Traumatic masturbation and erectile dysfunction: A matched case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify atypical masturbatory behaviors (AMB) and to reveal their effects on both sexual and masturbational erection hardness in men with erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: Patients with ED and healthy controls were questioned about their masturbation habits. Accordingly, "rubbing in a prone position," "pressure on penis," and "masturbation through clothes" were included in the traumatic masturbation syndrome (TMS) group. Erection hardness score (EHS) is used to measure the erectile functions during masturbation (mast), foreplay (presex), and sexual intercourse (sex), separately. RESULTS: The data of 448 participants, 266 (59%) from the patient group, and 182 (41%) from the control group were analyzed. The mean ages were 30 years in both groups (p = 0.734). The rate of "rubbing in a prone position" and "penile pressure" while masturbating was higher in patients than the controls (10.2% vs. 6%, p = 0.024 and 8.6% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.0002, respectively). Patients had 2.2-fold (odds ratio, 2.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-3.47; p = 0.001) increased risks of having at least one AMB, compared with controls. In the secondary analysis, the patient group was divided into 2 subgroups according to having TMS (ED + TMS) or not (ED). The percentage of patients with EHS≥3 during masturbation was higher than those during sex and presex in the "ED + TMS" group (60.2%, 38.8%, and 37.2%, respectively, p = 0.0001; n = 98). Comparing the percentage of patients with EHS≥3 during mast, presex, and, sex was found to be similar in the "ED" group (58.9%, 56.5%, and 56%, respectively, p = 0.753; n = 168). CONCLUSION: Atypical masturbatory behaviors are more common in young men presenting with erectile dysfunction. These patients have higher erection hardness scores during masturbation compared to partnered sex.

Testosterone status is not associated with bladder cancer parameters in adult male patients: results of a prospective controlled study.

PURPOSE: This controlled study assessed whether there was a correlation between serum total testosterone levels and bladder cancer (BCa) in terms of tumor grade and stage as objective measures in adult men. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Our prospectively-designed study included 257 patients who were diagnosed with primary BCa and its surgery between January 2017 and January 2020. Hundred and forty patients who had surgery in the same period with TUR for prostate or endoscopic ureteral stone treatment were included in the study as a control group. All patients in the study and control groups were male. The age range of the patients was between 34 and 90 years old. In order to examine groups, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, albumin, total testosterone, and vitamin D levels of all patients included in the study. RESULTS: The relationship between tumor aggression and total testosterone level was investigated with a multinomial logistic regression model, where the control group was accepted as a reference, following adjustment for potential confounding variables, including age and serum albumin levels. Testosterone level was not found to be associated with any of the categories that determine tumor aggressiveness (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the present study, there was no correlation between any categories that determine tumor aggressiveness of BCa and total testosterone levels in adult men. It is obvious that our findings should be supported and further investigations are needed.

Traumatic masturbation syndrome may be an important cause of erectile dysfunction in pre-mature ejaculation patients.

We aimed to investigate of whether atypical masturbation behaviour is a pre-disposing factor in ED aetiology in pre-mature ejaculation (PE) patients. In addition to demographic data, self-estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) was prospectively questioned in 2,572 patients between the ages of 18 and 60 who applied with the complaint of pre-mature ejaculation between March 2018 and May 2020. The masturbation habits of the patients were questioned with open-ended questions. After the exclusion criteria, 1,819 patients were evaluated. One thousand one hundred-fifty (63.2%) of patients were classified as lifelong PE, 369 (20.3%) were acquired PE, while 300 (16.5%) were natural-variable PE. According to the IIEF score, 714 patients (39.3%) had ED associated with PE. Eighty-eight per cent of men declared that they had masturbated in the last 4 weeks. Atypical masturbatory behaviours such as 'through clothes' and 'rubbing in prone position' were significantly higher in patients with ED (13% vs. 9%, p = .04 and 11% vs. 7%, p = .02 respectively). Atypical masturbatory behaviours are also seen in a significant part of the pre-mature ejaculation population and increase the rate of erectile dysfunction accompanying PE. This situation draws attention to the necessity of questioning masturbation habits, especially in the combination of PE and ED.

