An analysis of three different prostate cancer risk calculators applied prior to prostate biopsy: A Turkish cohort validation study.

The study aimed to investigate the best-performing of three risk calculators (RCs) for the Turkish population in predicting cancer-free status and high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. The electronic medical records of 527 patients who underwent prostate biopsy for the first time due to PSA of 0.3-50 ng/dl and/or cancer suspicion at digital rectal examination (DRE) between January 2017 and December 2020 were retrieved retrospectively. The predictive power of the RCs in the biopsy and the surgical cohort was calculated by two urologists using European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) RC, the North American Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial-RC (PCPT-RC), and the Prostate Biopsy Collaborative Group (PBCG)-RC. All three RCs were successful in predicting PCa and high-risk disease at ROC analysis (p < 0.0001). Of these three nomograms, PBCG-RC outperformed PCPT-RC 2.0 and ERSPC-RH in predicting benign pathology outcomes at biopsy. A better performance of PBCG-RC was also observed in terms of prediction of high-risk disease at biopsy. Using any of the available RCs prior to biopsy is of greater assistance to prostate-specific antigen and DRE than examination alone. The study results show that PBCG-RC performed before biopsy has a higher predictive power than the other two RCs.

Comparison of percutaneous nephrolithotomy and retrograde intrarenal surgery outcomes for kidney stones larger than 2 cm from Guy's stone scoring system perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgeries (RIRS) as a result of kidney stones larger than 2 cm, together with Guy's stone scores (GSS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 811 patients with stone sizes 2-6 cm were operated using PNL (n = 361) and RIRS (n = 450) reviewed retrospectively. GSS were graded 1, 2, 3 or 4 according to the computed tomography findings. Stone-free rate (SFR), operation times, length of hospital stay (LOHS) and Clavien complications (CC) were recorded. RESULTS: Although mean operative times were significantly longer in the RIRS group than the PNL group in GSS grades 1, 2 and 3 (P < .001), it was similar between the two groups in GSS grade 4 (P = .186). SFRs in the PNL and RIRS group were 90.3% and 58.4% on post-operative 10th day (P < .001), and it raised up to 95.3% and 81.6% after secondary interventions (P < .001). Significantly higher SFRs observed in the PNL group in GSS grades 1, 2 and 3 categories. On postoperative 10th day, the SFRs were similar in both GSS grade 4 categories (P = .06). LOHS was longer in the PNL group (P < .001). Although LOHS was significantly longer only in GSS grade 3 (P = .043) and GSS grade 4 (P < .001) in the PNL group, it was similar in GSS grade 1 and 2 between groups. Clavien complications increased in line with GSS in the PNL group (P < .001), but the difference did not differ between GSS grade 3 and 4. CONCLUSION: SF of PNL in a single session and short operation time seems to be significant especially in GSS grades 1, 2 and 3 category stones. Although the number of patients in the GSS 4 group is very small to claim this, RIRS might be considered as an alternative to PNL in a special group of patients such as GSS grade 4 because of its lower complication rates and shorter LOHS.

Which is the best radiological imaging method for predicting actual prostate weight?

In this study, we compared the weight of the prostate specimen removed after robotic radical prostatectomy with the prostate weight measured pre-operatively by four different imaging modalities. Pre-operative prostate weight before robotic radical prostatectomy was measured by Transabdominal Ultrasonography (TAUS), Transrectal Ultrasonography (TRUS), Abdominal Tomography (CT) and MultiparametricProstate Magnetic Resonance imaging (mpMRI). Of the 170 patients enrolled in the study, the mean age was 65.2 ± 7.08 (46-84) years and mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) 9.6 ± 7.7 (1.8-50). The mean post-operative actual prostate weight was 63.1 ± 30 gr. The mean pre-operative prostate volumes measured by TAUS, TRUS, CT and MPMRI were 64.5 ± 28.5, 49.1 ± 30.6, 54.5 ± 30.5 and 68.7 ± 31.7 ml, respectively (p < .001). Post-operative actual prostate weight correlated with prostate weight measured by TAUS, TRUS, CT and mpMRI (r coefficient 0.776, 0.802, 0.768 and 0.825 respectively). The best of these was mpMRI. Although prostate weight measured by different imaging methods has a high correlation to predict actual prostate weight, actual prostate weight is best predicted by measurements with mpMRI. However, errors and deviations that may occur with these imaging methods should be taken into consideration.

