Valoración del impacto de la tasa libre de litiasis en los resultados de la evaluación metabólica / Is stone free status really necessary for metabolic evaluation following stone removal procedures?

Objetivo Evaluar si la tasa libre de litiasis afecta a los resultados del estudio metabólico en pacientes con alto riesgo de litiasis recidivante tras tratamiento completo mediante ureteroscopia. Pacientes y métodos Un total de 78 pacientes sometidos a cirugía retrógrada intrarrenal (CRIR) para el tratamiento de litiasis fueron incluidos en este estudio. Cuatro semanas después del tratamiento, los casos se dividieron en dos grupos en base a los resultados de la tomografía computarizada sin contraste (TCSC). Los casos del grupo 1 (n=54) presentaban una tasa libre de litiasis del 100% y los del grupo 2 (n=24) presentaban litiasis residuales en el riñón. Cuatro semanas después de la ureteroscopia flexible (URF) se realizó un análisis completo de orina de 24h a todos los pacientes de ambos grupos, para detectar los factores de riesgo implicados en la litogénesis. Los resultados del estudio metabólico (orina de 24h y suero) se compararon entre los dos grupos. Resultados La evaluación preoperatoria en orina y suero de los factores de riesgo asociados a la formación de cálculos no reveló diferencias estadísticas entre los dos grupos. El análisis comparativo de los factores de riesgo implicados en la formación de la litiasis mediante pruebas de orina de 24h tampoco reveló diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los resultados preoperatorios y postoperatorios en los casos del grupo 2 con cálculos residuales. Tampoco se observaron diferencias significativas entre las medias de las variables séricas preoperatorias y postoperatorias de ambos grupos. Conclusiones Según nuestros resultados, y dada la similitud de los hallazgos obtenidos en los estudios metabólicos de los casos con y sin litiasis residual, la tasa libre de litiasis puede no constituir un factor imprescindible para la realización del estudio metabólico detallado (suero y orina de 24h) tras las intervenciones endourológicas para la extracción de los cálculos renales. (AU)

Objective To evaluate the impact of stone free status on the outcomes of metabolic evaluation in recurrent stone formers after ureteroscopic stone removal. Patients and methods A total of 78 patients undergoing retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for renal stones were included and cases were divided into two groups after 4 weeks based on the NCCT findings. While cases in the Group 1 (n=54) was completely stone free, cases in Group 2 (n=24) had residual fragments in the kidney. A full 24-hour urine analysis for relevant stone forming risk factors has been performed after 4 weeks following the fURS procedures in all patients of both groups. Outcomes of metabolic evaluation (24-hour urine and serum) have been comparatively evaluated in both groups. Results Evaluation of the preoperative serum and urine stone forming risk factors revelaed no statistical difference in both groups. Comparative evaluation of the 24-hour urinary stone forming risk factors also revealed no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative findings in cases of Group 2 with residual stones. Last but not least, no significant difference was observed between the mean preoperative and postoperative serum variables between two groups. Conclusions Our results show that in the light of the similar metabolic evaluation outcomes obtained in cases with and without residual fragments, ‘stone free status’ may not be an essential factor to perform a detailed metabolic evaluation (24-hour urine analysis and serum parameters) after endourological stone removal procedures. (AU)

Comparación de los resultados hemodinámicos y respiratorios entre dos posiciones quirúrgicas para la nefrolitotomía percutánea: ensayo clínico prospectivo y aleatorizado / Comparison of hemodynamic and respiratory outcomes between two surgical positions for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A prospective, randomized clinical trial

Introducción La nefrolitotomía percutánea (NLPC) se ha consolidado como el gold standard en el tratamiento de cálculos renales de gran tamaño y complejidad. Objetivos El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad de la NLPC realizada en pacientes en posición de decúbito lateral frente a decúbito prono. Métodos En nuestro ensayo prospectivo aleatorizado, 60 pacientes programados para NLPC guiada por fluoroscopia y ecografía en decúbito prono o lateral se dividieron en dos grupos. Se compararon las características demográficas, los parámetros hemodinámicos, respiratorios y metabólicos, las puntuaciones de dolor postoperatorio, la necesidad de analgésicos, la cantidad de líquido administrado, la pérdida de sangre y las transfusiones, el tiempo quirúrgico y la estancia hospitalaria, y las complicaciones perioperatorias. Resultados Se determinó que la PaO2, la SaO2, la SpO2 y el índice de reserva de oxígeno (ORi) en el minuto60 del procedimiento y en el periodo postoperatorio, el índice de variabilidad pletismográfica (PVi) en el minuto60, la presión de distensión en todos los periodos de tiempo y el volumen del sangrado durante la intervención fueron superiores en el grupo de decúbito prono, de forma estadísticamente significativa. No hubo diferencias entre los grupos en cuanto a otros parámetros. Conclusiones Según nuestros resultados, la posición de decúbito lateral puede ser de preferencia en los procedimientos de NLPC, teniendo en cuenta que esta debe elegirse con base en la experiencia del cirujano, las características anatómicas y fisiológicas del paciente, los efectos positivos sobre los parámetros respiratorios y el sangrado, y que el tiempo quirúrgico puede disminuir al aumentar la experiencia (AU)

