Comparison of standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy and total tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the supine position.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy, safety and advantages of the total tubeless (TT) percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and standard PCNL in the supine position. METHODS: This study was carried out at Izmir Tepecik Health Application and Research Center. A total of 87 patients were examined. Forty-three patients who underwent TT procedure were defined as Group 1, and 44 patients who underwent standard procedure with a nephrostomy tube were defined as Group 2. Two techniques were evaluated with demographic data and outcome parameters. Univariate regression analyses were performed in these data sets for the parameters that predicted the TT procedure. RESULTS: The demographic data of the groups and all characteristics of the stones were similar. When the results were examined, the stone-free rates detected by non-contrast computed tomography (CT) in the postoperative 1st month were similar between the groups. Complication rates and secondary intervention rates were similar. Operation and fluoroscopy times were shorter in group 1, which were not statistically significant. Postoperative hemoglobin decreased, and creatinine values were similar. In Group 1, mean postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores and the percentage of VAS reporting > 5 points for pain level measurement were lower and statistically significant. In the univariate analysis of the factors predicting the TT procedure, no significant results were found in any parameter. CONCLUSION: Performing TT PCNL in the supine position in selected patients reduces postoperative pain without affecting the complication rates as in prone PCNL. Our study is the first to compare TT and standard PCNL in supine position.

Predictors of Metastasis in 68GA-Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen Pet-CT in the Primary Staging of Prostate Cancer.

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate factors influencing Gallium 68 Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography (Ga68 PSMA PET-CT) uptake for primary staging in prostate cancer. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on 499 non-metastatic and 243 de novo metastatic prostate cancer cases undergoing Ga68 PSMA PET-CT. Demographic, clinical, and imaging data were collected and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression determined independent risk factors for metastasis detection on Ga68 PSMA PET-CT. Results: Metastatic cases showed higher levels of total PSA, PSA density (dPSA) and biopsy ISUP grade group compared to non-metastatic cases. Multivariate analysis identified cT2 stage and dPSA as independent predictors of metastasis detection on Ga68 PSMA PET-CT. Conclusions: Ga68 PSMA PET-CT plays a crucial role in prostate cancer staging, with identified factors such as clinical T stage and dPSA significantly impacting its diagnostic accuracy. These findings underscore the importance of Ga68 PSMA PET-CT in refining clinical staging and guiding treatment decisions for prostate cancer patients.

Erectile dysfunction prevalence and associated factors in men living with HIV from Western Turkey: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The majority of people living with HIV in our country are younger men. However, limited data exist for the sexual health of these patients. Knowledge of the epidemiology in this population may improve health outcomes across the continuum of HIV care. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and its association with some clinical and laboratory factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using random sampling in men living with HIV (MLWH) at a tertiary hospital in Turkey. Patients were asked to fill out the five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and blood was collected for HIV viral load, CD4+ T lymphocyte count, lipids and hormone levels to assess biological aspects at the same clinical visit. RESULTS: A total of 107 MLWH were recruited. Mean age was 40.4 ± 12.4 years. ED was found in 73.8% (n = 79) of the participants. Severe ED was found in 6.3%, moderate in 5.1%, mild-moderate 35.4%, mild 53.2% of the participants, respectively. The mean age of men with erectile dysfunction was 42.5 ± 12.5 years, while those without erectile dysfunction were 34.5 ± 10 years (p:0.00). ED was detected more frequently in cases with high Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels (p:0.003). There was no statistically significant difference between ED presence and having hormone abnormality. There was a moderate, negative correlation between age and ED score (r: -0.440, p < 0.001). A negative and low correlation was found between triglyceride level and ED score (r: -0.233, p:0.02). The only predictive variable was age in the multivariate analysis [B: -0.155 (95% CI -0.232 to -0.078), p: <0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed a high prevalence of ED in the MLWH cohort. Age was found to be the only factor associated with ED. HIV clinicians should consider routine ED screening with validated measures as a part of the follow-up scheme to improve integrated wellbeing in MLWH.

Comparison of safety and efficacy of one shot dilation vs. gradual dilation technique in supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of gradual dilation (GD) and one-shot dilation (OSD) techniques in patients who underwent supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: The data of 176 patients who underwent supine PCNL were reviewed. Eighty-seven patients who underwent OSD were defined as group 1, and 89 patients who underwent GD were defined as group 2. Both surgical techniques were compared with each other in terms of various parameters. Then, regression analysis of factors predicting stone-free status and complications in patients who underwent supine PNL were performed. Then, regression analysis of factors predicting success rate and complications in patients who underwent supine PNL were performed. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found in terms of stone-free rate, Clavien-Dindo complication grade and operation time. No statistical difference was found in terms of success rate, Clavien-Dindo complication grade and operation time. However, the fluoroscopy time was found to be significantly shorter in group 1 (p < 0.001). In the analysis of factors predicting stone-free status, the presence of calyceal stones, increased stone size and number were associated with a decrease in stone-free rate. In the analysis of factors predicting success, the presence of calyceal stones, increased stone size and number were associated with a decrease in success rate. Increased fluoroscopy and operation time, increased complication rates were found to be significantly associated with residual stone. Analysis of factors predicting complications found a higher complication rate in patients with low BMI and severe hydronephrosis. Increased complication was associated with increased time to nephrostomy removal and hospital stay, decrease in stone-free rate, decrease in Hb and increase in Cre value at the postoperative 24th hour. CONCLUSION: When comparing OSD and GD in patients undergoing supine PCNL, both techniques have similar stone-free and complication rates. When comparing OSD and GD in patients undergoing supine PCNL, both techniques have similar success and complication rates. Compared to GD, the OSD technique can be preferred primarily due to its shorter fluoroscopy time.

