Supine positioned PNL can be performed safely in the high-risk group patients with comorbidities. Herein, we present a patient who had a past surgical history of right pneumonectomy and underwent a supine PNL procedure under regional anesthesia for a staghorn renal stone in the right kidney.

The presence of chronic inflammation in positive prostate biopsy is associated with upgrading in radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the predictive effect of the presence of chronic prostatitis associated with prostate cancer (PCa) in prostate biopsy on Gleason score upgrade (GSU) in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 295 patients who underwent open or robotic RP with a diagnosis of localized PCa following biopsy were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups with and without GSU following RP. Predictive factors affecting GSU on biopsy were determined. The impact of chronic prostatitis associated with prostate cancer on GSU was examined via logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Out of 224 patients with Gleason 3+3 scores on biopsy, 145 (64.7%) had Gleason upgrade, and 79 (35.2%) had no upgrade. Whilst comparing the two groups with and without Gleason upgrade in terms of patient age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value, PSA density (PSAD), prostate volume (PV), neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratio, number of positive cores, percentage of positive cores, and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 score, no statistically significant difference was detected. The presence of chronic prostatitis associated with PCa was higher in the patient cohort with GSU in contrast to the other group (p < 0.001). According to the univariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of chronic prostatitis was identified to be an independent marker for GSU. CONCLUSIONS: Pathologists and urologists should be careful regarding the possibility of a more aggressive tumor in the presence of chronic inflammation associated with PCa because inflammation within PCa was revealed to be linked with GSU after RP.

COVID-19 and urology: A bibliometric analysis of the literature.

AIM: The aims of this research were to analyse the urological literature published during the COVID-19 pandemic and to guide future research. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2019 and 2021, the Web of Science (WoS) All Databases collection was searched for publications related to COVID-19 and Urology. The keywords used during this search were coronavirus-19, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV, pandemic and/or urology. The top 50 cited (T50) publications were also identified and summarized. Exported Microsoft Excel files, Visualization of Similarities viewer (VOSviewer) software and descriptive assessment were used for bibliometric and statistical analyses of the publications. RESULTS: In total, 582 publications related to COVID-19 and urology were identified. In these publications, the most active author, journal, country and organisation were Francesco Porpiglia, European Urology, the United States of America (USA) and La Paz University Hospital, respectively. The most commonly used keywords were telemedicine-telehealth, SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, pandemic, residency, testicle, semen, kidney transplantation, endourology and surgery. The most worrying issues in the articles are the negative impact of COVID-19 on resident training and permanent damage to urological organs. CONCLUSIONS: We analysed all the articles related to COVID-19 and urology published to date in the WoS All Databases collection. The most commonly published articles were based on clinical and outpatient practice, telemedicine, residency training, transplantation, and testicles. The long-term adverse effects of the pandemic on urology practice and especially urological organs will need to be assessed further in future research.

External validation of the T.O.HO. score and derivation of the modified T.O.HO. score for predicting stone-free status after flexible ureteroscopy in ureteral and renal stones.

OBJECTIVE: The T.O.HO. scoring system was developed to predict stone-free status after flexible ureterenoscopy (fURS) lithotripsy applied for ureter and renal stones. This study aimed to perform the external validation of the T.O.HO. score in the Turkish population and propose a modification for this system. MATERIAL METHODS: Patients who underwent fURS for kidney and ureteral stones between January 2017 and January 2020 were retrospectively analysed. The patient and stone characteristics and perioperative findings were noted. The T.O.HO. score was externally validated and compared with the STONE score. Stone-free parameters were evaluated with the multivariate analysis. Based on the results of this analysis, the T.O.HO. score was modified and internally validated. RESULTS: A total of 621 patients were included in the study. The stone-free rate was determined as 79.8% (496/621) after fURS. The regression analysis showed that stone area had better predictive power than stone diameter (P = .025). Lower pole (reference), middle pole [odds ratio (OR) = 0.492 P = .016] and middle ureteral (OR = 0.227, P = .024) localisations, stone density (OR = 1.001, P < .001), and stone volume (OR = 1.008, P < .001) were determined as independent predictive markers for stone-free status. Based on the effect size of the stone surface area in the nomogram, stone volume was divided into five categories, at 1-point intervals. The AUC values of the T.O.HO., STONE, and modified T.O.HO. score in predicting stone-free status were calculated as 0.758, 0.634, and 0.821, respectively. The modified T.O.HO. created by adding stone volume was statistically significantly superior to the original version (ROC curve comparison, P < .001). CONCLUSION: The T.O.HO. score effectively predicted stone-free status after fURS. However, modified T.O.HO. SS showed the best predictive performance compared with original T.O.HO. SS.