Introduction Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has become the gold standard for the treatment of large and complex kidney stones. Objectives The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PCNL for patients in the flank position versus prone position. Methods In our prospective randomized trial, 60 patients who would undergo fluoroscopy and ultrasound-guided PCNL in prone or flank position were divided into two groups. Demographic features, hemodynamics, respiratory and metabolic parameters, postoperative pain scores, analgesic requirements, amount of fluid given, blood loss and transfusion, duration of operation and hospital stay, and perioperative complications were compared. Results PaO2, SaO2, SpO2 and oxygen reserve index (ORi) at the 60th minute of the operation and in the postoperative period, pleth variability index (PVi) at the 60th minute of the operation, driving pressure in all time periods and the amount of bleeding during the operation were determined to be statistically significantly higher in the prone group. There was no difference between the groups in terms of other parameters. Was found to be statistically significantly higher in the prone group. Conclusions Due to our results the flank position can be preferred in PCNL operations, considering that the position should be chosen according to the surgeon's experience, the patient's anatomical and physiological data, positive effects on respiratory parameters and bleeding, and the operation time can be shortened as the experience increases (AU)

Is stone free status really necessary for metabolic evaluation following stone removal procedures?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of stone free status on the outcomes of metabolic evaluation in recurrent stone formers after ureteroscopic stone removal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 78 patients undergoing retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for renal stones were included and cases were divided into two groups after 4 weeks based on the NCCT findings. While cases in the Group 1 (n = 54) was completely stone free, cases in Group 2 (n = 24) had residual fragments in the kidney. A full 24-h urine analysis for relevant stone forming risk factors has been performed after 4 weeks following the fURS procedures in all patients of both groups. Outcomes of metabolic evaluation (24-h urine and serum) have been comparatively evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: Evaluation of the preoperative serum and urine stone forming risk factors revelaed no statistical difference in both groups. Comparative evaluation of the 24-h urinary stone forming risk factors also revealed no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative findings in cases of Group 2 with residual stones. Last but not least, no significant difference was observed between the mean preoperative and postoperative serum variables between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that in the light of the similar metabolic evaluation outcomes obtained in cases with and without residual fragments, 'stone free status' may not be an essential factor to perform a detailed metabolic evaluation (24-h urine analysis and serum parameters) after endourological stone removal procedures.

Comparison of hemodynamic and respiratory outcomes between two surgical positions for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective, randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has become the gold standard for the treatment of large and complex kidney stones. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for patients in the flank position versus prone position. METHODS: In our prospective randomized trial, 60 patients who would undergo fluoroscopy and ultrasound-guided PCNL in prone or flank position were divided into two groups. Demographic features, hemodynamics, respiratory and metabolic parameters, postoperative pain scores, analgesic requirements, amount of fluid given, blood loss and transfusion, duration of operation and hospital stay, and perioperative complications were compared. RESULTS: PaO2, SaO2, SpO2 and Oxygen Reserve Index (ORi) at the 60th minute of the operation and in the postoperative period, Pleth Variability index (PVi) at the 60th minute of the operation, driving pressure in all time periods and the amount of bleeding during the operation were determined to be statistically significantly higher in the prone group. There was no difference between the groups in terms of other parameters. Was found to be statistically significantly higher in the prone group. CONCLUSIONS: Due to our results the flank position can be preferred in PCNL operations, considering that the position should be chosen according to the surgeon's experience, the patient's anatomical and physiological data, positive effects on respiratory parameters and bleeding, and the operation time can be shortened as the experience increases.

