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.

Influence of Obesity on Gleason Score Inconsistencies between Biopsy and Radical Prostatectomy Specimens.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of obesity with Gleason scores determined in biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Urology Department, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey from 2007 to 2015. METHODOLOGY: A total of 111 patients, younger than 65 years who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) with the diagnosis of prostate cancer, were included in the study. Histopathology reports of the surgical, and TRUS-guided prostate biopsy specimens were analysed. Body mass index (BMI) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels were also evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 59.06 ±4.10 (range = 47-64 years) years. Mean BMI of the patients was 25.59 ±3.24 kg/m2 (range = 19-35 kg/m2). In patients whose BMI measurements were equal or above 25 kg/m2; a significant difference was found between Gleason scores of the needle biopsy and RP specimens (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: BMI and PSA, which are known to be the most important parameters effecting Gleason score, were evaluated in combination. Regarding non-concordance with Gleason scores, it has been observed that as a predisposing factor, obesity can explain these incompatibilities similarly to PSA.

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.

Comparison of translabial ultrasonographic and urodynamic data of female patients with urinary incontinence: Importance of translabial ultrasonography in the diagnosis of incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the diagnostic importance of translabial ultrasonographic data in incontinence, for comparison with urodynamic data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed between January and May 2017 on 64 patients aged between 40 and 65 years with complaints of mixed type incontinence. The patients were separated into two groups according to their urodynamic data. Translabial ultrasonography was performed in both groups. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 51.19±7.01 years, and mean body mass index was 26.69±2.02 kg/m2. The patients were separated into two groups as those with (n=33) or without (n=31) stress urinary incontinence based on urodynamic findings (despite the presence of mixed urinary incontinence complaints, stress urinary incontinence and detrusor overactivity associated with incontinence could not be detected in the urodynamic study). Average x descend, y descend and bladder neck mobilization values detected with translabial ultrasonography were found to be statistically significantly higher in the urodynamic stress incontinence group. There was an opposite-directional, 37.6% and statistically significant relation between maximum cystometric capacity and x descend parameters. Y descend values and bladder neck mobilization of females with negative Q-tip test were found to be statistically significantly lower than females with positive Q-tip test. CONCLUSION: As a complementary examination tool in the evaluation of urinary incontinence translabial ultrasonography may become one of the main diagnostic evaluation tools in the future.

A case of seminoma presented with clinical manifestations of testicular torsion.

Testicular tumors rarely manifest themselves with clinical picture of testicular torsion. In this presentation of ours, we reported a 30-year-old patient whose post-orchiectomy histopathology report revealed the presence of seminoma. The patient consulted us with acute scrotum whose physical examination and Doppler ultrasonographic findings showed testicular torsion. Though rarely seen patients, in cases who consulted with acute scrotum, the possibility of testicular tumor should not be discarded. For the establishment of differential diagnosis detailed anamnesis and physical examination findings should be supported with laboratory tests and imaging modalities.

Psychologic and sexual dysfunction in primary and secondary infertile male patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare depression and sexual dysfunctions observed in primary and secondary infertile patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was performed in 39 primary and 31 secondary infertile male patients. Male sexual health was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score and depression with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: Mean age of the participants and their partners were 31.54 ± 5.37 (range, 24-48 yrs), and 28.16 ± 5.58 (range, 20- 46 yrs) years, respectively. Mean duration of their marriage ranged between 1 and 17 years (mean, 5.06 ± 4.15 yrs). A statistically significant intergroup difference was detected between groups as for BDI scores (p = 0.015; p < 0. 05). BDI scores of the primary group were significantly lower than those of the secondary group. A statistically and extremely significant difference was detected between IIEF scores of the groups (p = 0.006; p < 0.01). IIEF scores of the primary infertile group were higher than those of the secondary group. CONCLUSION: Our study, frequency of the depression and erectile dysfunction seen in the patients with secondary infertility was seen significantly higher than the patients with primary infertility.

Preoperative Glasgow prognostic score as a predictor of primary bladder cancer recurrence.

