Teachers' Perspectives on Improving Online Seminars in Pharmacology: A Quantitative and Qualitative Study on Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The aim of this study is to evaluate teachers' perceptions of online seminars during COVID-19 pandemic to improve future courses in pharmacology. The study was performed as a questionnaire survey. A questionnaire that included 11 questions was used. A total of 14 online seminar teachers, of which 9 were senior teachers and 5 were PhD students, filled out the questionnaire. PhD students' and senior teachers' answers to questions 1-5 were compared statistically. The results of questions 6-10 were analysed qualitatively through thematic content analysis. There were no significant differences between senior teachers and PhD students in regard to the scores given to questions 1-5 in the questionnaire. Most (65%) teachers scored the online seminars lower than in person seminars. Interaction, communication, and group dynamics were mostly perceived to be less effective at online seminars compared to in person seminars. The main advantages of online seminars were time saving and flexibility. The main disadvantages of online seminars were reduced student interest, risk of monologue discussion and poorer communication without body language. Most teachers experienced minor technical problems with internet connection and sound quality. The teachers mentioned that better group dynamics, smaller groups, better chat functionality and clearer guidelines could help to improve online seminars. As an alternative to online seminars, blended-learning could be used. This way, one could appreciate both the richness of interactions in a face-to-face environment as well as the flexibility and convenience of online learning. Further studies comparing blended-learning and online teaching at seminars are needed to investigate this issue.

Treatment with the soluble guanylate cyclase activator BAY 60-2770 normalizes bladder function in an in vivo rat model of chronic prostatitis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is a common and bothersome condition for which no pharmacological treatment options with acceptable efficacy exist. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activator BAY 60-2770 and the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib on bladder function in a rat model of CPPS. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were intraprostatically injected with either saline, serving as control, or zymosan, to induce prostatitis. On days 8-20, the rats were treated with either dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO; vehicle), celecoxib, BAY 60-2770 or a combination of celecoxib and BAY 60-2770. Thereafter, micturition parameters were assessed in a metabolic cage and urine samples were collected. The following day, cystometry was performed. Subsequently, the urinary bladder and prostate were removed and examined histopathologically. KEY RESULTS: Induction of prostatitis led to a significant increase of micturition frequency and corresponding decrease of volume per micturition. These alterations were ameliorated by celecoxib, and completely normalized by BAY 60-2770. Induction of prostatitis led to a significantly increased number of non-voiding contractions, decreased bladder compliance and increased voiding time. These parameters were normalized by treatment with BAY 60-2770, either alone or in combination with celecoxib. The immunohistochemical analysis showed signs of prostate inflammation, but not bladder inflammation. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Induction of prostatitis led to significant impairment in bladder function. These alterations could be prevented by BAY 60-2770, alone or in combination with celecoxib. This is the first study to show that sGC activators could be a promising option for the treatment of CPPS.

Cross-organ sensitization between the prostate and bladder in an experimental rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) on bladder function via prostate-to-bladder cross-sensitization in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced prostate inflammation. METHODS: Male rats were intraprostatically injected with LPS or saline, serving as control. Micturition parameters were examined in a metabolic cage 10 or 14 days later. Subsequently, to evaluate bladder function, cystometry was performed. Micturition cycles were induced by saline infusion and cholinergic and purinergic contractile responses were measured by intravenous injection with methacholine and ATP, respectively. Thereafter, the prostate and bladder were excised and assessed histopathologically for possible inflammatory changes. RESULTS: Metabolic cage experiments showed increased urinary frequency in rats with LPS-induced CP/CPPS. Cystometry showed a significant increase in the number of non-voiding contractions, longer voiding time and lower compliance in CP/CPPS animals compared to controls. Induction of CP/CPPS led to significantly reduced cholinergic and purinergic bladder contractile responses. Histopathological analysis demonstrated prostatic inflammation in CP/CPPS animals. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding the extent or the grade of bladder inflammation. Prostate weight was not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that prostate-to-bladder cross-sensitization can be triggered by an infectious focus in the prostate, giving rise to bladder overactivity and alterations in both afferent and efferent signalling. Future studies are required to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.

