Role of urine glycosaminoglycan levels in the diagnosis and follow-up in men with lower urinary tract symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAG) levels reflect clinical status in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and if they could be used as a marker in management of overactive bladder (OAB). METHODS: A total of 34 patients were recruited who were admitted with LUTS and diagnosed as having clinically bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to prostate enlargement. These newly diagnosed, never treated patients underwent routine investigation, consisting of history, physical examination, PSA, ultrasound, uroflowmetry, assessment of symptoms scored by both International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Marmara- Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (M-OBQ). The patients were divided into two groups as those with an initial M-OBQ score < 12 (group 1) and ≥ 13 (group 2). Alfa blocker was initiated in eligible patients. Further evaluations included prostate volume measurement, pre- and post-treatment urinary GAG levels, IPSS and M-QAOB values and maximum urine flow rate (Qmax). RESULTS: Before treatment, urinary GAG level was 21.5 mg/gCr (6.1-45.5) in Group 1, and 23.35 mg/gCr (15.6-32.6) in Group 2 (p =0.845). After the treatment, the GAG level in Group 1 and Group 2 were found to be 19.8 mg/gCr (7.4-70.5) and 18 (7.6- 41.7), respectively (p = 0.511). No difference in GAG levels was found in subgroup analysis for patients with or without OAB. CONCLUSIONS: In recent years, there have been many studies investigating the relationship between LUTS and urinary markers. However, in our prospective study, no relationship was found between pre- and post- treatment urinary GAG levels in patients with LUTS with or without OAB.

A Retrospective Analysis of 83 Patients with Testicular Mass Who Underwent Testis-Sparing Surgery: The Eurasian Uro-oncology Association Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Herein, we analyzed the histopathological, oncological and functional outcomes of testis-sparing surgery (TSS) in patients with distinct risk for testicular cancer. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study on consecutive patients who underwent TSS. Patients were categorized in high- or low-risk testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) according to the presence/absence of features compatible with testicular dysgenesis syndrome. Histology was categorized per size and risk groups. RESULTS: TSS was performed in 83 patients (86 tumors) of them, 27 in the high-risk group. Fifty-nine patients had a non-tumoral contralateral testis present. Sixty masses and 26 masses were benign and TGCTs, respectively. No statistical differences were observed in mean age (30.9 ± 10.32 years), pathological tumor size (14.67 ± 6.7 mm) between risk groups or between benign and malignant tumors (p = 0.608). When categorized per risk groups, 22 (73.3%) and 4 (7.1%) of the TSS specimens were malignant in the high- and low-risk patient groups, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the only independent variable significantly related to malignant outcome was previous history of TGCT. During a mean follow-up of 25.5 ± 22.7 months, no patient developed systemic disease. Local recurrence was detected in 5 patients and received radical orchiectomy. Postoperative testosterone levels remained normal in 88% of those patients with normal preoperative level. No erectile dysfunction was reported in patients with benign lesions. CONCLUSION: TSS is a safe and feasible approach with adequate cancer control, and preservation of sexual function is possible in 2/3 of patients harboring malignancy. Incidence of TGCT varies extremely between patients at high and low risk for TGCT requiring a careful consideration and counseling.

Desires and attitudes of outpatients and physicians regarding the use of teleurology during the pandemic: a prospective survey study.

OBJECTIVE: It is not known to date how many patients admitted to urology outpatient clinics are willing to use telemedicine. We aimed to investigate knowledge levels and attitudes concerning the utilization of teleurology by patients applying to urology outpatient clinics. METHODS: This prospective multicentre survey study included 334 patients aged 18-65 years who applied to an urology outpatient clinics. The patients were asked questions about their attitudes and expectations regarding teleurology. Diseases were divided into seven subgroups due to the broad spectrum of diagnoses. Physicians' and patients' opinions on whether it was possible to manage the current medical condition via teleurology were recorded. RESULTS: 69.5% of patients stated that they had sufficient technical skills to use teleurology by themselves for medical examination. 55.4% of patients and 78.4% of physicians responded that the existing complaints were suitable for teleurology. Both patients and physicians deemed genital system diseases and urinary tract infections suitable for teleurology (p<0.001, p<0.001 for physicians, and p<0.001, p<0.001 for patients), whereas urine transport, storage and emptying disorders (p=0.003) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (p=0.029) were deemed to be suitable for teleurology only by the physicians. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that (i) the majority of our patient population has a telecommunications infrastructure suitable for teleurology, (ii) teleurology has aroused interest among patients, particularly during the pandemic period, and (iii) physicians and patients have high expectations that the problem can be solved with teleurology in suitable patients.