The correlation between systemic inflammatory markers and malignancies has been assessed by a number of recent studies. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess preoperative inflammation markers and Glasgow prognostic scores (GPS) in patients who underwent surgery for primary bladder cancer (BC), and evaluate the predictive value of GPS for disease recurrence and progression. A total of 38 patients (mean age, 60.16±9.71 years; range, 33-76 years) who were treated in our department between May, 2014 and August, 2015 were enrolled in the present study. Preoperatively, patient information regarding gender, body mass index, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin levels, GPS and comorbidities, were collected and recorded. Transurethral resection of the bladder was performed, followed by histopathological evaluation of the resected material. The tumor size, stage and grade and the presence of necrosis were determined. According to the international TNM classification, the results of the histopathological analysis were as follows: Ta low- (n=24) and high-grade (n=4); and T1 low- (n=2) and high-grade (n=8). The median follow-up period was 10.1 months (range, 6-12 months). During this period, recurrence was observed in 10 cases and disease progression was detected in 1 patient. Hypoalbuminemia was encountered in 40% of the cases with recurrence, which was significantly higher compared with that in patients without recurrence (7.1%; P=0.031). In patients who had recurrence, a GPS of 1-2 points and tumor necrosis were more frequently detected compared with those without recurrence (60 vs. 7.1%, P=0.002; and 80 vs. 7.1%, P=0.001, respectively). Excluding a cystectomized case with a diagnosis of muscle-invasive BC, disease progression was not detected in any of the cases with recurrence during follow-up. Therefore, we consider that GPS and serum markers of systemic inflammatory response may be used as predictors of recurrence in patients with transitional cell BC.

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.

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.

A case of idiopathic diabetes insipidus presented with bilateral hydroureteronephrosis and neurogenic bladder: A pediatric case report and literature review.

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a condition with heterogeneous clinical symptoms characterized by polyuria (urine output >4 mL/kg/hr) and polydipsia (water intake >2 L/m (2)/d). In children, acquired nephrogenic DI (NDI) is more common than central DI (CDI). Diagnosis is based on the presence of high plasma osmolality and low urinary osmolality with significant water diuresis. A water deprivation test with vasopressin challenge, though has limitations, is done to differentiate NDI from CDI and diagnose their incomplete forms. Neonates and young infants are better managed with hydration therapy alone. Older children with CDI are treated with desmopressin (1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin, dDAVP). Its oral form is safe, highly effective and has dosing flexibility. We report a case of an 8-year-old male patient with CDI with severe bilateral non-obstructive hydronephrosis and megaureter. Dramatic clinical and radiological responses to dDAVP treatment were achieved and therapy reduced urine volume and led to marked radiological improvement in hydronephrosis.

A standardized scoring system in the prediction of success and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Guy's stone scoring system.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, our aim was to determine the role of Guy's stone scoring system (GSS) in the prediction of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) success and its ability to foresee potential complications in consideration of Clavien grading system (CGS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of 244 patients who underwent PNL between January 2009 and May 2014 were retrospectively examined. Renal stones were evaluated using GSS with the aid of the patients' preoperative radiological evaluations and their postoperative complications were assessed with CGS. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients (men, n=166; 68% and women, n=78; 32%) was 46.50±13.12 years (range, 16-80 yrs). Clinically significant residual stones were not detected in 195 (79.9%) patients, while they were found in 49 (20.1%) patients. Guy's stone scores of 1, 2, 3 and 4 points were estimated in 21.3, 37.7, 29.9, and 11.1% of the cases, respectively. Based on modified Clavien complication grading system, complications were categorized as Clavien grade 1, 2 and 3 in 81.9, 17.2, and 0.8% of the cases, respectively. Clavien Grade 4 and 5 complications were not encountered. A statistically significant correlation was found between Guy's Stone scores and Clavien grades (p<0.02). A statistically and highly significant difference was detected between Guy's stone scores of the cases with respect to residual stones (p=0.001; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study findings have revealed that GSS is a successful and easily applicable method for the prediction of success and likelihood of complications of PNL.