What is the optimal frequency in shock wave lithotripsy for pediatric renal stones? A prospective randomized study.

The aim of the study is to compare the effects of varying frequency rates (60, 90, and 120 SWs/min) on the stone free rate and complication rates of pediatric SWL. 75 children with renal stones were divided into 3 groups depending on the SW frequency applied. Group 1. low (60 SWs/min), Group 2. intermediate (90 SWs/min) and Group 3. high (120 SWs/min) frequency. Patient demographics (age, gender, BMI), stone (location, size, laterality), and SWL (total number of sessions, shock waves, anesthesia time) related parameters were documented. Postoperative success, complication rates, and the need for additional interventions were comparatively evaluated. There was no significant difference regarding the patient demographics, stone characteristics, SWL parameters, postoperative complication rates, need for additional interventions as well as efficacy quotient between all (p > 0.05). The stone free rates were significantly lower in cases with high frequency, whereas there was no statistically significant difference between the intermediate and low frequency groups (p > 0.05). Although not statistically significant; low frequency application may be more advantageous than intermediate as lower number of high energy shock waves required which may cause less tissue damage. On the other hand, despite lack of a statistically significant difference, relatively longer anesthesia time may constitute a disadvantage for lower frequency. We believe that considering the growing nature of the child kidney application of low frequency (60 SWs/min) will be advantageous. However, we believe that further studies with larger series of cases are needed to make a clear-cut differentiation between low and intermediate SW applications.

Factors affecting success in the treatment of proximal ureteral stones larger than 1 cm with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in adult patients.

The aim of the study was to analyze the factors predicting success for the treatment of proximal ureteral stones larger than 1 cm with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) in adult patients. Between January 2014 and December 2018, 480 adult patients in total underwent SWL and data were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with multiple ureteral stones, solitary kidney, congenital abnormality, skeletal system abnormality, history of previous urinary system surgery and SWL, renal insufficiency, patients who could not tolerate SWL and pediatric patients were excluded from the study. The remaining 415 patients were divided into two groups as success (Group 1, n = 307) and failure (Group 2, n = 108). The overall success rate was 73.9%. The values of stone size, Hounsfield Unit (HU), skin to stone distance (SSD), ureteral wall thickness (UWT), proximal ureter diameter, renal pelvis diameter, hydronephrosis grade, and duration of renal colic were significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1. In binary logistic regression analyses, HU, UWT, and proximal ureter diameter were found to be independent predictors. HU, UWT, and proximal ureter diameter had sensitivity and specificity of 92-92%, 88-23%, and 87-46%, with cutoff values of 740 HU, 2.5 mm and 8.5 mm, respectively. The area under the curve values were 0.96, 0.97, and 0.96 for HU, UWT, and proximal ureter diameter, respectively. The CT-based parameters, including HU, UWT, and proximal ureter diameter are independent predictive factors with excellent accuracy for the treatment of proximal ureteral stones larger than 1 cm with SWL in adult patients. Based on these factors, SWL can be considered for proximal ureteral stones larger than 1 cm.

Acute prostatitis after prostate biopsy under ciprofloxacin prophylaxis with or without ornidazole and pre-biopsy enema: analysis of 3. 479 prostate biopsy cases

