Assessing the educational value of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy videos on YouTube®: A comparative analysis of short versus long videos.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the quality of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy videos and determine the extent to which they are informative and educational for healthcare professionals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used the YouTube® search engine to search for the term 'laparoscopic radical nephrectomy' with time filters of 4-20 min (Group 1) and >20 min (Group 2) and then sorted the results uploaded chronologically before January 2023. One hundred videos were analysed for each group. The reliability of the videos was assessed using the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmark Criteria and DISCERN questionnaire scores (DISCERN). Educational quality was assessed using the Global Quality Score (GQS) and a 20-item objective scoring system (OSS) for laparoscopic nephrectomy. The popularity of the videos was evaluated using the video power index (VPI). RESULTS: The mean video duration was 8.9 ± 4.3 min in Group 1 and 52.02 ± 31.09 min in Group 2 (P < 0.001). The mean JAMA (2.49 ± 0.61) and OSS scores (60 ± 12.3) were higher in Group 2 than in Group 1, while no significant difference was observed in the mean GQS (2.53 ± 0.7, 2.39 ± 0.88, respectively) between the groups (P < 0.001, P = 0.039, P = 0.131, respectively). CONCLUSION: While the standardisation of surgical videos published on YouTube® and the establishment of auditing mechanisms do not seem plausible, high total OSS, periprocedural OSS, and VPI scores, and high OSS, JAMAS, GQS and DISCERN scores in long videos indicate that such videos offer a greater contribution to education.

A Retrospective Analysis of 83 Patients with Testicular Mass Who Underwent Testis-Sparing Surgery: The Eurasian Uro-oncology Association Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Herein, we analyzed the histopathological, oncological and functional outcomes of testis-sparing surgery (TSS) in patients with distinct risk for testicular cancer. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study on consecutive patients who underwent TSS. Patients were categorized in high- or low-risk testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) according to the presence/absence of features compatible with testicular dysgenesis syndrome. Histology was categorized per size and risk groups. RESULTS: TSS was performed in 83 patients (86 tumors) of them, 27 in the high-risk group. Fifty-nine patients had a non-tumoral contralateral testis present. Sixty masses and 26 masses were benign and TGCTs, respectively. No statistical differences were observed in mean age (30.9 ± 10.32 years), pathological tumor size (14.67 ± 6.7 mm) between risk groups or between benign and malignant tumors (p = 0.608). When categorized per risk groups, 22 (73.3%) and 4 (7.1%) of the TSS specimens were malignant in the high- and low-risk patient groups, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the only independent variable significantly related to malignant outcome was previous history of TGCT. During a mean follow-up of 25.5 ± 22.7 months, no patient developed systemic disease. Local recurrence was detected in 5 patients and received radical orchiectomy. Postoperative testosterone levels remained normal in 88% of those patients with normal preoperative level. No erectile dysfunction was reported in patients with benign lesions. CONCLUSION: TSS is a safe and feasible approach with adequate cancer control, and preservation of sexual function is possible in 2/3 of patients harboring malignancy. Incidence of TGCT varies extremely between patients at high and low risk for TGCT requiring a careful consideration and counseling.

Lutetium-177-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy in patients with high volume metastatic prostate cancer prior to chemotherapy and new generation androgen deprivation therapy: Clinical Experience.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy oflutetium-177-prostate-specific membrane antigen-617 (177Lu-PSMA-617) with the luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues in the first or in the second-line setting formetastatic castration sensitive patients and metastatic castration resistance after progression with LHRH analogues. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixteen consecutive patients with high volume metastatic prostate cancer undergone 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy who were refused chemotherapy and were unable to use new generation anti-androgen drugs because of unavailibility of reimbursement, were included in this retrospective study. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) response (>50% decrease), disease control rate (DCR: complete or partial response), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated to evaluate according to the clinicopathological features of the patients. Treatment response evaluated by 68Ga-PSMA-11 positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). RESULTS: Mean age was 74,6 (SD±8,36). Among them, 7 (43,8%) patients has castration resistant disease, while the remaining has castration sensitive disease. Lutetium-177-PSMA-617 was administered to 10 (62,5%) patients as one of the first-line treatment and 6 patients received the treatment after progression on LHRH as a second-line treatment. Considering all patients, PSA response rate and DCR were 50% and 62% respectively. The median PFS and OS (with 95% CI) were 11,2 months (11-15) and 29 months (25,6-32,4), respectively in patients treated with 177Lu-PSMA-617 and LHRH analogues. Clinicopathological features and basal PSA level did not have effect on PSA response rates, DCR, OS and PFS. On the other hand, increment in PFS and OS (with 95% CI) was observed in castration resistant disease and in the second-line therapy; for castration resistant disease 16,5 months (12.3-19.7); 30 months (25.3-32.7), for the second-line therapy 14.5 months (12-20.5); 29 months (NR), respectively but statistically not significant. Serious toxicity was observed in a limited number of patients (18,7%), treatment-related death was not observed. CONCLUSION: Favorable results can be achived with second-line 177Lu-PSMA-617 treatment in terms of OS and PFS, especially in castration-resistant disease, when chemotherapy and new generation ADT's cannot be used.

