The Status of Spermatogenesis in Germ Cell Tumor Bearing Testis and Its Association with Metastatic Disease.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the status of spermatogenesis detected by histological examination of non-tumoral testicular tissues in tumor bearing testis and its association with advanced stage disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) that undergone radical orchiectomy. All non-tumoral areas of the orchiectomy specimens were examined for the status of spermatogenesis. Patients were divided into two groups as localized (stage I) and metastatic (stage II-III) disease and analyzed separately for seminomatous (SGCT) and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT). RESULTS: Four hundred fifty-four patients were included in our final analysis. Of those, 195 patients had SGCT, and 259 patients had NSGCT. Three hundred and six patients had localized disease at the time of diagnosis. Median (Q1-Q3) age was 31 (26 - 38) years and 102 (22.5%) patients had normal spermatogenesis, 177 (39.0%) patients had hypospermatogenesis and 175 (38.5%) patients had no mature spermatozoa. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, embryonal carcinoma >50% (1.944, 95 %CI 1.054-3.585, P = .033) and spermatogenesis status (2.796 95% CI 1.251-6.250, P = .012 for hypospermatogenesis, and 3.907, 95% CI 1.692-9.021, P = .001 for absence of mature spermatozoa) were independently associated with metastatic NSGCT. However, there was not any variables significantly associated with metastatic SGCT on multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that only 22.5% of patients with TGCTs had normal spermatogenesis in tumor bearing testis. Impaired spermatogenesis (hypospermatogenesis or no mature spermatozoa) and predominant embryonal carcinoma are associated with advanced stage NSGCT.

Investigation of the causes of BCG refractory in patients treated with intracavitary BCG as secondary treatment in superficial bladder tumors with transurethral resection.

BACKGROUND: Non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBC) tend to recur and progress over time. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is an effective therapy for the treatment of NMIBC in that it reduces both recurrence and progression rates. The present study investigates the causes of BCG failure, with emphasis on those attributable to application errors by the practitioner and/or patient. METHODS: The demographic and histopathological characteristics of 115 patients who underwent TUR-B for primary bladder tumors and who underwent intracavitary BCG in the postoperative period in the Urology Clinic of the Izmir Katip Çelebi University Atatürk Training and Research Hospital between January 2014 and January 2019, were analyzed retrospectively. BCG-refractory patients were compared with non-BCG refractory patients after BCG administration. RESULTS: The extent of the tumor, and the involvement of the tumor in the bladder trigone and/or the bladder neck were found to increase significantly the likelihood of BCG refractory. When the micturition times of both groups were compared after instillation, the differences between the groups were found to be statistically significant. In the BCG-refractory patient group, the micturition time after instillation was shorter due to the tumor involvement in the trigone/bladder neck. CONCLUSION: Some modifiable factors originating from the patient and the tumoral characteristics were found to have an effect on BCG failure. It was further determined that the time until micturition after BCG administration is an important parameter to be considered in the prevention of application deficiencies. We believe these factors should be subjected to careful consideration during patient selection and follow-up.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Retrospective study of systemic immune-inflammation index in muscle invasive bladder cancer: initial results of single centre.

PURPOSES: We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in patients who underwent radical cystectomy due to muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). METHODS: We researched our cystectomy database between April 2006 and December 2018. Demographic data, operation and postoperative data were recorded. There were 191 MIBC patients who underwent radical cystectomy. After detailed analyses, preoperative SII was calculated by the formula as "(neutrophil) × (platelet)/(lymphocyte)". Cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were examined. The prognostic value of SII was analysed with univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to determine the optimum SII. Significant P was P < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 37 ± 6.7 months. The mean age of patients was 62.1 ± 9 years. The optimal cutoff value of SII was determined as 843 in ROC curve (area under the curve: 0.9; P < 0.001). The CSS and OS were significantly poor in patients with higher SII level (respectively; P < 0.001, P = 0.04). Gender, lymph node involvement, pathologic stage, grade and SII were statistically significant in multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model for CSS. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative elevated SII could be an independent prognostic factor in MIBC patients who underwent radical cystectomy. If SII > 843, CSS might be poor. Our results should be confirmed with randomised-controlled prospectively designed future studies with large cohorts.

