[Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in patients after transurethral resection of the prostate].

Performing a radical treatment of prostate cancer in patients with a history of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a serious task even for an experienced surgeon, due to the anatomical and topographic changes that occur after endoscopic surgery. The technical possibilities of robotic technologies have great potential for obtaining the best treatment results for this category of patients. In order to review the intra- and postoperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients with a history of PCa and TURP, we selected relevant publications in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for the period from 2008 to 2022. Based on the analysis of publications, there is no definite opinion on the efficacy and safety of RARP in patients after TURP compared with patients without a history of TURP. However, an experienced robotic surgeon with an appropriate level of expertise should perform surgical treatment of patients with a history of TURP. It has been shown that the choice of surgical approach when performing radical prostatectomy does not have a significant impact on treatment outcomes. At the same time, before performing radical treatment of prostate cancer in this category of patients, it is necessary to inform them about the possibly worse oncological and functional results of the operation.

[Outpatient treatment and quality of life of patients with interstitial cystitis and Hunners lesion: cohort cross-sectional study].

AIM: To assess the quality of life of patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) and to study effective options used to control symptoms on outpatient basis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of a descriptive prospective cross-sectional cohort study are presented. The medical charts of patients who were treated in the City Clinical Hospital named after Spasokukotsky from 2021 to 2023 were analyzed. Eighty inpatient medical charts of various patients with a final diagnosis of IC with Hunner's lesion were identified. Only 53 patients were interviewed due to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Respondents were asked to complete a survey consisting of 15 questions. The survey was carried out online for patients who did not require surgical treatment at the time of the study, and offline for patients admitted for repeated surgical treatment. RESULTS: The average age of respondents was 59.011.1 years. 58% (31) of patients noted the presence of constant pain in the pelvic area during the day, while 85% (45) of patients reported pain outside the bladder area, in the urethra and perineum. The intensity of pain in the pelvic area was 4.9 (2.3-5.6) points. Higher pain scores 6.24 (5.8-9.0) were observed in 47% (25) of patients admitted for repeat surgical treatment. 62% (33) of patients had a titer of bacteria in a urine test above 104, while 51% (27) of patients experienced relief of symptoms after taking antibacterial drugs. For the treatment and symptomatic relief, the following are most often used: pentosan sodium polysulfate (26%, n=14), antibacterial drugs of the nitrofuran group (25%, n=13), amitriptyline (15%, n=8), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (11%, n=6) patients. 23% (12) of respondents received intravesical therapy. The time from the onset of symptoms to the final diagnosis was 48 (24-96) months. CONCLUSIONS: Although infection is a criterion for excluding the diagnosis of IC, more than 62% of patients have positive urine culture. The results obtained indicate the need to improve existing approaches to the diagnosis of IC, as well as to develop treatment algorithms for painful bladder syndrome to control symptoms.

[Evaluation of long-term results of using the drug Fertiwell: impact on the likelihood of conception and pregnancy outcome].

INTRODUCTION: Current methods of treating male infertility have limited efficiency, since they are aimed to individual stages of the pathogenesis. Preparations based on testicular regulatory polypeptides are the most physiological and universal, owing to a complex effect on the self-regulation of testicular tissue. AIM: To study the delayed efficiency and safety of therapy with Fertiwell in patients with pathospermia and to assess the frequency of conception and pregnancy outcome in their partners based on the collection, analysis and interpretation of medical data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A telephone survey of patients participating in the phase III clinical trial was carried out. The fact of conception in a couple was assessed over a period of 1 to 9 months after completion of therapy, as well as time from completion of the course to conception, pregnancy outcomes, newborn health outcomes. RESULTS: In the period from 1 to 9 months after completion of therapy, pregnancy occurred in 17 out of 34 couples (50%) in the Fertiwell group and in 13 out of 42 couples (30.95%) in the placebo group. This difference was statistically and clinically significant (p<0.05). All pregnancies resulted in a live birth. The median time from completion of the course to conception was 4 months in Fertiwell group and 6 months in the placebo group. There were no significant differences in anthropometric parameters of newborns between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: When using the drug Fertiwell, pregnancy and live birth rate was significantly higher (2.23 times) compared to the control group. There was a trend toward earlier pregnancies in partners of men receiving Fertiwell. Thus, this drug can be recommended for the treatment of men with idiopathic infertility as monotherapy, as well as in combination with assisted reproductive technologies.

[Robot-assisted prostatectomy for PT3. Oncological and functional outcomes].

