A clinical guide to rare male sexual disorders.

Conditions referred to as 'male sexual dysfunctions' usually include erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory disorders and male hypogonadism. However, some less common male sexual disorders exist, which are under-recognized and under-treated, leading to considerable morbidity, with adverse effects on individuals' sexual health and relationships. Such conditions include post-finasteride syndrome, restless genital syndrome, post-orgasmic illness syndrome, post-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sexual dysfunction, hard-flaccid syndrome, sleep-related painful erections and post-retinoid sexual dysfunction. Information about these disorders usually originates from case-control trials or small case series; thus, the published literature is scarce. As the aetiology of these diseases has not been fully elucidated, the optimal investigational work-up and therapy are not well defined, and the available options cannot, therefore, adequately address patients' sexual problems and implement appropriate treatment. Thus, larger-scale studies - including prospective trials and comprehensive case registries - are crucial to better understand the aetiology, prevalence and clinical characteristics of these conditions. Furthermore, collaborative efforts among researchers, health-care professionals and patient advocacy groups will be essential in order to develop evidence-based guidelines and novel therapeutic approaches that can effectively address these disorders. By advancing our understanding and refining treatment strategies, we can strive towards improving the quality of life and fostering healthier sexual relationships for individuals suffering from these rare sexual disorders.

Do "testosterone boosters" really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic review.

Testosterone boosters are heavily marketed on social media and marketplaces to men with claims to significantly increase testosterone. Lax industry regulation has allowed sales of supplements to thrive in the absence of verification of their purported benefits. Our primary objective was to systematically review all data published in the last two decades on testosterone boosters and determine their efficacy. Our outcome of interest was total testosterone increase versus placebo in four different populations: male athletes, men with late-onset hypogonadism infertile men and healthy men. Following search and screening, 52 studies were included in our review, relating to 27 proposed testosterone boosters: 10 studies of cholecalciferol; 5 zinc/magnesium; 4 Tribulus terrestris and creatine; 3 Eurycoma longifolia and Withania somnifera; 2 betaine, D-aspartic acid, Lepidium meyenii and isoflavones; while the remainder were single reports. Our findings indicate that most fail to increase total testosterone. The exceptions were ß-hydroxy ß-methylbutyrate and betaine, which can be considered effective for male athletes. Eurycoma longifolia, a blend of Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cacao seed extracts (Tesnor™) and purified Shilajit extract (PrimaVie™) can be considered possibly effective for men with late-onset hypogonadism; Eurycoma longifolia and Withania somnifera possibly effective for healthy men; and a non-hormonal aromatase inhibitor (Novadex XT™) possibly effective for male athletes.

Freehand versus Grid-Based Transperineal Prostate Biopsy: A Comparison of Anatomical Region Yield and Complications.

PURPOSE: The freehand (FH) technique of transperineal prostate biopsy using commercialized needle access systems facilitates a reduction in anesthesia requirements from general to local or local/sedation. We sought to compare the efficacy and complication rates of the FH method with those of the standard grid-based (GB) method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The GB method was performed from 2014 to 2018, and the updated FH technique was performed from 2018 to 2020, yielding comparative cohorts of 174 and 304, respectively. RESULTS: The FH and GB techniques demonstrated equivalent yields of ≥Gleason grade group (GGG)-2 prostate cancer (PCa). The FH group had a significantly higher mean number of cores with ≥GGG-2 PCa involvement (p=0.011) but a significantly lower mean number of biopsy samples (p <0.01). The urinary retention rate of the GB group (10%) was significantly higher than that of the FH group (1%; p <0.01). The rates of ≥GGG-2 PCa involvement in the anterior (GB, 31%) and anteromedial (FH, 22%) sectors were higher than those in other sectors (range, 0%-9%). For multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, the rate of ≥GGG-2 PCa detection in the anteromedial prostate (23%) was nearly half that in other locations (range, 38%-55%). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with GB transperineal biopsy, FH transperineal biopsy demonstrates an equivalent cancer yield with no risk of sepsis, a significantly reduced risk of urinary retention, and reduced anesthesia needs. The higher number of cores with ≥GGG-2 PCa involvement in the FH group suggests that FH transperineal biopsy can sample the prostate better than GB-transperineal biopsy can.

