Unusual presentation of epidermoid cyst from testis in an aging male.

Epidermoid cysts, which constitute 1% of all testicular tumors, are considered to be benign even though histogenesis is not clear. Patients usually suffer from painless scrotal mass or this mass is realized during the routine physical examination. Hematospermia may be a finding for both benign and malignant testicular tumors. Many authors advocate the testicular sparing surgery in the treatment but epidermoid cysts are usually treated with radical inguinal orchiectomy, because of the difficulties in the diagnosis, concurrence of the malignant tumors, and the debate on the histogenesis.

The comparative analysis of the three dilatation techniques in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Which one is safer?

OBJECTIVES: Introduction of the "access sheet" is one of the most important steps steps of the percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) intervention. In creating the access tract, various dilatators (balloon, metal) are used and different need-based dilatation tools were developed. In this study, we aimed to compare the mechanical Amplatz dilatation (AD), balloon dilatation (BD) and one-shot dilatation (OSD) methods in a retrospective manner. METHODS: A total of 182 patients (127 males and 55 females), who underwent PNL surgery in Urology Department of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Research and Training Hospital between January 2016 and September 2018, were included in this study. RESULTS: The average age was 47.34 ± 12.68 years (age range 15-80) and average BMI was 27.15 ± 5.01 kg/m2 (range between 17.12 and 40.75 kg/m2). There was a prominent difference in terms of operation duration (p = 0.032). Meaningful difference was found among the groups in terms of dilation fluoroscopy time (p = 0.001), with a notable shorter time in OSD group than the others (p < 0.05). Beside this, there was no difference between the AD and BD groups in terms of fluoroscopy times (p > 0.05). Also, there was no difference among the groups by Clavien complication rate (p > 0.05). There was a prominent difference among the groups in terms of hemoglobin decrement (p = 0.012; p < 0.05). The hemoglobin decrease in OSD group was significantly lower than in AD and BD groups (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). On the contrary, there was no meaningful difference between AD and BD groups with this regard (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a result, we have concluded that the use of OSD modality in PNL interventions could be superior to other methods with respect to its feasibility, cost-effectiveness, shorter radiation exposure / fluoroscopy time and it could be a preferable way of treatment especially in developing countries.

Our Results of Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomies Without Pedicle Dissection: Possible Advantages and Disadvantages.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to document the surgical and oncologic results of nephron sparing of non-ischemic laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without the step of hilus controlling and even without dissecting to expose the main renal vascularity and directly focusing on mass removal. MATERIALS & METHODS: The records of the patients who underwent our modified laparoscopic partial nephrectomy technique were evaluated retrospectively. The patients' medical records, including tumor complexity calculated via R.E.N.A.L nephrometry scores, operation time, estimated blood loss, blood transfusions, hospital stay, pre- and postoperative serum creatinine levels, complications via the Clavien classification system, pathological status of surgical margin, and follow-up times, were documented. RESULTS: The data of 55 patients with 58 renal units were evaluated. Almost all tumors were in the low complex group (91%), with a mean size of 31.74 ± 7.38 mm (range: 12-46 mm). Mean operation time, estimated blood loss, and transfusion rates were 138.62 ± 38.45 minutes (range: 90-240 min), 242.24 ± 107.12 mL (range: 100-500 mL), and 19%, respectively. The hemoglobin level decreased by a mean of 2.05 ± 0.87 g/dL. Whereas the perioperative complications were Clavien grades I, II, and III (74%, 23%, and 3%, respectively), mean hospital stay and follow-up time were 4.05 ± 1.97 and 19.67 ± 13.57 (ranges: 2-10 days and 1-44 months), respectively. CONCLUSION: Present un-controlled results pointed that tumor-focusing nephron-sparing non-ischemic partial laparoscopic nephrectomy may be preferable for small-sized, low-complex renal masses.