In 2020, prostate cancer (PCa) ranked third in the structure of the most significant oncological diseases. In the Russian Federation, in terms of the frequency of detection among men, prostate cancer is second only to tumors of the upper respiratory tract and lungs, accounting for 14.9%. Radical prostatectomy (RP) in various modifications is still the most common treatment for localized prostate cancer, despite the existence of alternatives such as active surveillance, hormonal and radiation therapy, cryoablation, and others. And the technological pinnacle of the surgical treatment of prostate cancer at the moment is robot-assisted prostatectomy, the widespread use of which was marked by the publication of J. Binder back in 2002. This technology combined the advantages of minimally invasive laparoscopic RP with improved surgeon ergonomics and technical ease of vesicourethral anastomosis reconstruction and has now become the preferred minimally invasive approach. This article will consider the use of a robot-assisted technique in the stage of T3 prostate cancer.

[Optimization of prevention of infectious complications during prostate biopsy].

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignant neoplasms in middle-aged and elderly men. Transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy is the standard method for diagnosing prostate cancer but is associated with a high incidence of infectious compli-cations. A review of the literature on optimizing the prevention of infectious complications when performing transrectal prostate biopsy is presented. The main risk factors and the common measures to prevent the development of complications are discussed, including a study of using fosfomycin trometamol as the preferred drug for antibacterial prophylaxis. Fosfomycin meets the requirements for empirical prophylaxis, but further clinical studies are needed.

[Language, cultural adaptation and validation of the OABSS (Overactive Bladder Symptom Score) questionnaire in patients with overactive bladder].

AIM: To perform language and cultural adaptation and validation of the OABSS (Overactive Bladder Symptom Score) questionnaire among patients with overactive bladder (OAB), proposed as an effective tool for assessing the severity of symptoms and the efficiency of treatment in clinics of the Russian Federation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In accordance with the protocols for carrying out such studies, the procedure of standardized forward-backward translation of the OABSS questionnaire was performed. Further, the intermediate Russian-language version was applied to 15 patients with subsequent correction of deficiencies and approval of the final Russian-language version of the questionnaire. In total, the study group included 176 patients of both sexes with OAB symptoms who filled out the questionnaire twice (test-retest) with an interval of 10-14 days. RESULTS: Based on the statistical analysis (Cronbach's alpha = 0.961), there was a significant degree of internal consistency of the sample. This fact is also supported by the very high retest reliability of the questionnaire (ICC >0.9). CONCLUSION: Our data showed that the Russian version of the OABSS questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for subjective assessment of the severity of OAB symptoms.

[Current state of metaphylaxis of urinary stones in Russian Federation].

INTRODUCTION: Urolithiasis is one of the most common urological diseases in adults. Increased life expectancy of the population in developed countries, make urolithiasis topical issue and requires close attention. Due to the high risk of recurrent stone formation causing repeated surgical interventions, the issue of effective urinary stone metaphylaxis is very important today. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To study the current state of the problem of urolithiasis metaphylaxis among Russian urologists, an anonymous questionnaire was applied. A 25-question questionnaire was sent to e-mail to more than 4,000 Russian urologists. A total of 1,238 specialists completed the questionnaire. The database compiled from the received responses was processed and presented with descriptive statistics in the form of tables and charts. RESULTS: According to the survey, more than half of the 831 (67.1%) specialists specialized in the treatment of urolithiasis. It was noted that 626 (86%) inpatient urologists and 205 (40%) outpatient urologists specialized in the treatment of urolithiasis. Only 521 (69.6%) urologists specializing in surgical treatment of urolithiasis give a patient a stone fragment to analyze its chemical composition. At the same time, half of the respondents reported that less than 10% of patients come to them for further metaphylaxis. One of the main reasons for not analyzing the chemical composition of the stone was the fact that 877 (70,84%) specialists indicated the inaccessibility of analysis under the state guarantee program, 503 (40,63%) specialists indicated the patients satisfaction with the results of minimally invasive surgical treatment and lack of sufficient motivation for further examinations. At the same time, less than 3% of specialists can perform stone analysis within the framework of the state guaranty program. 1180 (96,8%) respondents practiced the prophylaxis of recurrent calculi formation, but only 336 (28,47%) performed comprehensive metabolic examination of all patients followed by prescription of drug therapy and appropriate diet. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey revealed low involvement of urologists at the outpatient level in the process of conservative treatment and metaphylaxis of urolithiasis, low activity of urologists in performing complex metabolic study and comprehensive prevention of recurrent stone formation, low percentage of performing chemical composition analysis of stone and low activity of urologists in performing primary litholytic therapy of urate stones. Based on this analysis of the responses of most Russian urologists, it is possible to formulate recommendations to remove the obstacles to providing patients with urolithiasis with quality medical care in terms of conservative therapy and metaphylaxis of urolithiasis.