[Evaluation of ischemia-modified albumin in obstructive renal injury.] / Evaluación de la albumina modificada por la isquemia en lesiones renales obstructivas.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at assessing the ability of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) to predict renal injury by associating biochemical, functional, and pathological findings with various degrees of ureteral obstruction. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were randomized into three groups, and their blood was sampled to determine the creatinine and IMA values and renal scintigraphy was done at the start and on postoperative day 7. In the sham group, the ureter was untouched; in the partial group, the ureter was gently embedded into the psoas muscle; and in the complete group, the ureter was compathologically, and all parameters were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: IMA was significantly associated with functional changes, creatinine values, and pathology scores (r = -0.729, r = 0.771, r = 0.827 respectively; p < 0.001). The postoperative IMA values of the partial and complete group were significantly higher than the respective preoperative values (p < 0.001, p < 0.001; p < 0.05, respectively). Additionally, the postoperative IMA values of the complete group were significantly higher than that of the sham and partial groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.001; p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: IMA, which is strongly associated with renal functional and pathological variations, appears to be a valuable parameter for predicting renal injury and may warn clinicians before the irreversible phases of obstructive uropathy occur. More extensive studies with human participants may prove advantageous.

OBJETIVOS: Este estudio intenta determinar la habilidad de la albumina modificada por la isquemia (IMA) para predecir el daño renal a través de asociar hallazgos patológicos, funcionales y bioquímicos con distintos grados de obstrucción.MÉTODOS: Se randomizaron 24 ratas en 3 grupos y se recogió su sangre para determinar la creatinina y IMA. Se realizó un renograma al inicio y en el día 7 del postoperatorio. En el grupo control, el uréter no se tocó, en el grupo parcial, el uréter se cosió en parte al músculo psoas y en el grupo completo el uréter se ligó completamente. La extensión de la lesión renal se graduó desde el punto de vista histológico, y todos los parámetros fueron estadísticamente evaluados. RESULTADOS: IMA estuvo estadísticamente asociada a cambios funcionales, valores de creatinina y grados histológicos (r = -0,729, r = 0,771, r = 0,827 respectivamente; p < 0,001). Los valores IMA postoperatorios en los grupos parcial y completa fueron significativamente más altos en relación a los valores preoperatorios (p < 0,001, p < 0,001; p < 0,05, respectivamente). Adicionalmente, los valores postoperatorios de IMA del grupo de obstrucción completa fueron significativamente más altos que el grupo control y parcial (p < 0,001, p = 0,001; p < 0,05, respectivamente). CONCLUSIONES: IMA, que está ampliamente asociado a la función renal y a las variaciones histológicas, parece ser un parámetro importante para predecir el daño renal y puede advertir a los clínicos antes de que se den las fases irreversibles de la uropatía obstructiva.Estudios más amplios con humanos pueden resultar ventajosos.

Evaluation of ischemia-modified albumin in obstructive renal injury / Evaluación de la albúmina modificada por isquemia en la lesión renal obstructiva

Objetives: This study was aimed at assessing the ability of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA)to predict renal injury by associating biochemical, functional, and pathological findings with various degrees of ureteral obstruction. Methods: Twenty-four rats were randomized into three groups, and their blood was sampled to determine the creatinine and IMA values and renal scintigraphy was done at the start and on postoperative day 7. In the sham group, the ureter was untouched; in the partial group, the ureter was gently embedded into the psoas muscle; and in the complete group, the ureter was completely ligated. The extent of renal injury was scoredpathologically, and all parameters were statistically evaluated. Results: IMA was significantly associated with functional changes, creatinine values, and pathology scores (r = -0.729, r = 0.771, r = 0.827 respectively; p < 0.001).The postoperative IMA values of the partial and complete group were significantly higher than the respective preoperative values (p < 0.001, p < 0.001; p < 0.05, respectively). Additionally, the postoperative IMA values of the complete group were significantly higher than that of the sham and partial groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.001; p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: IMA, which is strongly associated with renal functional and pathological variations, appears to be a valuable parameter for predicting renal injury and may warn clinicians before the irreversible phases of obstructive uropathy occur. More extensive studies with human participants may prove advantageous.(AU)