Variation of Serum PSA Levels in COVID-19 Infected Male Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): A Prospective Cohort Studys.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of SARS CoV-2 on serum total PSA levels in men with BPH diagnosed with COVID-19. METHODS: The PSA (Kit: Immunoassay Program- Cycle 18, Siemens Atellica IM Analyzer) levels in patients who had had a PSA check at least 3 months, but no more than 6 months, prior to diagnosis of acute COVID-19 infection, were examined retrospectively. PSA levels were measured and recorded from these patients on the first day of diagnosis of COVID-19. These patients were called back for urology outpatient follow-up at the third month after the end of the COVID-19 treatment. PSA levels measured in the pre-COVID-19 period, during the period of active infection with COVID-19, and in the post-COVID-19 period were compared. RESULTS: In total, 91 patients had a serum PSA level of 1.58 ± 1.09 ng/mL in the pre-COVID-19 period, a serum PSA level of 4.34 ± 3.78 ng/mL measured in the COVID-19 period and 2.09 ± 2.70 ng/mL in the post-COVID-19 period. It was determined that the serum PSA level measured during active COVID-19 infection was statistically significantly higher than the PSA levels measured according to the pre-COVID-19 period and the post-COVID-19 period (P < .001, P < .001; respectively). CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 infection in men diagnosed with BPH causes significant increases in PSA levels during the active period of the disease. Measurement of PSA values used in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and follow-up of prostate diseases in the acute period of infection and in the early period after infection treatment may cause false evaluations that may affect the diagnosis and treatment steps of prostate diseases in these patients.

The relationship of serum testosterone levels with the clinical course and prognosis of COVID-19 disease in male patients: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: A potential role of testosterone among sex hormones has been hypothesized in identifying sex-related differences in the clinical consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Due to the high global prevalence of hypogonadism, the relationship between hypogonadism and SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes deserves an in-depth study. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship of serum testosterone with other laboratory parameters on the prognosis of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in male patients with COVID-19 diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 358 male patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and 92 COVID-19 negative patients admitted to the urology outpatient clinics as a control group. The COVID-19 patients were divided into groups according to prognosis (mild-moderate and severe group), lung involvement in chest computed tomography (<50% and >50%), intensive care unit needs, and survival. RESULTS: The measured serum total testosterone level of the COVID-19 patients group was found to be significantly lower than that of the control group (median, 140 ng/dl; range, 0.21-328, 322 ng/dl; range, median, 125-674, p < 0.001, respectively). The serum TT levels were statistically significantly lower in severe COVID-19 patients compared to mild-moderate COVID-19 patients (median, 85.1 ng/dl; range, 0.21-532, median, 315 ng/dl; range, 0.88-486, p < 0.001, respectively), in COVID-19 patients in need of intensive care compared to COVID-19 patients who did not need intensive care (median, 64.0 ng/dl; range, 0.21-337, median, 286 ng/dl; range, 0.88-532 p < 0.001, respectively), and in COVID-19 patients who died compared to survivors (median, 82.9 ng/dl; range, 2.63-165, median, 166 ng/dl; range, 0.21-532, p < 0.001, respectively). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our data are compatible with low TT levels playing a role on the pathogenesis of the disease in Covid-19 patients with poor prognosis and a mortal course and may guide clinicians in determining the clinical course of the disease.

Comparison of Perioperative, Oncological, and Functional Outcomes of Three-Dimensional Versus Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: A Preliminary Study.

Background: Radical prostatectomy (RP) is the first-line treatment modality for prostate cancer and can be performed using retropubic or minimally invasive techniques. New technologies such as the da Vinci robotic system and three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic imaging system have been developed to overcome the challenges of conventional laparoscopy. This study aimed to compare the perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic RP (RALP) and 3D laparoscopic RP (3D LRP). Materials and Methods: The study was approved by the local ethics committee and included 65 patients (38 RALP, 27 3D LRP) who underwent RP with the diagnosis of localized prostate cancer between May 2019 and January 2020. All demographic, clinical, perioperative, pathological, and postoperative variables were recorded. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of preoperative patient characteristics. The mean operative times of the RALP and 3D LRP groups were 135.74 ± 11.51 and 165.37 ± 15.86 minutes, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = .001). The mean estimated blood loss was 237 ± 71 mL in the RALP group and 257 ± 54 mL in the 3D LRP group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = .236). In the 6 months of follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of biochemical recurrence, continence, and potency. Conclusion: RALP and 3D LRP have similar perioperative, short-term oncological and functional outcomes other than the operative time. There is a need for prospective, randomized studies with larger populations evaluating long-term oncological and functional outcomes.

