Bilateral same-session ureterorenoscopy: A feasible approach to treat pan-urinary stone disease.

OBJECTIVES: To assess treatment effectiveness and safety of bilateral same-session ureterorenoscopy (BSSU) for the management of stone disease involving the entire urinary system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 64 patients who underwent BSSU for the treatment of bilateral ureteric and/or kidney stones. Size, number, location per side, and the total burden of stones were recorded. Data on stenting, lithotripsy, and stone retrieval, and details of hospital stay and operation times were investigated. Treatment results were assessed using intraoperative findings and postoperative imaging. The outcome was considered successful in patients who were completely stone-free or who had only residual fragments of ≤2 mm. RESULTS: The outcome was successful in 82.8% of the patients who received BSSU (54.7% stone-free and 28.1% insignificant residual fragments). The success rate per renal unit was 89.8%. There were no adverse events in 73.4% of the patients. The most common intraoperative complication was mucosal injury (36%). The complications were Clavien-Dindo Grade I in 9.4% and Grade II in 7.8%. Grade IIIa and IIIb (9.4%) complications required re-treatments. Statistical evaluation showed no association between complication grades and stone, patient, or operation features. Stone burden had no negative impact on BSSU results. The presence of impacted proximal ureteric stones was significantly related to unsuccessful outcomes. CONCLUSION: BSSU is safe and effective for the management of bilateral urolithiasis. BSSU can prevent recurrent surgeries, reduce overall hospital stay, and achieve a stone-free status and complication rates that are comparable to those of unilateral or staged bilateral procedures.

The use of urinary nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) as a diagnostic adjunct to urine cytology for monitoring of recurrent bladder cancer--institutional experience and review.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study compares urine NMP22 immunoassay and cytomorphology for detecting recurrent urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the bladder and correlates between NMP22 levels and grade, multiplicity, and size of the tumor. We aimed refining the use of NMP22 test in the management of UC at our institution. METHODS: Urine specimens, collected prior to a cystoscopic biopsy either from patients with a history of bladder cancer (n = 50) or from controls (n = 15) were studied. Cytology and NMP22 results were compared with subsequent biopsies and performance characteristics were measured. RESULTS: Overall sensitivity and specificity of cytology was 62.5% and 87.5%, respectively while NMP22 had a sensitivity of 85.4% and specificity of 76.5%. NMP22 was superior to cytology for detecting low-grade UC (82.6% vs. 54.5%) and in terms of NPV (65% vs. 44.4%) while cytology reached 100% detection rate for high-grade UC. And, the sensitivity of 98% was achieved when NMP22 was combined with atypical cytology. Optimal performance of NMP22 has been detected around the reference value of 6.4 U/ml. The mean NMP22 values in control and study groups were 2.5 U/ml and 36 U/ml, respectively. The mean NMP22 value was 20.9 U/ml in low-grade UC and 53.2 U/ml in high-grade category. CONCLUSIONS: The NMP22 values displayed higher sensitivity for low-grade UC while cytology was highly sensitive and spesific in detection of high-grade UC. Combining urine NMP22 assay with atypical cytology improved sensitivity for detection of recurrent UC. The inclusion of the adjunctive NMP22 test in monitoring protocols for low-grade UC in combination with cytology for high-grade UC could enable clinicians to decrease the frequency of follow-up cystoscopies.

Does the modified STING method increase the success rate in the management of moderate or high-grade reflux?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of subureteral injection types in patients with middle- to high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 1999 and September 2010, subureteral dextranomer was applied at our clinic to 149 patients (214 refluxing ureters) with grades II, III, and IV VUR. Group 1 consisted of 54 patients (80 ureters), and group 2 consisted of 95 patients (134 ureters). The standard subureteric transurethral injection (STING) procedure was applied to group 1, and the modified STING procedure was applied to group 2. A second and if needed a third injection was applied to unsuccessfully treated patients. The mean follow-up period was 2 years. Patients were evaluated by cystography and ultrasonography in the third month of follow-up. RESULTS: VUR was resolved completely after a single injection in 54/80 ureters (67.5%) in group 1 and in 94/134 ureters (70.1%) in group 2. Overall successes after a second or a third injection were 61/80 (76.2%) and 111/134 (82.8%), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups only for grade IV reflux following multiple injections (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment of VUR is a recommended treatment because it is minimally invasive, efficient, and repeatable. Our study confirmed that a modified STING procedure can be an alternative treatment to the standard technique.