Objetivos: Este estudio intenta determinar la habilidad de la albumina modificada por la isquemia (IMA) para predecir el daño renal a través de asociar hallazgos patológicos, funcionales y bioquímicos con distintos grados de obstrucción. Métodos: Se randomizaron 24 ratas en 3 grupos y se recogió su sangre para determinar la creatinina y IMA. Se realizó un renograma al inicio y en el día 7 del postoperatorio. En el grupo control, el uréter no se tocó, en el grupo parcial, el uréter se cosió en parte al músculo psoas y en el grupo completo el uréter se ligó completamente. La extensión de la lesión renal se graduó desde el punto de vista histológico, y todos los parámetros fueron estadísticamente evaluados. Resultados: IMA estuvo estadísticamente asociada a cambios funcionales, valores de creatinina y grados histológicos (r = -0,729, r = 0,771, r = 0,827 respectivamente; p < 0,001). Los valores IMA postoperatoriosen los grupos parcial y completa fueron significativamente más altos en relación a los valores preoperatorios(p < 0,001, p < 0,001; p < 0,05, respectivamente). Adicionalmente, los valores postoperatorios de IMA del grupo de obstrucción completa fueron significativamente más altos que el grupo control y parcial (p < 0,001,p = 0,001; p < 0,05, respectivamente). Conclusiones: IMA, que está ampliamente asociado a la función renal y a las variaciones histológicas,parece ser un parámetro importante para predecir el daño renal y puede advertir a los clínicos antes de que se den las fases irreversibles de la uropatía obstructiva. Estudios más amplios con humanos pueden resultar ventajosos.(AU)

Penile Rehabilitation and Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction Following Radical Prostatectomy and Radiotherapy: A Systematic Review.

After radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction (ED) is the main complication next to urinary incontinence, affecting quality of life. The pathophysiology of ED after these treatments is believed to include neuropraxia causing reduced oxygenation and structural changes of the tissue in the corpora cavernosa. Next to the option of sparing the nerves during RP, research has been focusing on methods for penile rehabilitation after RP and RT, since it occurs often, even after nerve-sparing techniques were used. In animal studies, the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) after cavernous nerve damage is supported, but results in human studies are contradictory. Non-medical treatment options such as vacuum device therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, yoga, aerobic, or pelvic floor training may be helpful, but evidence is scarce. Clear guidelines for penile rehabilitation are not yet available. However, care and support for ED after RP and RT is highly demanded by a large group of patients, so measures have to be taken even though the evidence is not strong yet. In this systematic review, an overview of the literature for penile rehabilitation and treatment options for ED after RP and RT is provided, using only randomized controlled trials (RCT).

Renoprotective effect of platelet-rich plasma in obstructive uropathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in reducing renal injury in ureteral obstruction. METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar Albino rats were randomized and divided into four groups as the donor (n = 6), sham (n = 6), saline (n = 6), and PRP (n = 6). Blood was obtained from the donor group by cardiac puncture and PRP was prepared. 2 cc blood was sampled from other groups to measure blood-urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. Baseline renal scintigraphy was performed. An abdominal midline incision was made and the left ureter was exposed in the sham group. Saline infusion was given to the kidneys of the saline group after left ureteral obstruction, while PRP was given to the PRP group. On postoperative Day 7, control biochemical and scintigraphic evaluations were performed and left nephrectomies were done. Left kidneys were evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: DMSA measurements in the sham group were found to be significantly higher than the saline and PRP groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.024, respectively). There were no significant differences between the saline and PRP groups (p = 0.525 and p > 0.05, respectively). Histopathologically, no significant difference was observed between the saline and PRP groups (p = 0.320), while the scores of the sham group were significantly higher than the saline and PRP groups (p = 0.02 and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that PRP may be effective in preventing ureteral obstruction-induced renal injury.

Can the systemic immune inflammation index be a predictor of BCG response in patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer?

AIM: We aimed to investigate the predictor role of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) on Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) response in patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). METHODS: A total of 96 patients with high-risk NMIBC, who received intravesical BCG, were enrolled in the study. BCG responsive group (group 1) and BCG failure group (group 2) were compared in terms of demographic and pathological data, peripheral lymphocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), SII, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The SII was calculated as in the formula: SII = neutrophil × platelet/lymphocyte. The prognostic ability of the SII for progression was analysed with multivariate backward stepwise regression models. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time 34.635 ± 14.7 months. Group 2 had significantly higher SII, peripheral lymphocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts than group 1. An ROC curve was plotted for the SII to predict the BCG failure and the cut-off point was calculated as 672.75. Effect of the SII to the model was statistically significant (P = .003) and a higher SII increased the progression onefold. A tumour greater than 30 mm in size and a high SII together increased the progression 3.6 folds. CONCLUSIONS: The SII might be a successful, non-invasive and low-cost parameter for prediction of BCG failure in patients with high-risk NMIBC. The cut-off value for SII is 672.75 and above this level BCG failure and progression to MIBC might be anticipated. However, these results should be validated in prospective randomised controlled studies with large patient groups.

