Risk factors of delayed graft function following living donor kidney transplantation: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Delayed graft function (DGF) is a common condition that necessitates dialysis during the first week after transplantation. Although DGF rarely occurs following living-donor kidney transplantation (LDKT), it may eventually lead to acute or chronic graft rejection. This study aimed to assess the risk factors for DGF in patients who underwent LDKT. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published before August 2022 was conducted using the PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, and Directory of Open Access Journal (DOAJ) databases. The review included studies that assessed the incidence of DGF following LDKT, and examined its risk factors, while excluding studies involving deceased donors. Potential risk factors were analyzed using pooled mean differences or odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Review Manager 5.3 was used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Among the 13 included studies, 3685 cases of DGF were identified in a total of 113,261 patients (3.25%). Potential risk factors for DGF following LDKT were examined across several aspects, including donor, recipient, donor/recipient relationship, and immunological and intraoperative factors. The identified risk factors included older donors (P = 0.07), male recipients (P < 0.0001), higher recipient body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.0001), non-white recipients (P < 0.0001), pre-existing diabetes (P < 0.0001), pre-existing hypertension (P = 0.01), history of dialysis (P < 0.0001), re-transplantation (P = 0.004), unrelated donor/recipient (P = 0.02), ABO incompatibility (P < 0.0001), higher panel reactive antibody (PRA) levels (P < 0.0001), utilization of right kidney (P < 0.0001), and longer cold ischemia time (CIT) (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Several factors related to the donor, recipient, donor/recipient relationship, and immunological and intraoperative aspects were identified as potential risk factors for the development of DGF following LDKT. Addressing and optimizing these factors may improve the long-term outcomes of LDKT.

Comparative study of mobile acoustic uroflowmetry and conventional uroflowmetry: A systematic review and meta analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Uroflowmetry is a noninvasive measurement of the volume of urine excreted over time. Conventional uroflowmetry has become the main modality of urine flow measurement within time. However, this method requires the patient to be present in the hospital or healthcare setting, thus sometimes making the patients feel uncomfortable to undergo the examination. This led to multiple measurements which are inconvenient for the patients. Mobile acoustic uroflowmetry (sono-uroflowmetry) has been proposed as an alternative method of urine flow measurement due to its portability. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of sono-uroflowmetry as compared to conventional uroflowmetry. METHODS: Electronic databases searching were done using prespecified search strategy to retrieve articles related with uroflowmetry. In addition, hand-search strategy was used to identify additional articles. Studies with participants who had undergone sono-uroflowmetry were included. Voided volume, voiding duration, maximum flow rate, and average flow rate were identified and used to determine the outcomes of measurement. The quality of included articles was conducted using checklist for Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies by JBI. RESULTS: Initial search yielded 335 articles with four additional papers identified through hand-searching process. Six papers were retrieved and further used in the narrative synthesis. Five studies enrolled male participants, while only one of the papers enrolled female participants as additional subgroup analysis. Therefore, the meta-analysis was performed by using only male participants. Based on the meta-analysis results, there were strong to very strong positive correlation in voided volume, voiding time, average flow, average flow rate, and maximum flow rate between sono and conventional uroflowmetry. CONCLUSION: Sonouroflowmetry showed significant positive correlations to conventional uroflowmetry, signifying its use as an alternative of conventional uroflowmetry.

X-ray free Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with Alken Telescopic Metal Dilator for large stone in horseshoe kidney: A case report.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been shown as a safe and effective method for treating nephrolithiasis in horseshoe kidney patients. We report the first X-ray Free PCNL with Alken Telescopic Metal Dilator (ATMD) in horseshoe kidney. A 58-Year-Old female was diagnosed with left large staghorn stone and horseshoe kidney treated with X-ray Free PCNL with ATMD. X-ray Free PCNL with ATMD is safe and effective nephrolithiasis lithotripsy for staghorn stone in Horseshoe Kidney. This technique is the first of its kind and possibly has become an excellent alternative for urological centers without access to fluoroscopy.

