Pre-test anxiety levels and postoperative pain in non-obstructive azoospermic patients: Is klinefelter syndrome a predisposing factor?

INTRODUCTION: Increased depression and anxiety incidence in infertile individuals treated with assisted reproductive techniques have been shown in studies. Postoperative pain perception after testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is thought to be related to preoperative anxiety in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) and twenty male patients with normal karyotype NOA planned for TESE under local anaesthesia due to azoospermia were included in the study. Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T and STAI-S) inventory was given to all patients 1 h before surgery. Postoperative pain evaluation was performed at 0, 30, 60 and 120 min with visual analogue scale (VAS). STAI-T inventory was given to the patients again 2 h after the procedure. RESULTS: Preoperative STAI-S and STAI-T scores and postoperative STAI-T scores of patients in the KS group were higher than those in the NOA group, and there was a significant difference in the statistical analysis between the two groups (p < 0.001). In the postoperative VAS scores, there was no statistical difference at the 0 and 120th min (p = 0.56 and p = 0.87, respectively); at the 30, 60 and 90th min there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups, especially in patients in the KS group (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: The contribution of anxiety to pain perception should be kept in mind in azoospermic male patients before TESE, and additional measures should be taken considering that this may be experienced at a higher level in KS patients.

Erectile function in SRY positive 46,XX males with normal phenotype.

INTRODUCTION: The 46,XX male syndrome is a rare disorder of sex development and has two different forms, depending on the sex-determining region's presence on the Y chromosome (SRY) gene. The SRY positive 46,XX males are usually diagnosed during infertility workup. We evaluated the erectile function of 46,XX SRY positive males and compared it with healthy males. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten patients with azoospermia and 46,XX SRY positive disorder who referred to a urology clinic with infertility were analyzed retrospectively. Controls were chosen from healthy males at similar ages. The physical examination was performed, and serum hormones were obtained at admission. The clinical assessment of erectile dysfunction was evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, serum prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and IIEF scores (P >0.05). In 46,XX males, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were significantly higher, and total testosterone levels and testicular volumes were found to be significantly lower when compared to controls (p <0.001, p <0.05, p <0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that these males' erectile function is similar to those of 46,XY males.

Does mean platelet volume (MPV) have a role in evaluation of erectile dysfunction and its severity? / ¿El volumen plaquetario medio desempeña un papel en la evaluación de la disfunción eréctil y su gravedad?

PURPOSE: The mean platelet volume (MPV) has important role in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases as a marker of the platelet activity. To investigate the association between mean platelet volume and erectile dysfunction (ED) and to search whether this marker can be used for diagnosis of ED. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 312 patients with ED of various degrees, 122 patients without ED (IIEF-5>21) were included in this prospective study. Severity of ED was determined according to IIEF-5 questionnaire. MPV, fasting serum glucose, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and serum testosterone levels are also recorded. The mean platelet volume was calculated by the Coulter counter technique and sexual function was determined by International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain (IIEF-5). RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 58.4 years. The mean MPV value of patients with ED was significantly higher compared to the non-ED patients (8.91 vs. 8.22, p = 0.0001). The severity of ED was shown to have a positive strong correlation with MPV values (r=0.719, p = 0.001). Mean serum triglyceride, glucose, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were noted higher in patients with ED. MPV values were found to be significantly higher in patients with ED. CONCLUSION: MPV level shows significant correlation with severity of ED. This cheap laboratory test can have potential to be a marker of ED. Further prospective larger studies with vascular wall thickness measurements should be conducted