Impact of increased aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase (De Ritis) ratio in prognosis of testicular cancer.

Purpose: Imaging studies can show metastasis in testicular cancer (TCa); however, a test for risk of metastasis in TCa has not been described. The ratio of aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase, also called the De Ritis ratio (DRR), is used for many other malignancies. We aimed to evaluate the association between preoperatively assessed DRR and prognosis in patients with TCa. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty-eight patients with TCa were enrolled in a retrospective study between March 2007 and January 2017. Clinical, biochemical, and pathological data were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. The prognostic value of DRR and the threshold value were assessed by use of receiver operating characteristic curves. Significance was defined as p<0.05. Results: Mean follow-up was 37±9.7 months. There were 45 and 73 TCa patients with and without lymph node metastasis, respectively. Lung metastases and other solid organ metastases occurred in 14 and 4 patients, respectively. The optimal DRR threshold was 1.30 for both retroperitoneal lymph node involvement and metastasis. DRR was determined as an independent prognostic factor for retroperitoneal lymph node involvement and organ metastasis in univariate and multivariate analyses (p<0.001, p=0.006 and p=0.002, p=0.047, respectively). Conclusions: A preoperative DRR greater than 1.30 may be an independent risk factor for retroperitoneal lymph node involvement and organ metastases in patients with TCa.

Penile fracture and investigation of early surgical repair effects on erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: Penile fracture is one of the urological emergencies caused by direct trauma to an erect penis during sexual intercourse, which results in a tear in the tunica albuginea within the corpus cavernosum. Serious complications such as penile curvature and erectile dysfunction may develop due to inappropriate and/or late surgical repair. This study aims to evaluate patients with penile fracture and to describe their demographics, surgical repairs, and long-term outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 56 patients who were diagnosed with penile fracture between January 2012 and June 2017 were reviewed. Clinical features, pre-operative assessment, time from injury to surgery, tunica defect properties, and presence of urethral injury were assessed. Early surgical management was performed. Outcomes, including International Index of Erectile Function 5 pre-operation and after 6 months, were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 30.2 (18-57) years. In etiological questionnaires, 32 (57.2%) patients reported direct trauma to an erect penis during intercourse. The mean size of tunica defects was 1.61 ± 0.42 (0.3-3.6) cm of the nine (16%) patients, and penile fracture was associated with urethral injury. There was no significant difference in International Index of Erectile Function 5 scores before the surgery and 6 months after surgery. Penile skin necrosis developed in one patient 10 days post-operation. CONCLUSION: Early surgical repair could be an effective method of achieving post-operative erection success in patients with penile fracture due to direct trauma during intercourse.

Effects of Psychological Status on The Oxidation Parameters of Semen and Blood in Azoospermic Men.

PURPOSE: In limited number of studies performed concerning the psychological moods of female, and male with the diagnosis of infertility, data related to increased incidence of depression, and anxiety have been reported. The objective of this study is to determine whether azoospermia has any psychological effects on men, and investigate the potential effects of psychological mood on seminal, and plasma oxidative parametres. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients whose two consecutive semen analyses were reported as pellet -negative azoospermia constituted the azoospermic group, and 30 healthy individuals who applied to the infertility polyclinic with normal seminal parametres comprised the normozoospermic group. RESULTS: BECK Anxiety scores were significantly higher in the azoospermic group (P = 0.009). When compared with the normozoospermic group, higher levels of oxidative parametres, but lower levels of the antioxidative parametre were detected in the azoospermic group (P < 0.05). In the azoospermic group, a positive correlation was detected between BECK Anxiety and total oxidant status. Anxiety may increase oxidative parametres in both plasma, and seminal fluid (r = 473, p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Anxiety may increase oxidative parametres in both plasma, and seminal fluid. Oxidative milieu may impair sperm quality, and affect the success rates of assisted reproductive treatments. The determination of oxida-tive potential in infertile men, thiol, and prolidase may be used as biomarkers.