Outcomes of fluoroscopy-free retrograde intrarenal surgery and predictive factors of stone-free.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of flouroscopy-free retrograde intrarenal surgery (ffRIRS) and to investigate the factors that may affect stone-free rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The charts of patients who underwent ffRIRS between January 2017 and August 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with missing preoperative imaging and patients with kidney anomalies were excluded from the study. Age, gender, stone size, stone localization, stone density, laterality, operation time, stone-free rate, complications and auxiliary procedures were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Study group involved 44 (43.1%) female and 58 (56.8%) male patients. Stone-free rate in a single-session ffRIRS were found to be correlated with stone localization (p = 0.003), stone volume (p = 0.004), and stone density (p = 0.009) but not with age (p = 0.950). Patients with multiple calyceal stones and a stone burden over 520 mm3 were found to be less stone-free. The complication rate in female gender (n = 7) was significantly higher compared to male (n = 1) (p = 0.011). No major complications such as ureteral injury or avulsion were observed. Overall, 13 patients (12.7%) needed auxiliary procedures. The operation time seemed to be affected by stone size and gender (p = 0.005; p = 0.044, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Stone-free rate in ffRIRS were found to be affected by stone density, size, and localization. Patients with multiple caliceal stones and high stone burden (< 520 mm3) have been found to have low stone-free rate, so one can speculate that having fluoroscopy assistance in RIRS might help us to improve surgical success.

Protective effect of cordycepin on experimental renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

AIM: To date, various molecules have been investigated to reduce the effect of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, none have yet led to clinical use. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of cordycepin (C) on renal I/R injury in an experimental rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four mature Sprague Dawley female rat was randomly divided into three groups: Sham, I/R, I/R+C. All animals underwent abdominal exploration. To induce I/R injury, an atraumatic vascular bulldog clamp was applied to the right renal pedicle for 60 minutes (ischemia) and later clamp was removed to allow reperfusion in all rats, except for the sham group. In the I/R + C group, 10 mg/kg C was administered intraperitoneally, immediately after reperfusion. After 4 hours of reperfusion, the experiment was terminated with right nephrectomy. Histological studies and biochemical analyses were performed on the right nephrectomy specimens. EGTI (endothelial, glomerular, tubulointerstitial) histopathology scoring and semi-quantitative analysis of renal cortical necrosis were used for histological analyses and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS) for biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Histopathological examination of the tissue damage revealed that all kidneys in the sham group were normal. The I/R group had higher histopathological scores than the I/R + C group. In the biochemical analysis of the tissues, SOD, MDA, TOS values were found to be statistically different in the I/R group compared to the I/R + C group (p: 0.004, 0.004, 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal cordycepin injection following ischemia preserve renal tissue against oxidative stress in a rat model of renal I/R injury.

Protective effect of chlorogenic acid on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common cause of renal injury and to date, many pharmacological agents have been identified to decrease I/R injury. One of the potential compound that can target I/R injury is chlorogenic acid (CGA). It has potent antiinflammatory, antibacterial, anti-oxidant, analgesic and antipyretic activities in in vitro experiments and in vivo animal models. The aim of the study was to investigate the protective characteristic of CGA on renal I/R injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 24 rats were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 8): Sham, I/R+CGA and I/R groups. CGA was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 20 mg/kg, 10 min before reperfusion. I/R injury was achieved by clamping the left renal artery for 45 minutes, followed by reperfusion for 4 hours. The left kidneys of the rats were examined for tissue damage by histopathological and biochemical examination. For histological evaluation, EGTI scoring system was used. For biochemical examination total oxidant status, total antioxidant status and oxidative stress index were used. The power analysis indicated that 8 subjects per group would be required to produce 80% chance of achieving statistical significance at p < 0.05 level. The results are expressed as mean ± SD. Mann- Whitney U was performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Histopathological examination of the tissue damage revealed that all kidneys in the sham group were normal. I-R group had significantly higher histopathological scores than other groups. Histopathological improvement was seen after CGA treatment. TAS, TOS and OSI values of I-R group were significantly higher than sham group (0.88 vs 0.76 (p: 0.004), 13.8 vs 7.04 (p: 0.021) and 0.15 vs 0.09 (p: 0.034), respectively). In CGA treated group TAS, TOS and OSI levels were 0.84, 6.47 and 0.07, respectively. CGA treatment resulted in significant improvement in TOS and OSI parameters. CONCLUSIONS: CGA treatment provided marked improvement in renal histology and suppressed oxidative stress. Thus, CGA may have a protective effect in renal tissue against I/R injury.