The change in Thiol-Disulphide Homeostasis levels as an oxidative stress marker after varicocelectomy: Is there a relationship with sperm parameters?

One of the most important causes of varicocele-related infertility is oxidative stress (OS). One of the markers considered as an indicator of OS is thiol-disulphide homeostasis (TDH). Based on the hypothesis that OS should decrease after varicocelectomy in the light of this information, in our current study, we investigated the relationship between TDH levels and sperm parameters. The data of 56 infertile varicocele men were prospectively analysed. The post-operative total and native thiol levels were significantly higher than those pre-operative total and native thiol levels (477.7 & 436.7 nmol/L, 417.6 & 372.1 nmol/L). Positive correlation was found between total thiol change and change in semen volume (ρ: .277, p: .039), ratio of spermatozoa with normal morphology (ρ: .342, p: .01), progressive (ρ: .334, p: .012) and nonprogressive motility (ρ: .385, p: .003). Positive correlation was also found between native thiol change and semen volume (ρ: .349, p: .008), ratio of spermatozoa with normal morphology (ρ: .362, p: .006), progressive (ρ: .297, p: .026) and nonprogressive motility (ρ: .368, p: .005). Change in the level of TDH was found as positively correlated with progressive and nonprogressive motility change. According to these results, OS decreases with varicocelectomy in infertile patients and TDH can be used as a useful method for measuring OS.

Complete blood count and penile colour doppler ultrasonography findings in erectile dysfunction: Is there a relationship?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between penile colour doppler ultrasonography (PCDUS) and complete blood count parameters in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). The data of the patients who applied to our outpatient clinic with ED (IIEF-5 score <22 or IIEF-EF score <26) between January 2007 and May 2017 were retrospectively analysed. The patients who had available PCDUS results and complete blood count (CBC) values were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups having normal (n = 530 [68.9%]) or abnormal (n = 240 [31.1%]) PCDUS findings (group 1 versus group 2 respectively). Subsequently, group 2 was divided into three subgroups according to presence of arterial insufficiency (group 2a; n = 85 [11%]), venous insufficiency (group 2b; n = 140 [18.2%]) and both of arterial and venous insufficiency (group 2c; n = 15 [1.9%]), and the four groups were compared in terms of CBC parameters. There was no statistically significant difference between the 4 groups, and between the patients with normal and abnormal PCDUS findings in terms of CBC values. CBC values were not associated with PCDUS findings in patients with ED.

What if the hand piece spring disassembles during robotic radical prostatectomy?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) is successfully being performed for treating prostate cancer (PCa). However, instrumentation failure associated with robotic procedures represents a unique new problem. METHODS: We report the successful completion of RALRP in spite of a disassembled hand piece spring during the procedure. A PubMed/Medline search was made concerning robotic malfunction and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy to discuss our experience. RESULTS: We performed RALRP in a 60-year-old male patient with localized PCa. During the procedure, the spring of the hand piece disassembled, and we were not able to reassemble it. We completed the procedure successfully however without fixing the disassembled hand piece spring. We were able to grasp tissue and needles when we brought our fingers together. The only movement we needed to do was to move fingers apart to release tissue or needles caught by robotic instrument. CONCLUSION: Although malfunction risk related to the da Vinci Surgical System seems to be very low, it might still occur. Sometimes, simple maneuvers may compensate for the failed function as occurred in our case. However, patients should be informed before the operation about the possibility of converting their procedure to laparoscopic or open due to robotic malfunction.

Tubeless PNL can safely be applied to selected patients in pediatric stone disease.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (TPNL) and standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SPNL) for the management of nephrolithiasis in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data for 48 patients aged lesser than 18 years who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) between January 2010 and June 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were classified into 2 categories depending on tube placement. A total of 21 patients were treated with TPNL and 27 with SPNL technique. The surgical method employed was selected depending on intraoperative complications. The size of the endoscopic instrument (mini/standard) to be used was decided according to the stone burden and surgeon preference. RESULTS: A complete stone-free rate (SFR) was achieved in 85.7% (n=18) of the TPNL group and 85.2% (n=23) of the SPNL group (p=0.959). In the TPNL group, two patients with clinically significant stones underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery, and one patient with clinically insignificant residual stone remained under follow-up. In the SPNL group, two patients with clinically significant stones underwent repeat mini-PNL surgery, the stones being fragmented with shock wave lithotripsy in one patient, and 1 one patient with insignificant residual stone remained under follow-up. No significant differences were observed in terms of intraoperative and postoperative complications, mean SFRs, or operative and fluoroscopy times. However, a statistically significant difference was observed in lengths of hospital stay (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: TPNL is a safe and effective procedure in children. No significant difference was found between TPNL and SPNL in terms of stone clearance; however, patients undergoing TPNL had significantly shorter hospital stays.