Virtual cystoscopy: the evaluation of bladder lesions with computed tomographic virtual cystoscopy.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to assess the accuracy of computed tomographic virtual cystoscopy (CTVC) in the detection of urinary bladder lesions. METHODS: Twenty-five patients were examined using CTVC. Bladder scanned using multislice CT at a slice thickness of 1 mm. The data were transferred to a workstation for interactive navigation using surface rendering. Findings obtained from CTVC were compared with results from conventional cystoscopy and with pathological findings. RESULTS: Thirty-eight lesions were identified. The smallest was 0.2 × 0.3 cm; the largest was 7 × 4.5 cm. Both CTVC and conventional cystoscopy were used. Conventional cystoscopy detected the same number of lesions that were detected by CTVC. On morphological examination, 26 of the lesions were polypoid, 7 were sessile and 5 were bladder wall-thickening. While one of the polypoid lesions was reported as an inverted papilloma, 2 of the 5 lesions that were identified as wall-thickening were malignant and 3 were benign. The sensitivity of using CTVC to identify neoplasias was 100%; the accuracy was 89%. CONCLUSION: Although the definitive diagnosis of some suspected urinary bladder tumours is only possible with conventional cystoscopy and biopsy, CTVC is a minimally invasive technique which provides beneficial information about urinary bladder lesions.

Metabolic evaluation in stone disease metabolic differences between the pediatric and adult patients with stone disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the metabolic risk factors in children and adults with stone disease and any differences between the metabolic risk factors of children and adult patients with stone disease. METHODS: Between 1999 and 2007, 285 adults with recurrent stone disease and 71 children with primary or recurrent urinary stone disease underwent metabolic evaluation in our clinic. The evaluation included blood chemistry studies and 24-hour urine collection in the pediatric and adult groups. RESULTS: The mean age of the children was 9.35 years (range: 1-14) and 42.1 years (range: 14-71) in the adult patients. Metabolic risk factors were demonstrated in 90.53% (n = 258) of the adult and 88.73% (n = 63) of the pediatric patients. Although hypercalciuria (50.5%, n = 144) was the most common metabolic risk factor in the adult group, hypocitraturia was the most common metabolic risk factor in the pediatric group (57.74%, n = 41). Furthermore, in the adult group, 136 patients had more than 1 risk factor, and in the pediatric group, 24 patients had more than 1 risk factor. CONCLUSION: Although hypocitraturia is the most common risk factor in pediatric urolithiasis patients and hypercalciuria is the most common risk factor in adult patients, all patients with stone formation should be given a limited metabolic evaluation because such patients may also have a metabolic abnormality.

Role of testosterone/estradiol ratio in predicting the efficacy of tamoxifen citrate treatment in idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men.

AIM: It was the aim of this study to investigate the effect of a low testosterone/estradiol (T/E2) ratio and the normalization of this ratio by an aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole, on the treatment results of tamoxifen citrate (TAM) in idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermic patients with a normal T/E2 ratio. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 127 normogonadotropic men were included in this study. TAM (10 mg twice daily) was applied to 103 of the patients (group 1). The control group consisted of 25 patients who did not receive any treatment (group 2). After 3 months, TAM therapy was continued in 42 of the patients with a normal T/E2 ratio (group 1A). Of the remaining 61 patients with low ratios, 30 continued with TAM (group 1BTAM), while the remaining 31 patients underwent additional anastrozole therapy (1 mg/day) to TAM (group 1BANA). RESULTS: In the 3rd month of the study, while the sperm concentration and motility were found significantly improved in group 1 (p < 0.05), they were significantly lower in groups 1BTAM and 1BANA than in group 1A (p < 0.01). In the 6th month of the study, the mean T/E2 ratio was normal in group 1A and group 1BANA, but was lower than normal ranges in group 1BTAM. The sperm concentration and motility significantly increased in groups 1A and 1BANA (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A significant decrease in the T/E2 ratio was seen in the majority of the patients during TAM treatment. Normalization of this ratio by addition of anastrozole to the treatment regimen improved the treatment outcomes. However, a placebo-controlled study is needed to confirm our results.

Effect of naloxone on oxidative stress and testicular injury due to spermatic vessel ligation of rat testis.