The effect of sleeve gastrectomy technique on women's sexual function: A prospective study / Efecto de la técnica de la gastrectomía vertical en la función sexual de la mujer: un estudio prospectivo

Introduction: Obesity may lead to a serious deterioration in general quality of daily life and sexual functionality. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment method for obesity and related morbidities so far and it is better than some medical treatment modalities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of bariatric surgery and especially sleeve gastrectomy, which has been currently performed in increasing numbers on female sexual functions and quality of life. Materials and methods: A total of 53 patients were included to the current study. The participants were selected from eligible individuals who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy operation in our center between April 2014 and March 2015 dates. Age, body weights and body mass indexes (BMIs) of the patients were pre-operatively recorded. The patients have completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Beck Depression Scale and SF-36 (Short form-36) forms before and after the surgery. Additionally, post-operative decrease in body weights and mean BMI were recorded. Results: Following bariatric surgery, sexual functions of the female patients improved and total FSFI scores increased. When FSFI scores were analyzed, it was observed that sexual desire, sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm and sexual satisfaction increased, while the pain parameter has not changed. Conclusion: Recent literature reveals that unfavorable effects of increasingly prevalent obesity on sexual functions cannot be denied. We think that sleeve gastrectomy can obtain considerable weight loss, improvement in self-esteem, decrease in anxiety, amelioration in sexual functions and general quality of life

Introducción: La obesidad reduce la calidad de vida en general y también la vida sexual. La cirugía bariátrica es uno de los métodos de tratamiento más efectivos contra la obesidad y sus comorbilidades. En este estudio nos propusimos analizar los efectos en funciones sexuales de mujeres y en su calidad de vida de la cirugía bariátrica, en concreto de la gastrectomía vertical, cuya implantación se está extendiendo en la actualidad, a través de las pruebas actuales comunes. Materiales y métodos: En nuestro estudio se incluyó a un total de 53 pacientes seleccionadas entre las pacientes aptas a las cuales se les había implantado una manga gástrica por laparoscopia en nuestro centro entre abril de 2014 y marzo de 2015. Previamente se registró la información correspondiente a su edad, peso corporal e índice de masa corporal (IMC). Las pacientes completaron el Índice de la Función Sexual Femenina (FSFI), la Escala de Depresión de Beck y el Cuestionario de Salud SF-36 antes y después de la operación, y sus puntuaciones fueron registradas. Asimismo, se registraron las disminuciones de peso corporal postoperatorias y los IMC de las pacientes. Resultados: Tras la cirugía bariátrica, las funciones sexuales de las pacientes mejoraron y se registró un aumento de los valores del FSFI. Cuando se analizaron individualmente los parámetros incluidos en los valores del sistema del FSFI se observaron mejoras en el deseo sexual, en la excitación sexual, en la lubricación, en el orgasmo y en la satisfacción, mientras que el parámetro del dolor no sufrió ningún cambio. Conclusión: La bibliografía reciente revela que los efectos desfavorables de la cada vez más frecuente y extendida obesidad sobre las funciones sexuales no pueden negarse. Creemos que la cirugía bariátrica, como la colocación de mangas gástricas, genera una pérdida de peso considerable. Además, las mujeres se encuentran más atractivas a sí mismas, su autoestima crece y sus preocupaciones (ansiedad) mejoran con la consiguiente mejoría en sus funciones sexuales y en su calidad de vida

No-cable and smartphone/tablet: A functional laparoscopic training box "Fu-Lap T-Box".

Because of the long and variable learning curve of laparoscopic surgery, before its actual application, a well-designed practical simulating instruments like laparoscopic training boxes are needed. But because of unfavourable cost-effectiveness and huge sizes of these boxes, surgeons hardly procure, and carry them. We aimed to design a new, cheap, light and handy laparoscopic training box. Our training box is made of aluminium and used with smartphone or tablet. There is no need for a power unit. Our foldable box has dimensions of 52×38×4 cm, and weighs 2.8 kg and foldable. There are 5 working ports in it. Compared to its alternatives "Fu-Lap T-Box" is much cheaper, lighter and more comfortable. In our opinion it is possible to design and use a new cheaper and portable simulator to gain more hands-on experience before the real surgery.