The efficiency of prostate-specific antigen density measurement using three different methods on the prediction of biochemical recurrence.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density (PSAD) calculated through prostate volume (PV) obtained via transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and actual prostate weight (PW) methods obtained via pathological evaluation on the prediction of biochemical recurrence (BCR) in the follow-ups of patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: A total of 335 clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa) patients who had received open RP between January 2015 and December 2018 were enrolled in the study. Pre and postoperative demographic data, clinical and pathological findings and BCR conditions were recorded. The PSAD was calculated using information obtained through preoperative TRUS examinations, MRI, and collected pathological specimens after RP by dividing the maximum preoperative PSA value and PV/PW. RESULTS: In a mean follow-up duration of 20.2 ± 8.5 months, recurrence was observed in 52 patients (24.4%) and progression was observed in 8 (3.8%) patients. The TRUS-PSAD, MRI-PSAD, and PW-PSAD values were statistically significantly higher in BCR patients compared to non-BCR patients. The International Society of Urologic Pathologists (ISUP) grade 5 and pT3b as a pathological stage were detected as independent variables in the prediction of BCR formation. Actual PW had a high prediction value compared to other PSAD measurements at <40 g prostate weights, but it had a low prediction value in prostates with an actual PW >60 g. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it was stated that PSAD acquired through different imaging methods does not affect the usability of PSAD in BCR prediction in clinical practice. The ISUP grade 5 and pT3b stage PCa were detected as independent markers in BCR prediction after RP.

A nationwide survey on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on minimal invasive surgery in urology practice.

OBJECTIVE: The beta-coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the clinical approach of 93% of urologists worldwide, and this situation has affected the use of laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic methods, which are known as minimally invasive surgery (MIS). This study aimed to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on MIS in urology practice at national level. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 234 urologists in Turkey participated in an online survey between August 22 and September 23, 2020. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to determine the participants' demographic characteristics and responses to multiple-choice questions. RESULTS: While 54% of urologists stated that they were concerned about the possibility that the patients planned to undergo MIS were carrying COVID-19 or false-negative for the virus, 51% considered that open surgery was safer than MIS in this regard. The pandemic led to a difference in the preferences of 40% of the urologists in relation to open or MIS methods, and during the pandemic, 39% of the urologists always directed their patients to open surgery. It was determined that during the pandemic, there was a statistical decrease in the intensity and weekly application of MIS methods among all surgical procedures compared to the pre-pandemic (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). MIS was preferred for oncological operations by 97.3% of the urologists during the pandemic, with the most performed operation being radical nephrectomy (90.7%). Among oncological operations, radical prostatectomy was most frequently postponed. To prevent virus transmission during MIS, 44% of the urologists reported that they always used an additional evacuation system and 52% took additional precautions. There were a total of 27 healthcare workers who took part in MIS and tested positive for COVID-19 after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of operations has decreased during the ongoing pandemic, MIS is a method that can be preferred due to its limited contamination and mortality in urology practice provided that safety measures are taken and guideline recommendations are followed.