Laparoscopic surgery experience does not influence oncological and functional results of robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery is one of the treatment alternatives for prostate cancer, and robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has become the new trend in the past decade. There is no consensus yet for surgeons who will perform RALP whether they need to be trained or experienced in laparoscopy. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the surgeon's laparoscopy experience in the perioperative and postoperative results of RALP patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients who underwent RALP were retrospectively screened. The first 20 cases done by surgeons in both groups and 40 cases in total were included in the study. Surgeons with laparoscopy training were designated as group 1, and surgeons without laparoscopy training were designated as group 2. Patient's age, preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value, prostate biopsy pathology, radical prostatectomy pathology, surgical margin positivity, extracapsular extension, and seminal vesicle invasion status, blood transfusion rate, operation time, length of hospital stay, and 1-year follow-up potency and urinary incontinence rates were compared. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups in terms of age, preoperative PSA, preoperative biopsy results, blood transfusion rates, operation times, and the length of hospital stay of the patients. When the postoperative oncological and functional results of the patients were examined, there was no difference between the two groups in the prostatectomy pathology (p = 0.895), extracapsular extension (pT3a) (p = 0.519), positive surgical margin (pSM) (p = 0.723), and seminal vesicle invasion (pT3b) (p = 0.756). Potency and urinary incontinence rates were similar in both groups at the end of one year follow-up (p = 0.327, 0.500 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our study, it is clearly seen that regardless of the surgeon's experience of laparoscopy, it can be safely preferred when looking at the oncological and functional results of RALP.

A comparison of renal vascular control techniques during laparoscopic nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: We compared outcomes of en bloc stapler ligation of the renal hilum with separate Hem-o-lok polymer clip ligation of the renal vessels during laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data of patients who underwent LN for renal surgery from January 2009 to December 2015 were collected. Operation time, estimated blood loss, device malfunction rate, open conversion rate, complications and arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation were evaluated. RESULTS: En bloc stapler ligation and separate clip ligation were performed in 64 and 66 patients, respectively. The mean operative time was 106.8 ± 20.8 min (range: 70-165) in the en bloc stapler ligation group compared with 112.5 ± 24.1 min (range: 70-180) in the separate clip ligation group (P = 0.147). The mean estimated blood loss was 141.4 ± 124.1 ml (range: 25-600) in the en bloc stapler ligation group compared with 147.6 ± 112.4 ml (range: 25-450) in the separate clip ligation group (P = 0.767). The open conversion was required in 7/64 (10.9%) and 2/66 (3.0%) patients in the en bloc stapler ligation and separate clip ligation groups, respectively (P = 0.093). Stapler device malfunction occurred in 6 patients (9.3%). There were no statistically significant differences in overall complications (P = 0.726), minor (Grade 1-2) complications (P = 0.698) and major (Grade 3-5) complications (P = 0.716). No patient was diagnosed with AVF formation during overall median 33-month (interquartile range: 30, range: 24-96) follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: En bloc stapler ligation of the renal hilum during nephrectomy is an effective and safe technique. Although there is no reported AVF formation with en bloc stapler ligation of the renal hilum, longer follow-up is necessary.

Effect of rectal mucosa cleansing on acute prostatitis during prostate biopsy: A randomized prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Infectious complications after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PB) can range from asymptomatic bacteriuria and febrile or non-febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) to sepsis. Cleaning of rectal mucosa with topical antiseptics such as povidone iodine or chlorhexidine before the procedure are alternative prophylaxis methods. We aimed to investigate the effects of these two different topical antiseptic agents on infectious complications and their superiority to each other. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted with 200 patients. Rectal mucosa cleansings were performed in 50 patients with povidone iodine and 49 patients with chlorhexidine. The remaining 101 patients did not receive any antiseptic treatment. The results were examined according to the hospital admissions or hospitalization for the first 30 days after the procedure due to UTI, body temperature >38.5°C, sepsis, hematuria, rectal bleeding, and urinary retention. RESULTS: The mean age of study population was 63.3±7.26 years, and the mean prostate specific antigen value was 13.96±29.5 ng/mL. Acute prostatitis occurred in 14 patients (7%), 9 of whom were hospitalized due to sepsis after TRUS-PB. Statistically significant less acute prostatitis was observed in those patients who were treated with topical rectal antisepsis (topical rectal antisepsis 2% vs. no rectal antisepsis 12.1%, p=0.01). Chlorhexidine and povidone iodine were not superior to each other in terms of inhibiting the development of acute prostatitis (chlorhexidine 2% vs. povidone iodine 2%, p=1.00). CONCLUSION: Rectal mucosal cleansing with chlorhexidine or povidone iodine before TRUS-PB prevented the development of sepsis due to acute prostatitis. We recommend that this effective method, which is easy to apply, cheap, reliable, easily tolerated should be used in all prostate biopsy practice.

