Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Reduces Hospital Costs and Length of Hospital Stay in Radical Cystectomy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols challenge the conventional and rigid methods of surgery and anesthesia and bring about novel changes that are quite drastic. The core principle of the protocol is to minimize the metabolic disturbance caused by surgical injury, facilitate the restoration of functions in a brief period, and promote the resumption of normal activity at the earliest. To compare the outcomes of ERAS and standard protocol for patients who have undergone radical cystectomy (RC) with ileal conduit urinary diversion. This prospective randomized controlled study was performed between 2015 and 2023. The 77 patients were divided into two groups ERAS (n=39) and Standard (n=38) by sequential randomization. These two groups are divided according to protocols of bowel preparation, anesthesia, and postoperative nutrition. The clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scores were recorded. Perioperative findings, the degree of complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, and the total cost of treatment were recorded and analyzed. Length of hospital stay (18.82±9.25 day vs 27.34±15.05 day), and cost of treatment (2168,2±933$ 2879±1806$) were higher in the standard group. The rate of nausea and vomiting and the use of antiemetics were higher in the ERAS group compared to the standard group. In patients undergoing RC, the ERAS protocol was found to shorten the duration of hospitalization and reduce the total cost of hospital stay.

The heat is on: the impact of excessive temperature increments on complications of laser treatment for ureteral and renal stones.

OBJECTIVE: Technological advancements in the field of urology have led to a paradigm shift in the management of urolithiasis towards minimally invasive endourological interventions, namely ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. However, concerns regarding the potential for thermal injury during laser lithotripsy have arisen, as studies have indicated that the threshold for cellular thermal injury (43 °C) can be exceeded, even with conventional low-power laser settings. This review aims to identify the factors that contribute to temperature increments during laser treatment using current laser systems and evaluate their impact on patient outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To select studies for inclusion, a search was performed on online databases including PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords such as 'temperature' or 'heat' were combined with 'lithotripsy', 'nephrolithotomy', 'ureteroscopy', or 'retrograde intrarenal surgery', both individually and in various combinations. RESULTS: Various strategies have been proposed to mitigate temperature rise, such as reducing laser energy or frequency, shortening the duration of laser activation, increasing the irrigation fluid flow rate, and using room temperature or chilled water for irrigation. It is important to note that higher irrigation fluid flow rates should be approached cautiously due to potential increases in intrarenal pressure and associated infectious complications. The utilization of a ureteral access sheath (UAS) may offer benefits by facilitating irrigation fluid outflow, thereby reducing intrapelvic pressure and intrarenal fluid temperature. CONCLUSION: Achieving a balance between laser power, duration of laser activation, and irrigation fluid rate and temperature appears to be crucial for urologists to minimize excessive temperature rise.

Biomechanical evaluation of intramedullary retrograde nail and dynamic condylar screw used in unstable distal femoral fractures.

Distal femur fractures are a common problem in orthopedics. Intramedullary retrograde nails (IRN) and dynamic condylar screws (DCS) are generally used for the treatment of these fractures. In this study, it was aimed to mechanically evaluate and compare these two implants used for the treatment of distal femur fractures. In this study, an AOOTA 33C1.3 fracture was created on the intact femur obtained from computed tomography images. The fractures were fixed with DCS and IRN. Then the created models were imported into the ANSYS Workbench for finite element analysis to determine the most convenient mechanical fixation type. The distal region of the femur was loaded considering 75 kg-f, and the created models were constrained in all directions from the femoral head. The intact femur was also analyzed to compare it with the DCS and IRN fixation models. The von Mises stress, strain, and displacement results were examined to determine the damage risk. According to the results, the risk of damage is lower in the model of fixation with IRN. The normal strain distribution in the model fixed with IRN is closer to the model of an intact femur. For this reason, the risk of stress shielding in IRN fixation is less than in DCS fixation. However, the fracture lines were more stable in the fixation with the DCS. In conclusion, fracture fixation with IRN is mechanically more suitable for distal femur fractures in terms of fracture healing.