Patterns of sexual behavior and psychological processes in asexual persons: a systematic review.

Asexuality is commonly regarded as lack of sexual attraction. Research in asexuality grew progressively in the past two decades. However, asexuals' patterns of sexual behavior and psychological processes were not yet systematized. This review searched for articles that could potentially help establishing these patterns. Articles published in English until December 31st 2019 were retrieved from Medline, Embase, Cochrane, EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, and PsycARTICLES. A systematic search was conducted using an exhaustive list of key terms regarding asexuality and sexual behavior following PRISMA guidelines. Of the 195 initially retrieved, only 23 were considered for this review. Of the 23 articles, 16 were quantitative studies, 5 were qualitative studies, and 2 comprised quantitative and qualitative studies. Overall, current findings suggest that asexuals present great heterogeneity of sexual behaviors and psychological processes regarding sexuality, including different aspects and types of interpersonal and romantic relationships, sexual attitudes or fantasies. Conversely, data did not find support for the claim that asexuals present impaired sexual functioning. The little geographic and cultural diversity of the samples is a major limitation in these studies, preventing the properly representation of asexuals. Furthermore, asexuals may benefit from evidence on the biopsychosocial factors shaping sexual, emotional, and relationship well-being, as far as such evidence is built upon asexuals' lenses, rather than on heteronormativity criteria.

Effects of platelet-rich plasma on spermatogenesis and hormone production in an experimental testicular torsion model.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma is a biological instrument rich in growth factors and cytokines. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma on spermatogenesis and hormone production in an experimental testicular torsion model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into three groups, including six rats in each group as follows: the first group as the sham group; the second group as the ischemia/reperfusion + Saline group and the third group as the ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma group. The left testicles of the ischemia/reperfusion + Saline and ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma group were kept in four-hour torsion. Then, the left testicles of ischemia/reperfusion + Saline and ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma groups were detorsioned, and intra-testicular 1 cc saline (ischemia/reperfusion + Saline) and 1 cc platelet-rich plasma (ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma) were injected. At one month, blood samples were taken from all groups for hormonal evaluation and left orchiectomy was performed. RESULTS: The mean follicle-stimulating hormone level of ischemia/reperfusion + Saline group was significantly higher than ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma group (7.78 ± 0.23 vs 6.18 ± 0.28 nmol/l, respectively, P = .004). The mean LH level of ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma group was significantly lower than ischemia/reperfusion + Saline group (3.63 ± 0.28 vs 5.68 ± 0.21 nmol/l, respectively, P = .004). The mean total testosterone level of ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma group was significantly higher than ischemia/reperfusion + Saline group (8.05 ± 0.24 vs 5.78 ± 0.23 nmol/l, respectively, P = .004). The mean Johnsen scores of ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma group were significantly higher than ischemia/reperfusion + Saline group (5.85 ± 0.58 vs 3.93 ± 0.65, respectively, P = .004). The mean Johnsen score of the sham group was significantly higher than ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma and ischemia/reperfusion + Saline groups (P = .003 and P = .003, respectively). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The platelet-rich plasma has beneficial effects on spermatogenesis and reproductive hormone production in testicular torsion. It is easily accessible and applicable. In the future, intra-testicular platelet-rich plasma injection may be used in testicular torsion after detorsion. However, further experimental and large-scale prospective clinical studies are needed to establish a definitive conclusion on this topic.

Is spinal anesthesia an alternative and feasible method for proximal ureteral stone treatment?