Whortleberry protects kidney against the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity: an experimental study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the antioxidant effects of whortleberry against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 48 female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 263.68 ± 8.29 g. The rats were divided into the following six groups, with eight rats in each group: control, ethanol control, whortleberry control, cisplatin control, 16 mg/kg cisplatin +100 mg/kg whortleberry, and 16 mg/kg cisplatin +200 mg/kg whortleberry groups. Biochemical analysis was performed by measuring total oxidant status and total antioxidant status, histopathological analysis was performed by calculating proximal and distal tubule areas (µm2), and immunohistochemical analysis was performed by determining anti-Caspase-3 immunostaining. Differences among the groups were examined using one-way analysis of variance, and p < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Cisplatin treatment decreased the total antioxidant status and increased the total oxidant status and Caspase-3 level. Moreover, it resulted in the dilatation, vacuolization and loss of tubular epithelial cells; and glomerular degeneration and edema in the kidney tissues (p < .05). Treatment with 100 and 200 mg whortleberries increased the total antioxidant status; decreased the total oxidant status and Caspase-3 level and ameliorated distal and proximal tubule degeneration, glomerular degeneration and edema in the kidney tissues (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the antioxidant effects of the whortleberry decrease cisplatin-associated nephrotoxicity.

Ivabradine inhibits carbachol-induced contractions of isolated rat urinary bladder.

BACKGROUND: Overactive bladder (OAB), a symptom syndrome defined as urgency, is a common clinical condition, which sometimes cannot be satisfactorily treated with current medications in every subject; therefore, alternatives are needed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effects of ivabradine, a selective pacemaker If current inhibitor, on agonist-induced isometric contractions of the bladder smooth muscles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Urinary bladder strips were isolated from adult male Wistar rats and suspended in a tissue bath containing physiological solution. The strips were contracted by bath applications of carbachol (CCh, 1 µM). Ivabradine (30 µM, 60 µM or 90 µM) was added to the tissue bath either prior to or after the application of the agonist, and the resulting contractile activity was compared to the preceding contractile activity. The amplitude and area under force-time curves (AUFC) of the isometric contractions were evaluated. RESULTS: The addition of CCh caused a marked stimulation of contractile force in isolated urinary bladder strips, which was significantly inhibited by ivabradine, both in terms of peak amplitude (29% ±3%, 20% ±6% and 18% ±6% by 30 µM, 60 µM and 90 µM ivabradine, respectively) and AUFC (47% ±5.5%, 35% ±8% and 35% ±6% by 30 µM, 60 µM and 90 µM ivabradine, respectively; n = 7 for each). Pre-treatment with ivabradine (10 µM) significantly attenuated the contractile response to CCh (1 µM; mean peak amplitude from 1493 ±216 mg to 680 ±95 mg; p < 0.003; n = 7). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this in vitro study demonstrated that ivabradine inhibits cholinergic agonistinduced bladder contractions, which means that in the future ivabradine may be used in OAB treatment.

The Monitoring of Preoperative External Detorsion with Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in a Patient with Acute Testicular Torsion.

Testicular torsion is one of the main causes of acute scrotum and may result in permanent damage of the testicular tissue. Color Doppler imaging has been frequently used in the diagnosis of testicular torsion and posttreatment follow-up period of the disease. There are some studies reporting the value and usefulness of diffusion-weighted imaging in the diagnosis of testicular torsion. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no report regarding the monitoring of preoperative external detorsion in testicular torsion with diffusion-weighted imaging examination. In this article, diffusion-weighted imaging findings in the management of preoperative external detorsion in a case with testicular torsion were presented.