How does puncture modality affect the risk of intraoperative bleeding during percutaneous nephrolithotomy? A prospective randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the possible effects of two different renal puncture techniques (ultrasound-assisted [US-assisted], fluoroscopic-guided [FG]) on the intraoperative hemorrhage risk during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 130 patients with Guy stone scores of 1-2 were prospectively allocated to US-assisted and FG puncture groups by simple randomization. Patients with intraoperative pelvicalyceal rupture and the ones requiring multiple accesses were excluded from the study. Apart from the puncture steps, all other steps of the PCNL procedure were performed with similar techniques by a single surgeon. Patient characteristics, operative data, and postoperative outcomes were compared. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients were excluded from the study due to intraoperative complications after puncture. Patient demographics and stone characteristics were similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). Mean hemoglobin drop was meaningfully greater in the FG group (1.7 g/dL) when compared with US-assisted group (1.3 g/dL) (p < 0.01). The mean duration of radiation exposure was significantly higher for the FG (p < 0.001). Total operative time, number of attempts for a successful puncture, length of hospital stay, and stone free rates were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). In addition, the remaining complications classified according to the modified Clavien-Dindo grading system were similar between groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: US-assisted puncture provides significantly decreased level of hemoglobin drop and radiation exposure time when compared with FG.

¿Podría el espesor de la pared ureteral afectar a los parámetros intra y postoperatorios de la ureteroscopia para el tratamiento de piedras ureterales proximales? / Could ureteral wall thickness have an impact on the operative and post-operative parameters in ureteroscopic management of proximal ureteral stones?

Objetivo: Evaluar la relación del espesor de la pared ureteral (EPU) con el éxito y los parámetros relacionados con la ureteroscopia para el tratamiento de cálculos ureterales proximales. Pacientes y métodos: Se incluyó a 82 pacientes con cálculos ureterales proximales y se dividieron en 2 subgrupos de acuerdo con el grosor de la pared ureteral: un grupo con 38 pacientes, EPU > 5 mm, y el segundo con 44, EPU < 5mm. Se evaluaron los siguientes parámetros: tamaño de la piedra, grado de hidronefrosis, diámetro de la luz ureteral proximal, el EPU y los datos demográficos de los pacientes. Se realizó ureteroscopia semirrígida con láser Ho-YAG y se evaluó el posible impacto del EPU sobre las tasas de éxito y los parámetros relacionados con el procedimiento. Resultados: La media de edad de los pacientes y el tamaño de los cálculos fueron 47,55 ± 1,78 años y 8,17 ± 0,29 mm, respectivamente. Con respecto al impacto del valor del EPU sobre los parámetros mencionados anteriormente, la tasa libre de cálculos una semana después del procedimiento fue mayor en el grupo 2 y la tasa de fragmentos residuales, así como la necesidad de colocación de catéter doble J, fueron más altas en el grupo 1. Adicionalmente, la duración media del procedimiento fue significativamente más larga en el grupo 1 y se observaron alteraciones patológicas en la pared ureteral significativamente mayores en estos casos (p = 0,0243). Conclusiones: El EPU es un factor útil al predecir el éxito del tratamiento ureteroscópico y otros parámetros relacionados con el procedimiento para los cálculos ureterales proximales. Con este enfoque, se podría realizar un plan operativo más adecuado, con mayores tasas de éxito, menos complicaciones y procedimientos adicionales

Aim: To evaluate the possible impact of stone impaction in terms of ureteral wall thickness (UWT) on the success and procedure related parameters of ureteroscopic management in proximal ureteral calculi. Patients and methods: 82 patients with proximal ureteric stones were included and were divided into 2 subgroups where UWT was > 5 mm in 38 cases; and < 5 mm in 44 cases. Stone size, degree of hydronehrosis, diameter of proximal ureteral luz, UWT and patient's demographics were evaluated. Semi-rigid ureteroscopy with Ho-YAG laser was performed and the possible impact of UWT as an objective parameter for stone impaction on the success rates and procedure related parameters was evaluated. Results: Mean patient age and stone size values were 47.55 ± 1.78 years and 8.17 ± 0.29 mm respectively. Regarding the impact of UWT value at the stone site for the parameters mentioned above stone free rates particularly at 1-week after the procedure was higher in group 2 and the rate of residual fragments as well as the need for double J stent placement was higher in group 1. Additionally, mean duration of the procedures was significantly longer in Group 1 during which pathologic alterations were significantly higher in ureteral wall at stone site were observed in these cases (P = .0243). Conclusions: UWT may be used to predict the success of ureteroscopic management and other procedure related parameters for proximal ureteral stones in an effective manner. With this approach a more rational operative plan with higher success rates, limited complications and auxiliary procedures could be made

Could ureteral wall thickness have an impact on the operative and post-operative parameters in ureteroscopic management of proximal ureteral stones? / ¿Podría el espesor de la pared ureteral afectar a los parámetros intra y postoperatorios de la ureteroscopia para el tratamiento de piedras ureterales proximales?