[Functional phimosis: prevalence, diagnosis and treatment in outpatient practice].

AIM: To study the prevalence of functional phimosis determined during erection in patients over 18 years of age, as well as the features of its diagnosis and treatment in outpatient practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study that included 201 patients who underwent circumcision at a mean age of 42.7 years, was carried out. Complaints, history, initial examination and autophotography of the penis during erection were evaluated. The subjects were divided into 2 groups. The group I (n=38) included patients complaining of the inability to reveal the glans penis during erection, while in group II (n=163) men with similar complaints in a f laccid state of the penis were included. All patients underwent circumcision under local anesthesia. RESULTS: The proportion of functional phimosis was 18.9%. The mean age in groups I and II was significantly different (29.47+/-8.82 and 45.6+/-19.4 years, respectively, p<0.01). In 14 (36.8%) patients of group I, a short frenulum was also diagnosed. Primary phimosis was detected in 26.3% and 14.1% of patients in groups I and II (p<0.05), respectively. The acquired phimosis was diagnosed in 73.7% and 85.9% (p<0.05) of cases, respectively. There were no concomitant diseases in patients with "functional" phimosis, while in men with "pathological" phimosis, 22.7% of patients had various comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, hypertension, etc. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients who visit a urologist with a diagnosis of phimosis, almost every fifth man has functional form (18.9%). For the diagnosis of the phimosis, the history taking and autophotography of the penis during erection have an important role. In this category of patients, surgical treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis.

[Protective properties of urothelium and possibilities of targeted pathogenetic therapy of chronic pelvic pain: sodium pentosan polysulfate].

The review article is devoted to the possibilities of using targeted therapy for urothelial diseases, namely painful bladder syndrome (BPS). The protective structural components of the bladder mucosa, as well as their chemical features, are described in detail. Pentosanpolysulfate (PPS), being an oral heparinoid, can be used as part of pathogenetic therapy to restore the mucous membrane of the bladder. The efficacy and safety of this drug has been proven by us in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. An additional assessment of the effectiveness and safety of the use of PPS in BPS was confirmed as part of our systematic review and meta-analysis. Thus, PPS is a pathogenetically sound tool in the treatment of patients with painful bladder syndrome.

[Biofilm control in urological practice].

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) have long been among the most common diseases. In the structure of the general infectious morbidity, UTIs rank second after acute respiratory viral infection. Every year, researchers note an increasing number of mutations in the genomes of bacteria that cause infectious diseases, which leads to the formation of more and more aggressive forms of pathogens. Patients with infectious diseases of the urinary system have the highest risk of biofilm formation, the frequency of which is directly proportional to the length of time the urethral catheter is located and accounts for more than half of all nosocomial infections. The presence of resistant strains of pathogenic bacteria and the development of bacterial biofilms are major problems in the treatment of urinary tract infections. The increasing number of nosocomial bacterial strains in the hospital increases the postoperative bed-day, the frequency of readmission and the number of antibacterial drugs used. In light of increasing antibacterial resistance, the use of medical resources is dramatically increasing, which ultimately leads to an increase in the cost of treatment. Along with this, the selection of resistant strains brings to the fore both the rational use of antibacterial drugs and the search for alternative methods of therapy. This review of publications on the problem of bacterial biofilm formation in urological practice demonstrates updated information on the role of enzymes, probiotics, and bacteriophages in preventing biofilm formation on various medical biomaterials, such as urethral catheters.

[The influence of alfuzosin monotherapy on the sexual function of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia in real clinical practice (results of a Russian multicenter study)].