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the clinical, operational, and pain parameters of patients who underwent semirigid ureterorenoscopy (sURS) under spinal anesthesia (SA) and general anesthesia (GA) for proximal ureter stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients treated with sURS after diagnosis of proximal ureter stones between January 2014 and May 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups (the SA group and the GA group) based on the type of anesthesia used. Perioperative variables and operation results were evaluated and compared. Success was defined as the patient being stone-free as observed on low-dose non-contrast computed tomography performed in the first month postoperatively. RESULTS: The SA and GA groups had 40 and 32 patients, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of age (p = 0.593), gender (p = 0.910), average stone size (p = 0.056), side (p = 0.958), or density (p = 0.337). Based on the Clavien classification system, complication rates between the two groups were similar. The postoperative visual pain scale in the SA group was statistically significantly lower (p <0.05) than in the GA group. Success rates in the SA and GA groups were found to be 90% (36/40) and 93.7% (30/32), respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.819). CONCLUSIONS: Ureterorenoscopy, which is performed for proximal ureter stone treatment in adult patients, is a reliable surgical method that can be performed under both SA and GA. SA offers the advantage of reduced postoperative pain as compared to GA.

Assessment of clinical features and renal functions in Coronavirus disease-19: A retrospective analysis of 96 patients.

BACKGROUND: The most common extra pulmonary organ dysfunction in acute respiratory distress syndrome is acute kidney injury. Current data so far indicate low incidence of AKI in Covid-19 disease. OBJECTIVE: In this retrospective study, we analysed the clinical features of patients diagnosed with Covid-19 and investigated the effect of Covid-19 on kidney function. METHODS: Ninety-six patients diagnosed with Covid-19 were included in our study. Demographic features (Age, gender, co-morbidities), symptoms, thorax CT findings, Covid-19 PCR results and laboratory findings were recorded. The clinical features of the patients were analysed and kidney function values before Covid-19 diagnosis were compared with kidney function values after Covid-19 diagnosis. RESULTS: Most presenting symptom was fever (51%). Most accompanying co-morbidity was hypertension (56%). According to laboratory findings; ferritin, D-dimer and C-reactive protein levels were statistically significantly higher in ARDS group than severe pneumonia and pneumonia group (P = .002, P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). Also lymphocyte levels were statistically significantly lower in ARDS group than severe pneumonia and pneumonia group (P = .042). According to KDIGO criteria 3 (3.1%) patients had AKI during the hospital stay. For all patients, there was statistically significant difference between basal, 1st, 5th and 10th day BUN and SCr levels (P = .024 and P = .018, respectively). For severe pneumonia group there was statistically significant difference between basal, 1st, 5th and 10th day SCr levels (P = .045). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that Covid-19 can cause renal impairment both with pneumonia and ARDS. A large-scale prospective randomised studies are needed to reach final judgement about this topic.

Adoption of Single-Port Robotic Prostatectomy: Two Alternative Strategies.

Objective: To demonstrate two distinct methods for adopting the single-port (SP) robotic surgery system for robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) by two experienced robotic surgeons (J.D. and R.A.) and evaluate early outcomes with each strategy. Methods: The initial RALP procedures using the SP robot by two surgeons were reviewed from prospective data collection at two institutions, MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDA) and OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital (DMH). Both teams adopted different strategies regarding patient selection criteria, surgical approach, use of assistant ports, performance of lymphadenectomy, postoperative discharge criteria, and having a backup robot on standby. Results: The initial 74 consecutive patients who underwent SP-RALP at MDA and DMH (n = 34 and n = 40, respectively) were reviewed. All DMH and 24 MDA patients underwent a transperitoneal (TP) approach, whereas 10 MDA patients underwent an extraperitoneal (EP) approach. Mean operative time was similar for MDA and DMH, although it was shorter in TP patients. All MDA patients underwent nerve-sparing procedures and 12% underwent pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND); however, at DMH, all patients had PLND and 55% had nerve sparing. Mean estimated blood loss was not clinically significant for either group. Length of stay was 1.1 days (range, 1-2 days) for MDA and 0.12 days (range, 0--1 day) for DMH. No major complications occurred in either group other than two lymphoceles requiring percutaneous drainage in the EP SP-RALP group. Conclusion: Two significantly different strategies for SP robot adoption allowed immediately safe and equally efficacious outcomes in the initial patients treated.

Comparison of Cohen and Lich-Gregoir ureteral reimplantation in the surgical management of primary unilateral vesicoureteral reflux in children.