A match-pair analysis of continence in intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer patients after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: the role of urine loss ratio and predictive analysis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to study the continence between intermediate and high-risk cancer patients and the influential factors to recover continence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 655 patients underwent surgery by robot-assisted radical prostatectomy between 2010 and 2015. Of 655 patients, 294 were classified according to D'Amico risk groups as intermediate risk or high risk and completed the micturition protocol. Patients with intermediate risk were matched in a 1:1 ratio to patients with high risk for age and body mass index. Urine loss ratio (ULR) was defined as urine loss divided by micturition volumes. Immediate continence was defined with the best cut-off value of ULR. RESULTS: In total, 117 patients with intermediate risk were matched to those with high risk. The comparison did not show any statistically significant difference in the ULR value (P = 0.359) or continence rate (P = 0.449). Predictive analysis was performed for the 294 patients (intermediate and high risk), of which 9.5% were classified as incontinent (>1 pad/d). Immediate continence was defined as ULR < 0.049 in 232 (78.9%) patients. Age, preoperative hemoglobin, and duration of catheterization were found influent by univariate analysis. Only age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.072; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.020-1.127; P = 0.006] and duration of catheterization (OR = 1.060; 95% CI = 1.003-1.120; P = 0.040) were independent influential factors to predict immediate continence. CONCLUSION: D'Amico intermediate- and high-risk groups do not differ in continence terms. The ULR value of < 0.049 identifies those patients who recover continence earlier. Age and duration of catheterization were influential factors in predicting immediate continence.

Can tumor recurrence be reduced with plasma-kinetic vaporization of the area around the tumor in nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer?

Purpose: To investigate the effect on recurrence of vaporization of the tumor surroundings and suspicious areas with a plasma-kinetic (PK) system after transurethral resection (TUR) of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: The study included 121 patients with a primary superficial bladder tumor who were randomized as those who underwent TUR with the PK system (Group 1, n=62) and those who underwent TUR with the monopolar system (Group 2, n=59). The vaporization procedure was performed by suppressing the cutting option of the PK system for a period, which would accumulate energy sufficient to make swelling-waves on the mucosa very close to the area of the loop to be vaporized. Results: A total of 121 patients who met the study criteria were included for evaluation. Recurrence was determined in 21 patients in Group 1 (33.87%) and in 29 patients in Group 2 (49.15%) (p=0.088). Recurrence was close to the old resection site in 6 of 21 patients in Group 1, and in 13 patients in Group 2 (p=0.028); the difference was statistically significant. No statistically significant difference was determined between the two groups with respect to age, gender, number of tumor foci, rate or range of additional treatments applied, cigarette smoking rate, repeat TUR rate and rate of tumor en- countered in repeat TUR, T-stage, and tumor grade. Conclusions: The effect of vaporization on recurrence by the PK system may seem similar to the effect of standard TUR, the recurrence- lowering effect surrounding nonmuscle invasive bladder cancers is better.

The Novel and Minimally Invasive Treatment Modalities for Female Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction; Beyond the Traditional

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a clinical entity that is prevalent among female patients. Determining the exact underlying cause of pelvic floor dysfunction is difficult, and surgical intervention for this clinical entity may be challenging. Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect the quality of life of the patient by causing stress urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or both. Well-defined surgical treatment options, minimally invasive approaches, and novel techniques for the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction have been recently introduced. Here, we evaluated the management options available for patients with stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. We searched Medline and EMBASE databases for relevant articles by using the keywords "pelvic floor dysfunction," "minimally invasive procedures," "stress urinary incontinence," "pelvic organ prolapse," and "novel techniques". Traditional treatment options for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are beyond the scope of our review. Laparoscopic and robotic surgical treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction continue to evolve and develop. These minimally invasive techniques will soon replace open procedures. Alternative novel treatment modalities have also been developed from novel human-compatible materials and are emerging as successful treatments for stress urinary incontinence. The development of these various treatment options has implications for future surgical practice in the field of uro-gynecology.