INTRODUCTION: The current armamentarium of drugs for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is diverse and includes both monotherapy and combination therapy. Indirect and limited direct comparisons have demonstrated that all alpha-1-blockers (a1-ABs) have similar efficacy when used at appropriate doses. Differences in tropism to the prostate of modern 1-ABs are largely responsible for the severity of their side effects, mainly negative influence on sexual function and cardiovascular system. AIM: To evaluate the influence of Alfuprost MR 10 mg once daily on sexual function in patients with LUTS due to BPH during 3-months therapy in real clinical practice. The secondary endpoint was an effect on systolic, diastolic blood pressure (BP) and heart rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 537 men with LUTS/BPH were included in the study by urologists from 21 outpatient departments of the Russian Federation. The follow-up included 3 visits: visit of inclusion in the program of patients with a previously prescribed drug of Alfuprost MR in a dosage of 10 mg once a day (visit "0"), visit 1 at 30 days (+/-5 days) later, and visit 2 at 90 days (+/-5 days) after inclusion in the study. At each visit, evaluation of complaints and physical examination was performed. In addition, patients completed questionnaires: International prostate symptom score (IPSS) and quality of life (QoL) index; the full version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire; the Likert scale for the patient and for the physician. Also, laboratory and instrumental studies used in routine clinical practice were recorded: total prostate specific antigen (PSA) in serum; ultrasound examination (US) of the bladder; transrectal ultrasound examination (TRUS) of the prostate; uroflowmetry (maximum urine flow rate (Qmax)); measurement of systolic and diastolic BP; measurement of heart rate. RESULTS: after 3 months of therapy with Alfuprost MR in a dosage of 10 mg once a day, significant (p<0.05) improvement of all urodynamic parameters was documented, including a decrease in the average IPSS score by 55% and improvement of quality of life by 2.46 points (on the QoL index); increase of Qmax by 53%; reduction of the average postvoid residual to normal values. In addition to a significant improvement in the quality of urination, changes in sexual function were also positive. Thus, the average total IIEF score increased significantly (p<0,05) from 45.35 to 53.18 points. When considering specific domains of male sexual function, positive dynamics in all domains was noted: overall improvement of orgasm function, sexual desire, sexual satisfaction and overall sexual functioning was 11.98%, 15.14%, 19.7% and 18.46%, respectively. Hemodynamic indices remained stable during the 3-month follow-up; only clinically insignificant decrease in systolic BP by no more than 2 mm Hg during the entire follow-up period was observed. At the same time there was no influence on diastolic BP. Changes in heart rate were also clinically insignificant, averaging no more than 1 beat per minute. CONCLUSIONS: The results of observational study allow to recommend Alfuprost MR as a first-line therapy for BPH, including for sexually active men and patients with various types of sexual dysfunction. Considering minimal and clinically insignificant vasodilatory effects observed during 3 months of therapy, it is possible to prescribe Alfuprost MR in a dosage of 10 mg once daily, including comorbid patients.

[Assessment of the safety and efficacy of medicinal product PPR-001 based on regulatory polypeptides of the testes].

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of the drug PPR-001 (lyophilizate) in comparison with placebo in men with impaired spermatogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective, multicenter, parallel-group research. RESULTS: It was found that the drug has clinical efficacy and a positive effect on the concentration of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, the percentage of progressively mobile forms and the number of morphologically normal forms of spermatozoa was increased in the group of PPR-001. The primary end point was defined as a proportion of patients who had a therapeutic response (TO) at Visit 3. TO meant at least 20% increase in the concentration and/or progressive motility of spermatozoa compared to the baseline level. The hypothesis of Superiority of PPR-001 over placebo based on primary end point was confirmed (the limit of Superiority was more than 27%). In total, AEs were identified in 65 patients out of 100 (34 patients in the PPR-001 group and 31 patients in the placebo group). When assessing the number of patients who had AEs, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. All identified AEs were of mild severity; during the study. No negative dynamics was found according to the results of the assessment of vital functions, biochemical and clinical blood tests, clinical urinalysis, ECG indicators. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated the superiority of PPR-001 over placebo in terms of increasing concentration and motility of spermatozoa in the ejaculate. A significant increase in the number of morphologically normal forms of spermatozoa in the PPR-001 group was also revealed.

[Andrological aspects of new coronavirus infection Covid-19].

COVID-19 is a new highly contagious infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2. The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, has declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. More attention is currently paid to the fact that men are more at risk for worse outcomes. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 can infect the testes, potentially affecting testosterone production, as well as having a negative influence on the reproductive potential. Our aim was to review the current concepts of the possible influence of testosterone levels on the pathogenesis of COVID-19 in men and to present the available data on the impact of COVID-19 on the structure and function of the testis. Based on the analysis of 72 articles using the MEDLINE database (PubMed), it can be concluded that testosterone is involved in the co-regulation of the synthesis of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 and transmembrane serine protease-2, facilitating the penetration of SARS-CoV-2 into target cells and promoting easier infection in men. On the other hand, low testosterone levels increase the risk of cardiopulmonary complications. Hypogonadism appears to be an important unfavorable prognostic factor for the disease. Orchitis is a reported complication of COVID-19. Damage to testicular tissue is possible due to direct invasion by a virus, a secondary autoimmune reaction, hyperthermia and thrombosis of testicular microvessels. Prophylaxis of possible vertical and sexual transmission of infection is recommended. Despite the available data, further studies are required to assess the definite role of androgens in the course of infection and the influence of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproductive potential.