Preputial bacterial colonisation in uncircumcised male children: Is it related to phimosis?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of uropathogens in the periurethral skin and the effect of phimosis on bacterial colonisation. METHODS: The observational cohort study was conducted in Samsun Research and Training Hospital, Samsun, Turkey from June to December, 2014, and comprised patients undergoing circumcision. Before circumcision, all children were examined in the operating room and the presence of phimosis was recorded. All patients had circumcision performed by the same surgical team under general anaesthesia. Before the procedure, samples were taken from preputial skin of all patients by swab before cleansing with polyvidone-iodine. The samples were inoculated on 5% sheep blood agar and eosin-methylene blue agar. RESULTS: The median age of the 117 children was 5 years (range: 1-12). Of the total, 19(16.2%) children had complete phimosis, and 72(61.5%) had partial phimosis. In all,91(77.7%) children had phimosis and 26(22.3%) had no phimosis. Of the 91 patients with different degrees of phimosis, 52(57.1%) had clinically significant uropathogenic bacterial colonisation >100,000 colony-forming units per millilitre [cfu/ml]). Of the 26 patients without phimosis, 13(50%) had clinically significant colonisation. Thus, there was no effect of the presence of phimosis on bacteria colonisation (p=0.655). CONCLUSIONS: Important uropathogens colonise the preputium in uncircumcised male children. There was no effect of phimosis on colonisation.

Pathological Investigation of Childhood Foreskin: Are Lichen Sclerosus and Phimosis Common?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate histopathological results of foreskin removed during circumcision in the pediatric age group and the relationship between these and the degree of phimosis. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Urology, Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Samsun, Turkey, from June to December 2014. METHODOLOGY: Male children undergoing planned circumcision were examined for the presence and degree of phimosis which was recorded before the operation. After circumcision, the preputial skin was dermatopathologically investigated. Pathological investigation carefully evaluated findings such as acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, increased pigmentation and atrophy in addition to findings of Lichen Sclerosus (LS) in all specimens. The pathological findings obtained were classified by degree of phimosis and evaluated. RESULTS: The average age of the 140 children was 6.58 ±2.35 years. While 61 (43.6%) children did not have phimosis, 79 (56.4%) patients had different degrees of phimosis. Classic LS was not identified in any patient. In a total of 14 (10%) children, early period findings of LS were discovered. The frequency of LS with phimosis was 12.6%, without phimosis was 6.5% (p=0.39). The incidence of histopathologically normal skin in non-phimosis and phimosis groups was 37.7% and 22.7%, respectively. In total, 41 (29.3%) of the 140 cases had totally normal foreskin. CONCLUSION: Important dermatoses such as LS may be observed in foreskin with or without phimosis. The presence of phimosis may be an aggravating factor in the incidence of these dermatoses.

The efficacy of udenafil in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequently observed in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis (HD) compared to non-uremic patients. This situation causes severe psychogenic problems in patients and disrupts the quality of life. Different phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors have been used, and efficacies revealed, for the treatment of ED in HD patients; however, there are no studies related to udenafil use or results for HD patients. This study retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and reliability of udenafil for HD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The laboratory findings, side effects after treatment, and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores before and after treatment were compared and evaluated for HD patients who applied to our urology clinic with ED complaints and were treated with udenafil. RESULTS: The results showed that in the HD patient group with ED, apart from ED, there were severe rates of other sexual dysfunction. In our patient group, there was a statistically significant improvement in all scores for erectile function (p = 0.033), orgasmic function (p < 0.001), sexual desire (p < 0.001), relationship satisfaction (p < 0.001), and general satisfaction (p < 0.001) after treatment. The reported side effects were headache in one patient and dyspepsia in one patient. CONCLUSION: We concluded that udenafil is an effective and reliable treatment approach for HD patients; however, our results require support from prospective randomized crossover studies with sildenafil.

Incidence of bacterial colonisation after indwelling of double-J ureteral stent.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the bacterial colonisation after double-J stent use and the risk factors for bacteriuria linked to the stent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 102 patients (61 men and 41 women, mean age 47.5 ± 14.16) were examined. The stents were removed under aseptic conditions, and a urine culture was obtained before the removal of the stents. After the stents were removed, the upper, central and lower sections were separated, and washing water was sent through the stent. RESULTS: Bacterial colonisation was found in 29.4% (30 of 102) of the stents. The most frequently observed microorganisms were determined as staphylococcus, coagulase negative (8 of 30) and E. coli (5 of 30). The washing fluid used to clean the interior of the catheter produced pathogens in 8 patients (7.8%), and these pathogens were observed to be the same microorganisms that colonised the outside of the stent. There was no statistical difference between the patients with colonisation and those without in terms of age, gender, duration of stenting and reason for stent insertion. CONCLUSIONS: Though stent colonisation does not always entail symptomatic urinary tract infections, as shown in our study, the pathogens in the urine culture are the same as those colonising the stent, confirming the reality that colonisation is the main factor in these events. Additionally, according to our study, significant colonisation may be found in the first 3 weeks, contrary to the literature, causing us to consider that urinary tract infections may develop even in the early period.