Acute Inhibitory Effects of Antidepressants on Lacrimal Gland Secretion in the Anesthetized Rat.

Purpose: Patients that medicate with antidepressants commonly report dryness of eyes. The cause is often attributed to the anticholinergic properties of the drugs. However, regulation of tear production includes a substantial reflex-evoked component and is regulated via distinct centers in the brain. Further, the anticholinergic component varies greatly among antidepressants with different mechanisms of action. In the current study it was wondered if acute administration of antidepressants can disturb production of tears by affecting the afferent and/or central pathway. Methods: Tear production was examined in vivo in anesthetized rats in the presence or absence of the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) clomipramine or the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram. The reflex-evoked production of tears was measured by challenging the surface of the eye with menthol (0.1 mM) and cholinergic regulation was examined by intravenous injection with the nonselective muscarinic agonist methacholine (1-5 µg/kg). Results: Acute administration of clomipramine significantly attenuated both reflex-evoked and methacholine-induced tear production. However, escitalopram only attenuated reflex-evoked tear production, while methacholine-induced production of tears remained unaffected. Conclusions: This study shows that antidepressants with different mechanisms of action can impair tear production by attenuating reflex-evoked signaling. Further, antimuscarinic actions are verified as a likely cause of lacrimal gland hyposecretion in regard to clomipramine but not escitalopram. Future studies on antidepressants with different selectivity profiles and mechanisms of action are required to further elucidate the mechanisms by which antidepressants affect tear production.

Prostate-to-bladder cross-sensitization in a model of zymosan-induced chronic pelvic pain syndrome in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) on bladder function and pathophysiology. METHODS: To create a model for CPPS, rats were intraprostatically injected with zymosan or saline, serving as control. Metabolic cage experiments were performed 7, 14, or 21 days after zymosan injection and after 14 days in the control group. Thereafter, cystometry was performed in which simulated micturition cycles were induced by saline infusion and contractile responses to the cholinergic agonist methacholine and the purinergic agonist ATP were measured. Following cystometry, the prostate and urinary bladder were excised and assessed histopathologically for possible inflammatory changes. RESULTS: Metabolic cage data revealed a significantly increased urinary frequency in zymosan treated rats. Likewise, the volume per micturition was significantly lower in all CPPS groups compared to controls. Cystometry showed a significant increase in the number of nonvoiding contractions, longer voiding time, and a trend towards lower compliance in CPPS rats compared to controls. Induction of CPPS led to significantly reduced cholinergic and purinergic contractile responses. Histopathological analysis demonstrated prostatic inflammation in all CPPS groups, in particular in later stage groups. Both the extent and grade of bladder inflammation were significantly higher in CPPS groups compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings demonstrate a potential prostate-to-bladder cross-sensitization leading to symptoms of bladder overactivity and signs of bladder inflammation. Future clinical studies are required to verify the outcomes of the current study and enable advancement of patient care.

The effect of additional telerounding on postoperative outcomes, patient and surgeon satisfaction rates in the patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy. / El efecto de televisitas adicionales sobre los resultados postoperatorios y la satisfacción de pacientes y cirujanos tras Nefrolitotomía percutánea.