Four-Point Injection Technique of Polyacrylate/Polyalcohol Copolymer in Vesicoureteral Reflux After KidneyTransplant.

OBJECTIVES: Vesicoureteral reflux after kidney transplant is mostly asymptomatic, but recurrent urinary tract infections can cause graft rejection. Although the gold standard treatment is open surgical repair, we believe that endoscopic treatment can be further improved. Here, we investigated the long-term outcomes of 4-point endoscopic injection of polyacrylate/polyalcohol copolymer in patients with vesicoureteral reflux after kidney transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had undergone 4-point endoscopic injectionofpolyacrylate/polyalcohol copolymer for symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux after kidney transplant and were followed for atleast 3 years were included. Patients with dysfunctional and/or obstructive voiding patterns, unsuccessful primary endoscopic treatment, concomitant injection of native kidney reflux, and incomplete follow-up were excluded. We evaluated patient characteristics, perioperative data, and clinical and radiological outcomes. Urine culture, serum creatinine, and renal ultrasonography were assessed every 3 months. Voiding cystourethrography was performed at month 3 and when recurrence was suspected. Clinical success was defined as absence of febrile urinary tract infection during follow-up, and radiological success was defined as absence of vesicoureteral reflux in the voiding cystourethrography. RESULTS: Of 21 study patients, 14 (66.6%) were female and 7 (33.3%) were male patients. Average age was 37.1 years (range, 12-62 years). According to preoperative voiding cystourethrography, 3 patients (14.2%) had grade II, 13 patients (61.9%) had grade III, and 5 patients (23.8%) had grade IV vesicoureteral reflux. Eighteen patients (85.7%) had clinical success with the first injection, and 20 patients (95.2%) had success with the second injection. Eleven patients (52.3%) demonstrated radiological success. The reflux degree of all patients, except 2, had partially or completely regressed. Ureteral balloon dilatation and double J stent implantation was performed in 1 patient (4.7%) due to ureteral obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The 4-point injection of polyacrylate/- polyalcohol copolymer provided long-term permanent success for symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux after kidney transplant.

Postchemotherapy robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for non-seminomatous germ cell tumors in the lateral decubitus position: oncological and functional outcomes.

PURPOSE: Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is recommended for residual masses following chemotherapy for non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT). Recently, aberrant recurrence patterns were reported in patients who underwent robotic RPLND. We aimed to evaluate perioperative safety in addition to functional and early oncological outcomes of postchemotherapy robotic RPLND (pcR-RPLND) for NSGCT. METHODS: A total of 25 patients with NSGCT who underwent a pcR-RPLND between January 2011 and June 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. Descriptive statistics were provided for demographics, clinical characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative parameters. Functional and oncological outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: The median patient age was 28.9 years (IQR 21.5-32.4). The median retroperitoneal tumor size was 2.6 cm (IQR 1.5-3.5). Intraoperative complications occurred in only one case and the open conversion rate was 12%. There were seven cases with postoperative complications (Clavien grade II: 5 and IIIa: 2). Patients were followed for a median of 33.2 months (IQR 14.8-43.0). Antegrade ejaculation was preserved in 85.7% of the patients. Two patients (8%) relapsed and both had out-of-field recurrences at unusual sites (perinephric fat and omentum). Of those, one patient died (4%) of testicular cancer. CONCLUSION: pcR-RPLND is a feasible and technically reproducible procedure with favorable perioperative morbidity, low rate of complications, and acceptable postoperative ejaculatory function. Although the recurrence rate was low (8%), recurrences were observed at unusual sites. Further studies are required to investigate any association between the robotic approach and aberrant recurrence patterns.

Fluorescence-guided extended pelvic lymphadenectomy during robotic radical prostatectomy.