OBJECTIVE: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) represents one of the most significant risk factors for acute pyelonephritis in children. Various intravesical and extravesical techniques have been described for the surgical correction of VUR. The aim of our study was to compare the results of open intravesical and extravesical procedures for unilateral primary VUR in children. METHODS: Between January 2012 and August 2018, 38 children with primary VUR who underwent open ureteral reimplantation surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The Cohen (intravesical) and the Lich-Gregoir (extravesical) approach were grouped as groups A and B, respectively. The groups were compared for age, gender, preoperative reflux grade, presence of lower urinary tract symptoms, operation time, discomfort and pain, analgesic requirements, duration of hematuria, postoperative complications, and hospital stay. All the parameters were statistically compared. RESULTS: There were 38 patients in this study. Group A had 18 patients, and group B had 20 patients. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in group B than in group A. The mean hospital stay was also shorter in group B. The urethral foley stay period was 4.7±0.9 days 2±0 days (p = 0.000*), respectively, for group A and B. Macroscopic hematuria was seen in group A. The objective pain scale was worse after intravesical surgery. Analgesic requirements were higher in group A (p =0.131). CONCLUSION: Intravesical and extravesical ureteroneocystostomy methods are equally successful and feasible in the treatment of primary unilateral VUR. The Cohen technique is associated with a longer and more painful hospital stay, gross hematuria, and longer operative time, compared to the Lich-Gregoir technique.

Association between atherogenic dyslipidemia and fournier's gangrene.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether atherogenic dyslipidemia is associated with the disease and morbidity in our patients treated for Fournier's gangrene (FG). METHODS: Sixty-two patients who were treated with the diagnosis of FG at our center between 2012 and 2017 were retrospectively screened. RESULTS: The triglyceride values of the patients who required reconstructive surgery were statistically significantly higher than those of the patients for whom wound debridement and primary suturing was sufficient (p:0.001). A total of 65.7% of the patients had normal triglyceride values in the group in which wound debridement and primary suturing was sufficient, while this rate was 22.2% in the group of patients who needed reconstructive surgery; the difference was statistically significant (p: 0.002). The UFGSI score of those with triglyceride values higher than the normal range was statistically significantly higher (p:0.006). The cut-off point for the triglyceride value for which Fournier's gangrene was more morbid and the probability of reconstructive surgery need was significantly higher, i.e., >233mg. CONCLUSION: Our study has demonstrated that atherogenic dyslipidemia, especially hypertriglyceridemia, is an important factor affecting morbidity and associated with high patient care costs after hospitalization and discharge in FG.

How reliable are imaging techniques in aging males with bladder cancer?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate consistency between clinical lymph node positivity and pathological lymph node positivity in patients undergoing open radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection due to bladder cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 135 patients who had open radical cystectomy, extended lymph node dissection, and clear preoperative contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images were included in the study. Positive clinical lymph nodes and positive pathological lymph nodeswere recorded. The largest positive clinical and pathological lymph nodeswere recorded. In terms of clinical lymph node involvement, compatibility between radiological findings and pathological results was evaluated. RESULTS: In the CT group, the sensitivity was 25.81%, specificity was 95.45%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 66.67%, negative predictive value (NPV) was 78.50%, and accuracy was 77.31%. In the MRI group, the sensitivity was 50.00%, specificity was 100%, PPV was 100%, NPV was 76.92%, and accuracy was 81.25%. For consistency between pathological lymph nodes and clinical lymph nodes according to the imaging type, there was no statistically significant difference in the sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and accuracy rates between the imaging techniques (p > 0.05). However, the PPV was significantly higher in the MRI group than the CT group (100% vs.66.67%, respectively; p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Positive lymph nodes play a critical role in the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer and the sensitivity of contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT and MRI used routinely in clinical practice is low in lymph node detection. MRI seems more reliable than CT in lymph node detection.

The relationship between anogenital distance and benign prostate hyperplasia-related lower urinary tract symptoms.

Anogenital distance (AGD) is the length between the genitals and anus which shows an androgenic activity in the evolution of the reproductive system in the uterine life. For prostatic evolution and development during the embryological stage, androgen exposure is required. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between AGD and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)-related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). A total of 70 patients who were admitted to our urology clinics with LUTS due to BPH (LUTS group) and 70 patients without LUTS (control group) were included. All patients were administered an International Prostate Symptom Score form. Data including height, weight, body mass index, total prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume and uroflowmetry Qmax values of all patients were evaluated. The AGD of the LUTS and control groups was measured. The mean AGDAS values of the LUTS group were significantly lower than the control group (p = .013). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean adjusted AGDAP values (p = .241). However, the mean adjusted AGDAS values were significantly lower in the LUTS group than the control group (p = .002). Our study results suggest that AGD may be a useful marker in BPH-related LUTS.