Factors predicting duration and success of semirigid ureteroscopy for ureteral stones in different localizations. / Factores predictores de la duración y éxito de la ureteroscopia semirígida para litiasis ureterales en diferentes localizaciones.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to determine the factors predicting the duration and successof semirigid ureteroscopy performed for the treatment of ureteral stones in different localizations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of the patients whom under went semirigid ureteroscopy for urolithiasis in our centre between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The study group composed of 170 patients and divided into three subgroups; of which 54 in proximal ureter (31.8%), 51 in the mid (30 %) and 65 (38.2%) in the distal ureter. Predictive factors of semirigid ureteroscopy duration and success were determined by performance of correlation analysis and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Overall stone-free rate was calculated as 78.8%. Success rates for proximal, mid and distal ureteral stones were 72.2% (39/54 patients), 74.5% (38/51 patients) and 87.7% (57/65 patients), respectively. Complications were present in 19 patients (11.2%). Multivariate analysis indicated that stone diameter and stone burden independently affected the stone-free rate. Statistically significant negative correlation was determined between success of the procedure and stone diameter, stone burden, impaction and more proximal stone localization. While there was a statistically significant positive correlation between duration of procedure and stone burden, diameter, impaction, historyof ipsilateral ureteroscopy and more proximal stone localization, there was negative correlation between duration of procedure and stone-free status. CONCLUSION: We conclude that stone diameter, stone burden, impaction and more proximal stone localization are common factors affecting both duration and success of semirigid ureteroscopy. In addition, stone size and stone burden were determined as independent markers of stone-free status.

OBJETIVO: En este estudio determinamos los factores predictores de la duración y el éxito de la ureteroscopia semirígida realizada como tratamiento de las litiasis ureterales en diferentes localizaciones. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Revisamos retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de los pacientes que han sido sometidos a una ureteroscopia semirígida por litiasis en nuestro centro entre enero 2015 y diciembre 2019. El grupo de estudio está formado por 170 pacientes y dividido en 3 subgrupos: 54 con litiasis en uréter proximal (31,8%) 51 en medio (30%) y 65 (38,2%) en el uréter distal. Los factores predictores de duración y éxito de la ureteroscopia semirígida fueron determinados con análisis de correlación y multivariante. RESULTADOS: La tasa global libre de litiasis fue de 78,8%. La tasa de éxito en uréter proximal, medio y distal fue de 72,2% (39/54 pacientes), 74,5% (38/51pacientes) y 87,7% (57/65 pacientes), respectivamente. Las complicaciones estuvieron presentes en 19 pacientes (11,2%). El análisis multivariante indicó que el diámetro de la litiasis y el volumen afectaron de forma independiente la tasa libre de litiasis. Una significación estadística negativa fue determinada entre el éxito del procedimiento y el diámetro de la litiasis, volumen, impactación y localización proximal. Una significación estadística positiva entre la duración del procedimiento y el volumen de la litiasis, diámetro, impactación, previas ureteroscopias y localización proximal. Se observó una correlación negativa entre la duración del procedimiento y el estado libre de litiasis. CONCLUSIÓN: Concluimos que el diámetro de la litiasis,volumen, impactación y localización proximal son los factores que afectan a la duración y el éxito de la ureteroscopia semirígida. Además, el tamaño de la litiasis y el volumen fueron predictores independientes de la tasa libre de litiasis.

Factors predicting duration and success of semirigid ureteroscopy for ureteral stones in different localizations / El papel diagnóstico de la proteína fijadora de ácidos grasos testiculares en la isquemia testicular: un estudio experimental controlado aleatorizado