We evaluated and described the impact of prostatic indocyanine green (ICG) injection on extended pelvic lymph node (LN) dissection (ePLND) in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Between January 2019 and December 2021, we included consecutive 50 PCa patients who underwent ePLND during RARP with (n = 25) or without (n = 25) prostatic ICG injection. ICG injection was performed during abdominal port placement and robot docking. Pelvic LNs reflecting green color were initially excised and then the template was completed. The outcomes of two groups were compared. Overall, nine (36%) and five (20%) of the patients had metastatic LN involvement in the ICG and non-ICG groups, respectively. Of the 509 dissected LNs in the ICG group, 122 (23.9%) were fluorescence active. 20 LNs (3.9%) were metastatic in this group, 9 (45%) of which were ICG+. 408 LNs were resected on the non-ICG group with 8(1.9%) being metastatic. Eight (88.9%) of nine pN+ patients were florescent positive in the ICG group. Out of six patients with pN+ disease, Ga68 PSMA-PET/CT detected positive LNs preoperatively. In addition to preoperative Ga68 PSMA-PET/CT investigation, ICG-guided ePLND might increase identification and removal of metastatic LNs duirng RARP. Improvements in staging and oncologic outcomes may also be seen in intermediate- and high-risk patients.

Endopelvic Fascia Sparing Robotic Radical Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Studer Pouch with Balbay's Technique.

Background and Objectives: Robotic radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion is a technically complicated, time-consuming procedure. The aim of this study was to present the operative, pathological, oncological, and functional outcomes of patients who underwent endopelvic fascia sparing (EPFS) RARC with intracorporeal Studer pouch formation. To the best of our knowledge, this is first series in the literature that includes EPFS RARC. Methods: Between October 1, 2019 and April 30, 2022, 10 bladder cancer patients underwent EPFS RARC, bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection with intracorporeal Studer pouch reconstruction with Balbay's technique. Patient demographics, operative, and post-operative parameters were recorded. Results: Among 10 patients, 8 were male and 2 were female. Mean operative time, median estimated blood loss, and median duration of hospital stay was 530 minutes, 316 ml, and 8 days, respectively. One month postoperatively, the mean maximum flow, average flow rate, mean voided, and post-voided urine volume were 20.2 ml/sec, 4.4 ml/sec, 273.6 ml, and 3.5 ml, respectively. All of the patients were fully continent during day-time, three had mild night-time incontinence requiring pad use (both patients 1 pad per night). During a mean 11.5 months of follow up, zero patients died. One patient with a pathological, stage 4 tumor, had nodal recurrence at six months postoperatively. No distant metastasis were detected. Conclusion: Endopelvic fascia sparing RARC has very promising early functional results with safe oncological outcomes and low complication rates.

Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux after kidney transplantation: outcomes and predictive factors of clinical and radiological success.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify and describe the outcomes of different endoscopic treatments and the predictive factors affecting success in the treatment of symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) after kidney transplantation. METHODS: Patients who had undergone endoscopic injection treatment for symptomatic VUR detected by VCUG with at least 1-year follow-up were included in the study. Patients with dysfunctional and/or obstructive voiding patterns were excluded from the study. We retrospectively evaluated the patient's characteristics, operative information about the type of injection (one, two, or four-point) and the bulking agent (DX-HA, PPC), and perioperative data. Clinical success was defined as no febrile UTI, and radiological success was defined as the absence of VUR in VCUG 3 months after the operation. Clinical success, radiological success, and encountered complications were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients were included in this study. The one-point, two-point, and four-point injection technique was applied to 32 (42.1%), 13 (17.1%), and 31 (40.7%) of patients, respectively. PPC and DX-HA were used as bulking agents in 54 (71.1%) and 22 (28.9%) patients, respectively. The clinical success rate was 73.7% (n = 56). In logistic regression analysis, a significant efficacy of the four-point technique was observed in the univariate analysis of clinical success (p = 0.042). The radiological success rate was 40.8% (n = 31). In the logistic regression analysis, DX-HA and PPC radiological success was attained in 4 (18.1%) and 27 (50%) patients, respectively (p = 0.01). Ureterovesical junction (UV) stricture developed in 5 (6.5%) patients. There was no difference between injection techniques and bulking agents in terms of the development of UV stricture (p = 0.32; p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: The success of endoscopic treatment in patients with VUR after kidney transplantation can be increased by multiple injections. Furthermore, PPC can be used to obtain a higher radiological success.