Efficacy of onabotulinum toxin A injection in pediatric patients with non-neurogenic detrusor overactivity.

AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of onabotulinum toxin A (onaBoNT-A) injections in pediatric patients with non-neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NNDO). METHODS: Between January 2010 and February 2016, 39 patients underwent onaBoNT-A injections for NNDO, and were evaluated retrospectively. Three-day voiding diary was filled at baseline, and at the postoperative 9th month. The voiding frequency, incontinence episodes, and the cystometric capacity were noted. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) associated with NNDO, and presence of nocturia were recorded. Additional injection requirements were also stated. RESULTS: We reached the data of 33 patients on 9th month. The mean age was determined as 8.75 ± 3.01 (5-16) years. Initially, the mean bladder capacity was calculated as 114.66 ± 35.23 mL on the voiding diary, and 153.15 ± 47.40 mL on the baseline urodynamic study. After the procedures, the mean bladder capacity increased to 140.84 ± 45.61 mL (P = 0.0011), the mean daily voiding frequency decreased from 10.36 ± 1.05 to 7.42 ± 0.83 (P = 0.01), and the mean incontinence episodes decreased from 2.72 ± 1.87 to 1.18 ± 1.13 (P = 0.001), on voiding diary. VUR associated with NNDO was determined in 10 (30.3%) patients. The degree of VUR decreased three in patients, and VUR disappeared in five patients following the injections (P = 0.011). Fourteen (42.4%) patients had nocturia, and after the injections, nocturia disappeared in five (15.15%) patients (P = 0.151). Additional injections were required in 10 (30.3%) patients at the 9th month. CONCLUSIONS: OnaBoNT-A injections can be used in the pediatric patients with NNDO as an effective and reliable procedure by decreasing voiding frequency, incontinence episodes, and increasing bladder capacity, with negligible side effects and complications.

Impaction and Prediction: Does Ureteral Wall Thickness Affect the Success of Medical Expulsive Therapy in Pediatric Ureteral Stones?

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of ureteral wall thickness (UWT) and stone-related parameters for medical expulsive therapy (MET) success with an alpha blocker in pediatric upper ureteral stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 35 children receiving MET ureteral stones (<10 mm) were evaluated. Patients were divided into 2 subgroups where MET was successful in 18 children (51.4%) and unsuccessful in 17 children (48.6%). Prior to management, stone size, stone density (in Hounsfield unit), degree of hydronephrosis, and UWT were evaluated with patient demographics and recorded. The possible predictive value of these parameters in success rates and time to stone expulsion were evaluated in a comparative manner between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The overall mean patient age and stone size values were 5.40 ± 0.51 years and 6.24 ± 0.28 mm, respectively. Regarding the predictive values of these parameters for the success of MET, while stone size and UWT were found to be highly predictive for MET success, patients age, body mass index, stone density, and degree of hydronephrosis had no predictive value on this aspect. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that some stone and anatomical factors may be used to predict the success of MET in pediatric ureteral stones in an effective manner. With this approach, unnecessary use of these drugs that may cause a delay in removing the stone will be avoided, and the possible adverse effects of obstruction as well as stone-related clinical symptoms could be minimized.