AIM: To evaluate the possible impact of stone impaction in terms of ureteral wall thickness (UWT) on the success and procedure related parameters of ureteroscopic management in proximal ureteral calculi. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 82 patients with proximal ureteric stones were included and were divided into 2subgroups where UWT was> 5mm in 38 cases; and <5mm in 44 cases. Stone size, degree of hydronehrosis, diameter of proximal ureteral luz, UWT and patient's demographics were evaluated. Semi-rigid ureteroscopy with Ho-YAG laser was performed and the possible impact of UWT as an objective parameter for stone impaction on the success rates and procedure related parameters was evaluated. RESULTS: Mean patient age and stone size values were 47.55±1.78 years and 8.17±0.29mm respectively. Regarding the impact of UWT value at the stone site for the parameters mentioned above stone free rates particularly at 1-week after the procedure was higher in group 2 and the rate of residual fragments as well as the need for double J stent placement was higher in group 1. Additionally, mean duration of the procedures was significantly longer in Group 1 during which pathologic alterations were significantly higher in ureteral wall at stone site were observed in these cases (P=.0243). CONCLUSIONS: UWT may be used to predict the success of ureteroscopic management and other procedure related parameters for proximal ureteral stones in an effective manner. With this approach a more rational operative plan with higher success rates, limited complications and auxiliary procedures could be made.

Supermini nefrolitotomía percutánea para cálculos renales menores de 25 mm en pacientes pediátricos: ¿podría ser una alternativa a la litotricia por ondas de choque? / Super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal stone less than 25 mm in pediatric patients: Could it be an alternative to shockwave lithotripsy?

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de 2 técnicas diferentes, la litotricia por ondas de choque (LOC) frente a la supermini nefrolitotomía percutánea (SMP), en términos de éxito y tasas de complicaciones en cálculos renales pediátricos de tamaño < 25 mm. Pacientes y métodos: Se incluyeron un total de 219 niños (edades comprendidas entre uno y 17 años) sometidos a 2 modalidades de tratamiento diferentes (LOC vs. SMP) para cálculos renales < 25 mm. Dependiendo del tipo de procedimiento aplicado, los niños se dividieron en 2 grupos diferentes: grupo 1 (n = 108), formado por niños tratados con LOC, y grupo 2 (n = 111), integrado por niños tratados con SMP. Todos los parámetros relacionados con el tratamiento (tasas libres de cálculos, número de sesiones, duración del tratamiento, hospitalización, presencia de fragmentos residuales, complicaciones así como la necesidad de intervenciones adicionales) se observaron y evaluaron entre 2 grupos de forma comparativa. Resultados: La evaluación de nuestros datos ha demostrado claramente que el porcentaje de fragmentos residuales fue significativamente mayor en los casos sometidos a procedimiento de LOC en comparación con SMP. Aunque LOC requirió varias sesiones bajo anestesia general en un cierto porcentaje de los casos (54,6%), SMP tuvo éxito en una sesión en todos los casos. Por último, pero no por ello menos importante, además de las tasas de complicaciones menores similares observadas en ambos grupos de casos, no se observó ninguna complicación grave y ningún caso requirió transfusión de sangre después de estos 2 procedimientos, sin tasas significativas de descenso en los niveles de hemoglobina. Conclusiones: Aunque la LOC sigue siendo la modalidad de tratamiento preferida para la mayoría de los cálculos renales en niños por su naturaleza segura y no invasiva, la modalidad de SMP puede aplicarse como una alternativa valiosa en esta población específica de pacientes por sus excelentes tasas de ausencia de cálculos obtenidas en una sesión única y tasas de complicaciones aceptables en el manejo invasivo mínimo de cálculos < 25 mm