Spinal Anesthesia Provides Longer Administration Time for Postoperative Intravesical Chemotherapy after TUR-B Operation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the tolerability of postoperative early intravesical chemotherapy session after transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TUR-B) according to the different anesthesia types. METHODS: The study was conducted between February 2017 and June 2020. Patients who were given intravesical mitomycin (MMC) 40 mg after TUR-B were included. Patients' risk categories (low, medium, and high) were determined according to the European Association of Urology (EAU) risk stratification system based on the tumor number, size (<3 and ≥3 cm), T stage (Ta and T1), and grade (low and high). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the applied anesthesia technique as group S (spinal) and group G (general). The patients' visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded every 30 min for 2 h after urethral clamping. The patients' pain scores were recorded using the VAS questionnaire form at 30th (VAS1), 60th (VAS2), 90th (VAS3), and 120th (VAS4) min after the urethral clamping. Requirement of analgesic, urethral clamp removal time, total instillation time, and discharged urine volume were recorded. Complications and complication grade (1-5) were recorded according to the Clavien-Dindo system. RESULTS: A total of 232 consecutive patients who received intravesical MMC were included. Sociodemographic characteristics of group S (n = 113) and group G (n = 119) were similar (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in tumor size, number of tumors, concomitant CIS, and T stage in both groups (p > 0.05). High-grade tumors were higher in group S (23.9 vs. 11%; p = 0.008). Requirement of analgesic (53.9 vs. 91.5%; p = 0.00) and termination of therapy <60' (2 vs. 26%; p = 0.00) and <120' (32.7 vs. 76.4%; p = 0.00) were significantly lower in group S. The mean instillation time (108.05 ± 19.40 vs. 85.67 ± 24.66 min; p = 0.00) was found significantly higher for group S. In group G, mean VAS1-4 scores were significantly higher than in group S (p < 0.05). Linear correlation analyses showed that the VAS score is correlated with the instillation time (p < 0.05). The rates of minor (I-III) (7 vs. 8%; p = 0.706) and major (IV-V) (0.9 vs. 1.6%; p = 0.590) complications were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: The patients' tolerability of intravesical MMC treatment can be improved by spinal anesthesia. It provides longer instillation time and less pain during intravesical chemotherapy.

The Impact of Visible Tumor (PI-RADS ≥ 3) on Upgrading and Adverse Pathology at Radical Prostatectomy in Low Risk Prostate Cancer Patients: A Biopsy Core Based Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the characteristics of a single visible tumor (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System [PI-RADS]≥3) on upgrading and adverse pathology at radical prostatectomy (RP) in biopsy naïve low risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 64 biopsy naïve patients from 3 different referral centers between 2018 and 2020 with a PSA<10, cT1c disease, a single PI-RADS≥ 3 index lesion in multiparametric-MRI (mp-MRI), all bearing a GG 1 tumor sampled software fusion biopsy, who underwent RP. Preoperative clinical variables including the localization, number and tumor burden of positive cores for each PI-RADS category were related to upgrading and adverse pathology (GG>2 and/or pT3 and/or lymph node positive disease) at RP. RESULTS: Overall 37 patients (57.8%) were upgraded with a significant difference of upgrading in PI-RADS3 (30.0%) versus PI-RADS 4 (67.6%) (P = .007) and PI-RADS 4-5 (70.5%) lesions (P = .002). Thirty-three of 37 GG1 tumors were upgraded to GG2, while 6 of these 33 (18.2%) had adverse pathology as well. Overall 9 patients (14.1%) had adverse pathology at RP all harboring PI-RADS4-5 lesions. The number of positive cores differed significantly between the upgraded and nonupgraded patients. Adverse pathology group had significantly higher tumor volume at RP. CONCLUSION: PI-RADS4-5 lesions are the independent predictors of upgrading and adverse pathology in low risk PCa with visible tumors. Upgrading and adverse pathology were closely related to the number of positive combined cores reflecting the role of tumor volume. This should be kept in mind in shared decision making of an individual patient with low risk disease and a visible tumor.