Outcomes and complications of radical cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion: A comparison between open, semi-robotic and totally robotic surgery.

BACKGROUND: It was aimed to compare open versus robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC), versus RARC with extracorporeal ileal conduit (ECIC) formation for bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Open, RARC-ECIC and RARC-ICIC groups were compared in terms of patient demographics, operative and postoperative parameters, pathological parameters, complications and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Mean operative times were lower in the RARC-ECIC group (p = 0.004). Mean estimated blood loss was significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the robotic groups. The blood transfusion was lower in RARC-ICIC groups (p < 0.001). Rates of stage pT3-4 disease were the highest in the RARC-ICIC group (p = 0.004). LOS was significantly shorter in the RARC-ICIC group (p = 0.01). Numbers of Clavien 3-5 complications were lower in the robotic groups (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: RARC and ICIC is a complex procedure involving an increased operation time but with the advantages of lower estimated blood loss, transfusion rates, complications and hospital stays compared with open surgery.

Distribution of psychogenic and vascular impotence in a tertiary health-care center's cohort: A retrospective study using penile Doppler imaging.

PURPOSE: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the penile color Doppler ultrasound (PCDU) scans of the patients who had admitted to our clinic with erectile dysfunction and aimed to evaluate the contribution of penile Doppler scan results to the clinical decisions. MATERIAL-METHOD: The data of patients admitted to our outpatient clinic with complaints of erectile dysfunction (IIEF-5 score<22 or IIEF-EF score<26) between January 2005 and January 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients whose testosterone level is lower than 280ng/ml or who had undergone radical prostatectomy were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: Three thousand ninety patients were included in the study. The mean age of our patients was 55.05±13.05 years. In total, 2139 (69%) patients had normal PCDU findings, 351 (11%) patients had arterial insufficiency, 531 (17%) patients had venous insufficiency, and 69 (2%) patients had arterial insufficiency with concurrent venous leakage. When the patients were divided into 2 groups ≤40 years (Group 1) old and >40 years (Group 2) old; normal PCDU findings were found in 432 patients (84%) of the Group 1 patients and normal PCDU findings in 1707 (66%) patients of the Group 2 patients (p<0.0001). There were arterial insufficiency findings in 24 (4.7%) and 327 (12.7%) patients of the Group 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The etiology is psychogenic in the majority of patients who present with ED complaints to the urology clinic. With age, the prevalence of psychogenic ED is decreasing but still more than organic.

Robotic Radical Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Studer Pouch Formation for Bladder Cancer: Experience in Ninety-Eight Cases.

Aim: To report the outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection (BEPLND) and intracorporeal Studer pouch formation for bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: Overall 98 patients (92 males, 6 females) were included. Patient demographics, operative and postoperative variables, pathological parameters, complications, and functional outcomes were evaluated. Results: Mean age and American Society of Anesthesiologists score and body mass index were 60.9 years, 1.7 and 26 kg/m2, respectively. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given to 18 patients. Mean operation time, intraoperative estimated blood loss, and mean lymph node (LN) yield were 8.22 hours, 314.6 mL, and 28.3, respectively. Mean hospitalization time was 13.6 days. There were one perioperative and one postoperative deaths, both due to cardiac arrest on postoperative 21st and 60th days. Drains were removed at a mean of 10 days. Surgical margins were positive in two patients. Postoperative pathological stages were reported as pT0 (n = 21), pTis (n = 7), pT1 (n = 7), pT2a (n = 14), pT2b (n = 14), pT3a (n = 15), pT3b (n = 11), and pT4a (n = 9). Positive LNs were found in 21 patients. Prostate cancer was incidentally detected in 23 patients. Twenty-five patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. At a mean follow-up period of 25.1 months, 13 patients died from metastatic disease and 7 from cardiac disease. According to the modified Clavien-Dindo system, 30 minor and 20 major complications were identified in the perioperative (0-30 days) period, and 6 minor and 7 major complications were detected in the postoperative (31-90 days) period. According to the available data of the 60 patients, 37 were fully continent, 14 had mild, 6 had moderate, and 4 had severe daytime incontinence. Conclusions: Due to our experience, RARC with BEPLND and intracorporeal Studer pouch reconstruction procedures are complex procedures with acceptable morbidity, excellent surgical and pathological outcomes, and satisfactory oncologic and functional results.