Evaluation of apoptosis indexes in currently used oral alpha-blockers in prostate: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Objectives: Apoptosis effect of oral alpha-blockers is known in the prostate. Apoptosis index of silodosin has not been proved, yet. Aims are to present apoptosis index of silodosin in prostate and to compare this with other currently used alpha-blocker's apoptosis indexes together with their clinical effects. Materials and Methods: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients were enrolled among those admitted to urology outpatient clinic between June 2014 and June 2015. Study groups were created according to randomly prescribed oral alpha-blocker drugs as silodosin 8mg (Group 1; n=24), tamsulosin 0.4mg (Group 2; n=30), alfuzosin 10mg (Group 3; n=25), doxazosin 8mg (Group 4; n=22), terazosin 5mg (Group 5; n=15). Pa- tients who refused to use any alpha-blocker drug were included into Group 6 as control group (n=16). We investigated apoptosis indexes of the drugs in prostatic tissues that were taken from patient's surgery (transurethral resection of prostate) and/or prostate biopsies. Immunochemical dyeing, light microscope, and Image Processing and Analy- sis in Java were used for evaluations. Statistical significant p was p<0.05. Results: There were 132 patients with mean follow-up of 4.2±2.1 months. Pathologist researched randomly selected 10 areas in each microscope set. Group 1 showed statisti- cal significant difference apoptosis index in immunochemical TUNEL dyeing and im- age software (p<0.001). Moreover, we determined superior significant development in parameters as uroflowmetry, quality of life scores, and international prostate symptom score in Group 1. Conclusions: Silodosin has higher apoptosis effect than other alpha-blockers in prostate. Thus, clinic improvement with silodosin was proved by histologic studies. Besides, static factor of BPH may be overcome with creating apoptosis.

Evaluation of apoptosis indexes in currently used oral alpha-blockers in prostate: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Apoptosis effect of oral alpha-blockers is known in the prostate. Apoptosis index of silodosin has not been proved, yet. Aims are to present apoptosis index of silodosin in prostate and to compare this with other currently used alpha-blocker's apoptosis indexes together with their clinical effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients were enrolled among those admitted to urology outpatient clinic between June 2014 and June 2015. Study groups were created according to randomly prescribed oral alpha-blocker drugs as silodosin 8mg (Group 1; n=24), tamsulosin 0.4mg (Group 2; n=30), alfuzosin 10mg (Group 3; n=25), doxazosin 8mg (Group 4; n=22), terazosin 5mg (Group 5; n=15). Patients who refused to use any alpha-blocker drug were included into Group 6 as control group (n=16). We investigated apoptosis indexes of the drugs in prostatic tissues that were taken from patient's surgery (transurethral resection of prostate) and/or prostate biopsies. Immunochemical dyeing, light microscope, and Image Processing and Analysis in Java were used for evaluations. Statistical significant p was p<0.05. RESULTS: There were 132 patients with mean follow-up of 4.2±2.1 months. Pathologist researched randomly selected 10 areas in each microscope set. Group 1 showed statistical significant difference apoptosis index in immunochemical TUNEL dyeing and image software (p<0.001). Moreover, we determined superior significant development in parameters as uroflowmetry, quality of life scores, and international prostate symptom score in Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Silodosin has higher apoptosis effect than other alpha-blockers in prostate. Thus, clinic improvement with silodosin was proved by histologic studies. Besides, static factor of BPH may be overcome with creating apoptosis.

A novel therapeutics agent: antioxidant effects of hydroxylfasudil on rat kidney and liver tissues in a protamine sulphate-induced cystitis rat model; preliminary results.

Cystitis is defined as an inflammation of the bladder caused by a bacterial infection, and it can be dangerous and painful when it spreads through the internal organs. In this study, antioxidant effects of hydroxylfasudil (HF) at the enzymatic and molecular level on kidney and liver tissues in cystitis rat model, which is caused by inflammation of the rat bladder with a protamine sulphate (PS), was examined. Quantitative changes of reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, which are a marker for oxidative stress, were determined in rat kidney and liver tissues for each groups. And then molecular and biochemical impact of HF treatment on antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in cystitis model were studied. The results suggest that HF could be beneficial to the renal and hepatic antioxidant system. Thus, HF might be used as a novel therapeutics agent to eliminate interstitial cystitis.