Urological injuries in the civil war of Libya.

BACKGROUND: In this article, we aimed to evaluate results of patients who acquired various injuries during Libya civil war who then were transferred to our facility with genitourinary trauma for further assessment and treatment. METHODS: A total of 121 wounded patients, including 21 (17.3%) with 1 or more combined urogenital injuries, were treated at Yeni Yüzyil University Private Gaziosmanpasa Hospital from October 2014 to September 2016. RESULTS: Of the 21 patients, 13 (61.9%) were injured by explosive weapons, while the rest 8 (38.1%) had bullet wounds. The 21 urogenital injuries were to the kidney in 7 cases (33.4%), ureter in 5 (23.8%), bladder in 5 (23.8%), scrotum in 2 (9.5%), and penis in 2 (9.5%). There was associated damage to organs other than the urogenital system in 21 patients (100%). Two patients had nephrectomies performed on-site medical facility. The rest of patients had no urogenital organ resections. Urogenital trauma had higher rates of liver damage, generalized infection, blood transfusions, and longer hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Knowing that war related surgery patients should be approached as a distinct and non-standard category, every case must be evaluated individually. Patients should be evaluated in a multidisciplinary approach and physicians should be aware of infections affecting morbidity and mortality.

Genitalia Preserving Robotic Radical Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Studer Pouch Formation in the Female: Experience in 5 Cases.

We present operative, postoperative, oncologic and functional outcomes of genital tract sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy, bilateral extended pelvic lymph node (LN) dissection and intracorporeal Studer pouch construction on five female patients with bladder cancer. One of the cases had concomitant nephroureterectomy performed due to a non-functioning kidney. Median patient age, mean operation time, median estimated blood loss and mean duration of hospital stay were 59 (39-78), 462 ± 25, 400 (50-970), 8.8 ± 2.5, respectively. Pathologic stages were pTis (n=1), pT1 (n=1), pT3 (n=1), pT4a (n=1) and pT4b (n=1). Mean LN yield was 32.4 ± 8.9. Positive surgical margins were detected in 2 patients with pT4 diseases. Only minor complications developed that were resolved with medical treatment. Two patients had no, 1 patient had mild, and 2 patients had moderate daytime incontinence. One patient had good, 3 patients had fair, and 1 had poor night-time incontinence. This complex robotic surgery can be performed safely with acceptable short-term surgical, oncological and functional outcomes.

The effect of plasma melatonin levels in the treatment of lifelong premature ejaculation with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

The aim of our study was to compare melatonin levels of patients with lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) (n:60) with healthy controls (n:30) and to investigate the changes of melatonin levels in the treatment with dapoxetine and sertraline. Age, body mass index, duration of marriage, weekly intercourse number, International Index of Erectile Function scores, Intravaginal Ejaculation Latency Time (IELT) and melatonin levels were recorded. LPE patients were divided into two treatment groups. The first group was included 30 patients, who received 60 mg dapoxetine for six weeks, twice a week, an hour before intercourse. The second group received 50 mg of sertraline daily, for six weeks. IELT and melatonin measures were repeated after the treatment. IELT (dapoxetine group: 41.22 ± 21.3 s, sertraline group: 48 ± 23.11 s, control group: 195.54 ± 84.14 s; p < .001) and melatonin levels (dapoxetine group: 5.75 ± 2.04 pg/mL, sertraline group: 5.49 ± 2.88 pg/mL, control group: 13.4 ± 12.09 pg/mL; p < .001) of both LPE groups were significantly lower than control group. Following the six-week sertraline (before: 48 ± 23.11 s, after: 101.01 ± 59.55 s; p < .001) and dapoxetine (before: 41.22 ± 21.3 s, after: 97.39 ± 44.1 s; p < .001) treatments, IELT increased. The melatonin levels increased in the sertraline group (before: 5.49 ± 2.88 pg/mL, after: 10.6 ± 7.37 pg/mL; p < .001). Our results indicate that melatonin levels of LPE patients are lower than levels of healthy volunteers. Furthermore, we found a significant increase in melatonin levels following sertraline treatment.