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate the characteristics of cases of NIH category I acute prostatitis developed after transrectal prostate biopsy and clarifiy the risk factors and preventive factors. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 3.479 cases of transrectal ultrasound-guided needle biopsies performed with different prophylactic antibiotherapy regimens at two different institutions between January 2011 and February 2016. The patients of Group I have received ciprofl oxacin (n=1.523, 500mg twice daily) and the patients of Group II have received ciprofl oxacin plus ornidazole (n=1.956, 500mg twice daily) and cleansing enema combination as prophylactic antibiotherapy. The incidence, clinical features and other related microbiological and clinical data, were evaluated. Results: Mean age was 62.38±7.30 (47-75), and the mean prostate volume was 43.17±15.20 (21-100) mL. Of the 3.479 patients, 39 (1.1%) developed acute prostatitis after the prostate biopsy procedure. Of the 39 cases of acute prostatitis, 28/3.042 occurred after the first biopsy and 11/437 occurred after repeat biopsy (p=0.038). In Group I, 22 of 1.523 (1.4%) patients developed acute prostatitis. In Group II, 17 of 1.959 (0.8%) patients developed acute prostatitis. There was no statistical difference between the two groups according to acute prostatitis rates (X2=2.56, P=0.11). Further, hypertension or DM were not related to the development of acute prostatitis (P=0.76, X2=0.096 and P=0.83, X2=0.046, respectively). Conclusions: Repeat biopsy seems to increase the risk of acute prostatitis, while the use of antibiotics effective for anaerobic pathogens seems not to be essential yet.

Acute prostatitis after prostate biopsy under ciprofloxacin prophylaxis with or without ornidazole and pre-biopsy enema: analysis of 3.479 prostate biopsy cases.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the characteristics of cases of NIH category I acute prostatitis developed after transrectal prostate biopsy and clarifiy the risk factors and preventive factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 3.479 cases of transrectal ultrasound-guided needle biopsies performed with different prophylactic antibiotherapy regimens at two different institutions between January 2011 and February 2016. The patients of Group I have received ciprofloxacin (n=1.523, 500mg twice daily) and the patients of Group II have received ciprofloxacin plus ornidazole (n=1.956, 500mg twice daily) and cleansing enema combination as prophylactic antibiotherapy. The incidence, clinical features and other related microbiological and clinical data, were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age was 62.38 ± 7.30 (47-75), and the mean prostate volume was 43.17 ± 15.20 (21-100) mL. Of the 3.479 patients, 39 (1.1%) developed acute prostatitis after the prostate biopsy procedure. Of the 39 cases of acute prostatitis, 28/3.042 occurred after the fi rst biopsy and 11/437 occurred after repeat biopsy (p=0.038). In Group I, 22 of 1.523 (1.4%) patients developed acute prostatitis. In Group II, 17 of 1.959 (0.8%) patients developed acute prostatitis. There was no statistical difference between the two groups according to acute prostatitis rates (X2=2.56, P=0.11). Further, hypertension or DM were not related to the development of acute prostatitis (P=0.76, X2=0.096 and P=0.83, X2=0.046, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat biopsy seems to increase the risk of acute prostatitis, while the use of antibiotics effective for anaerobic pathogens seems not to be essential yet.

Effect of endothelial dysfunction on the pathogenesis of urolithiasis in patients with metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present prospective clinical study was to investigate the possible effect of endothelial dysfunction in urolithiasis. METHODS: The study included 92 patients older than 18 years. The patients were divided into 4 groups with 23 patients each as group 1: metabolic sydrome (MetS) (-) stone disease (SD) (-), group 2: MetS (-) SD (+), group 3: MetS (+) SD (-) and group 4: MetS (+) SD (+). C-reactive protein, homocysteine, uric acid, and creatinine levels were evaluated between the groups. Endothelial (dys)function was evaluated based on the brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) measurement. RESULTS: The mean age was 41.9 ± 10.2 (range, 18-62) years. Mean FMD value was 15.9 ± 18.2% (range, 24.0-68.5%). A strong significant difference was found between group 1 and 2 (p < .001); group 1 and 3 (p < .001) and group 1 and 4 (p < .001) with regard to FMD. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of urolithiasis in patients with MetS.