The effect of sleeve gastrectomy technique on women's sexual function: A prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity may lead to a serious deterioration in general quality of daily life and sexual functionality. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment method for obesity and related morbidities so far and it is better than some medical treatment modalities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of bariatric surgery and especially sleeve gastrectomy, which has been currently performed in increasing numbers on female sexual functions and quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 53 patients were included to the current study. The participants were selected from eligible individuals who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy operation in our center between April 2014 and March 2015 dates. Age, body weights and body mass indexes (BMIs) of the patients were pre-operatively recorded. The patients have completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Beck Depression Scale and SF-36 (Short form-36) forms before and after the surgery. Additionally, post-operative decrease in body weights and mean BMI were recorded. RESULTS: Following bariatric surgery, sexual functions of the female patients improved and total FSFI scores increased. When FSFI scores were analyzed, it was observed that sexual desire, sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm and sexual satisfaction increased, while the pain parameter has not changed. CONCLUSION: Recent literature reveals that unfavorable effects of increasingly prevalent obesity on sexual functions cannot be denied. We think that sleeve gastrectomy can obtain considerable weight loss, improvement in self-esteem, decrease in anxiety, amelioration in sexual functions and general quality of life.

The effect of darbepoetin alfa on renal fibrosis in rats with acute unilateral ureteral obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: The most important treatment strategy for obstructive nephropathy is to protect renal tissue from the deleterious effects of fibrosis. Therefore, we sought to investigate the renoprotective effects of darbepoetin alfa on unilateral ureteral obstructions. METHODS: We used 12 female and 12 male 3-monthold Wistar rats weighing between 250 and 350 g. The rats were divided equally into sham, darbepoetin and control groups. With the exception of the sham group, left unilateral obstructions were applied to all of the rats. The darbepoetin group received perioperative darbepoetin alfa at a dose of 10 mg/kg. The rats were sacrificed on postoperative day 7, and 3-cc blood samples and bilateral renal specimens were collected from each rat. RESULTS: Renal ectasia was observed significantly less frequently in the darbepoetin group than the obstruction group (p<0.001). Additionally, the uptake rates of cortical TNF and medullary SMA in the darbepoetin group were comparable to those in the sham group but lower than those in the ureteral obstruction group (p<0.001 and p<0.008, respectively). When biomarkers of renal injury, including cystatin-C, malondialdehyde, and B2 microglobulin, were evaluated in combination, B2 microglobulin was found at higher levels in the ureteral obstruction group (p<0.004). CONCLUSION: As we know pelvicalyceal ectasia reflects intrapelvic pressure into renal tubular system via renal reflux. Therefore pelvicalyceal ectasia can be used as an indicator of renal tubular pressure. Although as a limitation of our study, renal tubular pressure was not quantitatively evaluated, parallelism between levels of renal ectasia detected in the rats of the sham, and DPO groups can predict that this drug (darbepoetin-a) can decrease renal tubular pressure in acute ureteral obstruction. Moreover, B2 microglobulin levels in the sham, and DPO groups differed from those of ureteral obstruction group, which suggested that DPO does not impair renal perfusion in addition to its decreasing effects on renal tubular pressure. We think that in countries with higher incidence rates of stone disease similar to our country, DPO may be used among medical treatment alternatives, which aim to preserve renal reserve.