A neural network - based algorithm for predicting stone - free status after ESWL therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The prototype artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed using data from patients with renal stone, in order to predict stone-free status and to help in planning treatment with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) for kidney stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from the 203 patients including gender, single or multiple nature of the stone, location of the stone, infundibulopelvic angle primary or secondary nature of the stone, status of hydronephrosis, stone size after ESWL, age, size, skin to stone distance, stone density and creatinine, for eleven variables. Regression analysis and the ANN method were applied to predict treatment success using the same series of data. RESULTS: Subsequently, patients were divided into three groups by neural network software, in order to implement the ANN: training group (n=139), validation group (n=32), and the test group (n=32). ANN analysis demonstrated that the prediction accuracy of the stone-free rate was 99.25% in the training group, 85.48% in the validation group, and 88.70% in the test group. CONCLUSIONS: Successful results were obtained to predict the stone-free rate, with the help of the ANN model designed by using a series of data collected from real patients in whom ESWL was implemented to help in planning treatment for kidney stones.

Loss of heterozygosity of chromosome 13q33-34 region and molecular analysis of ING1 and p53 genes in bladder carcinoma.

Cancer is a consequence of accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations in the cell which can lead to activation of oncogenes or inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (TSG). Since members of ING family were discovered as TSGs in different cancer types, it was aimed to analyze the chromosome 13q33-34 region, ING1 and p53 genes in bladder cancer. 30 paired normal and tumor tissues were investigated in terms of microdeletion of chromosome 13q33-34 region, ING1 expression and mutation status of ING1 and p53 genes. Because there is no data available about the transcription factors which bind to ING1 promoter, the promoter sequence was analyzed via Genomatix-MatInspector and TFSEARCH softwares. Used DS markers were D13S285, D13S1315, D13S796, D13S278, D13S158, and D13S779 where loss of heterozygosity (LOH) results were as 23.3, 20, 6.7, 3.3, 6.7, and 0 %, respectively. The highest LOH scores were obtained with markers D13S285 and D13S1315 which are flanking the ING1. Seven of 30 cases showed alteration in expression (p > 0.05). However, no mutation was detected in the exons of ING1. One patient showed a two-nucleotide deletion in p53 gene. However no significant TSG activity of ING1 was observed while higher activity was reported in different cancer types. As for the LOH data 13q33-34 region may contain different candidate TSGs like COL4A1, COL4A2 and SOX1. As a result of computational promoter analysis, some factors like ABL, E2F, HIF1, SOX, P53, BPTF, NRSF, c-Rel and c-ETS were associated with the promoter region. Molecular analysis of ING1 promoter warrants further analysis.

Transobturator Midurethral Slings versus Single-Incision Slings for Stress Incontinence in Overweight Patients.

PURPOSE: To compare transobturator midurethral sling (TOS) and single-incision sling procedures in terms of their effects on urinary incontinence and the quality of life in overweight (BMI ≥ 25-29.9 kg/m2) female patients using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire scoring form (ICIQ-SF) and Quality of Life of Persons with Urinary Incontinence scoring form (I-QOL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective trial, the patients were divided into two groups consecutively; first 20 overweight female patients underwent the TOS (Unitape T®, Promedon, Cordoba, Argentina) procedure and the subsequent 20 consecutive overweight female patients underwent the single-incision sling [TVT-secur (Ethicon Inc., Sommerville, USA)] procedure. Age, urinary incontinence period, parity and daily pads usage were recorded. No usage of pads was defined as subjective cure rate postoperatively. Before the operation and 6. month after the surgery, the patients completed the ICIQ-SF and I-QOL. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean age, duration of incontinence, parity, and BMI (p>0.05). ICIQ-SF and I-QOL revealed that the patients in the TOS group showed significantly better improvement (76.20% versus 64.10%, p=0.001, 81.31% versus 69.28%, p=0.001, respectively). In addition, subjective cure rates were found higher in TOS group (75% versus 55%, p=0.190). CONCLUSIONS: The existing data is showed that incontinence symptoms and the quality of life have higher improvement in overweight female patients who underwent the TOS procedure. It is likely that the TOS procedure may provide stronger urethral support and better contributes to continence in this group of patients.