Infective complications in patients after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy and the role of ciprofloxacin resistant Escherichia coli colonization in rectal flora.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to invastigate the ciprofloxacin resistance in rectal flora of the patients undergoing prostate biopsy in our department. Additionally, the possible effects of the presence of ciprofloxacin resistant bacteria in faecal flora on the risk of infective complications after the procedure as well as the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on such infectious complications have been evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 142 patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy were included into the study program. Rectal swab samples were taken from all patients prior to biopsy. The presence of complications have been evaluated after a week following the biopsy procedure. Patients with fever were also evaluated. The possible correlation between the presence of ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria in faecal flora and the risk of urinary tract infection development and the other complications were evaluated. RESULTS: E. coli bacteria were present in all cultures of rectal swab samples obtained from 142 patients prior to prostate biopsy. Of all these patients, while ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli (CR E. coli) grew in 76 (53.5%) patients; ciprofloxacin susceptible E. coli (CS E. coli) was obtained in 66 (46.5%) patients. In 16 patients (11.3%), infectious complications were observed. While the infective complications were present in the 14.5% of patients with CR E. coli; they were present in the 7.6% of patients with CS E. coli (p=0.295). High fever was observed in nine patients (6.3%). Of these nine patients, although six had CR E. coli growth as detected during culture sensitivity tests; three had CS E. coli growth in their rectal swab culture tests. Sepsis was observed in three (2.1%) of these patients with high fever. Ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli grew in all of the rectal swab cultures obtained from these patients with sepsis. CONCLUSION: In the light of our findings we may say that, it will be appropriate to reconsider the ciprofloxacin prophylaxis and prefer to use other prophylactic agents for a certain period of time in populations with higher rates of resistance to this medical agent. Furthermore, it will be appropriate again to obtain rectal swab specimens for culture tests before biopsy procedure in order to perform targeted prophylaxis according to the culture antibiogram test results. This approach will enable us to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the procedure in detail.

Critical evaluation of the overactive bladder and urgency urinary incontinence association with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in a relatively young adult male population.

AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence of Overactive Bladder (OAB) and Urgency Urinary Incontinence (UUI) in males with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) using the OSAS grading system. METHODS: A total of 194 patients who underwent Polysomnography (PSG) were included in our prospective cross sectional study. Patients were divided into four groups according to Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). Group 1, 35 patients with normal AHI (<5) as a control group; Group 2, 47 patients with mild OSAS (AHI ≥5 and <15); Group 3, 51 patients with moderate OSAS (AHI ≥15 and <30); Group 4, 61 patients with severe OSAS (AHI ≥30). Over Active Bladder (OAB-V8), ICIQ-SF, and IPSS questionnaires were filled out for all patients. Prevalence of OAB, UUI, nocturia, and scores of OAB-V8, ICIQ-SF, IPSS were compared between the study groups. The statistical analysis was adjusted by the demographics of age and BMI. RESULTS: The mean age was 44.6 ± 11.2 years, and the mean BMI was 29.9 ± 4.9 within the whole study group, and both were statistically different between the groups. The scores of OAB-V8 (P = 0.298), ICIQ-SF (P = 0.392), IPSS total, IPSS storage, and IPSS voiding (P = 0.268, P = 0.380, P = 0.167, respectively), the prevalence of OAB (P = 0.078), UUI (P = 0.423), and nocturia (P = 0.096) were not statistically different between the study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that there is no increase in prevalence of OAB and UUI in relatively young adult male with OSAS. Furthermore, analysis revealed that the higher OSAS grade does not mean the higher prevalence of OAB.

The effects of stress incontinence surgery on sexual function and life quality of women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Transobturator tape (TOT) and Burch colposuspension procedure's effects on sexual functions and life quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 81 patients who underwent TOT (n = 49) or Burch (n = 32) with stress incontinence were included in this prospective study. Preoperatively and at postoperative 6 month follow up pad and stress tests, physical examinations, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) questionnaires were performed. Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questionnare was added postoperatively. RESULTS: According to stress test, success rate was found to be 69% and 45%, in the TOT and Burch groups respectively. Pad test decreased in both groups (p < 0.05). PGI-I scores was higher in the TOT group when compared to Burch group (p = 0.031). ICIQ-SF scores were improved in both TOT (p < 0.0001) and Burch groups (p < 0.012). IUDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores improved only in TOT group. Total FSFI scores did not change in both groups but only in TOT group sexual desire improved. Total FSFI scores did not change in patients that were successful and unsuccessful according to the stress test in both TOT and Burch groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TOT and Burch procedures have no effect on the sexual functions. However TOT improved life quality of patients.