OBJETIVO: El volumen plaquetario medio (VPM) desempeña un papel importante en la fisiopatología de las enfermedades vasculares como marcador de la actividad plaquetaria. El objetivo fue investigar la asociación entre el VPM y la disfunción eréctil (DE), y averiguar si este marcador puede utilizarse para el diagnóstico de la DE. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: De los 312 pacientes con disfunción eréctil de diversos grados, 122 pacientes sin disfunción eréctil (Índice Internacional de la Función Eréctil [IIEF-5]>21) se incluyeron en este estudio prospectivo. La gravedad de la DE se determinó según el cuestionario IIEF-5. También se analizaron el VPM, la glucosa sérica, el colesterol, la lipoproteína de baja densidad (LDL) y los niveles séricos de testosterona. El volumen plaquetario medio se calculó mediante la técnica de contador Coulter y la función sexual se estableció mediante el dominio de la función eréctil del IIEF-5. RESULTADOS: La media de edad de los pacientes fue de 58,4 años. El valor medio del VPM de los pacientes con DE fue considerablemente mayor en comparación con los pacientes sin DE (8,91 frente a 8,22; p = 0,0001). La gravedad de la DE mostró una fuerte correlación positiva con los valores de VPM (r=0,719; p = 0,001). Los niveles séricos de triglicéridos, glucosa, colesterol total y colesterol-LDL fueron más altos en pacientes con DE. Los valores del VPM se encontraron considerablemente mayores en pacientes con DE. CONCLUSIÓN: El nivel del VPM muestra una correlación importante con la gravedad de la DE. Esta prueba de laboratorio barata puede tener el potencial de ser un marcador de DE. Se deben realizar más estudios prospectivos más grandes con mediciones del espesor de la pared vascular

What is the optimum lithotripsy method for high density stones during mini-PNL? Laser, ballistic or combination of both.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is the primary treatment option for renal stones > 20 mm in diameter. Mini-PNL gained popularity with its minimally invasive nature. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of ballistic and laser lithotripsy with the combined use of both techniques. Data of 312 patients underwent mini-PNL for renal stones with Hounsfield Unit > 1000 was investigated retrospectively. We identified 104 patients underwent combined ballistic and laser lithotripsy. Propensity score technique was used to create the laser and ballistic lithotripsy groups. Groups were matched on stone size, stone density, and Guy's stone score. Primary end point of the study was to compare the stone free rate (SFR), complication rates, and duration of surgery. Mean age of the population was 49.4 ± 6.1, stone size was 24.6 ± 6.3 mm, and stone density was 1215 ± 89 HU. The groups were similar for age, stone size, stone density, and Guy's stone score. The SFR and the complication rates of the 3 groups were similar (p = 0.67). The duration of the surgery was shorter in the combined group (46.1 ± 6.3 min) compared to the laser lithotripsy (54.5 ± 6.6 min) and ballistic lithotripsy (57.2 ± 6.9 min) groups. Both laser and ballistic lithotripsy are effective methods for stone fragmentation during mini-PNL. Combined use of both methods has the potential to improve the fragmentation rates and diminish the operative times in case of high density stones.

Does mean platelet volume (MPV) have a role in evaluation of erectile dysfunction and its severity?

PURPOSE: The mean platelet volume (MPV) has important role in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases as a marker of the platelet activity. To investigate the association between mean platelet volume and erectile dysfunction (ED) and to search whether this marker can be used for diagnosis of ED. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 312 patients with ED of various degrees, 122 patients without ED (IIEF-5>21) were included in this prospective study. Severity of ED was determined according to IIEF-5 questionnaire. MPV, fasting serum glucose, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and serum testosterone levels are also recorded. The mean platelet volume was calculated by the Coulter counter technique and sexual function was determined by International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain (IIEF-5). RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 58.4 years. The mean MPV value of patients with ED was significantly higher compared to the non-ED patients (8.91 vs. 8.22, p=0.0001). The severity of ED was shown to have a positive strong correlation with MPV values (r=0.719, p=0.001). Mean serum triglyceride, glucose, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were noted higher in patients with ED. MPV values were found to be significantly higher in patients with ED. CONCLUSION: MPV level shows significant correlation with severity of ED. This cheap laboratory test can have potential to be a marker of ED. Further prospective larger studies with vascular wall thickness measurements should be conducted.

Description of a novel method for renal puncture in supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy and comparison with a previously described method.