INTRODUCTION: We wanted to investigate the potential effect of additional telerounding system on postoperative outcomes, patient and surgeon satisfaction rates in the patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). METHODS: Eighty patients who underwent PNL were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided to two groups. Group 1 included 40 patients who were followed-up with standard rounds and group 2 included 40 patients who were followed-up with telerounding in addition to standard rounds. Patient and surgeon satisfaction rates were assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS) where 0 point represents very dissatisfied and 100 points very satisfied. RESULTS: Mean time of preoperative telerounding visit was 3.65±0.59 (2-4) minutes. Mean time of telerounding visits on the postoperative 1st and 2nd days was 3.80±0.62 and 2.9±0.91 minutes respectively. The VAS score evaluating the surgeon's satisfaction rate for telerounding was 91±11.2 and patients expressed a high level of satisfaction with 72.5%. CONCLUSION: The use of additional telerounding in urological patient care provides high satisfaction rates for both the patients and the surgeon. However the findings of the present study don't underestimate the importance of personal surgeon-patient interaction.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Queríamos investigar el efecto potencial de un sistema de televisita sobre los resultados postoperatorios y la satisfacción de pacientes y cirujanos en casos de nefrolitotomía percutánea (NLP)MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio ochenta pacientes sometidos a NLP. Los pacientes se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos. Grupo 1: incluyó 40 pacientes que hicieron un seguimiento estándar y grupo 2 con 40 pacientes que fueron seguidos con televisitas además del seguimiento estándar. La satisfacción del paciente yel cirujano se evaluó con una escala visual analógica (EVA) donde el 0 representa muy insatisfecho y el 100 muy satisfecho.RESULTADOS: El tiempo medio de la televisita preoperatoria fue de 3,65±0,59 (2-4) minutos. El tiempo medio de televisita en los días 1º y 2º postoperatorio fue de 3,80±0,62 y 2,9±0,91 minutos respectivamente. La puntuación de la EVA que evaluaba la satisfacción del cirujano para la televisita fue de 91±11,2 y lospacientes expresaron un alto nivel de satisfacción con el 72,5%.CONCLUSIONES: El uso de televisitas adicionales en la asistencia urológica ofrece una alta satisfacción tanto para el paciente como para el cirujano. Sin embargo, los hallazgos del presente estudio no infravaloran la importancia de la interacción personal paciente-cirujano.

The effect of additional telerounding on postoperative outcomes, patient and surgeon satisfaction rates in the patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy / El efecto de televisitas adicionales sobre los resultados postoperatorios y la satisfacción de pacientes y cirujanos tras Nefrolitotomía percutánea

Introduction: We wanted to investigate the potential effect of additional telerounding system on postoperative outcomes, patient and surgeon satisfaction rates in the patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). Methods: Eighty patients who underwent PNL were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided to two groups. Group 1 included 40 patients who were followed-up with standard rounds and group 2 included 40 patients who were followed-up with telerounding in addition to standard rounds. Patient and surgeon satisfaction rates were assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS) where 0 point represents very dissatisfied and 100 points very satisfied. Results: Mean time of preoperative telerounding visit was 3.65±0.59 (2-4) minutes. Mean time of telerounding visits on the postoperative 1st and 2nd days was 3.80±0.62 and 2.9±0.91 minutes respectively. The AS score evaluating the surgeon’s satisfaction rate for telerounding was 91±11.2 and patients expressed a high level of satisfaction with 72.5%. Conclusion: The use of additional telerounding in urological patient care provides high satisfaction rates for both the patients and the surgeon. However the findings of the present study don’t underestimate the importance of personal surgeon-patient interaction

Introducción: Queríamos investigar el efecto potencial de un sistema de televisita sobre los resultados postoperatorios y la satisfacción de pacientes y cirujanos en casos de nefrolitotomía percutánea (NLP). Métodos: Se incluyeron en el estudio ochenta pacientes sometidos a NLP. Los pacientes se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos. Grupo 1: incluyó 40 pacientes que hicieron un seguimiento estándar y grupo 2 con 40 pacientes que fueron seguidos con televisitas además del seguimiento estándar. La satisfacción del paciente y el cirujano se evaluó con una escala visual analógica (EVA) donde el 0 representa muy insatisfecho y el 100 muy satisfecho. Resultados: El tiempo medio de la televisita preoperatoria fue de 3,65±0,59 (2-4) minutos. El tiempo medio de televisita en los días 1º y 2º postoperatorio fue de 3,80±0,62 y 2,9±0,91 minutos respectivamente. La puntuación de la EVA que evaluaba la satisfacción del cirujano para la televisita fue de 91±11,2 y los pacientes expresaron un alto nivel de satisfacción con el 72,5%. Conclusiones: El uso de televisitas adicionales en la asistencia urológica ofrece una alta satisfacción tanto para el paciente como para el cirujano. Sin embargo, los hallazgos del presente estudio no infravaloran la importancia de la interacción personal paciente-cirujano

Comparing the short - term outcomes and complications of monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of bladder tumors in patients with coronary artery disese: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