[Sperm retrieval techniques in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia].

Patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), which accounts for up to 10-15% of all cases of male infertility, until recently could only become parents using donor sperm or through adoption. Modern technical capabilities of sperm extraction in combination with the use of assisted reproductive technologies, make it possible to effectively overcome infertility in this group of patients. A number of highly effective techniques have been proposed for spermatozoa retrieval. However, surgical intervention is associated with certain risks, and therefore, the choice of the optimal treatment method is under discussion. A total of 52 articles were analyzed using the MEDLINE database (PubMed) to form an overview of the current principles of examination and preparation of a patient with NOA for the surgical sperm retrieval. This review is dedicated to the role of diagnostic testicular biopsy. In addition, a comparative information on the efficacy and safety of percutaneous, fine-needle aspiration, open multifocal and microdissection (micro-TESE) testicular biopsies is presented. Of the currently available sperm retrieval techniques in the urologic armamentarium, micro-TESE seems to be both the most effective and the safest. Micro-TESE can be a cumbersome procedure, however, it provides successful treatment in situations previously associated with zero chance of pregnancy.

[Diagnostic nomograms for the treatment of urogenital fistula].

AIM: Studies on non-obstetric urogenital fistula provide limited information on predictive factors. The aim of our study was to specify and to analyze the predictors for long-term anatomical and functional results in women with non-obstetric urogenital fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-section study of surgical repair for non-obstetric urogenital fistula repairs was carried out. From 2012 to 2018, a total of 446 patients with urogenital fistulas were treated in two tertiary centers. Patients with vesicovaginal and urethrovaginal fistulas with at least 12 months of follow-up were identified and contacted by phone and/or examined in the clinic. Anatomical outcome was assessed by resolution of symptoms and/or results of clinical examination. Urinary distress inventory (UDI-6) was used for the measurement of functional outcomes. The nomogram is based on a multiple regression equation, the solution of which is performed using a computer. The nomogram is presented as a set of scales, each of which corresponds to a certain variable. The baseline parameter is assigned certain points, depending on its value, then the sum of all parameters is calculated. As a result, it is possible to determine the risk using a couple or three scales. RESULTS: Overall, 169 patients were studied (mean age of 49.2, mean follow-up of 34 months). The most common cause of fistulas included hysterectomy (69.4%), followed by pelvic radiotherapy (18.9%). Only 64% of cases were primary fistula. Closure rate was 90.7% (98/108). Anatomical success depended on the surgical approach. For transvesical procedure, success rate was 89.4% (42/47), compared to 84% (89/106) and 87.5% (14/16), respectively for transvaginal and transabdominal success rate. According to Clavien-Dindo, complications were grade 1 (11.8%) and grade 2 (4.7%). As UDI-6 showed, the most common symptoms were frequency (62%), urgency (50%), incontinence (73%), pain (55%) and voiding symptoms (27%). Fistula size > 3.0 cm, pelvic radiation, and previous vaginal surgeries were associated with a higher risk of failure or more severe lower urinary tract symptoms. A high number of re-do cases and complex fistulas could be a limitation of this study. Factors for successful non-obstetric urogenital fistula closure were fistula size less than 3.0 cm, absence of pelvic radiation, and previous vaginal surgeries. CONCLUSION: According to our results, only fistula size > 3 cm, previous vaginal procedures and pelvis irradiation were unfavorable predictors for anatomic success of fistula repair. In addition, our results allow to determine the predictors for successful repair and risk of recurrence lower urinary tract symptoms postoperatively.

[Acute kidney injury in COVID-19: clinical and morphological comparisons based on autopsy data].

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly throughout the world, causing high morbidity and mortality. Analysis of clinical and autopsy data may allow to understand this disease. The results of pulmonary and renal autopsies in 37 deceased patients from COVID-19 are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An autopsy was performed in Moscow in 37 deceased patients aged from 28 to 94 years. The microscopic features of the lungs and kidneys were examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS: Important findings include diffuse alveolar injury, pulmonary thrombosis and microangiopathy, as well as acute kidney injury in all cases, varying in severity. CONCLUSIONS: We report the presence of acute kidney injury in all cases, which requires correction of renal function in patients with SARS-CoV-2, with control of serum creatinine levels, urine volume, proteinuria and hematuria.