OBJECTIVE: The supine position is becoming increasingly popular in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). Renal puncture is the key step for a successful PNL procedure. The aim of this study was to describe a novel method for renal puncture and compare it with a previously described method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 358 patients who underwent PNL in the supine position were collected prospectively. In 165 patients, the puncture was performed by a previously described method (Group 1), and in 193 patients, the puncture was performed with the novel method (Group 2). Groups were compared with regard to total time and fluoroscopy time to successful puncture. In the novel puncture technique, the needle is advanced toward the targeted calyx under monoplane fluoroscopy. To determine the needle depth, the C-arm is rotated by 10°. If the needle projection is beyond the targeted calyx in fluoroscopy, the puncture is deeper than desired. If the needle projection does not reach the targeted calyx, the puncture is more superficial than desired. RESULTS: Groups were similar with regard to the mean age, gender distribution, body mass index, stone size, and site of puncture. The mean total time to puncture was 88.2±25.3 seconds in Group 1 and 54.3±22.3 seconds in Group 2, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.03). The mean fluoroscopy time to puncture was 16.1±5.3 seconds in Group 1 and 9.3±3.4 seconds in Group 2, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: This novel method to determine the depth of the needle is simple, reproducible, and has the potential to diminish radiation exposure with the aid of intermittent fluoroscopy.

DNA fragmentation index and human papilloma virus in males with previous assisted reproductive technology failures.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in semen and document the cycle outcomes in couples with previous intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) failures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and seventeen couples with at least two ICSI attempts were included in the study. HPV infection in semen and DNA fragmentation in samples were analyzed by commercially available kits. The percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA (DNA fragmentation index: DFI) was determined during fluorescence microscopic examination as previously described. The cycle outcomes of couples with or without HPV infected male partners were recorded. RESULTS: According to our results, the prevalence of HPV was 7.7% in asymptomatic males with at least two previous ICSI failures. The increased DFI (>30%) was observed in 82.9% of the cases. In HPV-positive cases significantly lower number of good quality embryos were obtained. The implantation and pregnancy rates were similar in infected and non-infected males (p>0.05). The early miscarriage rate was slightly higher in HPV- positive group (33% vs. 10%, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In cases with previous ICSI failures, the prevalence of HPV infection in semen is not higher than previously reported infertile populations. The reproductive outcome might be impaired in HPV-positive semen due to lower number of good quality embryos, which needs to be clarified by further large population-based studies.

Does maternal hydronephrosis have an impact on urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) levels?

OBJECTIVE: To determine urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) levels and creatinine clearance values in women with different degrees of asymptomatic hydronephrosis during pregnancy. METHODS: A total of 44 pregnant women with different degrees of hydronephrosis and 46 without hydronephrosis were consecutively enrolled in this prospective study. Basic serum and urine parameters, uNGAL levels, and creatinine clearance values were evaluated. All results were compared between the two groups. Regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors, which were mostly related to hydronephrosis. RESULTS: Demographic data, basal laboratory parameters, and creatinine clearance values were similar, whereas significantly higher uNGAL levels were detected in women with hydronephrosis compared to those without hydronephrosis (45.3 versus 33.2 ng/mL, respectively) (p = 0.004). An increasing trend in uNGAL levels was detected with increasing degrees of hydronephrosis; as it was not statistically significant (p = 0.163). Linear regression analysis revealed that the parameter of "pelvic diameter" was found as a significant independent factor influencing uNGAL concentrations (ß = 0.289; 95% CI: 0.522-3.061; p = 0.006). Other independent variables were not found to influence uNGAL concentrations (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results obtained from this study indicate a significant increase of urinary concentration of NGAL in the presence of asymptomatic maternal hydronephrosis. This impact is likely to be more profound in those with severe hydronephrosis although this has not been specifically investigated. This theory needs to be validated in larger populations.

Role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in prediction of Gleason score upgrading and disease upstaging in low-risk prostate cancer patients eligible for active surveillance.