ABSTRACT Introduction: To compare the perioperative outcomes and complications of monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and Methods: A total of 90 CAD patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer who underwent TURBT were randomized into monopolar TURBT (M-TURBT) and bipolar TURBT (B-TURBT) groups. Primary outcome was safety of the procedures including obturator jerk, bladder perforation, clot retention, febrile urinary tract infection and TUR syndrome. The secondary outcome was the efficacy of TURBT procedures, including complete tumor resection, sampling of the deep muscle tissue and sampling of the qualified tissues without any thermal damage. Results: Mean ages of the patients in M-TURBT and B-TURBT groups were 71.36±7.49 and 73.71±8.15 years, respectively (p=0.157). No significant differences were found between M-TURBT and B-TURBT groups regarding complete tumor resection (76.2% vs. 87.5%, p=0.162) and muscle tissue sampling rates (71.4% vs. 64.6%,p=0.252). Obturator jerk was detected in 16.7% of the patients in M-TURBT group and 2.1% in B-TURBT group (p=0.007). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups regarding intraoperative and postoperative complications. Conclusions: Both monopolar and bipolar systems can be used safely and effectively during TURBT procedure in CAD patients. Due to the more frequently seen obturator jerk in M-TURBT than B-TURBT, careful surgical approach is needed during M-TURBT.

Hydronephrosis due to a Migrated Intrauterine Device into the Ureter: A Very Rare Case.

Intrauterine device (IUD) insertion is a long-acting and one of the most effective modes of reversible contraception. Complications that most commonly arise following IUD insertion are failed insertion, pain, vasovagal reactions, infection, menstrual abnormalities, and expulsion. In this paper, we present the case of a woman who experienced hydronephrosis due to the migration of IUD into the ureter after 30 years of insertion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third such case reported in the literature.

Assessment of the quality of life and sexual functions of patients followed-up for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: preliminary results of the prospective-descriptive study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate sexual functions and quality life of patients who are followed-up for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 2015-June 2016, 50 patients underwent cystoscopy for NMIBC. At the end of the 1st year follow-up patients were assessed for sexual functions using 5-item version of the International Sexual Function Index (IIEF-5) for male and the Female Sexual Function Index(FSFI) for female; for quality of life (QoL) by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Non-Muscle Invasiv Bladder Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-NMIBC24) and for emotional status by Beck depression inventory. RESULTS: There were 44 male and 6 female patients with the mean age of 57.6±11.5 years. Twenty patients received intravesical treatment after transurethral resection of bladder tumour. The mean Beck (10.7±9.5) IIEF-5 (15.6±5.9), FSFI (19.2±10.9), and the EORTC-QLQ NMBIC 24 (38.2±7.7) scores of the patients were determined as indicated. Among the patients, 42 (84%) of them were not feeling bad about their bladder tumors and 37 (74%) were not worrying about their daily lives. Moreover, 12 (24%) patients were not interested with sexuality, while 27 (54%) of them did not feel comfortable about sexual sincerity. Interestingly, 27 patients receiving intravesical treatment were concerned that the treatment they received for prevention of recurrence and progression of bladder tumor infect their partners during sexual intercourse. CONCLUSION: NMIBC affects patients' sexual functions and QoL negatively. Therefore during the follow-up of these patients, it is important to inform these patients accurately about their treatments to be applied and predicted complications in the follow up period.

Comparing the short - term outcomes and complications of monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of bladder tumors in patients with coronary artery disese: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: To compare the perioperative outcomes and complications of monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 CAD patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer who underwent TURBT were randomized into monopolar TURBT (M-TURBT) and bipolar TURBT (B-TURBT) groups. Primary outcome was safety of the procedures including obturator jerk, bladder perforation, clot retention, febrile urinary tract infection and TUR syndrome. The secondary outcome was the efficacy of TURBT procedures, including complete tumor resection, sampling of the deep muscle tissue and sampling of the qualified tissues without any thermal damage. RESULTS: Mean ages of the patients in M-TURBT and B-TURBT groups were 71.36±7.49 and 73.71±8.15 years, respectively (p=0.157). No significant differences were found between M-TURBT and B-TURBT groups regarding complete tumor resection (76.2% vs. 87.5%, p=0.162) and muscle tissue sampling rates (71.4% vs. 64.6%,p=0.252). Obturator jerk was detected in 16.7% of the patients in M-TURBT group and 2.1% in B-TURBT group (p=0.007). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups regarding intraoperative and postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Both monopolar and bipolar systems can be used safely and effectively during TURBT procedure in CAD patients. Due to the more frequently seen obturator jerk in M-TURBT than B-TURBT, careful surgical approach is needed during M-TURBT.