Hyperoxaluria-induced tubular ischemia: the effects of verapamil on the antioxidant capacity of the affected kidneys.

To evaluate the potential protective effects of a calcium channel blocker (Verapamil) on the oxidative stress related changes with an emphasis on the antioxidant capacity of the kidneys an experimental study in rats was performed. A total of 44 rats have been included. Hyperoxaluria was induced in Group 1 by continuous administration of ethylene glycol (EG). Animals in Group 2 received Verapamil in addition to EG. Animals in Group 3 constituted the control group. In addition to the evaluation of tissue and serum levels of three scavenging enzymes, NO, MDA and T-AOC; the presence and degree of crystal formation in renal parenchyma were evaluated in all animals after 7 and 28 days. Our data demonstrated that in addition to the lower level of all three scavenging enzymes (SOD, CAT and GSH) particularly during late phase evaluation (4 weeks); the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of these kidneys were also higher when compared with the animals receiving EG only. Tissue and serum levels of both NO and MDA indicated the preventive effect of Verapamil on the oxidative stress induced changes. Very limited or no crystallization in the kidneys treated with verapamil during early and late phase examination was observed when compared with considerable crystal formation in Group 2 animals. Verapamil treatment may preserve the oxidant capacity of the kidneys and subsequently limit the crystal deposition induced by hyperoxaluria. Verapamil could therefore be considered in the management of kidney stone formation particularly in cases with recurrent kidney stone disease.

Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Ureteral Stones: Evaluation of Patient and Stone Related Predictive Factors.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the patient and stone related factors which may influence the final outcome of SWL in the management of ureteral stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2011 and October 2013, a total of 204 adult patients undergoing SWL for single ureteral stone sizing 5 to 15 mm were included into the study program. The impact of both patient (age, sex, BMI,) and stone related factors (laterality, location, longest diameter and density as CT HU) along with BUN and lastly SSD (skin to stone distance) on fragmentation were analysed by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Stone free rates for proximal and distal ureteral stones were 68.8% and 72.7%, respectively with no statistically significant difference between two groups (p=0.7). According to univariate and multivariate analyses, while higher BMI (mean: 26.8 and 28.1, p=0.048) and stone density values (mean: 702 HU and 930 HU, p < 0.0001) were detected as statistically significant independent predictors of treatment failure for proximal ureteral stones, the only statistically significant predicting parameter for the success rates of SWL in distal ureteral stones was the higher SSD value (median: 114 and 90, p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings have clearly shown that while higher BMI and increased stone attenuation values detected by NCCT were significant factors influencing the final outcome of SWL treatment in proximal ureteral stones; opposite to the literature, high SSD was the only independent predictor of success for the SWL treatment of distal ureteral stones.

Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Ureteral Stones: Evaluation of Patient and Stone Related Predictive Factors

ABSTRACTPurpose:To evaluate the patient and stone related factors which may influence the final outcome of SWL in the management of ureteral stones.Materials and Methods:Between October 2011 and October 2013, a total of 204 adult patients undergoing SWL for single ureteral stone sizing 5 to 15 mm were included into the study program. The impact of both patient (age, sex, BMI,) and stone related factors (laterality, location, longest diameter and density as CT HU) along with BUN and lastly SSD (skin to stone distance) on fragmentation were analysed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Stone free rates for proximal and distal ureteral stones were 68.8% and 72.7%, respectively with no statistically significant difference between two groups (p=0.7). According to univariate and multivariate analyses, while higher BMI (mean: 26.8 and 28.1, p=0.048) and stone density values (mean: 702 HU and 930 HU, p<0.0001) were detected as statistically significant independent predictors of treatment failure for proximal ureteral stones, the only statistically significant predicting parameter for the success rates of SWL in distal ureteral stones was the higher SSD value (median: 114 and 90, p=0.012).Conclusions:Our findings have clearly shown that while higher BMI and increased stone attenuation values detected by NCCT were significant factors influencing the final outcome of SWL treatment in proximal ureteral stones; opposite to the literature, high SSD was the only independent predictor of success for the SWL treatment of distal ureteral stones.