INTRODUCTION: Active surveillance (AS) is an option for management of low-risk prostate cancer (PCa). However, grade and stage progression is an important consideration. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a useful marker of cancer-related inflammation. In this study, we aimed to identify the roles of neutrophil count (NC), lymphocyte count (LC), and NLR to predict Gleason score (GS) upgrading, disease upstaging, and biochemical recurrence rates (BCR) in low-risk PCa patients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data of 210 low-risk PCa patients eligible for AS, but who underwent radical prostatectomy. The roles of NC, LC, and NLR on the GS upgrading, disease upstaging, and BCR rates were investigated. Univariate and multivariate models were used to determine the effect of these parameters. RESULTS: There were 104 and 106 patients in the NLR <2.5 and NLR ≥2.5 groups, respectively. GS upgrading in the NLR ≥2.5 group was more common than in the NLR<2.5 group (p=0.04). The NLR ≥2.5 group had significantly higher GS (8-10; p=0.03). With regard to NLR, the groups were found to have similar rates of disease upstaging (9/104 in NLR <2.5 vs. 16/106 in NLR ≥2.5; p=0.200). BCR rates were also significantly different between groups (p=0.033). NC an LC were not found to be associated with GS upgrading, disease upstaging, or BCR. CONCLUSIONS: NLR is a predictor of GS upgrading and BCR, but not disease upstaging in patients with low-risk PCa. Furthermore, higher NLR was found to be associated with higher GS PCa. NLR is a cost-effective and easily accessible tool that can be used in the decision-making process for treatment of low-risk PCa cases.

Evaluation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio prior to prostate biopsy to predict biopsy histology: Results of 1836 patients.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluate the role of NLR prior to prostate biopsy to predict biopsy histology and Gleason score in patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we evaluated data of patients underwent prostate biopsy between May 2005 and March 2015. We collected the following data: age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), biopsy histology, Gleason score (GS) in prostate cancer patients, neutrophil counts, and lymphocyte counts. Patients were grouped as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and prostatitis. The Chi square test was used to compare categorical variables and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for continuous variables. RESULTS: Data of 1836 patients were investigated. The mean age, total PSA and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of the population were 66.8 ± 8.17 years, 9.38 ± 4.7 ng/dL, and 3.11 ± 1.71, respectively. Patients were divided as follows: 625 in the group with BPH history, 600 in the prostatitis group, and 611 in the prostate cancer histology group. The mean NLR of the prostatitis group was higher compared to the prostate cancer and BPH groups (p = 0.0001). The mean NLR of the prostate cancer group was significantly higher compared to the BPH group (p = 0.002). The GS 8-10 group had a significantly higher mean NLR compared to GS 5-6 (3.64 vs. 2.54, p = 0.0001) and GS 7 (3.64 vs. 2.58, p = 0.0001) patients. CONCLUSIONS: NLR was found to differ with regard to histology of prostate biopsy and higher GS was associated with higher NLR in patients with prostate cancer. However prostatitis prevents the use of NLR in predicting prostate cancer before a prostate biopsy. Also, the retrospective nature and lack of multivariate analysis in this study somewhat limits the relevance of these results.

Comparison of imaging modalities for detection of residual fragments and prediction of stone related events following percutaneous nephrolitotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Achieving stone free status (SFS) is the goal of stone surgery. In this study it is aimed to compare effectiveness of unenhanced helical computerized tomography (UHCT), KUB and ultrasonography (US) for detection of residual RFs and predicition of stone releated events following percutaneous nephrolitotomy (PNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients underwent PNL for radiopaque stones between November 2007 and February 2010 were followed. Patients were examined within 24-48 hours after the procedure by KUB, US and UHCT. For stone size 4 mm was accepted as cut off level of significance.Sensitivity and specificity of KUB and US for detection of RFs and value of them for prediction of stone related events were calculated. RESULTS: SFS was achieved in 95 patients (54.9%) and when cut off value of 4 mm for RFs was employed, SFS was achieved in 131 patients (75.7%). Sensitivity was 70.5% for KUB, and 52.5% for US. UHCT was shown to be significantly more efficient for detection of RFs compared to both KUB (p=0.01) and US (p=0.001). When cut off level of 4 mm employed, sensitivity of KUB and US increased to 85.7% and 57.1%. Statistical significant superiority of UHCT still remained (p value vs. KUB: 0.03 and p value vs. US: 0.008). CONCLUSION: UHCT is the most sensitive diagnostic tool for detecting RFs after PNL. It has higher sensitivity regardless of stone size compared to KUB and US. Additionally UHCT has higher capability of predicting occurrence of stone related events.