Predictive role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on upstaging of organ-confined invasive urothelial bladder cancer to non-organ-confined disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the usefulness of preoperative neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratios to predict pathological upstaging of invasive bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 126 patients who underwent radical cystectomy at our clinic between January 2006 and March 2015 were retrospectively analysed. One hundred and twelve patients with organ-confined invasive bladder tumors (T2) detected at histopathological examination of transuretral resection material were included in the study. Upstaging was seen at histopathological examination of radical cystectomy specimens of 42 patients. We compared preoperative neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio between upstaged and not-upstaged groups. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant correlation between age, time to radical cystectomy, gender, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio ratios and carcinoma in situ in upstaged and non-upstaged groups. Statistical analyses showed that preoperative neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio was higher in upstaged patients (p=0.009). In multivariate analysis preoperative neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio and positive surgical margin were significantly higher in upstaged group. CONCLUSION: In organ-confined muscle invasive bladder cancer neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio seems to be an acceptable parameter to predict locally advanced disease.

External validation and comparison of the scoring systems (S.T.O.N.E, GUY, CROES, S-ReSC) for predicting percutaneous nephrolithotomy outcomes for staghorn stones: A single center experience with 160 cases.

The aim of this study was validation and comparison of stone scoring systems (S.T.O.N.E, GUY, CROES, S-ReSC) used to predict postoperative stone-free status and complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for staghorn stones. A total of 160 patients who had staghorn renal stones and underwent PCNL between January 2012 and August 2015 were included in the current retrospective study. Guy, S.T.O.N.E., S-ReSC (Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity) and CROES (Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society) nephrolithometry scores were calculated for each patient, and their potential association with stone-free status, operative and fluoroscopy time, and length of hospital stay (LOS) were evaluated. Postoperative complications were graded according to the modified Clavien classification, and the correlation of scoring systems with postoperative complications was also investigated. The mean CROES, S.T.O.N.E, Guy and S-ReSC scores were 143.5 ± 33.6, 9.7 ± 1.6, 3.5 ± 0.5 and 6.2 ± 2.0 respectively. The overall stone-free rate was 59%. All scoring systems were significantly correlated with stone-free status in univariate analysis. However, Guy and S-ReSC scores were the only significant independent predictor in multivariate analysis. And all four nomograms failed to predict complication rates. Current study demonstrated that Guy and S-ReSC scoring systems could effectively predict postoperative stone-free status for staghorn stones. However all four scoring systems failed to predict complication rates.

External Validation and Comparisons of the Scoring Systems for Predicting Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Outcomes: A Single Center Experience with 506 Cases.

BACKGROUND: To validate and compare the stone scoring systems (stone size [S], tract length [T], obstruction [O], number of involved calices [N], and essence or stone density [E] [S.T.O.N.E.], Guy's Stone Score [GSS], Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society [CROES], and Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity [S-ReSC]) used to predict postoperative stone-free status and complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: A total of 567 patients who underwent PCNL for renal stones between January 2012 and August 2015 were included in the recent retrospective study. Sixty-one patients who had not done preoperative CT were excluded from the study. GSS, S.T.O.N.E., S-ReSC, and CROES nephrolithometry scores were calculated for each patient, and their potential association with stone-free status, operative and fluoroscopy time, and length of stay (LOS) was evaluated. Postoperative complications were graded according to the modified Clavien classification, and the correlation of scoring systems with postoperative complications was also investigated. RESULTS: The mean CROES, S.T.O.N.E., GSS, and S-ReSC scores were 203.7 ± 59.8, 7.52 ± 1.8, 2.08 ± 0.9, and 3.35 ± 2.2, respectively. The overall stone-free rate was 77.9%. All scoring systems were significantly correlated with stone-free status and operation time. While GSS, S.T.O.N.E., and CROES systems were significantly correlated with complication rates (CR), S-ReSC score failed to predict CR. All scoring systems except S.T.O.N.E. were significantly correlated with LOS. CROES and S-ReSC scores were predictive of estimated blood loss (EBL), while GSS and S.T.O.N.E. failed to predict EBL. CONCLUSIONS: Recent study demonstrated that S.T.O.N.E., GSS, CROES, and S-ReSC scoring systems could effectively predict postoperative stone-free status. Although S-ReSC scoring system failed to predict CR, the rest three scoring systems were significantly correlated with postoperative CR.