The effect of darbepoetin alfa on renal fibrosis in rats with acute unilateral ureteral obstruction / Efecto de darbepoyetina alfa sobre la fibrosis renal en ratas con obstruccion ureteral unilateral agud

Objectives: The most important treatment strategy for obstructive nephropathy is to protect renal tissue from the deleterious effects of fibrosis. Therefore, we sought to investigate the renoprotective effects of darbepoetin alfa on unilateral ureteral obstructions. Methods: We used 12 female and 12 male 3-monthold Wistar rats weighing between 250 and 350 g. The rats were divided equally into sham, darbepoetin and control groups. With the exception of the sham group, left unilateral obstructions were applied to all of the rats. The darbepoetin group received perioperative darbepoetin alfa at a dose of 10 μg/kg. The rats were sacrificed on postoperative day 7, and 3-cc blood samples and bilateral renal specimens were collected from each rat. Results: Renal ectasia was observed significantly less frequently in the darbepoetin group than the obstruction group (p<0.001). Additionally, the uptake rates of cortical TNF and medullary SMA in the darbepoetin group were comparable to those in the sham group but lower than those in the ureteral obstruction group (p<0.001 and p<0.008, respectively). When biomarkers of renal injury, including cystatin-C, malondialdehyde, and B2 microglobulin, were evaluated in combination, B2 microglobulin was found at higher levels in the ureteral obstruction group (p<0.004). Conclusion: As we know pelvicalyceal ectasia reflects intrapelvic pressure into renal tubular system via renal reflux. Therefore pelvicalyceal ectasia can be used as an indicator of renal tubular pressure. Although as a limitation of our study, renal tubular pressure was not quantitatively evaluated, parallelism between levels of renal ectasia detected in the rats of the sham, and DPO groups can predict that this drug (darbepoetin-) can decrease renal tubular pressure in acute ureteral obstruction. Moreover, B2 microglobulin levels in the sham, and DPO groups differed from those of ureteral obstruction group, which suggested that DPO does not impair renal perfusion in addition to its decreasing effects on renal tubular pressure. We think that in countries with higher incidence rates of stone disease similar to our country, DPO may be used among medical treatment alternatives, which aim to preserve renal reserve (AU)

Objetivo: La estrategia más importante para la nefropatía obstructiva es la protección del tejido renal de los efectos deletéreos de la fibrosis. Por lo tanto, intentamos investigar los efectos renoprotectores de la darbepoyetina alfa en la obstrucción ureteral unilateral. Metodos: Utilizamos 12 ratas Wistar macho y 12 hembras, de tres meses de edad, con un peso entre 250 y 350 g. Las ratas fueron divididas en tres grupos simulación, darbepoyetina y control. Con la excepción del grupo de simulación, se realizó obstrucción ureteral izquierda a todas las ratas. El grupo de darbepoyetina recibió darbepoyetina alfa peroperatoria a una dosis de 10 μg/kg. Las ratas fueron sacrificadas en el 7º día postoperatorio, y de cada rata se extrajeron muestras de sangre de 3 cc y ambos riñones. R: Se observó que la ectasia renal era significativamente menos frecuente en el grupo de darbepoyetina que en el de obstrucción (p<0,001). Adicionalmente, las tasas de captación de TNF cortical y SMA medular eran comparables entre el grupo de darbepoyetina y el de simulación, pero menores que las del grupo de obstrucción ureteral (p<0,001 y p<0,008, respectivamente). Cuando los biomarcadores de daño renal, incluyendo cistatina C, malondialdéhido y microglobulina B12 fueron evaluados en combinación, se encontró que la microglobulina B2 tenía niveles más altos en el grupo de obstrucción ureteral (p<0,004). Conclusión: Como es sabido la ectasia pielocalicial refleja la presión intrapiélica en el sistema tubular renal por la vía del reflujo renal. Por lo tanto, la ectasia pielocalicial puede utilizarse como indicador de la presión tubular renal. Aunque es una limitación de nuestro estudio que no se evaluara cuantitativamente la presión tubular renal, el paralelismo entre los niveles de ectasia renal detectada en las ratas de los grupos de simulación y DPO puede predecir que este fármaco (darbepoyetina-) pueda disminuir la presión tubular en la obstrucción ureteral aguda. Además, los niveles de microglobulina B2 en el grupo de simulación y DPO diferían de los del grupo de obstrucción ureteral, lo que sugiere que la DPO, adicionalmente a sus efectos disminuyendo la presión tubular renal, no empeora la perfusión renal. Pensamos que en países con incidencias más altas de enfermedad litiásica, como en nuestro país, la DPO puede utilizarse entre las alternativas del tratamiento médico, que busca conservar la función renal (AU)