Genes polymorphism as risk factor of recurrent urolithiasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Urolithiasis is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Its prevalence is rising, both in developing and developed countries. It is known that genetic factors play big roles in the development of urolithiasis. One of the suspected factors is gene polymorphism. This study aims to find an accurate estimate of the association between genetic polymorphism and the risk of recurrent urolithiasis. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on 12 studies from 3 databases that investigated gene polymorphism as an risk factor of urolithiasis. The review was done using Review Manager® version 5.3. RESULTS: Insignificant heterogenicity was found in this study. Populations from Asia and the Middle East are more likely to experience recurrent urolithiasis. Additionally, variation in the VDR and urokinase genes, particularly in the Asian population, increases the risk of developing recurrent urolithiasis. CONCLUSIONS: Gene polymorphisms have significant roles in the development of urolithiasis, especially in the Middle Eastern region.

A Retrospective Analysis of the 1-Year Graft Survival Rate in Indonesian Renal Transplant Recipients With Multiple Renal Arteries.

BACKGROUND: Renal transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease because of its association with improved survival and quality of life. The debate over multiple renal arteries (MRA) vs a single renal artery regarding kidney function, posttransplant complications, and graft and patient survival remains ongoing. Our goal was to determine the 1-year graft survival rate among renal transplant recipients with MRA at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted between January 2012 and December 2020, including all kidney transplant candidates with MRA. Data on graft survival, patient demographics, previous renal transplantation, duration of hemodialysis, and delayed graft function were collected and analyzed using SPSS 24. Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regression analyses were used to determine risk factors for 1-year survival. RESULTS: Among 752 renal transplant recipients, 104 cases had MRA. The majority were men (71.5%), and the median age of recipients was 47 years. One-year graft survival was observed in 96% of cases, whereas patient survival was 97.7%. No significant difference was found in graft survival based on the number of arteries (single renal artery vs MRA), length of hemodialysis, or previous renal transplantation. However, delayed graft function was significantly associated with graft survival. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that 1-year graft survival in renal transplant recipients with MRA is not significantly affected by the length of hemodialysis before surgery or previous renal transplantation.

Method for determining predictor factor for worse outcomes in kidney transplant recipients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 in a systematic review and meta-analysis research.

The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted for COVID-19 infections in kidney transplant patients. Recent research on this topic was still scarce and limited meta-analysis research discussion, specific to some risks or treatment in kidney transplantation patients with COVID-19 infection. Therefore, this article demonstrated the fundamental steps to conducting systematic review and meta-analysis studies to derive a pooled estimate of predictor factors of worse outcomes in kidney transplant patients with positive for the SARS-CoV- 2 test•PICOT Framework to determine the research scope•PRISMA strategy for study selection•Forest Plot for meta-analysis study.

The efficacy of antibiotic and alpha-blocker combination therapy versus antibiotic monotherapy in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This study attempted to explore the efficacy of a combination of alpha-blockers and antibiotics compared with antibiotic monotherapy in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). METHODS: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane/CENTRAL, EBSCOHost/CINAHL, ProQuest, and Scopus on January 2020. Randomized controlled trials comparing antibiotic monotherapy with combination therapy of antibiotics and alpha-blockers in CP/CPPS patients lasting at least 4 weeks were included. The study eligibility assessment, data extraction, and study quality assessment were carried out by each author independently and in duplication. RESULTS: A total of six low- to high-quality studies with 396 patients were included in the study. Two reviews reported lower National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) total scores in the monotherapy arm at Week 6. Only one study reported otherwise. On Day 90, the NIH-CPSI score was found to be lower in the combination group. In the pain, urinary, and quality-of-life domain, most studies agree that combination therapy is not superior to monotherapy. However, on Day 90, all domains were found to be lower in the combination therapy. Responder rates were found to vary between studies. Only four out of six studies reported a response rate. Responder rates were lower in the combination group at 6 weeks of observation. On Day 90, responder rates were found to be better in the combination group. CONCLUSIONS: The combination therapy of antibiotics and alpha-blockers is not substantially better than antibiotic monotherapy in the first 6 weeks of treatment for CP/CPPS patients. This might not be applicable to a longer duration of treatment.