Can serum procalcitonin levels be useful in predicting spontaneous ureteral stone passage?

BACKGROUND: Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is recommended for ureteral stones when there is no indication for interventional treatment. Spontaneous passage (SP) may not always be perceived in patients undergoing MET. We aimed to demonstrate the effects of inflammatory factors on spontaneous ureteral stone passage in patients undergoing MET. METHODS: Our study was conducted between August and November, 2016, in healthy volunteers and patients with a single distal ureteral stone between 5 and 10 mm in diameter and no indications for interventional therapy. Blood and urine samples from all patients and healthy volunteers were tested. The patients were followed up every 2 weeks for 1 month unless emergency situations appeared. Patients with stone-free status at follow-up were concluded to have achieved complete stone passage [SP(+)], and failure [SP(-)] was concluded if the patient had not passed the stone by the end of the study. Blood samples of the patients and the control group were analyzed, recording WBC (white blood cell), CRP (c-reactive protein), SED (sedimentation), MPV (mean platelet volume), NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), and serum procalcitonin levels. Abnormalities in urine samples were recorded. All patients received diclofenac sodium 75 mg/day, tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day, and at least 3 l/day fluid intake. Patients were followed for a month with kidney, ureter, bladder (KUB) plain films, ultrasonography (USG), and unenhanced abdominal CT scans while undergoing MET. Comparative statistical analyses were performed between the SP(+) and SP(-) groups. RESULTS: The procalcitonin levels of the SP(-) group were significantly higher (207 ± 145.1 pg/ml) than in the SP(+) group (132.7 ± 28.1 pg/ml) (p = 0.000). The leucocyturia rate of the SP(-) group was significantly higher than in the SP(+) group (p = 0.004). Based on the ROC curve analysis, 160 pg/ml (86.7% sensitivity, 70.8% specificity, p < 0.001; AUC: 0.788 95% CI (0.658-0.917) was identified as the optimal cut-off value for procalcitonin. In logistic regression analysis, a significant efficacy of procalcitonin and leucocyturia was observed in the univariate analysis on spontaneous passage. In the multivariate analysis, significant independent activity was observed with procalcitonin. (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that high procalcitonin levels and the presence of leucocyturia have a strong negative effect on SP of ureteral stones between 5 and 10 mm in diameter. This relationship can be explained by stone impaction, possibly caused by increased mucosal inflammation.

Impact of Anterior Kidney Calyx Involvement of Complex Stones on Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

INTRODUCTION: A number of factors that can impact the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedures have previously been investigated. Complex stones that extend to the anterior calyx could affect the success and complication rates of PCNL. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the effect of anterior calyx involvement on the outcomes of patients with complex stones treated with PCNL. METHODS: A total of 132 consecutive patients who underwent PCNL due to complex stones (multiple, partial staghorn, or staghorn stones) between 2015 and 2017 were enrolled in this study. They were stratified into two groups based on whether the stone extended to the anterior calyx (group 1, n = 45) or not (group 2, n = 87). The stratification was achieved through contrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CT). Demographics, laboratory tests, and peri- and postoperative findings (operation and fluoroscopy duration, hospital stay, utilization of flexible instruments, access numbers, total blood count change, stone-free rate [SFR], and complications) were compared between the groups. The SFR was evaluated by plain kidney-ureter-bladder radiography or CT. RESULTS: The demographics, operation and fluoroscopy duration, access number, and hospital stay were similar between the groups (p < 0.05). A higher drop in the hemoglobin level in group 1 was identified (group 1 [2.14 ± 1.49 g/dL] vs. group 2 [1.43 ± 1.31 g/dL]) (p = 0.006). The SFR among the patients with extension to the anterior calyx was 60%, compared to 77% among the patients with no extension to the anterior calyx (p = 0.041). Flexible instruments were utilized in 60% of the patients of group 1, which was a higher rate than for group 2 (36%) (p = 0.007). Complication rates were similar in the two groups according to the Clavien-Dindo classification (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that complicated stones with extension to the anterior calyx are more challenging than cases without extension to the anterior calyx. This was noted by a lower SFR, a more prominent drop in total blood count, and more frequent utilization of flexible scopes.