Comparison of imaging modalities for detection of residual fragments and prediction of stone related events following percutaneous nephrolitotomy

Introduction Achieving stone free status (SFS) is the goal of stone surgery. In this study it is aimed to compare effectiveness of unenhanced helical computerized tomography (UHCT), KUB and ultrasonography (US) for detection of residual RFs and predicition of stone releated events following percutaneous nephrolitotomy (PNL). Materials and Methods Patients underwent PNL for radiopaque stones between November 2007 and February 2010 were followed. Patients were examined within 24-48 hours after the procedure by KUB, US and UHCT. For stone size 4 mm was accepted as cut off level of significance.Sensitivity and specificity of KUB and US for detection of RFs and value of them for prediction of stone related events were calculated. Results SFS was achieved in 95 patients (54.9%) and when cut off value of 4 mm for RFs was employed, SFS was achieved in 131 patients (75.7%). Sensitivity was 70.5% for KUB, and 52.5% for US. UHCT was shown to be significantly more efficient for detection of RFs compared to both KUB (p=0.01) and US (p=0.001). When cut off level of 4 mm employed, sensitivity of KUB and US increased to 85.7% and 57.1%. Statistical significant superiority of UHCT still remained (p value vs. KUB: 0.03 and p value vs. US: 0.008). Conclusion UHCT is the most sensitive diagnostic tool for detecting RFs after PNL. It has higher sensitivity regardless of stone size compared to KUB and US. Additionally UHCT has higher capability of predicting occurrence of stone related events. .

Evaluation of a new ultrasound measurement tool for the diagnosis of dysfunctional voiding in pediatric population: full/empty bladder wall thickness ratio.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles of bladder wall thickness (BWT) measurement and full/empty (F/E) BWT measurement ratio in the diagnosis of dysfunctional voiding in pediatric population. METHODS: Totally, 324 patients were involved in this prospective study, and group 1 consisted of healthy children (n=198), and group 2 consisted of patients with dysfunctional voiding (n=126). BWT measurements were done at the anterior, posterior, and lateral walls, and F/E BWT ratios were calculated. Two groups were compared for BWT measurement, and receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to find out a cutoff value for BWT and F/E BWT ratios. RESULTS: Mean age of group 1 was 6.4 years and that of group 2 was 6.5 years. BWT measurements were higher in the empty state compared with full state and in boys compared with girls. However, BWT ratios did not show significant difference between male and female patients. F/E BWT ratios were found to be higher in group 2 compared with group 1 (P=.02). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, a cutoff value of 0.324 (sensitivity 66.67% and specificity 79.80%) and 0.295 (sensitivity 83.33% and specificity 64.14%) was found for anterior and posterior F/E BWT rates, respectively. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographic measurement of BWT and calculation of F/E BWT ratio may serve as a noninvasive tool for evaluating lower urinary tract symptoms in children. Further studies including larger number of patients would be of great interest.

Comparison of postoperative analgesic efficacy of penile block, caudal block and intravenous paracetamol for circumcision: a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the postoperative analgesic efficacy of penile block, caudal block and intravenous paracetamol administration following circumcision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective randomized study a total of 159 patients underwent circumcision under general anesthesia at urology clinic of Ufuk University Faculty of Medicine and Sorgun State Hospital between May 2012 and September 2012. The patients were randomized to three groups to receive penile block (Group 1), caudal block (Group 2) and intravenous paracetamol administration (group 3). Pain measurement of the patients was done via CHEOPS scoring system at 30,60,120 and 180 minutes postoperatively and compared. Statistical tests were performed with a conventional statistics program and statistical significance was set at a p value of < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 5.7 years. Patients in group 1 had significantly lower pain score at 30 minutes compared to other two groups. At 60 minutes groups 1 and 2 had significantly lower score compared to group 3. At 120 and 180 minutes no difference between the groups was observed. No significant major complications were observed in all 3 groups. CONCLUSION: Penile block and caudal block provide similar pain scores and painless postoperative periods after circumcision under general anesthesia. Intravenous paracetamol is insufficient at the early postoperative period. The three procedures were shown to be safe for analgesia following circumcision.