Objetive: In this study, we aimed to determine the factors predicting the duration and successof semirigid ureteroscopy performed for the treatment ofureteral stones in different localizations.Materials and methods: Medical records of thepatients whom underwent semirigid ureteroscopy forurolithiasis in our centre between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The studygroup composed of 170 patients and divided into threesubgroups; of which 54 in proximal ureter (31.8%), 51in the mid (30 %) and 65 (38.2%) in the distal ureter.Predictive factors of semirigid ureteroscopy duration andsuccess were determined by performance of correlationanalysis and multivariate analysis. Rresults: Overall stone-free rate was calculated as78.8%. Success rates for proximal, mid and distalureteral stones were 72.2% (39/54 patients), 74.5%(38/51 patients) and 87.7% (57/65 patients), respectively. Complications were present in 19 patients(11.2%). Multivariate analysis indicated that stone diameter and stone burden independently affected thestone-free rate. Statistically significant negative correlation was determined between success of the procedureand stone diameter, stone burden, impaction and moreproximal stone localization. While there was a statistically significant positive correlation between duration ofprocedure and stone burden, diameter, impaction, history of ipsilateral ureteroscopy and more proximal stonelocalization, there was negative correlation betweenduration of procedure and stone-free status.Conclusion: We conclude that stone diameter,stone burden, impaction and more proximal stone localization are common factors affecting both durationand success of semirigid ureteroscopy. In addition, stonesize and stone burden were determined as independentmarkers of stone-free status.(AU)

Objetivo: En este estudio determinamoslos factores predictores de la duración y el éxito de laureteroscopia semirígida realizada como tratamiento delas litiasis ureterales en diferentes localizaciones.Materiales y métodos: Revisamos retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de los pacientes que han sido sometidos a una ureteroscopia semirígida por litiasis ennuestro centro entre enero 2015 y diciembre 2019. Elgrupo de estudio está formado por 170 pacientes y dividido en 3 subgrupos: 54 con litiasis en uréter proximal(31,8%) 51 en medio (30%) y 65 (38,2%) en el uréterdistal. Los factores predictores de duración y éxito de laureteroscopia semirígida fueron determinados con análisis de correlación y multivariante.RESULTADOS: La tasa global libre de litiasis fue de78,8%. La tasa de éxito en uréter proximal, medio y distal fue de 72,2% (39/54 pacientes), 74,5% (38/51pacientes) y 87,7% (57/65 pacientes), respectivamente. Las complicaciones estuvieron presentes en 19 pacientes (11,2%). El análisis multivariante indicó que eldiámetro de la litiasis y el volumen afectaron de formaindependiente la tasa libre de litiasis. Una significaciónestadística negativa fue determinada entre el éxito delprocedimiento y el diámetro de la litiasis, volumen, impactación y localización proximal. Una significación estadística positiva entre la duración del procedimiento yel volumen de la litiasis, diámetro, impactación, previasureteroscopias y localización proximal. Se observó unacorrelación negativa entre la duración del procedimiento y el estado libre de litiasis.CONCLUSIÓN: Concluimos que el diámetro de la litiasis, volumen, impactación y localización proximal sonlos factores que afectan a la duración y el éxito de laureteroscopia semirígida. Además, el tamaño de la litiasis y el volumen fueron predictores independientes de latasa libre de litiasis.(AU)

Factors predicting the success of intradetrusor onabotulinum toxin-A treatment in children with neurogenic bladders due to myelomeningocele: The outcomes of a large cohort.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of intradetrusor injections of onabotulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) in pediatric patients with neurogenic bladders (NB) due to myelomeningocele (MMC). The factors predicting success were also evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively identified 62 patients with NB due to MMC who underwent intravesical BoNT-A injection (100-300 U) between May 2013 and December 2018. Indications for BoNT-A injection were according to the European Association of Urology guidelines and included children for whom clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and anticholinergic therapy had failed. Children who had previous bladder surgery or anti-reflux operations, coagulation disorders, myasthenia gravis, and non-neurogenic bladders were excluded. Twenty-one patients had accompanying vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Preoperative and postoperative urodynamic parameters, clinical success, and VUR grades for all patients were recorded. Clinical success was defined as 4 h of dryness or bladder control between CICs. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the factors affecting treatment success. RESULTS: The mean age of the children was 9 ± 3.36 years. The mean follow-up was 28.5 ± 12.2 months. Clinical success was achieved in 64.5% (n: 40) of the patients. The mean maximal cystometric capacity increased from 172.4 ± 45.6 mL to 236.3 ± 67.2 mL. The mean bladder compliance increased from 14.8 ± 8.1 mL/cm H2O to 19.3 ± 7.4 mL/cm H2O, and the mean maximal detrusor pressure decreased from 56.7 ± 18.8 cm H2O to 36.6 ± 10.1 cm H2O. Urodynamic parameters did not improve in patients with hypocompliant (fibrotic) bladders. In patients with accompanying VUR, reflux was completely resolved in 53.8% (n: 14) of the ureters, improved in 26.9% (n: 7) of the ureters, and remained unchanged in 19.2% (n: 5) of the ureters after subureteral injection. CONCLUSION: Intradetrusor BoNT-A injections provide excellent outcomes in children with NB refractory to conservative treatments. Poor responses were observed in patients who had low-compliant bladders without detrusor overactivity.