Noninvasive treatment of intraperitoneal urinary system perforations with percutaneous placement of a peritoneal drainage catheter

Background/aim: Intraperitoneal urinary system perforation is a rare but serious complication of endoscopic urologic surgery. Percutaneous placement of a peritoneal drainage catheter is already mainly used for diagnostic purposes. We present our experience with percutaneous drainage catheters for conservative management of intraperitoneal urinary system perforations occurring during endoscopic urologic surgery with close monitorization in selected cases. Materials and methods: Urinary system perforations had developed in 21 (0.8%) of 2603 patients undergoing endoscopic urologic surgery at our department in 2014­2016. The perforation was intraperitoneal in only 5 (0.19) of all the patients. A percutaneous peritoneal drainage catheter with the guidance of ultrasonography was placed in four of the patients. Results: Conservative management by draining excess fluid with a drainage catheter percutaneously placed under close monitorization was successful in four out of five patients with urinary system perforation occurring during endoscopic urologic surgery. The remaining patient was treated successfully with open laparotomy because of fulminant evidence of peritonitis. Conclusion: Our findings and experience may suggest that conservative management of intraperitoneal urinary system perforations occurring during endoscopic urologic surgery by percutaneous drainage catheter under close monitorization is feasible in carefully selected patients.

Comparison of Single and Prolonged Fluoroquinolone Prophylaxis and Risk Factors for Infectious Complications After Transrectal Prostate Biopsy

Background: The ideal prophylaxis duration for transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy is incompletely defined. Aims: To compare the infectious complications of transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy with and without extended antibiotic prophylaxis. The secondary aim was to evaluate the risk factors for infectious complications. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Methods: Four hundred patients who underwent transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy were recruited. Patients orally received either 750 mg ciprofloxacin 60 min before the procedure or 500 mg ciprofloxacin twice a day for a duration of 7 days with the initial dose administered 24 h prior to the procedure. All patients were followed-up for 4 weeks after the transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy procedure for infectious complications. Screening of urine was carried out in all patients on the 3rd and 7th day after the procedure. Medical histories of all patients were collected prior to biopsy. Information on medical history include the following: hospitalization, urethral catheterization, or urinary tract infections within the past 12 months; antibiotic use within the last 3 months, prior urinary tract interventions, and previous transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy and Charlson comorbidity indexes. Ultrasound-guided biopsy was carried out using General Electric's 7 MHz transrectal ultrasound device in the left decubitus position. Patients received one of the two ciprofloxacin-based prophylaxis regimens. Subsequent transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy to all patients were followed-up for 30 days. Further follow-up of patients was carried out on the second and fourth weeks after transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy, and symptoms, such as dysuria, rectal bleeding, fever, hematospermia, hematuria, and pollakiuria, were recorded. Results: Both groups presented similar baseline characteristics and medical history. Infectious complication rates within the 4-week follow-up were similar in both groups (single dose: 3% vs prolonged: 3%) (p>0.05). In both groups, infectious complications significantly increased than that at previous antibiotic usage (single: p=0.028; prolonged: p=0.040). Non-infectious complication ratios showed no significant variation (p>0.05). Conclusion: Pre-operative single dose of 750 mg oral ciprofloxacin compared with 7 days prolonged treatment resulted in similar infectious complication outcomes in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy. The use of antibiotics within the last 3 months increases the risk for post-transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy infectious complications.