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of 2 different techniques: shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) vs. super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP), in terms of success as well as complication rates in pediatric renal stones sizing < 25 mm. Patients and methods: A total of 219 children (aging between 1-17 years) undergoing 2 different treatment modalities (SWL vs. SMP) for kidney stones < 25 mm were included. Depending on the type of the procedure applied, children were divided into 2 different groups: group 1 (n = 108), children treated with SWL, and group 2 (n = 111), children treated with SMP. All treatment related parameters (stone free rates, number of sessions, treatment duration, hospitalization, presence of the residual fragments, complications as well as the need for additional interventions) were noted and evaluated between 2 groups in a comparative manner. Results: Evaluation of our data have clearly demonstrated that the percentage of residual fragments after SWL was significantly higher when compared with SMP. Although SWL required several sessions under general anesthesia in a certain per cent of the cases (54.6%), SMP was successful in one session in all of the cases. Last but not least, in addition to the similar minor complication rates observed in both group of cases, no major complication observed in any case and no case in both groups again required blood transfusion after these 2 procedures with no significant drop rates in hemoglobin levels. Conclusions:Although SWL is still the preferred treatment modality for the majority of kidney stones in children due to its safe and non-invasive nature, SMP modality may be applied as a valuable alternative in this specific patient population for its excellent stone free rates obtained in a single session and acceptable complication rates in the minimal invasive management of stones < 25 mm

Super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal stone less than 25mm in pediatric patients: Could it be an alternative to shockwave lithotripsy? / Supermini nefrolitotomía percutánea para cálculos renales menores de 25mm en pacientes pediátricos: ¿podría ser una alternativa a la litotricia por ondas de choque?

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of 2 different techniques: shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) vs. super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP), in terms of success as well as complication rates in pediatric renal stones sizing<25mm. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 219 children (aging between 1-17 years) undergoing 2 different treatment modalities (SWL vs. SMP) for kidney stones<25mm were included. Depending on the type of the procedure applied, children were divided into 2 different groups: group 1 (n=108), children treated with SWL, and group 2 (n=111), children treated with SMP. All treatment related parameters (stone free rates, number of sessions, treatment duration, hospitalization, presence of the residual fragments, complications as well as the need for additional interventions) were noted and evaluated between 2 groups in a comparative manner. RESULTS: Evaluation of our data have clearly demonstrated that the percentage of residual fragments after SWL was significantly higher when compared with SMP. Although SWL required several sessions under general anesthesia in a certain per cent of the cases (54.6%), SMP was successful in one session in all of the cases. Last but not least, in addition to the similar minor complication rates observed in both group of cases, no major complication observed in any case and no case in both groups again required blood transfusion after these 2 procedures with no significant drop rates in hemoglobin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Although SWL is still the preferred treatment modality for the majority of kidney stones in children due to its safe and non-invasive nature, SMP modality may be applied as a valuable alternative in this specific patient population for its excellent stone free rates obtained in a single session and acceptable complication rates in the minimal invasive management of stones<25mm.

¿Evita la antibioterapia biopsias de próstata en pacientes con valores elevados de PSA? / Does Antibiotherapy Prevent Unnecessary Prostate Biopsies in Patients With High PSA Values?

Introducción: Investigamos si la antibioterapia tiene algún papel en el PSA total (tPSA), PSA libre (fPSA) y fPSA/tPSA en pacientes con PSA superior a 2,5ng/ml. También si tiene alguna relación con la tasa de diagnóstico de cáncer de próstata. Material y métodos: Un total de 108 pacientes mayores de 50 años con síntomas del tracto urinario inferior y PSA>2,5ng/ml fueron incluidos en este estudio. Se dio antibioterapia a todos los casos durante tres semanas. Luego se tomó biopsias con guía ultrasonográfica a todos los pacientes. Antes y después de la antibioterapia se les aplicó los cuestionarios International Prostate Sypmtom Score (IPSS) y National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) y se comparó los valores de tPSA, fPSA y fPSA/tPSA en sangre. Resultados: Las variaciones de tPSA, fPSA y fPSA/tPSA antes y después de la antibioterapia no mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p>0,05). Cuando excluimos el adenocarcinoma de próstata se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las puntuaciones del IPSS y NIH-CPSI en todos los casos. Conclusiones: La administración de antibioterapia a pacientes con niveles de PSA superiores a los valores de corte no produjo un cambio significativo en la decisión de realizar biopsias de próstata con aguja. Se debería considerar realizar biopsias de próstata sin antibioterapia previa en los pacientes con PSA elevado cuando no exista una sospecha de prostatitis (AU)