[Systematic review of current russian-language literature on urogenital fistulas in women].

Urogenital fistulas in women are an urgent problem in modern urology, gynecology and surgery. Several decades earlier, iatrogenic damage was the main reason for their development. The aim of this review was to analyze the etiology, characteristics and results of treatment of fistulas in women in Russia and the CIS countries. A systematic analysis of the articles in the PubMed and eLibrary databases dedicated to etiology, treatment technique and postoperative results of treatment of urogenital fistulas in women was carried out. The results were compared with European data. A total of 16 articles were selected over a 20-year period that met the inclusion criteria. Iatrogenic injury resulted in the fistula formation in 40.54% (373/920) of cases. The majority of fistulas were caused by radiation therapy (58.91%, 542/920). According to the results, 84.02% (773/920) of fistulas were successfully healed. Cure rate of patients with post-radiation fistulas was 75.83% (411/542). Comparison of surgical techniques was difficult, since in most cases the preference of the surgeon was main determinant factor.

[Alpha1-adrenergic blockers therapy and sexual function].

An increase in life expectancy and the number of older and elderly men, an improvement in the quality of medical care and socio-economic factors in most countries contributed to an increase in the number of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Currently, improvement of the quality of life is the mainstay of strategy for managing patients with BPH, as well as prevention of complications and the need for surgery. In this regard, the pharmacotherapy with 1-adrenergic blockers (1-AB) is widely used as an effective method for improving lower urinary tract symptoms and reducing the risk of BPH progression. Given that the quality of life is becoming increasingly important in evaluating the efficiency of BPH treatment, including therapy in elderly patients, it is necessary to take into account its effect on sexual function, when choosing a particular drug. The use of 1-AB can be accompanied by side effects manifested by various sexual disorders. Alfuzosin does not adversely affect sexual function in men with BPH, may improve erectile and ejaculatory function and should be considered as the drug of choice, especially in sexually active men and patients who already suffer from worsening ejaculatory function while using another 1-AB.

[ORGANIZATION OF MEDICAL CARE FOR ELDERLY PATIENTS UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC].

The first report of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) appeared at the end of December 2019 and in March,2020 the World Health Organization announced COVID-19 a pandemic. The steady number of newly detected cases increase predetermined the modernization of the global healthcare system, shifting the paradigm of fighting with the COVID-19 pandemic towards maximum resource conservation. The change in the medical care provision for infectious patient's approach led first to a gradual decrease, and then to a complete cessation of planned surgical treatment, outpatient examinations, as well as observation of high-risk patients, which primarily include elderly patients. As a result of this, the key objective of this systematic review was to analyze sources of existing practice of providing urological care to patients of the older age group in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with the search for the keywords, the study reflects world and its own experience of MSMSU Urology Department in the treatment of age-related patients in the current epidemiological situation. The analysis showed that infectious complications from the urinary system take a leading position among the common complications inherent in elderly patients with COVID-19. The development of catheter-associated infection, the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant forms of bacteria, asymptomatic bacteriuria are only a small part of the problems clinicians have to face in newly profiled departments.

[A role of varicocele in the development of male infertility and methods of surgical treatment].

Varicocele is the most common and treatable cause of male infertility. Therefore, surgical treatment of varicocele should be recommended for motivated patients and infertile couples who do not have other identified causes of infertility. Varicocelectomy has been proved to improve sperm parameters and improve chances of successful conception in most patients. However, surgical treatment is associated with certain risks, and therefore, the choice of the optimal treatment is under discussion. A total of 78 articles using a search in MEDLINE database (PubMed) were found and included in the review, dedicated to current concepts of functional anatomy of testicular arteries and veins. The current recommendations of professional communities regarding the selection of patients for varicocelectomy are described. The efficiency and safety of various surgical procedures for varicocele is analyzed. This review suggests high inconsistences in the literature. The available information on the indications for surgical treatment, as well as comparative data on the efficiency and safety of the inguinal, laparoscopic and microsurgical sub-inguinal approaches are presented. When urologist faces with a diagnosis of varicocele, individual approach should be applied, with a discussion of both benefits and possible complications of surgical treatment. Of the many existing techniques, microsurgical ligation of dilated veins is the most preferred.