Comparing of different methods for prevention stone migration during ureteroscopic lithotripsy.

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of Stone Cone™, PercSys and lidocaine jelly instillation to prevent stone migration during ureterorenoscopy (URS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients who underwent URS for proximal ureteral stones between 2007 and 2012 were evaluated prospectively. The patients were divided into four groups consecutively. The control group (Group I) consisted of the 25 consecutive patients, in whom no device or method was used to prevent stone migration. Group II consisted of 25 patients treated with the Stone Cone, group III consisted of 25 patients treated with PercSys, and group IV consisted of 25 patients treated with lidocaine jelly instillation. RESULTS: The migration rates were 4.5% in group II, 8.7% in group III, 21.7% in group IV, and 31.8% in group I. The migration rate was found to be statistically significantly lower in the groups treated with the Stone Cone and PercSys compared to the control group (p = 0.014, p = 0.048). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the lidocaine jelly group and the control group in terms of migration rates (p = 0.444). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that the Stone Cone and PercSys were the most successful methods with significantly low migration rates (4.5 and 8.7%, respectively).

Endovascular management of vascular complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding is one of the most common and most important complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), which is mainly controlled with conservative treatment options. Transcatheter arterial embolization is required in less than 1 % of the patients undergoing PCNL. There are only a few studies about endovascular treatment of vascular complications of PCNL. The purpose of this study was to evaluate renal arterial complications of PCNL and treatment outcomes with endovascular coil embolization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 16 patients who underwent endovascular management for complications after PCNL, including diagnostic angiography. We analyzed the angiographic appearances of the vascular lesions that caused hemorrhages, treatment outcomes for endovascular coil embolization, and renal parenchymal loss rate following this treatment. RESULTS: Seven patients had a pseudoaneurysm, two patients had an arteriocaliceal fistula (ACF), five patients had a pseudoaneurysm and an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), and two patients had a pseudoaneurysm and an ACF. Of the 14 patients with pseudoaneurysms, five had more than one pseudoaneurysm. Endovascular coil embolization was successful in all patients, and it was able to stop the bleeding. After embolization, 12 patients had less than 10 % parenchymal loss, and 4 patients had 10-20 % parenchymal loss. Mean hospital stay after embolization was 2.3 ± 0.7 days (range, 1 to 3 days). CONCLUSIONS: The injuries seen in the intrarenal arterial system during the PCNL procedure can result in pseudoaneurysms and/or AVFs and/or ACFs, and more than one artery can be harmed. Arterial complications of PCNL can be treated with endovascular coil embolization while preserving renal function at a maximum level.

Limitation of HIF-1α with pentoxifillyne on renal tubular ischemia result of hiperoxaluria and ESWL.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit α (HIF-1α) expression during the performance of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and to investigate the effects of pentoxyphylline on HIF-1α expression. METHODS: One hundred New Zealand Albino rabbit were used in the study divided in 5 groups. There were 20 rabbits in each group. The groups were divided in two parts: early (7 days) and late period (14 days) according to follow up duration. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed using nuclear staining to show HIF-1α expression in rabbit renal tissue sample. RESULTS: HIF-1α expression was higher in rabbits undergoing ESWL (group 4). In the hyperoxaluria group taking pentoxyphylline before ESWL (group 5), HIF-1α expression was lower in both early and late period subgroups (p < 0.05) CONCLUSION: In this study we evaluated HIF-1α expression and showed that ESWL may cause renal cell injury. Our results suggest that pentoxyphylline, as a circulatory regulator agent, may prevent renal cell injury induced by ESWL.

Correlation of Postoperative Outcomes According to the Amount of Prostatic Tissue Removed in Patients Undergoing Transurethral Resection of the Prostate.