Comparison of Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Penile Block, Caudal Block and Intravenous Paracetamol for Circumcision: A prospective Randomized Study

Purpose To evaluate the postoperative analgesic efficacy of penile block, caudal block and intravenous paracetamol administration following circumcision. Materials and Methods In this prospective randomized study a total of 159 patients underwent circumcision under general anesthesia at urology clinic of Ufuk University Faculty of Medicine and Sorgun State Hospital between May 2012 and September 2012. The patients were randomized to three groups to receive penile block (Group 1), caudal block (Group 2) and intravenous paracetamol administration (group 3). Pain measurement of the patients was done via CHEOPS scoring system at 30,60,120 and 180 minutes postoperatively and compared. Statistical tests were performed with a conventional statistics program and statistical significance was set at a p value of < 0.05. Results The mean age of the patients was 5.7 years. Patients in group 1 had significantly lower pain score at 30 minutes compared to other two groups. At 60 minutes groups 1 and 2 had significantly lower score compared to group 3. At 120 and 180 minutes no difference between the groups was observed. No significant major complications were observed in all 3 groups. Conclusion Penile block and caudal block provide similar pain scores and painless postoperative periods after circumcision under general anesthesia. Intravenous paracetamol is insufficient at the early postoperative period. The three procedures were shown to be safe for analgesia following circumcision. .

Circumcision: pros and cons.

Circumcision is possibly the most frequently performed elective surgical procedure in men. It can simply be described as the excision of the preputium. There have been several studies about the association between circumcision and urinary tract infections (UTI). Many studies have demonstrated that the frequency of UTI increase in uncircumcised males, especially in the first year of life. This review discusses the embryology of the preputium, epidemiology, indications, complications and benefits of circumcision, as well as operation and anesthesiology techniques. It especially examines the association between UTI and circumcision and the importance of circumcision in congenital urinary system anomalies. In addition, this review examines the associations between circumcision and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, and the protective role of circumcision on penile cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder associated with chronic irritation related to a migrated intrauterine device.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are one of the most commonly used methods for reversible contraception. This article reports a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder which exhibited a migrated IUD into the bladder. A 66-year-old woman with a 26-year history of IUD use admitted to the clinic with the chief complaint of intermittent macroscopic haematuria. Clinical examination raised a suspicion bladder carcinoma, so cystoscopy and histological sampling were performed and squamous cell carcinoma of bladder was diagnosed, which was related to chronic irritation by a migrated IUD.

Does lower-pole caliceal anatomy predict stone clearance after shock wave lithotripsy for primary lower-pole nephrolithiasis?

AIM: In order to have an idea about the success rates after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) in patients with lower-pole stones, we reviewed the caliceal anatomy of the patients treated in our clinic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and ninety-eight patients having at least a 3-month follow-up period, with a single stone located in the lower pole, were included. Lower infundibulopelvic angle (LIP-A), infundibular width, and infundibular length were measured from standard intravenous urograms taken before initial ESWL. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty patients (65%) were male, and 68 patients (35%) were female. We found no impact of age, sex, and affected side on the results of ESWL. The overall stone-free rate was 61.1% after 3 months of follow-up. The stone-free rates were 47.8 and 81.4% in patients with an acute (< 70 degrees) and an obtuse (> or = 70 degrees) LIP-A, respectively (p = 0.007). Taking the infundibular width into consideration, the stone-free rates were 85.4 and 43.2% for favorable and unfavorable angles and widths (p = 0.003). However, infundibular length and stone sizes were not found to have important effects on a stone-free status (p = 0.546 and p = 0.283). CONCLUSION: We conclude that LIP-A (> or = 70 degrees) has the greatest impact on the clearance of residual fragments produced by SWL.