Circumcision and its potential effects on children's mental health state / Circuncisión y sus efectos potenciales sobre el estado de salud mental infantil

Objectives. Circumcision is one of the oldest elective surgical interventions in the history of mankind. Though many studies have been conducted on the surgical complications of circumcision, the potential effects on the mental state of the children has not been satisfactorily reviewed. In this prospective study, we analyzed potential effects of circumcision on their mental state, anxiety levels and moods using updated scales. Material and methods. One hundred and two male children aged between 6 and 8 and their families were included in the study. Children with their families completed sociodemographic data form Anxiety Sensitivity Index For Children, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Depression Scale for Children during the preoperative period. All children received oral 0.5mg/kg midazolam as a premedication before circumcision procedure. Circumcisions were performed under general anesthesia in the operating room. During the 6th week of the postoperative period, the children and their families were returned to the facility and parents were asked to complete the questionnaire again. Results. Mean score of the preoperative depression scale was statistically and significantly higher than the mean postoperative depression scale score (P=0.001; P<0.01). Pre-, and post-operative depression scale scores of the children with divorced parents showed a higher statistical significance higher than those of the children whose family togetherness was not broken (P=0.001; P<0.01). Conclusion. Before circumcision, in all children to be circumcised a tendency to depression and an increase in anxiety were observed regardless of the presence of subgroups. At the end of the study, it was found that low socioeconomic level, disrupted family dynamic, and/or the presence of mental disease in a parent could increase the predisposition to pre and post-operative depression. At this stage the main factor determining the level of anxiety is the procedure of circumcision itself (AU)

Objetivos. La circuncisión es una de las intervenciones quirúrgicas electivas más antiguas de la historia de la humanidad. Aunque muchos estudios se han realizado sobre las complicaciones quirúrgicas de la circuncisión, su efecto potencial sobre el estado mental de los niños no se ha aclarado mucho. En este estudio prospectivo se analizaron los efectos potenciales de la circuncisión en su estado mental, los niveles de ansiedad y estados de ánimo que por medio de escalas actualizadas. Material y métodos. Ciento dos niños varones de edades comprendidas entre los 6 y los 8 años y sus familias fueron incluidos en el estudio. Los niños con sus familias completaron el formulario de datos sociodemográficos Ansiedad Índice de Sensibilidad Para los niños, Capacidades y Dificultades (SDQ), escala de depresión para los niños durante el período preoperatorio. Todos los niños recibieron por vía oral 0,5mg/kg de midazolam como premedicación antes de procedimiento de circuncisión. Las circuncisiones se realizaron bajo anestesia general en la sala de operaciones. Durante la sexta semana del postoperatorio, los niños y sus familias regresaron y completaron las mismas encuestas una vez más. Resultados. La media de puntuación de la escala de depresión preoperatoria fue estadística y significativamente más alta que la puntuación media postoperatoria escala de depresión (p=0,001; p<0,01). Las puntuaciones pre y post operatorias en la escala de depresión de los niños con padres divorciados mostraron una mayor significación estadística que las de los niños cuyo núcleo familiar no estaba roto (p=0,001; p<0,01). Conclusión. Antes de la circuncisión, en todos los niños que iban a ser circuncidados se aprecia una tendencia a la depresión y el aumento de la ansiedad, independientemente de la presencia de subgrupos. Una vez concluida la investigación, se observó que un bajo nivel de ingresos, una dinámica familiar desequilibrada y/o la presencia de un trastorno mental en un progenitor podrían predisponer a la depresión pre y postoperatoria. En esta etapa el factor principal que determina el nivel de ansiedad es el procedimiento de la circuncisión sí mismo (AU)

Contralateral Ovarian Metastasis of Clear-Cell Renal Carcinoma: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) constitutes 2-3% of all types of cancers. RCCs metastasize into lungs (50-60%), lymph nodes (36%), bones (30-40%), liver (30-40%), and brain (5%) in respective percentages. RCC rarely metastasizes into ovary. Only 25 cases of ovarian tumor, which metastasized into kidneys, have been presented. In the literature, a kidney-ovary axis has been defined, and its interrelationship begins with embryological life. With this case report, we aimed both to present a very rarely seen metastasis of RCC into contralateral ovary and also to review the literature.