Association Between De Novo C1q-Binding Donor-Specific Anti-HLA Antibodies and Clinical Outcomes After Kidney Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) are recognized as an important factor of kidney allograft loss as a subsequent event of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). The clinical relevance of de novo DSAs (dnDSAs) after kidney transplant, particularly in their ability to bind C1q, has been widely investigated to various extents among studies. A recent study was performed to examine the association between C1q-binding dnDSAs and succeeding clinical events after kidney transplant. METHODS: A meta-analysis of studies published before April 2021 was conducted from PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane databases. Publications on dnDSA after kidney transplant focusing on differentiation between C1q-binding and non-C1q-binding were included. The outcomes analyzed were AMR rate and allograft loss. Studies using preformed DSA were excluded. The pooled risk ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were analyzed using Mantzel-Haenzel method, and the I2 value was used to determine the heterogeneity of the studies. Data analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: A total of 535 patients from 13 studies who developed dnDSA after kidney transplant were analyzed. Among these, 239 (44.7%) had C1q-binding and 296 (55.3%) had non-C1q-binding dnDSA. Acute AMR was found in 59.2% (97/164) of the C1q-binding group and in 28.8% (49/170) of the non-C1q-binding group (risk ratio [RR], 0.58 [95% CI, 0.39-0.85], P = .006, I2 = 58%). Chronic AMR was found in 50% (19/38) of the C1q-binding group and in 16.9% (11/65) of the non-C1q-binding group (RR, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.21-0.71], P = .002, I2 = 0%). Allograft loss was found in 62.2% (74/119) of the C1q-binding group and in 34.1% (60/176) of the non-C1q-binding group (RR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.38-0.85], P = .006, I2 = 61%). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrates that patients who developed C1q-binding dnDSA display an increased risk of AMR and allograft loss compared with those with non-C1q-binding dnDSA. Therefore, C1q-binding dnDSAs are associated with inferior outcomes after kidney transplant.

Daily activities and training experiences of urology residents during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Indonesia: A nationwide survey.

Objective: To explore the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the training experiences of urology residents in Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a web-based questionnaire (SurveyMonkey) involved all registered urology residents in Indonesia. The questionnaire was structured in Bahasa Indonesia, composed of 28 questions, and divided into three sections: demographic characteristics, current daily activities, and opinions regarding training experiences during the COVID-19 outbreak. The survey was distributed to all respondents via chief of residents in each urology center from May 26, 2020 to Jun 2, 2020. Results: Of the total 247 registered urology residents, 243 were eligible for the study. The response and completeness rate for this study were 243/243 (100%). The median age of respondents was 30 (range: 24-38) years old, and 92.2% of them were male. Among them, 6 (2.5%) respondents were confirmed as COVID-19 positive. A decrease in residents' involvement in clinical and surgical activities was distinguishable in endourological and open procedures. Most educational activities were switched to web-based video conferences, while others opted for the in-person method. Smart learning methods, such as joining a national or international speaker webinar or watching a recorded video, were used by 93.8% and 80.7% of the respondents, respectively. The respondents thought that educational activities using web-based video conferences and smart learning methods were effective methods of learning. Overall, the respondents felt unsure whether training experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic were comparable to the respective period before. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected urology residents' training experiences. However, it also opened up new possibilities for incorporating new learning methodologies in the future.

Predictor factor for worse outcomes in kidney transplant recipients infected with coronavirus disease 2019: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a massive impact on the health sector, especially in patients with pre-existing comorbidities. This study aims to define the predictor factors for worse outcomes in kidney transplant patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We have analyzed in these patients their prior medical history, their clinical symptoms, and their laboratory results. METHOD: We assessed outcomes of kidney transplant patients with confirmed COVID-19 until July 2021 from PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, Cochrane databases, EMBASE, Scopus, and EBSCO. We performed meta-analyses of nine published studies to estimate predictor factors. The analysis was analyzed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and then using the Review Manager 5.4 software. RESULT: Our analysis demonstrated that the most significant risk factors for the worse COVID-19 outcomes for kidney transplant patients included: age of 60 and older [MD 9.31(95% CI, 6.31-12.30), p < 0.0001, I2 = 76%], diabetic nephropathy [OR 2.13 (95% CI, 1.49-3.04), p < 0.0001, I2 = 76%], dyspnea [OR 4.53, (95% CI, 2.22-9.22), p < 0.0001, I2 = 76%], acute kidney injury (AKI) [OR 4.53 (95% CI, 1.10-5.21), p = 0.03, I2 = 58%], and some laboratory markers. Many patients had two or multiple risk factors in combination. CONCLUSION: Age and several comorbidities were the most significant factors for COVID-19 outcomes for kidney transplant recipients.