OBJECTIVE: The present study assesses the effect of the proportion of tissue resected during transurethral resections of the prostate (TUR-P) on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and other parameters in patients with a benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three patients who underwent TUR-P between 2018 and 2021 were assessed prospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to the percentage of tissue removed (group 1 <30%, group 2 >30% resection). Age, prostate volume, amount of resected tissue, operative time, length of hospital stay, duration of catheterization, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (ng/dl) at preoperative and postoperative three months were recorded. RESULTS: The percentage of tissue removed was 22.2% vs. 48.4% (p = 0.001), IPSS reduction was 77.7% vs. 83.3% (p = 0.048), QoL improvement was 77.2% vs. 84.8% (p = 0.133), Qmax increase was 171.3% vs. 193.5% (p = 0.032), and serum PSA decrease was 56.4% vs. 69.2% (p = 0.049) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. In addition, the operative time was 38.5 vs. 53.6 min (p = 0.001), the length of hospital stay was 2.0 vs. 2.4 days (p = 0.001), and the duration of catheterization average was 4.1 vs. 4.9 days (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Resections of at least 30% of prostatic tissue can provide a significant improvement in the symptoms and parameters related to benign prostatic obstruction, while resections of less than 30% of prostatic tissue can effectively reduce urinary symptoms and improve the quality of life in older adult patients with comorbidities who require shorter operating times.

Comparative analyses of percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus open surgery in pediatric urinary stone disease.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency and reliability of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and open surgery for pediatric urinary stone disease. METHODS: The retrospective analysis included 116 patients (69 PCNL, 47 open stone surgery). The stone surface area, stone-free rates, hospitalization time, blood transfusion rates, and the D-J implantation rates of patients in each group in whom PCNL and open surgery were performed were analyzed. RESULTS: The average age of the patients in the PCNL group was 10.01 ± 0.51 years, and in the open surgery group 8.55 ± 0.68 years. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in average age, stone surface area or stone-free rates. However, hospitalization time (PCNL 2.31 ± 0.46 days, open surgery 3.36 ± 0.64 days), blood transfusion rate (PCNL 10.1 %, open surgery 42.5 %) and D-J catheter implantation rate (PNL 7.24 %, open surgery 42.5 %) of patients who underwent PCNL were determined to be statistically low. CONCLUSION: In light of the results, it is concluded that PCNL supersedes open surgery in terms of the use of advanced instruments and technological developments for modern pediatric surgery.

Comparison of Tumor Enucleation and Standard Partial Nephrectomy According to Trifecta Outcomes: A Multicenter Study by the Turkish Academy of Urology, Uro-Oncology Working Group.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the impact of the resection technique (tumor enucleation (TE) or standard partial nephrectomy (SPN)) on trifecta outcomes in patients having undergone partial nephrectomy (PN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and pathologic parameters in patients with localized renal cell carcinoma (pT1-2N0M0) who had undergone PN between January 2001-December 2018 at one of 15 different tertiary referral centers. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to investigate independent predictors of trifecta failure, decreased postoperative renal functions (decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 10%), perioperative complications (Clavien-Dindo > 1), and positive surgical margins. RESULTS: A total of 1070 patients with a mean age 56.11 ± 11.88 years were included in our study. PN was performed with TE in 848 (79.25%) and SPN in 222 (20.75%) patients. Trifecta failure rate was 56.2% for TE and 64.4% for SPN (p = 0.028). On multivariable analysis, TE was associated with less trifecta failure (p = 0.025) and eGFR decrease >10% rates (p = 0.024). On the other hand, there was no statistically significant difference between TE and SPN according to positive surgical margins (p = 0.450) and complication > Clavien-Dindo grade 1 (p = 0.888) rates. The only independent predictive factor for complications > Clavien-Dindo 1 was the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: TE is associated with less trifecta failure than SPN. This result is mainly due to better preservation of renal function with TE.