White blood cell counts and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in the diagnosis of testicular cancer: a simple secondary serum tumor marker.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate white blood cell counts and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as markers of systemic inflammation in the diagnosis of localized testicular cancer as a malignancy with initially low volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with localized testicular cancer with a mean age of 34.22±14.89 years and 36 healthy controls with a mean age of 26.67±2.89 years were enrolled in the study. White blood cell counts and NLR were calculated from complete blood cell counts. RESULTS: White blood cell counts and NLR were statistically significantly higher in patients with testicular cancer compared with the control group (p<0.0001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Both white blood cell counts and NLR can be used as a simple test in the diagnosis of testicular cancer besides the well-known accurate serum tumor markers as AFP (alpha fetoprotein), hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase).

The effect of asymptomatic histological prostatitis on sexual function and lower urinary tract symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: Prostatitis affects 10-14% of men of all ages and ethnicities. More than 50% of the men experience episodes of prostatitis at one time of their lives. Patients with CP typically have longlasting genitourinary/pelvic pain and obstructive and/or irritative voiding symptoms. Sexual dysfunction and psychological symptoms are frequently added to these symptoms. We also investigated the relationship between sexual functions, and lower urinary system symptoms, and asymptomatic histological prostatitis detected on transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy performed with the indication of high PSA levels. METHODS: Sixty cases compliant with the study criteria among patients who underwent prostate biopsies between September 2014 and June 2015 with the indication of higher PSA levels were included in the study. All patients were requested to complete IIEF-5 and IPSS forms one day previously. Based on histological analysis of biopsy materials, the patients were allocated into groups of BPH (simple BPH without histological prostatitis) (n:30) and histological chronic prostatitis (combination of BPH and histological prostatitis) (n:30). RESULTS: Mean age of the cases was 65.73±5.01 (range, 56-75 yrs) years. PSA levels ranged between 4-15 ng/ml. A statistically significant intergroup difference was not found regarding mean age, BMIs, PSA levels, incidence rates of hypertension and coronary artery disease (p>0.05). Prostate volumes of the HCP group were higher than those of the BPH group , with statistically significant differences (p:0.001; p<0.01). Questionnaire forms of the patients included in the study were statistically evaluated, and mean IPSS score of the HCP group was found to be higher when compared with that of the BPH group, with statistically significant differences. (p:0.016; p<0.05). However mean IIEF score of the BPH group was higher than that of the HCP group, with statistically significant differences (p:0.039; p<0.05). DISCUSSION: These findings suggested the presence of a correlation between chronic inflammation and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). In addition, statistically significant lower IIEF values in patients with histological chronic prostatitis relative to those without suggested negative effects of even asymptomatic inflammation on sexual functions and mechanism of erection.

Chromosomal aberrations in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the chromosomal changes in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 54 patients diagnosed with clinical BPH underwent transurethral prostate resection to address their primary urological problem. All patients were evaluated by use of a comprehensive medical history and rectal digital examination. The preoperative evaluation also included serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurement and ultrasonographic measurement of prostate volume. Prostate cancer was detected in one patient, who was then excluded from the study. We performed conventional cytogenetic analyses of short-term cultures of 53 peripheral blood samples obtained from the BPH patients. RESULTS: The mean (±standard deviation) age of the 53 patients was 67.8±9.4 years. The mean PSA value of the patients was 5.8±7.0 ng/mL. The mean prostate volume was 53.6±22.9 mL. Chromosomal abnormalities were noted in 5 of the 53 cases (9.4%). Loss of the Y chromosome was the most frequent chromosomal abnormality and was observed in three patients (5.7%). There was no statistically significant relationship among age, PSA, prostate volume, and chromosomal changes. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of the Y chromosome was the main chromosomal abnormality found in our study. However, this coexistence did not reach a significant level. Our study concluded that loss of the Y chromosome cannot be considered relevant for the diagnosis of BPH as it is for prostate cancer. Because BPH usually occurs in aging men, loss of the Y chromosome in BPH patients may instead be related to the aging process.