General versus spinal anesthesia in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the preferred treatment for the removal of large kidney stones, sized >20 mm. However, there is still an ongoing debate concerning the best anesthesia for PCNL. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety between general and spinal anesthesia for PCNL. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis study. A systematic, electronic literature search was performed in several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar until July 1 st, 2022. The quality of the articles was examined using Crombie's Items (for non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs)) and Jadad Scale (for RCTs). The outcomes assessed were operation time, fluoroscopy time, length of stay, stone-free rate, overall complication rate, specific postoperative complications, cost, pain score, and postoperative analgesic requirement. The article selection was reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We assessed four RCTs and eight retrospective studies. Meta-analysis of selected studies was performed using the Review Manager 5.3. Results: General anesthesia resulted in fewer Clavien-Dindo grade II (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49 - 0.94; p=0.02), major complications (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.45 - 0.94; p=0.02, and lower transfusion rates (OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.53 - 0.94; p=0.02). Whereas spinal anesthesia resulted in faster operation time (Mean Difference: -12.98; 95% CI: -20.56 - -5.41; p<0.001, fluoroscopy time (MD: -26.15; 95% CI: -42.79 - -9.50; p=0.002), reduced length of stay (MD: -0.47; 95% CI: -0.75 - 0.20; p<0.001), and lower postoperative analgesic requirement and cost. No significant difference in stone-free rate (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.92 - 1.26; p=0.37). PCNL performed using either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia is equally safe and effective. Conclusions: Each method of anesthesia has its own advantages and disadvantages. The final choice between general and spinal anesthesia should be based on the patient's condition and surgical team preference.

Clinical parameters as predictors for sperm retrieval success in azoospermia: experience from Indonesia.

Background: Azoospermia is the most severe type of male infertility. This study aimed to identify useful clinical parameters to predict sperm retrieval success. This could assist clinicians in accurately diagnosing and treating patients based on the individual clinical parameters of patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 517 patients with azoospermia who underwent sperm retrieval in Jakarta, Indonesia, between January 2010 and April 2023. Clinical evaluation and scrotal ultrasound, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels were evaluated before surgery. Multivariate analyses were conducted to determine clinical parameters that could predict overall sperm retrieval success. Further subgroup analysis was performed to determine the factors that the diagnosis of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) diagnosis and sperm retrieval success among patients with NOA. Results: A total of 2,987 infertile men attended our clinic. Men with azoospermia (n=517) who met the inclusion criteria and did not fulfil any exclusion criteria were included in the study. The overall sperm retrieval success was 47.58%. Logistic regression revealed that FSH 7.76 mIU/mL (sensitivity: 60.1%, specificity: 63.3%, p<0.001); longest testicular axis length 3.89 cm (sensitivity: 33.6%, specificity: 41.6%); and varicocele (p<0.001) were independent factors for overall sperm retrieval. The FSH cutoff of 7.45 mIU/mL (sensitivity: 31.3%, specificity: 37.7%, p<0,001); longest testicular axis length 3.85 cm (sensitivity: 76.7%, specificity: 65.4%, p<0.001); and varicocele (p<0.001) were independent factors for NOA diagnosis. Varicocele was the only clinical parameter that significantly predicted the success of sperm retrieval in patients with NOA. Conclusions: FSH, LH, longest testicular axis, and varicocele are among the clinical parameters that are useful for predicting overall sperm retrieval success and NOA diagnosis. However, varicocele is the only clinical parameter that significantly predicts sperm retrieval success in patients with NOA. High-quality studies are required to assess the other predictors of sperm retrieval success.

Plaque excision with the Shah Penile Implant™ and tunica vaginalis graft in Peyronie's disease with erectile dysfunction: A case report.

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a condition characterized by the deposition of scar tissue in the tunica albuginea of the penis. Peyronie's disease often causes pain, worsens the quality of erections, a variable degree of penile deformation and shortening, which can cause severe distress for the patient and the partner and impact negatively on self-esteem and quality of life in general. Surgery still represents the gold standard treatment for PD in the chronic phase, and it aims to guarantee a penis straight and rigid enough to allow the patient to resume penetrative sex with confidence. Penile prosthesis implantation should be reserved for patients with refractory erectile dysfunction or in these patients with complex deformities and impaired erections. Herein is reported the case of a 51-year-old male with a large ossified PD plaque and erectile dysfunction who underwent simultaneous plaque excision and grafting and penile implantation surgery with a semirigid penile prosthesis. This was the first case of penile prosthesis implantation for Peyronie's disease in Indonesia.

Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve TGF-ß, α-SMA and Collagen on Erectile Dysfunction in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Background: A Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the well-known comorbidities in males with diabetes mellitus (DM), whose pathogenesis might be induced by dysregulation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells. UC-MSCs are multipotent cells that attract considerable interest due to immunoregulatory properties and might be a potential strategy to regulate and recover the functional cells and tissues, including tissue improvement in DMED. Objective: This study aims to determine the efficacy of UC-MSCs in improving the erectile function of DMED rats through analyzing the expression of TGF-ß, α-SMA, and collagen. Methods: Total number of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 to 8 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups (negative control group, positive control group, T1 group, and T2 group). After 16 h fast, 24 rats were randomly selected and intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to induce DM. At 8 weeks after STZ injection, rats with DMED were identified by unresponsive erectile stimulation within 30 min. PC group received 500 µL; T1 rats treated with 500 µL PBS containing 1x106 UC-MSCs; T2 rats treated with 500 µL PBS containing 3x106 UC-MSCs. After MSCs treatment, the rats were sacrificed and the corpus cavernosum tissues were prepared for histological observations. Results: This study resulted in the administration of UC-MSCs could downregulate the expression of TGF-ß, α-SMA, and collagen leading to the improvement of DMED. Conclusion: UC-MSCs improve the expression of TGF-ß, α-SMA, and collagen on erectile dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The Improvement of Patient's Quality of Life After Kidney Transplantation in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Indonesia.

OBJECTIVES: Kidney transplantation has become the chosen kidney replacement therapy for end stage chronic kidney disease. In Indonesia, no study about quality of life (QoL) in kidney transplantation recipient after surgery has been done. This study aims to determine whether there is a significant difference in the recipient's QoL before and after kidney transplantation surgery. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This was a prospective study using Kidney Disease QoL-Short Form (KDQoL-SF) questionnaire before and after surgery (first, third, and sixth month). Samples were consecutively taken from January 2016 until May 2016 and followed up to December 2016. KDQoL-SF has been validated in Indonesian language to assess recipient's QoL (Cronbach alfa >0,6). The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software 21.0 version and repeated analysis of variance with posthoc comparison Bonferroni was used. RESULTS: There were 33 patients included in this study from January through December 2016. The average age was 44.6 ± 12.88 years old, and average body mass index was 23.8 ± 3.74 kg/m2. The most frequent comorbidity was hypertension (32, 97%). Compared to baseline, the QoL in recipients increased at the first, third, and sixth month after their operation. Major changes in the perceived QoL were noted only between the preoperative stage (median, 50%; interquartile range, [IQR]) ±20) and 1 month after operation (median, 90%; IQR, 0). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that there were significant improvements in almost all aspect in recipient's QoL after kidney transplantation.

Mean platelet volume as a predictive marker of erectile dysfunction: a meta-analysis.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a global health problem that commonly occurs due to multiple factors, particularly by a vascular abnormality with the activation of platelet (PLT). Mean platelet volume (MPV), a PLT activity marker, has been hypothesized to be associated with ED. The present meta-analysis aims to evaluate the MPV and its contribution to ED diagnosis. A systematic searching to summarize the association of MPV as a predictive marker for ED was conducted on two databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed) and CINAHL (EBSCOhost). We included all English studies that measured MPV levels in ED and non-ED subjects. A total of 168 publications were initially retrieved and screened systematically. 12 studies with 1643 subjects were included for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The MPV mean difference between ED patients and healthy subjects; vasculogenic and non-vasculogenic ED showed significant differences. Our findings show PLT is associated with the development of ED. Higher MPV level was found in the ED subjects compared to the healthy controls. Nevertheless, the evidence is still limited due to the small number of studies and further investigations are required to support the utilization of MPV for ED diagnosis.

Effect of varicocele repair on sperm retrieval rate and testicular histopathological patterns in men with nonobstructive azoospermia.