Testicular torsion in the medicolegal perspective: Why is the diagnosis missing?

BACKGROUND: By examining patients with testicular torsion (TT) that caused problems in medicolegal terms, the present study aims to define markers causing medical neglect or malpractice in similar conditions and perform a retrospective examination to characterize the medical aspects of patients with TT. METHODS: In this study, 53 patients who underwent orchiectomy for TT following interventions made between 2004 and 2019 in different hospitals of Turkey and had satisfactory clinical findings in their files based on medicolegal inspections were included. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was nine years. Twenty-three (43.4%) of the patients had TT on the left side, 29 (54.7%) had TT on the right side, and one (1,9%) patient had bilateral TT. It was noticed that 31 (58.5%) patients had epididymo-orchitis (EO), seven patients had (13.2%) urinary infection, five (9.4%) patients had a hydrocele, and four (7.5%) patients had renal colic, and the others had testicle contusion, gastroenteritis, inguinal hernia, and acute appendicitis as misdiagnoses. The mean time that passed between admission and TT diagnosis was detected as 59±11.2 hours. A statistically significant relation was detected between the branch of the physician who first evaluated the patients and the presence of performing scrotal examination and imaging during admission. The ratio of physical scrotal examinations by emergency service physicians was lower than with the urologists. Among the preliminary examiner allowed to be an advanced evaluation for the possibility of missing diagnosis by an independent specialist physicians, 25 (47.2%) were urologists, 22 (41.5%) were emergency service physicians, four (7.5%) were pediatricians, and two (3.8%) were radiologists. CONCLUSION: Physicians should perform the required evaluations for a suitable diagnosis and treatment by putting aside their medicolegal concerns and prevent the problems by giving priority to patient health. For the correct diagnosis and proper management of TT, it is necessary to increase the information levels of physicians, and patients should be explored urgently in the event of any clinical suspicion.

Perioperative myocardial damage and the incidence of type 2 myocardial infarction in patients with intermediate and high cardiovascular risk.

OBJECTIVE: Perioperative myocardial infarction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing surgical operations. We aimed to determine the incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction in patients with intermediate- or high-risk Framingham scores. METHODS: One hundred and one patients (62 males, 39 females) over 40 years of age (mean age 72±11 years) median 73 (65-81), min- max (46-96), with Framingham risk scores of 10% or higher, and scheduled for surgical interventions in the orthopedics and urology departments of our hospital were included in the study. Patient demographics, comorbidities, blood pressures, and biochemical data were recorded. Troponin values and electrocardiographic findings were obtained during the immediate preoperative period and on postoperative day 2 and then compared. Perioperative myocardial injury and infarction were diagnosed using the third universal definition of myocardial infarction. RESULTS: In 44 (43%) patients, postoperative troponin values were compared with the preoperative values. In 26 (25%) patients, the changes were consistent with myocardial ischemia or damage. Alterations in troponin values with significant electrocardiogram (ECG) changes were found in 6 patients (6%). CONCLUSION: The risk of postoperative myocardial damage was high in our patients with intermediate or high-risk Framingham scores. This im-plies that close follow-up of these patients with abnormal ECG and troponin values during the pre- and postoperative period is required.