Predictive parameters for medical expulsive therapy in ureteral stones: a critical evaluation.

To evaluate the predictive value of some certain radiological as well as stone-related parameters for medical expulsive therapy (MET) success with an alpha blocker in ureteral stones. A total 129 patients receiving MET for 5 to 10 mm ureteral stones were evaluated. Patients were divided into two subgroups where MET was successful in 64 cases (49.61%) and unsuccessful in 65 cases (50.39%). Prior to management, stone size, location, position in the ureter, degree of hydronephrosis, diameter of ureteral lumen proximal to the stone, ureteral wall thickness along with patient's demographics including body mass index (BMI) values were evaluated and recorded. The possible predictive values of these parameters for stone expulsion (and stone expulsion time) were evaluated in a comparative manner between two groups. The overall mean patient age and stone size values were 38.02 ± 0.94 years and 40.31 ± 1.13 mm(2), respectively. Regarding the predictive values of these parameters for MET-success, while stone size and localization, degree of hydronephrosis, proximal ureteral diameter and ureteral wall thickness were found to be highly predictive for MET-success, patients age, BMI values and stone density had no predictive value on this aspect. Our findings indicated that some stone and anatomical factors may be used to predict the success of MET in an effective manner. With this approach unnecessary use of these drugs that may cause a delay for stone removal will be avoided and the possible adverse effects of obstruction as well as stone-related clinical symptoms could be minimized.

Contemporary Management of Medium-Sized (10-20 mm) Renal Stones: A Retrospective Multicenter Observational Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate contemporary management approaches to medium-sized (10-20 mm) renal stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 935 patients treated for medium-sized renal stones (10-20 mm) between July 2012 and March 2014 were included in the study program. Contemporary minimally invasive approaches applied in the management of such stones were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 561 male (60%) and 374 female (40%) patients. Of the 935 patients with medium-sized renal calculi, 535 (57.2%) were treated with shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), 201 (21.4%) with retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), 110 (11.7%) with minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (miniperc), and the remaining 89 (11.7%) patients with micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy (microperc). In the SWL group, stones were located mostly in the pelvis (51%), while in the miniperc and microperc groups, they were located mainly in the lower pole (46%, 53%, respectively). Stone-free rates after a single session were 77.2%, 86.1%, 88.8%, and 83.6% in the SWL, RIRS, microperc, and miniperc groups, respectively. Although no serious complications (above Clavien level III) were noted in any of the groups evaluated, Clavien I to II complications were common in the miniperc group. CONCLUSION: Although SWL is the preferred treatment option for patients with medium-sized (10-20 mm) renal stones, endourologic methods also have been found to have a significant role. Relatively lower complication rates along with higher stone-free status observed with the RIRS technique compared with percutaneous approaches have made this method a valuable option in the management of such stones in recent years.

Ureteral wall thickness at the impacted ureteral stone site: a critical predictor for success rates after SWL.

The aim of the study was to determine the possible predictive value of certain patient- and stone-related factors on the stone-free rates and auxiliary procedures after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in patients with impacted proximal ureteral calculi. A total of 111 patients (86 male, 25 females M/F: 3.44/1) with impacted proximal ureteral stones treated with shock wave lithotripsy were evaluated. Cases were retrieved from a departmental shock wave lithotripsy database. Variables analyzed included BMI of the case, diameter of proximal ureter and renal pelvis, stone size and Hounsfield unit, ureteral wall thickness at the impacted stone site. Stone-free status on follow-up imaging at 3 months was considered a successful outcome. All patients had a single impacted proximal ureteral stone. While the mean age of the cases was 46 ± 13 years (range 26-79 years), mean stone size was 8.95 mm (5.3-15.1 mm). Following shock wave lithotripsy although 87 patients (78.4%) were completely stone-free at 3-month follow-up visit, 24 (21.6%) cases had residual fragments requiring further repeat procedures. Prediction of the final outcome of SWL in patients with impacted proximal ureteral stones is a challenging issue and our data did clearly indicate a highly significant relationship between ureteral wall thickness and the success rates of shock wave lithotripsy particularly in cases requiring additional procedures. Of all the evaluated stone- and patient-related factors, only ureteral wall thickness at the impacted stone site independently predicted shock wave lithotripsy success.