Evaluation of the results of laser endopyelotomy with two different technique in ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Failed pyeloplasty procedures are caused by large amounts of scarring, and peripelvic fibrosis. This finding has been associated with urinary extravasations to the operation, urosepsis or an excessive tissue reaction. The treatment options for secondary UPJO (Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction) are the same with the options for primary procedures: in cases of very poor renal function, various pyeloplasty forms (open and laparoscopic), and ureterocalicostomy or sometimes nephrectomy may be considered in severe renal function loss. Whereas, endoscopic treatment can be considered in elective cases. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 46 young patients who underwent endopyelotomy due to secondary ureteropelvic obstruction between January 2013 and September 2018 were included in the study. Patients underwent semirigid URS (Ureterorenoscopy) guided laser endopyelotomy until July 2015, and the patients had flexible URS guided laser endopyelotomy since July 2015. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was found as 17.7 ± 4.2 and 16.9 ± 5.7 years in the SURSLE (Semirigid Ureterorenoscopy Laser Endopyelotomy), and FURSLE (Flexible Ureterorenoscopy Laser Endopyelotomy) groups, respectively. Success of the procedure was confirmed in 20 (83%) patients in the SURSLE group, and 19 (86%) patients in the FURSLE group who had no obstructive symptoms based on USG, GFR and excretion curves on the renogram ordered in the 24th month. Four (16%) patients in the SURSLE group, and 3 (14%) patients in the FURSLE group were accepted as failed, their treatments were arranged for additional surgical procedures, and these patients were taken under the follow-up protocol. DISCUSSION: This is one of the first studies comparing endopyelotomy with semirigid URS and flexible URS in patients with ureteropelvic stenosis. Long-term results with a large series of patients are not known, and our approach can be considered only as an individual method. There are different treatment options in UPJO. The use of fluoroscopy has advantages in endourologic operations. Therefore, lower radiation exposure can be a rational approach for protecting a person. Similarly, providing necessary protection also for physicians and operating room personnel is essential. In our study, shorter fluoroscopy time with SURSLE provided an advantage over FURSLE in terms of radiation exposure. CONCLUSION: Of semirigid and flexible URS techniques that have no superiority over each other in terms of success, preferring semi-rigid URS guided laser endopyelotomy with lower ionizing radiation used, is more rational.

Correlation between the NGF levels and questionnaire forms in patients receiving antimuscarinic treatment and those receiving onabotulinum toxin-A injection.

OBJECTIVE: To compare nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in patients who received antimuscarinic, versus onabotulinum toxin-A (onaBoNT-A) injection, as well as to investigate whether there is a correlation between NGF levels, and 8-item overactive bladder questionnaire(OAB-V8), urogenital distress inventory (UDI)-6, and incontinence impact questionnaire (IIQ)-7 forms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourty adult patients with OAB were enrolled in this prospective study. An antimuscarinic was prescribed to 20 naive patients, and onaBoNT-A injection was administered to 20 patients, who were refractory to antimuscarinics. Urine samples were obtained before, and after 3rd and 6th months of treatment, and NGF levels were measured. Symptom scores of OAB-V8, UDI-6,and IIQ-7 were recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups in terms of the initial OAB-V8, IIQ-7, and UDI-6 scores, whereas NGF values showed no significant difference over time in onaBoNT-A group (p=0.069, p=0.069). NGF levels were significantly lower in 3rd and 6th months, in patients receiving antimuscarinic (p=0.003, p=0.007); a strong correlation was found in 3rd month between the NGF levels, OAB-V8 scores (r=0.704, p=0.001), and IIQ-7 scores (r=0.676, p=0.001), and a moderate correlation between NGF levels, and UDI-6 scores (r=0.583, p=0.007). In the 6th months, a very strong correlation was found between NGF levels, and OAB-V8 scores (r=0.811, p=0.004), and a strong correlation was found between NGF levels, and IIQ-7 scores (r=0.671, p=0.001). In onaBoNT-A group, there was no significant correlation between NGF levels, and other variables. CONCLUSION: NGF level might be a good marker to evaluate effectiveness of treatment in patients receiving antimuscarinics, owing to correlation of urinary NGF levels with symptom scores. Lack of correlation in patients receiving onaBoNT-A injection could be a result of differences in the mechanism of action.