Introduction: We investigated if antibiotherapy has any role on total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA) and fPSA/tPSA ratio in patients with tPSA higher than 2.5 ng/ml. We also analyzed if it has any relation with prostate cancer diagnosis rate. Material and Methods: A total 108 patients older than 50 years of age with lower urinary system sypmtoms and tPSA >2.5ng/ml were included in this study. Antibiotherapy was given to all the cases for three weeks. After that, transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies were taken from all the patients. Before and after antibiotherapy, "The International Prostate Symptom Score" (IPSS) and "National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index" (NIH-CPSI) questinories are performed and serum tPSA, fPSA and fPSA/tPSA values were obtained. Results: TPSA, fPSA and fPSA/tPSA ratio alterations prior to and after antibiotherapy did not show any statistically significant difference (p>0.05). When prostate adenocarcinoma was excluded, an statistically significant decrease was found in IPSS and NIH-CPSI scores for all cases. Conclusions: Antibiotherapy given to patients with PSA levels higher than threshold value has not led to significant change in prostate needle biopsy decision. Prostate biopsy should be considered without trying antibiotherapy in patients with high PSA values if a suspicion of prostatitis does not exist (AU)

[Does antibiotherapy prevent unnecessary prostate biopsies in patients with high PSA values?]. / ¿Evita la antibioterapia biopsias de próstata en pacientes con valores elevados de PSA?

INTRODUCTION: We investigated if antibiotherapy has any role on total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA) and fPSA/tPSA ratio in patients with tPSA higher than 2.5ng/ml. We also analyzed if it has any relation with prostate cancer diagnosis rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total 108 patients older than 50 years of age with lower urinary system sypmtoms and tPSA >2.5ng/ml were included in this study. Antibiotherapy was given to all the cases for three weeks. After that, transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies were taken from all the patients. Before and after antibiotherapy, "The International Prostate Symptom Score" (IPSS) and "National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index" (NIH-CPSI) questinories are performed and serum tPSA, fPSA and fPSA/tPSA values were obtained. RESULTS: TPSA, fPSA and fPSA/tPSA ratio alterations prior to and after antibiotherapy did not show any statistically significant difference (p>0.05). When prostate adenocarcinoma was excluded, an statistically significant decrease was found in IPSS and NIH-CPSI scores for all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotherapy given to patients with PSA levels higher than threshold value has not led to significant change in prostate needle biopsy decision. Prostate biopsy should be considered without trying antibiotherapy in patients with high PSA values if a suspicion of prostatitis does not exist.

Do ureteral catheterisation procedures affect sexual functions? A controlled prospective study.

The use of ureteral stents is a common procedure in urology practice. We investigated whether the use of double-J stent had an effect on sexual functions or not. One hundred and seventy-seven cases were included in the study. Unilateral double-J stent was placed during ureteral stone treatment in one hundred and eight of these cases. Sixty-nine cases were included as the control group. 'International Index of Erectile Function' (IIEF) and 'Female Sexual Function Index' (FSFI) questionaries were assessed before and 4 weeks after the intervention in all patients. When total IIEF and subdomains of IIEF scores of men and total FSFI and subdomains of FSFI scores of women whom double-J stent was placed were evaluated before and after the procedure, there was statistically significant reduction in patient's scores. In the control group, any statistically significant alteration in patient's score was not observed in men and women. Sexual functions are negatively affected in both women and men whom ureteral stents are placed. To reduce these problems specific to urinary system owing to stents, new treatment strategies and new studies that lead to improvements in the material and design of stents are required.

The effectiveness of sildenafil citrate in patients with erectile dysfunction and lower urinary system symptoms and the significance of asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis.

We evaluated the effectiveness of sildenafil citrate on lower urinary system symptoms (LUTS) by using symptom score scales. We also evaluated whether or not the presence of asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis had an effect on the alteration in the symptom scores. A total of 36 male patients were included in the study. For all the cases, 'International Prostate Symptom Score' (IPSS), 'National Health Institute Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index' (NIH-CPSI) and 'International Index of Erectile Function' (IIEF-5) were investigated and the scores were calculated in the first visit. Sildenafil citrate was given for 30 days and at the second visit IPSS, NIH-CPSI and IIEF-5 scores were once more analyzed. Afterwards, the alterations of the scores between visits were statistically compared. Mean age of the 36 cases included in the study was 59.03±1.35. When the alterations in parameters of first visit and second visit were evaluated, we found a statistically significant increase in IIEF-5 and a statistically significant decrease in IPSS, IPSS-QOL (Quality of Life). In addition, when the cases were divided into two groups with and without asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, in the cases with asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, sildenafil citrate caused improvement only in ED, but had no effect on LUTS. Sildenafil citrate use in cases with LUTS and ED has an improving effect on LUTS as well as ED. However, in cases with asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, sildenafil citrate did not lead to an improvement in LUTS.