White blood cell counts and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in the diagnosis of testicular cancer: a simple secondary serum tumor marker

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate white blood cell counts and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as markers of systemic inflammation in the diagnosis of localized testicular cancer as a malignancy with initially low volume. Materials and Methods Thirty-six patients with localized testicular cancer with a mean age of 34.22±14.89 years and 36 healthy controls with a mean age of 26.67±2.89 years were enrolled in the study. White blood cell counts and NLR were calculated from complete blood cell counts. Results White blood cell counts and NLR were statistically significantly higher in patients with testicular cancer compared with the control group (p<0.0001 for all). Conclusions Both white blood cell counts and NLR can be used as a simple test in the diagnosis of testicular cancer besides the well-known accurate serum tumor markers as AFP (alpha fetoprotein), hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase).

Effects of obesity surgery (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy technique) on lower urinary tract symptoms, depression and quality of life of males: Prospective study.

PURPOSE: Technically, obesity weakens the pelvic base muscles by causing an increase in the intraabdominal pressure and intravesical pressure due to increasing fat and it triggers the occurrence of lower urinary tract symptoms. However it is believed that weight loss will cause recovery of these symptoms. Our purpose in this study is to research about the effects of the weight loss achieved by using especially the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) technique of bariatric surgery which is being more and more widely used today. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of all patients who had LSG surgery due to obesity earlier in our center during the period between April 2014 and March 2015, 22 applicable male patients were considered after a brief exclusion criteria application. Age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) data of these patients were recorded before the operation. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - short from) (ICIQ-SF), Beck depression inventory (BECK) and Short form - 36 (SF-36) were filled for the patients and the data were recorded. Also, the weight loss amounts and BMI decreases of the patients after the operation were recorded. RESULTS: After the procedure, the decrease in the averages of BECK depression inventory, IPSS, ICIQ-SF and the increase in the Mental and Physical subgroup scores of SF-36 were found statistically coherent. CONCLUSION: The adverse effect of obesity, which is observed more and more often in today's world, on lower urinary tract symptoms and on the quality of life is undeniable. In our study, we think that the bariatric surgery made by using the LSG technique, not only causes serious amount of weight loss, but also reduces urinary dysfunction and enhances the quality of life among males.

Efficacy and safety of semirigid ureteroscopy combined with holmium: YAG laser in the treatment of upper urinary tract calculi: Is it a good alternative treatment option of flexible ureteroscopy for developing countries?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the success rates of endoscopic management of upper ureteral stones using semirigid ureterorenoscopy and holmium: YAG laser lithotripters. METHODS: A total of 74 patients with an established diagnosis of upper ureteric stone and scheduled for endoscopic ureteral stone treatment were retrospectively evaluated. Failure was defined as the inability to contact or fragment the stone, migration of the stone into the renal pelvis and difficulty in visualizing the stone for the second time. Success rates and influencing factors as for stone-free state were investigated. RESULTS: Mean age of our patients was 45.99±15.00 (range: 24-82) years. In 14 of 74 patients procedural failure was observed. Double J stents were implanted in 65 % of the patients and ureteral catheterization was performed on 20% of them. The total success rate was 81.1 %. Major complication rate was 1.1 percent. Factors effecting the success rate as gender, age, body mass index, grade of hydronephrosis and stone size were evaluated and only age was found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some potential risks, semirigid ureterorenoscopic stone extraction and holmium: YAG laser lithotripters are still safe and effective treatment alternatives for management of upper ureteral stones.