Thermal intravesical chemotherapy in adjuvant treatment of high risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. / Quimioterapia intravesical térmica como tratamiento adyuvante en pacientes de cáncer de vejiga alto riesgo no-musculoinvasivos.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the oncological results of hyperthermic Mitomycin C (MMC) in adjuvant treatment of high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and to assess its side-effect profile. METHODS: Patients who were followed up in two reference university hospitals due to high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder tumors were included in the study. High-risk patients according to the EAU non-muscle invasive bladder cancer guideline, patients who were rejected early cystectomy, patients who could not be treated with BCG due to a shortage, and patients for whom the cystectomy would be too risky due to their comorbidities were included in the study. All patients were followed up forat least 24 months with physical examination, cystoscopy, and urine cytology at 3-month intervals. Transurethral tumor resection was performed in all patients and a non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma was diagnosed pathologically. Hyperthermic MMC was administered with Synergo system SB-TS 101. Records were kept prospectively and evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Fifty-eight high-risk group patients 18 (31%) of whom were at pTa stage and 40 (69%) at pT1 stage were included in the study. During a mean follow-up of 42 months, 34 (58%) patients had recurrence, while 5 (8%) patients progressed to muscle-invasive disease. Eleven (19%) of the patients under went radical cystectomy. The mean time to relapse was 10 months (3-34 months), and the mean time to progression was 41 months (6-87 months). Five-year overall survival, cancer-specific survival, progression-free survival, and relapse-free survival of the patients were 76%, 88%, 90% and 38%, respectively. Multifocality alone was found to be an independent risk factor (HR: 0.26; 95% Cl: 0.08-0.78; p=0.016) affecting recurrence. The observed side effects included tachycardia, cystitis, dysuria, macrohematuria, procedure-related pain, and allergic skin reactions. Treatment had to be discontinued in one patient due to a diffuse skin reaction. CONCLUSIONS: Thermal intravesical MMC therapyis a safe treatment and it could be effective treatment option in preventing disease progression in patients with high risk and non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with unsuccessful Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) or who could not be treated with BCG for other reasons.

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar los resultados oncológicos de Mitomicina C hipertérmica en tratamiento adyuvante para el cáncer de vejiga de alto riesgono-musculoinvasivo y para evaluar el perfil de efectos secundarios.MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio pacientes evaluados en dos centros universitarios de referencia por cáncer de vejiga no-musculoinvasivo de alto riesgo. Fueron incluídos en el estudio los pacientes de alto riesgo según las guías europeas de cáncer de vejiga no-musculoinvasivo, pacientes que no aceptaron la cistectomía precoz o pacientes en los que la cistectomía implicaría demasiado riesgo quirúrgico debido a las comorbilidades. Todos los pacientes fueron seguidos como mínimo por 24 meses con exploración física, cistoscopia y citología de orina en intervalos de 3 meses. La resección transuretral de tumores se realizó en todos los pacientes y el diagnóstico anatomopatológico de carcinoma urotelial no-musculoinvasivo fue determinado. La MMC hipertermia se administró con el sistema Synergo SB-TS101. Los datos se reportaron prospectivamente y retrospectivamente. RESULTADOS: 58 pacientes de alto riesgo, 18 (31%) de los cuales fueron pTa y 40 (69%) pT1 fueron incluidos en el estudio. Durante la media de seguimiento de 42 meses, 34 (58%) recurrieron, mientras que 5 (8% )progresaron a musculo-invasivo. 11 (19%) de los pacientes recibieron una cistectomía radical. La mediana de tiempo a la recidiva fue de 10 meses (3-34 meses) y la mediana a la progresión fue de 42 meses (6-87 meses). La supervivencia global, cáncer-especifica, libre de progresión y libre de recurrencia a 5 años fue de 76%, 88%, 90% y 38%, respectivamente. La multifocalidad fue un factor de riesgo independiente (HR:0,26; 95% Cl: 0,08-0,78; p=0,016) afectando la recurrencia. Los efectos secundarios observados fueron la taquicardia, cistitis, disuria, macrohematuria, dolor con el procedimiento y reacción alérgica. El tratamiento tuvo que pararse en un paciente debido a una reacción cutánea difusa. CONCLUSIONES: La terapia con Mitomicina C térmica es un tratamiento seguro y puede ser un tratamiento efectivo para la prevención de la progresión en pacientes de alto riesgo no-musculoinvasivo en los que la BCG ha fallado o que no se pueden tratar con BCG por otras razones.

A novel surgical technique for extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy with using 3 trocars: Results after 154 cases. / Una novedosa técnica para la prostatectomía radical extraperitoneal con 3 trocares: resultados después de 154 casos.