Relationship between oxidative stress and detrussor overactivity: a case control study.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the role of oxidative stress in detrusor overactivity (DO) by measuring serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), binding capacity of exogenous cobalt to human albumin (IMA), serum advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), paraoxonase (PON), and arylesterase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 38 female patients diagnosed with DO and 29 healthy female subjects forming the control group. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), binding capacity of exogenous cobalt to human albumin (IMA), serum advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), paraoxonase (PON), and arylesterase were analyzed. The results of serum TAC, TOS, IMA, AOPP, PON, and arylesterase of the subjects in both groups were compared. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in terms of age. When compared to the control group, serum TAC and IMA levels were statisticaly lower (P  < 0,001)  and higher (P = 0,003), respectively. However, TOS, AOPP, PON, arylesterase levels were similar in both groups ( p > 0.05 ). CONCLUSION: There seems to be an association between DO and oxidative damage according to our results, this can be measured by analyzing TAC and IMA in this patient group.

A giant pararectal cyst successfully treated by robotic surgery.

A 50 year-old patient was referred to our department with severe obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms, suprapubic pain and rectal fullness that started after a perianal fistula operation performed one year ago. Radiologic evaluation showed a large pararectal cystic lesion with septa formation on the right side compressing the bladder and prostate. Aspiration of the cystic fluid attempted initially but was not successful. A robotic transperitoneal approach was applied and the cyst was excised completely. On 1-year follow-up, patient did not have any symptoms and cyst was completely disappeared on radiology.

Does Presence of a Median Lobe Affect Perioperative Complications, Oncological Outcomes and Urinary Continence Following Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy?

PURPOSE: To evaluate of the presence of a median lobe(ML) affect perioperative complications, positive surgical margins(PSM), biochemical recurrence(BCR) and urinary continence(UC) following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy(RARP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 924 consecutive patients who underwent RARP for prostate cancer (PCa) and who have at least 1-year follow-up were evaluated retrospectively. All patients were divided into two groups: Group 1(n=252) included patients with ML and Group 2 (n=672) included patients without ML. The primary endpoint of this study was to compare complication rates between two groups. The secondary endpoints were to compare PSM, BCR and UC rates. RESULTS: Both groups were statistically similar in terms of demographics and variables about PCa. Mean prostate volume was higher in Group 1 vs. Group 2 (69± 31 vs. 56±23 mL, p<.001). Total operative time was longer in Group 1 vs. Group 2 (144±38 vs. 136±44 min, p=.01). Biochemical recurrence, PSM, perioperative and postoperative complication rates of our population were 13.6%, 14.9%, 1.7% and 8.7%, respectively. There were no statistical differences in terms of perioperative complication, PSM and BCR rates between the groups(p>0.05). At the first month after RARP, total continence rate was statistically significant lower in Group 1 vs. Group 2 (49.2% and 56.5%, p=.03), respectively. However, there were no significant differences in terms of continence rates at 3rd month, 6th month and 1st-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Due to our experience, the presence of ML does not seem to affect perioperative complication, intraoperative blood loss, PSM and BCR following RARP. However, the presence of ML seems to be a disadvantage in gaining early UC following RARP.

Management of ureteric duplications identified during robotic cystectomy and intracorporeal urinary diversion.

Ureteral duplication is rarely seen malformation that could be diagnosed during radiological imaging. Herein, we present 5 patients with ureteral duplication who underwent robotic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion for bladder cancer. Preoperative computerized tomography did not show presence of a ureteral duplication in any patient and all were identified intraoperatively. A Wallace type uretero-ureteral anastomosis was performed in all patients. During the follow-up period, we did not detect any ureterointestinal anastomotic strictures or complication related to the presence of a ureteral duplication following robotic cystectomy. We conclude that ureteral duplication might be missed during preoperative radiological imaging, might be a surprising and challenging issue for the robotic surgeon that could be safely managed intraoperatively.