Relationship of CD95 and COX-2 in renal cell carcinomas with survival and other prognostic parameters: A tissue microarray study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and cluster of differentiation 95 in renal cell carcinomas having different clinico-pathological characteristics. METHODS: The study entailed histopathological diagnoses carried out on paraffin blocks at the Department of Pathology of the Medical Hospital of Duzce University, Turkey, between 2005 and 2011. Immunohistochemical staining for cyclooxygenase-2 and cluster of differentiation 95was performed on tissue microarray using standard procedures. Each patient's age and gender as well as the tumour's grade, stage, diameter, ureteral surgical margins, vascular invasion, capsule invasion and subtype were assessed. In order to determine if the cases were still alive, relatives were telephoned and identity registration records were checked. SPSS 18 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 49 paraffin blocks in the study.Significant correlations were found between cyclooxygenase-2 and tumour subtype (p=0.044) as well as between cyclooxygenase-2 and tumour diameter (p=0.026). There was a significant correlation between cluster of differentiation 95and the Fuhrman grade (p=0.050). CONCLUSIONS: Expression of cluster of differentiation 95and cyclooxygenase-2 may be correlated with prognostic parameters in renal cell carcinoma and may also be associated with tumour progression.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the primary treatment of encrusted ureteral stents.

Double pigtail (JJ) ureteral stents, are the most commonly used method of urinary diversion in the ureteral obstructions. Encrustations may occur as a result of prolonged exposure due to forgetting these stents in the body. Removing these materials might be an annoyance. Forty-four patients from three tertiary referral centres with forgotten JJ stents left in them between the years 2007 and 2014 were included in the study. Stents could not be removed by attempted cystoscopy. As an alternative approach, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was the first choice since it is minimally invasive. The results of that treatment are presented along with the relevant demographic data. JJ stenting for urolithiasis was performed in 36 patients, after open surgery in five patients, and for oncological reasons in three patients. ESWL was applied to stents or to any suspicious region adjacent to the stent. In 29 of 44 patients, the stents were easily removed under cystoscopic procedures while in one patient the fragmented residual stent was spontaneously excreted. In eight patients, ureteroscopy was required; in five patients, percutaneous nephrolithotripsy was required; and in one patient, open surgery was required in order to remove stents. ESWL can be considered as a first-line treatment when a forgotten JJ stent is detected despite all precautions after any kind of urological intervention involving insertion of ureteral stents.

Holmium laser lithotripsy with semi-rigid ureteroscopy: a first-choice treatment for impacted ureteral stones in children?

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the effectiveness of semi-rigid ureteroscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy in the treatment of impacted ureteral stones in children. MATERIAL/METHODS: We evaluated a total of 32 children under the age of 18 years treated with ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy for impacted ureteral stones between January 2005 and July 2013. Their stone-free state was defined as the absence of any residual stone on radiologic evaluation performed 4 weeks postoperatively. Complications were evaluated according to the modified Clavien classification. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 9.5±5.1 years (range 1-18 years). Seven (21.8%) of the stones were located in the proximal ureter, 9 (28.2%) were in the mid-ureter, and 16 (50%) were in the distal ureter. The mean stone size was calculated as being 10.46±3.8 mm2 (range 5-20). The stone-free rate was 93.75% (30/32 patients) following primary URS. Additional treatment was required for only 2 (6.25%) of the patients. After the procedure, a D-J stent was placed in all the patients. The total complication rate was 15.6% (5 patients). The 10 total complications in these 5 patients were 5 (15.6%) Grade I, 1 (3.1%) Grade II, 2 (6.25%) Grade IIIa, and 2 (6.25%) Grade IIIb. The mean follow-up period was 16.5 months (range 3-55). CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of impacted ureteral stones in children, holmium laser lithotripsy with semi-rigid ureteroscopy, with its low retreatment requirement and acceptable complication rates, is an effective and reliable method in experienced and skilled hands as a first-choice treatment approach.