Varicocele adversely affects semen parameters. However, the effect of varicocele repair on the sperm retrieval rate and testicular histopathological patterns in men with nonobstructive azoospermia has not been widely reported. We retrospectively assessed the sperm retrieval rates and testicular histopathological patterns in men with nonobstructive azoospermia who were referred to the Urology Clinic in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (Jakarta, Indonesia) and Bunda General Hospital (Jakarta, Indonesia) between January 2009 and December 2019. We compared patients who had undergone a surgical sperm retrieval procedure for assisted reproductive technology no earlier than three months after varicocele repair and those who had not undergone varicocele repair. The study included 104 patients (age range: 26-54 years), 42 of whom had undergone varicocele repair before the sperm retrieval procedure and 62 who had not. Motile spermatozoa were found in 29 (69.1%) and 17 (27.4%) patients who had undergone varicocele repair before the sperm retrieval procedure and those who had not undergone the repair, respectively (relative risk: 2.51; 95% confidence interval: 1.60-3.96; P < 0.001). A predicted probabilities graph showed consistently higher sperm retrieval rates for patients with varicocele repair, regardless of their follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Patients who underwent varicocele repair showed higher testicular histopathological patterns (P = 0.001). In conclusion, men with nonobstructive azoospermia and clinical varicocele who underwent varicocele repair before the sperm retrieval procedure had higher sperm retrieval rates compared to those who did not undergo varicocele repair.

Effects of renal transplantation on erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major global health burden commonly observed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although renal transplantation improves the problem in some patients, it persists in ≈20-50% of recipients. Studies regarding the effects of kidney transplantation on ED present contradictory findings. We performed a systematic review to summarise the effects of kidney transplantation on ED. A systematic literature search was performed across PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases in April 2020. We included all prospective studies that investigated the pre and posttransplant international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) scores in recipients with ED. Data search in PubMed and Google Scholar produced 1326 articles; eight were systematically reviewed with a total of 448 subjects. Meta-analysis of IIEF-5 scores showed significant improvements between pre and post transplantation. Our findings confirm that renal transplantation improves erectile function. Furthermore, transplantation also increases testosterone level. However, the evidence is limited because of the small number of studies. Further studies are required to investigate the effects of renal transplantation on erectile function.

The learning curve for a single surgeon using ultrasonography to guide supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy with an alken metal telescopic dilator.

Ultrasound (US) has three advantages over fluoroscopy for guiding percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNCL): it provides an assessment of adjacent structures and real-time puncture adjustment, and is radiation free. This study aimed to define the number of procedures that should be performed to achieve competence in US-guided PCNL using an Alken metal telescopic dilator. A non-randomised retrospective study with consecutive sampling was used for the study design. A total of 50 patients above 18 years of age with the largest diameter of renal stone ≥20 mm were included. They were divided into five groups based on timing of the surgery to evaluate and visualise improvements based on primary outcomes within the groups. Line charts were used, and statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the learning curve. Most of the base characteristics between the groups were similar. Tract dilatation time decreased significantly after 20 PCNLs were performed (p < 0.001). Stone-free status markedly increased after 20 PCNLs were performed (p < 0.001). Postoperative fever (10%) and need for blood transfusion (26%) were the only complications. Basic competency was achievable after 20 PCNL procedures were performed, and further improvements in outcomes were achieved after 40 PCNLs with an acceptable rate of non-severe complications.

Genetic polymorphisms as prognostic factors for recurrent kidney stones: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Genetic polymorphisms have been suggested as risk factors affecting the occurrence and recurrence of kidney stones, although findings regarding the latter remain inconclusive. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the associations between genetic polymorphisms and recurrent kidney stones. PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched through May 28th, 2020 to identify eligible studies. The Quality in prognostic studies (QUIPS) tool was used to evaluate bias risk. Allelic frequencies and different inheritance models were assessed. All analyses were performed using Review manager 5.4. A total of 14 studies were included for meta-analysis, assessing urokinase (ApaL1) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) (ApaI, BsmI, FokI, and TaqI) gene polymorphisms. The ApaLI polymorphism demonstrated protective association in the recessive model [odds ratio (OR) 0.45, P < 0.01] albeit higher risk among Caucasians in the heterozygous model (OR 16.03, P < 0.01). The VDR-ApaI polymorphism showed protective association in the dominant model (OR 0.60, P < 0.01). Among Asians, the VDR-FokI polymorphism recessive model showed significant positive association (OR 1.70, P < 0.01) and the VDR-TaqI polymorphism heterozygous model exhibited protective association (OR 0.72, P < 0.01). The VDR-BsmI polymorphism was not significantly associated with recurrent kidney stones in any model. Urokinase-ApaLI (recessive model), VDR-ApaI (dominant model), and VDR-TaqI (heterozygous model) polymorphisms were associated with decreased recurrent kidney stone risk whereas urokinase-ApaLI (heterozygous model) and VDR-FokI polymorphisms were associated with increased risk among Caucasians and Asians, respectively. These findings will assist in identifying individuals at risk of kidney stone recurrence.