OBJECTIVES: Recently laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) is a minimally invasive surgical option for prostate cancer (PCa) treatment in the lack of robot. To eliminate numbers of trocars and to modify surgical technique can make the LRP procedure easier. We aimed to introduce our novel approach on LRP by using just only 3 trocars and to compare conventional extraperitoneal LRP (eLRP) with 3 trocars eLRP. METHODS: Of the 223 PCa patients undergone eLRP were divided into 2 groups as Group 1 (n=69) consisted of conventional eLRP, Group 2 (n=154) consisted of consecutive 3 trocars eLRP. Demographic, operative, postoperative, and short-term follow-up data including functional results were analysed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 10.9±5.1 months. Preoperative and demographic parameters were comparable between the groups. Mean operative time, intraoperative used carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, and hospital stay were significantly shorter in Group 2 (for all parameters p<0.001). Haemoglobin decrease was also less in Group 2 without statistical significance. Oncologic and functional results were similar. There was no major complication in Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results 3 trocars eLRP can be performed safely and effectively in experienced hands. Haemorrhage, operative time, CO2 usage, and hospital stay could be shortened with our novel approach.

OBJETIVOS:  Recientemente, la prostatectomía radical laparoscópica (PRL) es una opción mínimamente invasiva para el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata (CaP) cuando no existe la robótica. Eliminar el numero de trocares y modificar la técnica quirúrgica, puede hacer la PRL un procedimiento fácil. Nuestro objetivo es introducir nuestra nueva técnica para la PRL utilizando solo 3 trocares y compararla con la PRL tradicional. MÉTODOS: De los 223 pacientes con cáncer de próstata que recibieron una PRL extraperitoneal se dividieron en 2 grupos: Grupo 1 (n=69) consistió en la PRL convencional; Grupo 2 (n=154) PRL con 3 trocares. Datos demográficos, quirúrgicos, postoperatorios, seguimiento y resultados funcionales fueron analizados. RESULTADOS: La mediana de seguimiento fue de 10,9±5,1meses. Las variables preoperatorias y demográficas fueron comparables entre ambos grupos. El tiempo medio de cirugía, el uso intraoperatorio de CO2 y la estancia hospitalaria fueron menores en el Grupo 2 (para todos los parámetros pde hemoglobina fue menor también en el grupo 2 sin significación estadística. Los resultados funcionales y oncológicos fueron similares. No hubo complicaciones mayores en el Grupo 2. CONCLUSIONES: De acuerdo con nuestros resultados la PRL extraperitoneal con 3 trocares se puede realizar de forma segura y efectiva en manos expertas. El sangrado intraoperatorio, tiempo quirúrgico y el uso de CO2 se pueden acortar con el uso de esta técnica.

Does tamsulosin change the management of proximally located ureteral stones?

The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocking agent on the spontaneous passage of proximal ureteral calculi < or =10 mm. 92 patients having single radio-opaque proximal ureteral stone < or =10 mm were randomized into two groups. Group 1 patients (n = 50) were followed with classical conservative approach and patients in Group 2 (n = 42) additionally received tamsulosin, 0.4 mg/day during 4 weeks follow-up. The stone passage rates, stone expulsion time, VAS score, change in colic episodes, and hospital re-admission rates for colicky pain were compared. The patients were furthermore stratified according to stone diameters <5 and 5-10 mm. The data of these subgroups were also compared. Stone expulsion rates showed statistically significant difference between tamsulosin receivers and non-receivers (35.7 vs 30%, p = 0.04). Time to stone expulsion period was also shortened in those receiving tamsulosin (8.4 +/- 3.3 vs 11.6 +/- 4.1 days, p = 0.015). Likewise, the mean VAS score and renal colic episodes during follow-up period were significantly diminished in Group 2 patients (4.5 +/- 2.3 vs 8.8 +/- 2.9, p < 0.01 and 66.6 vs 36%, p = 0.001, respectively). Among the stones <5 mm, tamsulosin receiving patients had higher spontaneous passage rate (71.4 vs 50%, p < 0.001). The prominent effect of tamsulosin on the 5-10 mm stones was the relocation of the stones to a more distal part of ureter (39.3 vs 18.7%, p = 0.001). Administration of tamsulosin in the medical management of proximal ureteral calculi can facilitate the spontaneous passage rate in the stone <5 mm and the relocation of the stones between 5 and 10 mm to more distal part of the ureter.