AIMS: Two-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy has been accompanied by testicular atrophy in some cases but neither of the mechanisms responsible for testicular injury are clear, nor is there an effective agent that might prevent this injury. In this study we aimed to investigate the long-term effects of naloxone, a morphine antagonist, on testicular histopathology and oxidative stress after spermatic vessel ligation (SVL) in rats. METHODS: 32 prepubertal rats were randomly divided into four equal groups: group 1: control (only bilateral orchiectomies were performed); group 2: sham-operated group; group 3: SVL, and group 4: SVL+naloxone (1 mg/kg twice daily for 1 month). One month postoperatively, bilateral orchiectomies were performed to evaluate histopathologic findings and measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. RESULTS: Considering group 3, left SVL resulted in significant tissue damage in both testes, more severe in the ipsilateral testis. The SVL resulted in a significant increase in testicular MDA levels of both testes in this group (p < 0.05). While the ipsilateral testicular NO levels of groups 2 and 3 were significantly lower than of group 1 (p < 0.05), the contralateral testicular NO levels of all these groups were similar. After naloxone therapy, while there was no significant improvement in ipsilateral testicular histopathology (p > 0.05), the contralateral testicular histopathology improved significantly (p < 0.05). However, naloxone did not change either testicular MDA or NO levels. CONCLUSIONS: The SVL led to bilateral testicular injury, and oxidative stress may be a reason for this injury. Naloxone significantly improved contralateral testicular injury without showing any antioxidative effect.

Results of varicocelectomy in patients with isolated teratozoospermia.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated teratozoospermia is rarely encountered in patients with clinically palpable varicocele, and the consequences of varicocelectomy remain unclear in these cases. In the current study, we assessed the effect of varicocelectomy on sperm morphology in a series of patients with infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data obtained from 52 primary subfertile men with isolated teratozoospermia and clinical palpable varicocele were reviewed retrospectively. Varicocelectomy was performed on 29 patients, and the remaining 23 patients did not undergo any treatment (control group). The differences in sperm morphology assessed by using Kruger's strict criteria 3 months before and 12 months after varicocelectomy were taken into consideration for statistical analysis. RESULTS: One patient who underwent varicocelectomy was excluded from the study due to varicocele recurrence. Thus, data obtained from the remaining 28 patients were evaluated. Following varicocelectomy, significant improvement was detected in the ratio of normal sperm forms (p < 0.001). While there was significant improvement in the ratio of sperm cells with head defects, tail defects and immature forms (p < 0.001), the ratio of sperm with acrosome and mid-piece defects was not changed (p > 0.05). While an overall spontaneous pregnancy was achieved in 5 of the 28 (17.8%) couples in the varicocelectomy group within 12 months after operation, neither improvement in sperm morphology nor pregnancy in the patients' partners was detected in the control group. CONCLUSION: Varicocelectomy caused a significant improvement in sperm morphology, particularly in immature forms and forms with head and tail defects evaluated by Kruger's classification.

The association between personal habits and bladder cancer in Turkey.

AIMS: In this study, we analyzed the effect of Turkish coffee and black tea consumption, alcohol intake and smoking on bladder cancer. METHODS: A total of 164 patients with bladder tumors and 324 individuals without primary tumors were included in the study. The habits of coffee and tea consumption, alcohol intake and smoking were queried. RESULTS: No association was found between bladder cancer and drinking coffee (p=0.89) and tea (p=0.37), but alcohol intake was found to be associated, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.85 (95% CI 1.15-2.96; p=0.009). While there was a relationship between bladder cancer and smoking and quitting smoking (OR: 4.84 [95% CI 2.93-8.00; p<0.001] and OR: 4.10 [95% CI 2.41-6.97; p<0.001] respectively), the associations between bladder cancer and smoking and quitting smoking were similar (OR: 1.18, 95% CI 0.74-1.86; p=0.477). Smoking<10 cigarettes a day created an OR of 2.14 (95% CI 1.11-4.12; p<0.001); 10-20 cigarettes an OR of 4.50 (95% CI 2.74-7.37; p<0.001); >20 cigarettes an OR of 14.85 (95% CI 6.83-32.27; p<0.001); smoking by inhaling the smoke an OR of 4.72 (95% CI 2.94-7.59; p<0.001), and smoking by not inhaling the smoke an OR of 3.34 (95% CI 1.75-6.38; p<0.001). The associations between bladder cancer and inhaling smoke and not inhaling smoke were similar (OR: 1.41, 95% CI 0.85-2.48; p=0.228). CONCLUSION: We found that smoking and alcohol consumption are closely connected with bladder cancer. Our data showed that not inhaling the smoke was as much associated with bladder cancer as inhaling the smoke. The association between smoking and bladder cancer lasts after quitting smoking.