Which way is best for stone fragments and dust extraction during percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a commonly used type of minimally invasive treatment in kidney stone surgeries. Surgical success is assessed according to residual stone amount after surgery. The purpose of this study is to compare the two methods' success and practicality that are applied after the fracture of the stone in the patients who applied PCNL and which enable the removal of the residual stones. Among 102 patients who underwent a single-session of PCNL at our department between June 2015 and November 2016 were evaluated. Previously identified irrigation method and our aspiration method which described used in post-operative patients divided into two groups of residual fragments was assessed by computed tomography. The results were evaluated in statistical analyses. Significant p was accepted as p < 0.05. The age and gender distribution of patients in the irrigation and aspiration groups did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). In irrigation and aspiration groups, stone size did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). The amount of residue stones and dust remaining in the irrigation group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the aspiration group. Although many methods have been tried before, we think that the aspiration method we have described is a cheaper, more effective and feasible option.

The impact of bladder neck sparing on urinary continence during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy; Results from a high volume centre.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of bladder neck reconstruction techniques on early continence after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This non-randomized retrospective study analyzed prospectively collected data concerning LRP. In total, 3107 patients underwent LRP between March 1999 and December 2016. Exclusion criteria were preoperative urinary incontinence, previous history of external beam radiotherapy, co-morbities which may affect urinary continence such as diabetes mellitus and/or neurogenic disorders, irregular followup, and follow-up shorter than 24 months. All patients were divided into one of three groups, posterior reconstruction being performed in Group 1 (n = 112), anterior reconstruction in Group 2 (n = 762), and bladder neck sparing (BNS) in Group 3 (n = 987). Demographic and pre-, peri-, and postoperative data were collected. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors affecting early continence after LRP. RESULTS: 1861 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean follow-up period was 48.12 ± 29.8 months, and subjects' mean age was 63.6 ± 6.2 years. There was no significant difference among the groups in terms of demographic or preoperative data. Postoperative data, including oncological outcomes, were similar among the groups. The level of early continence was higher in Group 3 than in the other groups (p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses identified BNS and age as parameters significantly affecting early continence levels after LRP (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Bladder neck reconstruction provided less earlier continence than BNS.

The prognostic significance of preoperatively assessed AST/ALT (De Ritis) ratio on survival in patients underwent radical cystectomy.

PURPOSES: We aimed to evaluate prognostic significance of preoperatively assessed aspartate aminotransaminase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (De Ritis) ratio on survival in bladder cancer (BC) patients underwent radical cystectomy (RC). METHODS: We, respectively, analysed clinical and pathological data of 153 patients who underwent RC for BC between February 2006 and December 2016 at a tertiary level hospital. The potential prognostic value of De Ritis ratio was assessed by using ROC curve analysis. The effect of the De Ritis ratio was analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression hazard models for patients' disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OAS). RESULTS: We had 149 BC patients, in total. Mean age was 61.65 ± 9.13 years. One hundred and thirty-nine (93.3%) of the patients were men. According to ROC analysis, optimal threshold of De Ritis ratio for DSS was 1.30. In Kaplan-Meier analyses, the high De Ritis ratio group showed worse progression in DSS and OAS (all parameters, p < 0.001). On Cox regression models of clinical and pathological parameters to predict DSS, De Ritis ratio (HR 5.79, 95% CI 2.25-15.13), pathological T stage (HR 15.89, 95% CI 3.92-64.33, in all p < 0.001); and to predict OAS, De Ritis ratio (HR 2.61, 95% CI 1.49-4.56; p < 0.001), pathological T stage (HR 5.42, 95% CI 2.63-11.64; p < 0.001) and age (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.08; p = 0.001) were determined as independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative elevated De Ritis ratio could be an independent prognostic factor in BC patients underwent RC. Our results should be confirmed by large and properly designed prospective, randomized trials.