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio as a predictor of early penile prosthesis implant infection.

PURPOSE: To investigate the predictive value of preoperative serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on the development of postoperative infections in patients undergoing penile prosthesis implantation (PPI). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 361 patients who underwent PPI over a 4-year period with at least 1-year follow-up. Demographics, blood results, and postoperative 1-year complications were recorded. Recommended cutoff values of NLR for early postoperative infectious complications were determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 153 patients with the mean age of 56.4 ± 8 years were included in the study. Mean follow-up time was 56.7 ± 30.4 months (12-108 months). Early postoperative infectious complications were occured in 18 patients (11.8%). These infections were prosthesis infection in 8 patients (5.2%), wound infection in 6 patients (3.9%), and urinary tract infection in 4 patients (2.6%). All these complications were occured within the first year of the surgery. Mean NLR was statistically higher in patients with postoperative complications when compared with uncomplicated cases (7.2 ± 3.9 vs. 2.2 ± 1.4, p < 0.001, respectively) Using a cut point of 6.2, preoperative NLR predicted postoperative complications with a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 99%. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to investigate the relationship between NLR and early postoperative infection as a complication of PPI. The results demonstrated that the NLR value could be a potential laboratory parameter for predicting early postoperative infectious complications in patients undergoing PPI.

An update of Penile Fractures: Long-term significance of the number of hours elapsed till surgical repair on long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We updated our data on penile fractures and investigated the significance of the time interval from the incident of the fracture until the operation on the erectile functions and long-term complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2001 and June 2014, 64 patients were operated on with a preoperative diagnosis of penile fracture. We could evaluate 54 of these patients. The patients were classified into 3 groups according to the time interval from the time of fracture until surgery. The validated Turkish version of the erectile components of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was answered by every patient 3 times after the surgery; before the incident of fracture, at first postoperative year, and at the time of the study (IIEF-5 and question #15 were used). The complications were noted and an erectile function index score was calculated for every patient. RESULTS: Mean follow up period was 44.9 (±2.8) months for all patients There was no statistically significant difference between the 3 groups in terms of the erectile components of IIEF questionnaire scores for the time periods and for individual patients in each separate group. Complications for all groups were also similar. CONCLUSION: In consideration of long-term results, neither serious deformities nor erectile dysfunction occur as a consequence of a delay in surgery performed within the first 24 hours in patients without urethral involvement.

Predictive value of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on the prognosis of germ cell testicular tumors.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the prognostic value of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on germ cell testicular tumors (GCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of 53 patients who underwent inguinal orchiectomy were analyzed retrospectively. NLR was calculated from the preoperative complete blood cell counts. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to find the threshold values for NLR. Correlations between cancer-specific survival (CSS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and NLR were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 23.55±18.06 months. The mean level of NLR was 3.08±1.81. Optimal threshold values of NLR was calculated as 3.55 for PFS (area under curve, AUC: 0.55) and 3.0 for CSS (AUC: 0.66). For patients with a NLR of <3.55 and NLR of ≥3.55, mean times-to-progression were 55.71 months (95% CI, 51.27-60.14) and 51.95 months (95% CI, 38.02-65.87, p=0.152), respectively. As well as, for patients with a NLR of <3.0 and NLR of ≥3.0, mean times-to-cancer specific death were 54.72 months (95% CI, 49.05-60.38) and 49.43 months (95% CI, 37.64-61.22, p=0.119), respectively. CONCLUSION: Preoperative NLR is not a useful tool to predict the prognosis of patients with GCT.