Are there predictive factors for the outcome of endoscopic treatment of grade III-V vesicoureteral reflux with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid in children?

Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Dx/HA) copolymer has been used widely for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children since 2001. However, the factors that influence the outcome of injection therapy with Dx/HA have remained unclear. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the outcomes in 101 consecutive children to determine the cure and to identify the factors that can impact treatment outcomes of Dx/HA injection. Endoscopic treatment with Dx/HA was performed in 133 ureters, in 101 patients with grade III-V VUR. Of the patients, 68 (67.3%) were girls and the mean age was 6.5 years. Before and after the treatment, the presence and grades of VUR were determined by voiding cystourethrograms. The patients' age, gender, laterality, preoperative reflux grade, ureteral duplication, morphology of ureteral orifice, renal hypoplasia and experience with surgery were assessed as predictive factors related to the success rates of Dx/HA injection therapy. The cure rates were 54.8% after the first injection, 66.9% after the second and 73.6% after the third injection. Patients with a high grade (grade IV or V), duplicated system, golf hole-shaped orifice and renal hypoplasia had significantly lower cure rates (P<0.05). Experience with the technique also correlated with the positive outcome of the procedure. New contralateral vesicoureteral reflux developed in five (7.2%) patients with unilateral VUR, and all of them resolved spontaneously during the first year of followup. No treatment-related significant complication was encountered. Although, endoscopic treatment of VUR with Dx/HA provides a high rate of success in children with medium or high grade VUR, treatment failure may be seen in some patients. However, we showed that endoscopic treatment with Dx/HA was effective in selected patients with grade V VUR, and we emphasize the need for further large-scale studies to confirm our findings.

The midterm success rates of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty in reoperative patients with distal or midpenile hypospadias.

To review the midterm results of tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty (Snodgrass method) in reoperative patients with distal or midpenile hypospadias. The results of TIP urethroplasty in 37 patients who had previously failed hypospadias repair were reviewed. Of the patients, 21 (56.8%) had coronal, 11 (29.7%) had subcoronal, and 5 (13.5%) had midpenile hypospadias. The mean age was 4.1 (2-16) years. Twenty-three patients had one operation and 14 patients had two operations previously. Of all the patients, 14 did not have a foreskin because of circumcision. The urethral plate had been disturbed in 6 patients, but there was not apparent scarring of the plate. Postoperative follow-up was 2.3 years with a range of 1.1-3.9 years. Genital examination, urethral calibration, and uroflowmetry were performed in control. Satisfaction of the families about the function and appearance of penis was also evaluated. Successful functional and cosmetic results were achieved in 29 patients (78.4%). All the families were happy with penile aesthetic appearance. The urethral plate seemed healthy at the operation in nine patients who had undergone TIP urethroplasty before and the outcomes were successful in eight of them. The operation was successful in 19/23 (82.6%) patients who had undergone one operation before and in 10/14 (71.4%) patients with two operations as well (P < 0.05). In addition, sufficient outcomes were obtained in also 11 of the 14 patients with circumcision. The success rate was higher in patients <5 years (P < 0.05). The rate was also higher during the recent period (2001-2003) since the experience we had increased (P < 0.05). TIP urethroplasty was unsatisfied in four of the six patients who had had disturbed urethral plate before and in five of eight patients who did not have sufficient amount of dartos tissue for flap to cover neourethra. Complication was observed in eight patients (21.6%): four had a pinpoint fistula, two had wound dehiscence, one had meatal stenosis, and one had mild meatal regression and a short neourethral stricture. All of these complications were repaired successfully at a later date. The mean hospital stay was 4.6 days. TIP urethroplasty provides good functional and cosmetic midterm outcomes in most of the reoperative patients with distal or midpenile hypospadias unless contraindicated by previous resection or gross scarring of the urethral plate. This procedure seems not to disturb the urethral plate and, therefore, it can be applied on reoperative patients who had undergone TIP urethroplasty before. It can also be used in a circumcised patient when there is a lack of foreskin.