How do the residual fragments after SWL affect the health-related quality of life? A critical analysis in a size-based manner.

This study aimed at evaluating the possible effects of residual fragments (RF) after shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) on the health-related quality of life (QOL) of the patients on a size-related basis. Eighty six patients with RF after SWL were divided into three groups: Group 1 (n:30 with fragments ≤ 2 mm), Group 2 (n:21 2-≤ 4 mm) and Group 3 (n:35 > 4 mm). During a 3-month follow-up, spontaneous passage rates, emergency department visits, mean analgesic required, additional procedures and the QOL were all evaluated. QOL was evaluated using the Short Form-36 survey. Of the 30 patients with fragments ≤ 2 mm all cases passed the fragments spontaneously. Of the 21 cases with fragments 2-≤ 4, however, 76% were stone free. Last, of the 35 cases with fragments >4 mm, 52% passed them spontaneously in 3 months. While no patient with fragments ≤ 2 mm required emergency department visit, 19% of the cases with fragments 2-≤ 4 mm and 51.4 % with fragments >4 mm did require this visit. Mean analgesic need (mg) values were higher in cases with larger fragments. Evaluation of the QOL score data in a subgroup comparison base showed that cases with larger fragments had prominently lower scores during both 1- and 3-month evaluation. RF after SWL could pose an impact on the QOL of the cases in a size-related basis. While fragments ≤ 2 mm had nearly no impact on this aspect larger fragments could significantly affect the QOL.

Does extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy cause hearing impairment in children?

PURPOSE: We evaluated the possible effects of noise created by high energy shock waves on the hearing function of children treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 65 children with normal hearing function were included in the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups, ie those becoming stone-free after 1 session of shock wave lithotripsy (group 1, 22 children), those requiring 3 sessions to achieve stone-free status (group 2, 21) and healthy children/controls (group 3, 22). Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was applied with patients in the supine position with a 90-minute frequency and a total of 2,000 shock waves in each session (Compact Sigma, Dornier MedTech, Wessling, Germany). Second energy level was used with a maximum energy value of 58 joules per session in all patients. Hearing function and possible cochlear impairment were evaluated by transient evoked otoacoustic emissions test at 1.0, 1.4, 2.0, 2.8 and 4.0 kHz frequencies before the procedure, 2 hours later, and 1 month after completion of the first shock wave lithotripsy session in groups 1 and 2. In controls the same evaluation procedures were performed at the beginning of the study and 7 weeks later. RESULTS: Regarding transient evoked otoacoustic emissions data, in groups 1 and 2 there was no significant alteration in values obtained after shock wave lithotripsy compared to values obtained at the beginning of the study, similar to controls. CONCLUSIONS: A well planned shock wave lithotripsy procedure is a safe and effective treatment in children with urinary stones and causes no detectable harmful effect on hearing function.

A rare cause of renal colic pain: Chilaiditi syndrome.

Chilaiditi syndrome, first described in 1910 by the radiologist Chilaiditi from Vienna, is the interposition of right colon between liver and right hemi diaphragm. It occurs most often in males and its incidence increases with age. It is often detected incidentally during radiological examination. It's rarely symptomatic; symptoms can differ from mild abdominal pain to severe acute intestinal obstruction. Our case applied to emergency service with right flank pain. There was no calculus or dilatation in the urinary system at non-contrast abdominopelvic computerized tomography. Ascending colon was interposed between liver and diaphragm so that the patient was diagnosed as Chiliaditi syndrome. The patient was treated conservatively and discharged with dietary suggestions by the gastroenterology consultant. The conclusion of this report is that the Chilaiditi syndrome must be considered in differential diagnosis for patients presenting with urinary colic pain symptoms with no urinary pathology on radiologic imaging.