Bilateral sporadic synchronous renal clear-cell carcinoma treated by bilateral partial laparoscopic nephrectomy: Report of two cases.

Bilateral sporadic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is very rare and ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the major imaging methods in its diagnosis and further investigation. We report of two cases of bilateral synchronous sporadic RCC, which were successfully treated by laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The diagnostic roles of imaging methods were discussed. In conclusion, the evaluation of both kidneys with regard to potential synchronous RCC has an utmost importance in the treatment strategy.

Late-onset secondary nocturnal enuresis in adolescents associated with post-traumatic stress disorder developed after a traffic accident.

Secondary nocturnal enuresis is generally seen between 5 and 7 years of age and it is rarely encountered when compared with the primary incontinence. Patients with suggested diagnosis of secondary nocturnal enuresis should be examined for neurological and spinal anomalies and diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, renal failure and urinary tract infection should be ruled out in differential diagnosis (1-3). Herein, we are presenting case reports of adolescent patients with secondary nocturnal enuresis refractory to medical therapy and developed after in-vehicle and extravehicular accidents.

Contralateral tumor seeding of renal cell carcinoma mimicking late metastasis of liver after laparoscopic nephrectomy: A case report with review of the literature.

Laparoscopic surgery has been increasingly used every day in the management of urologic malignancies. Even though it seems as a minimally invasive surgery, during these interventions tumor seeding, as seen in open surgery, confronts us as a rarely seen serious risk. Herein, we have reported a case who demonstrated peritoneal tumor implantation at 12 month postoperative follow up after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) performed for Furhman grade 1 (T2N0M0) renal cell cancer.

Predictive Value of the Platelet-To-Lymphocyte Ratio in Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: To predict prostatic carcinoma using a logistic regression model on prebiopsy peripheral blood samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of a total of 873 patients who consulted Urology Outpatient Clinics of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital between February 2008 and April 2014 scheduled for prostate biopsy were screened retrospectively. PSA levels, prostate volumes, prebiopsy whole blood cell counts, neutrophil and platelet counts, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), biopsy results and Gleason scores in patients who had established diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) were evaluated. RESULTS: This study was performed on a total of 873 cases, with an age range 48-76 years, divided into three groups as for biopsy results. with diagnoses of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (n=304, 34.8 %), PCa (n=265, 30.4%) and histological prostatitis (n=304; 34.8%). Intra- and intergroup comparative evaluations were performed. White blood cell and neutrophil counts in the histological prostatitis group were significantly higher than those of the BPH and PCa groups (p=0.001; p=0.004; p<0.01). A statistically significant intergroup difference was found for PLR (p=0.041; p<0.05) but not lymphocyte count (p>0.05). According to pairwise comparisons, PLR were significantly higher in the PCa group relative to BPH group (p=0.018, p<0.05, respectively). Though not statistically significant, higher PLR in cases with PCa in comparison with the prostatitis group was remarkable (p=0.067, and p>0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analyses showed that in patients with PSA levels over 4 ng/ml, positive predictive value of PSA is only 25 percent. Therefore, novel markers which can both detect clinically significant prostate cancer, and also prevent unnecessary biopsies are needed. Relevant to this issue in addition to PSA density, velocity, and PCA3, various markers have been analyzed. In the present study, PLR were found to be the additional predictor of prostatic carcinoma.

Androgen secreting giant adrenocortical carcinoma with no metastases: A case report and review of the literature.

Functional adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a very rare disease with a poor prognosis. Over half (60%) of ACCs bigger than 6 cm synthesize hormones; hormone-secreting ACCs generally include virilization, feminization or Cushing syndrome. Besides, 82% of ACCs are metastatic at the time of diagnosis. While a 48-year-old female patient was examined for abdominal pain and flushing, we detected a non-metastasizing mass (23 × 18 × 16 cm) in the adrenal lodge. The mass was extracted en bloc during open exploration and its histopathology was reported as ACC. We review the literature and report the largest androgen-producing, clinically silent ACC mass cited in the literature so far.