Robotic partial nephrectomy for clinical stage T1 tumors: Experience in 42 cases.

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy (RAPN) procedures. At two centers, 42 patients underwent RAPN. Radius, Exo/Endophytic, Nearness, Anterior/Posterior, Location (R.E.N.A.L.) nephrometry and PADUA scores of patients were calculated by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Intra- and perioperative (0-30 days) complications were evaluated using modified Clavien classification. A four-arm da Vinci-S robotic surgical system was used and outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. Mean age of the patients was 52.3 ± 6.5 years. Mean tumor size was 3.1 ± 1.0 (1.4-6.6) cm. R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry and PADUA scores were 6.0 ± 1.5 and 7.5 ± 0.9, respectively. Mean surgical time was 127.7 ± 18.7 minutes and estimated blood loss was 100 ± 18.1 cc. Mean warm ischemia time was 16.0 ± 8.9 (0-30) minutes. Intraoperative complications did not develop in any patient. Median hospital stay was 3.0 (2-6) days. Except for 17 patients, hilar clamping was performed in 25 patients. Histopathology results included 34 renal cell carcinoma (22 clear cell, 7 chromophobe cell, 4 papillary cell, and 1 clear papillary cell). Oncocytoma (n = 4), adenoma (n = 1), fibroadipose tissue (n = 1), papillary epithelial hyperplasia (n = 1), and chronic pyelonephritis (n = 1) were present. Surgical margins were negative in all patients. During a median follow-up period of 15.5 ± 10.9 (3-46) months, neither local recurrence nor distant metastasis was detected. In conclusion, RAPN is a safe, minimally invasive surgical approach, with excellent surgical and oncological outcomes in T1 kidney tumors. Zero ischemia off-clamp RAPN is also safe in selected masses with the advantage of avoiding complete renal ischemia.

Impact of robotic partial nephrectomy with and without ischemia on renal functions: experience in 34 cases.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to compare renal functions in patients who underwent robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) with on-clamp and zero- ischemia techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2015, 12 off-clamp and 22 on-clamp RPN procedures were performed on a total of 34 patients in two centers. The main outcome parameters examined were serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during preoperative, immediate postoperative periods, and at postoperative 3rd months. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between on-clamp and zero- ischemia groups regarding age, ASA score, BMI, PADUA and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores, operation time and tumor size (p>0.05). Significant differences were found in the duration of hospital stay (3.8±0.9 days vs. 3.0±0.9 days) and amount of blood loss (85.9±49.6 mL vs. 183.3±176.2 mL) between the on-clamp and zero-ischemia groups (p<0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between preoperative and immediate post-operative periods, in terms of eGFR and serum creatinine levels in both groups. Moreover, statistically significant differences were found between preoperative and postoperative 3rd month periods, in the on-clamp group in terms of eGFR and serum creatinine levels. In the zero-ischemia group, the decrease in eGFR and serum creatinine levels at postoperative 3rd month relative to the preoperative period was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Off-clamp RPN technique is superior, in short-term outcomes involving renal functions, compared to on clamp approach. However, long- term data regarding the renal functions should be evaluated to arrive at a definitive decision.

Diagnostic significance of biopsies in renal masses.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the reliability and mapping of percutaneous needle core biopsies in the kidney in histopathological diagnosis of renal masses particularly for those with suspicious radiologic appearance in an attempt to prevent unnecessary nephrectomies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Overall, 96 cases were included in our study that underwent radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy due to renal mass between November 2007 - March 2010. Ex-vivo biopsies 1 cm apart were obtained from the peripheral region of the mass. Additionally, half of these peripheral biopsies were obtained from the central region of the mass. Diagnostic yield of the biopsy cores were correlated. Sensitivity and specificity of peripheral and central biopsies in differentiating benign and malignant tissues were calculated. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity in differentiating malignant lesions were 93% and 87%, and 90% and 93% for peripheral and central biopsies, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 97% and 68%, and 98% and 64% for peripheral biopsies and central biopsies, respectively. Hazard ratio for cigarette smoking and presence of necrosis on CT scans were 4.76 (CI 1, 6-14.3; p = 0.04) and 3.32 (CI 1,2-9.2; p = 0.017) and 3.71 (CI 1.3-10.7; p = 0.013) and 3,51 (CI 1.3-9.6; p = 0.012) for peripheral and central biopsies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney biopsies can be performed in suspicious renal masses of central and peripheral biopsies with similar efficacy.

Outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic transperitoneal pyeloplasty procedures: a series of 18 patients.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated outcomes of our robot-assisted laparoscopic transperitoneal pyeloplasty (RALP) procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between July 2011 and March 2014, 18 RALP procedures were performed at our instutition. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) diagnosis was made based on clinical presentation and intravenous urography. All patients underwent basal and diuretic isotopic renography to evaluate the degree of obstruction and impaired renal function. Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty technique was used with a transperitoneal approach by using the da Vinci-S 4-arm surgical robot. Outcomes were assessed retrospectively. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 31.3±11.7 (13-62) years. Male: female ratio was 9: 9. All procedures were primary surgeries. Of 18 patients, 10 (55.5%) had a crossing vessel and 8 (44.5%) had intrinsic obstruction. Mean operative time was 150.4±17.2 (115-185) minutes. Mean anastomosis time was 21.4±5.5 (10-33) minutes. Mean blood loss during the operation was 33.6±17.3 (10-60) cc. Mean hospital stay was 2.6±1.0 (1-6) days. No conversion to open surgery was required. No intraoperative and perioperative (0-30 days) complication occurred. Readmission rate during perioperative period was 0%. Median follow-up was 16.6±10.3 (3-35) months. Postoperative intravenous urography and renography showed improved results in all cases. CONCLUSION: Due to our experience, RALP is a safe and feasible minimally invasive approach in patients with UPJO with excellent surgical and functional outcomes.

Delayed massive hemorrhage due to external iliac artery pseudo-aneurysm and uretero-iliac artery fistula following robotic radical cystectomy and intracorporeal Studer pouch reconstruction: Endovascular management of an unusual complication.

We report a very unusual complication of uretero-iliac artery fistula that developed following robotic radical cystectomy (RARC), bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection and intracorporeal Studer pouch reconstruction. Our patient was a 54-year-old male who was admitted 1 month after undergoing robotic surgery due to intermittently occurring massive transurethral bleeding necessitating blood transfusion that stopped by itself. Angiography showed a right external iliac artery pseudo-aneurysm and a fistula tract between the pseudo-aneurysm and Wallace type ureteral anostomosis that was successfully treated by an angiographic endovascular stent insertion at this level. Uretero-iliac artery fistula might occur following RARC, bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection and intracorporeal Studer pouch reconstruction leading to intermittently massive transurethral bleeding. Angiography and stenting are important for diagnosis and successful treatment of this rare entity.

How reliable is 12-core prostate biopsy procedure in the detection of prostate cancer?

INTRODUCTION: Prostate biopsies incur the risk of being false-negative and this risk has not yet been evaluated for 12-core prostate biopsy. We calculated the false-negative rate of 12-core prostate biopsy and determined the patient characteristics which might affect detection rate. METHODS: We included 90 prostate cancer patients (mean age of 64, range: 49-77) diagnosed with transrectal ultrasound guided 12-core prostate biopsy between December 2005 and April 2008. All patients underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy and the 12-core prostate biopsy procedure was repeated on surgical specimen ex-vivo. Results of preoperative and postoperative prostate biopsies were compared. We analyzed the influence of patient age, prostate weight, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, free/total PSA ratio, PSA density and Gleason score on detection rate. RESULTS: In 67.8% of patients, prostate cancer was detected with repeated ex-vivo biopsies using the same mapping postoperatively. We found an increase in PSA level, PSA density and biopsy Gleason score; patient age, decreases in prostate weight and free/total PSA ratio yielded higher detection rates. All cores, except the left-lateral cores, showed mild-moderate or moderate internal consistency. Preoperative in-vivo biopsy Gleason scores remained the same, decreased and increased in 43.3%, 8.9% and 47.8% of patients, respectively, on final specimen pathology. CONCLUSIONS: The detection rate of prostate cancer with 12-core biopsy in patients (all of whom had prostate cancer) was considerably low. Effectively, repeat biopsies can still be negative despite the patient's reality of having prostate cancer. The detection rate is higher if 12-core biopsies are repeated in younger patients, patients with high PSA levels, PSA density and Gleason scores, in addition in patients with smaller prostates, lower free/total PSA ratios.