Renal artery pseudoaneurysm after open partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Renal artery pseudoaneurysm is a well-described complication of open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Delayed bleeding from a renal artery pseudoaneurysm is rare after open partial nephrectomy. CASE DESCRIPTION: Here, we present a 75-year-old man who, 14 days after undergoing an open right partial nephrectomy for an endophytic 4.5 cm tumor, developed painless macroscopic hematuria. Prompt computer tomography angiography imaging, followed by therapeutic angio-embolization of segmental renal artery with coils, treated the pseudoaneurysm successfully. CONCLUSION: Renal artery pseudoaneurysm can be treated rapidly, effectively, and with minimal patient morbidity via percutaneous renal artery embolization.

The prognostic value of routine second transurethral resection in patients with newly diagnosed stage pT1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: results from randomized 10-year extension trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of routine second TUR on the long-term outcome of patients with newly diagnosed stage pT1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 210 patients (mean age 62.1 years, 89.5% were males) with stage pT1 NMIBC who underwent first TUR were prospectively randomized into two groups including second TUR (n = 105) and no second TUR (n = 105) groups. Data on recurrence, disease progression, 7-year and 10-year recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were recorded. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 119 months (IQR 65-168). Per-protocol (PP) analysis revealed that compared to patients without second TUR, patients with second TUR had significantly higher 5-year, 7-year and 10-year rates for RFS (59.4%, 57.9% and 54.8% vs. 36.3%, 31.7% and 26.8%, respectively, p < 0.001) and PFS (93.3%, 91.9% and 90.4% vs. 74.0%, 71.4% and 68.5%, respectively, p < 0.001). According to PP and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses, the 10-year OS rate was significantly higher in patients with second TUR (59.1 vs. 40.8%, p = 0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed that undergoing second TUR (OR 1.661, 95% CI 1.156-2.385, p = 0.006) was an independent determinant of prolonged OS. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, these findings indicate the prognostic value of second TUR in stage pT1 NMIBC patients, not only for RFS and PFS advantages but also for the long-term OS advantage. Therefore, second TUR should be routinely performed in all stage pT1 NMIBC patients with life expectancy of at least 10 years, given the positive contribution to all oncological outcomes.

Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics and changes in hemostatic agents after partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the characteristics of images generated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and changes in the mass-like lesion (MLL) during the follow-up of patients who underwent partial nephrectomy (PN) with the intra-operative use of hemostatic agents (HAs). METHODS: The records of patients who had undergone PN in our clinic due to renal mass between January 2013 and August 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Our study included 47 patients who were administered one or more HAs during the PN and who received diffusion and dynamic MRI at the post-operative 2nd/4th Queryand 12th month. RESULTS: MLL is defined as T2 heterogeneous, intermediate-signal intensity bolster-related mass with a pseudocapsule in the renal parenchymal defect. When we looked at the morphological changes of MLL, the mean largest axial dimensions of masses were 27.3 (range 12.2-44.7) mm in the first follow-up period (2nd/4th months) and 21.2 (range 11-44.7) mm in the 12th month follow-up period. The average change in size of MLL was - 0.66 mm/month. We did not see any significant relationship between observation of MLL in the post-operative follow-up MRI images and the use of HAs such as Surgicel®, Spongostan®, and autologous fatty tissue as well as the amount of the agents used in PN operations (p = 0.405, p = 0.159, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The distinction of MLL causing bolster-related mass and granulomatosis tissue from relapse/recurrence can be made based on the change in mass size observed in the MR images and image characteristics.

The effect of the American Society of Anesthesiology classification scores on complications associated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effect of American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification scoring and age on complications and surgical outcomes during and after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) operation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of 263 patients, above the age of 18 years, that underwent PCNL surgery between October 2014 and May 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into three groups based on their ASA risk scores (ASA 1, 2, 3) and into two groups based on their age (younger and older than 65 years). Postoperative complications were assessed according to the ASA groups and age and according to the Clavien classification system. RESULTS: The number of patients in the ASA 1, 2, and 3 groups were 97 (36.8%), 131 (49.8%) and 35 (13.3%), respectively. Four patients in ASA4 were not included in the study. There was no significant difference in ASA 1, 2, 3 groups in terms of changes in Hgb values, mean duration of operation, and mean hospital stay. When ASA1 was compared to ASA3 and ASA2 was compared to ASA3, there was no significant difference in the incidence of all complication rates. There were 159 (60.4%) patients in the young group and 104 (39.5%) patients in the elderly group. Postoperative PCNL complications of these 2 groups were compared according to Clavien classification system and no significant difference was found in incidence of complications. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that PCNL operation can be performed effectively and safely in both ASA3 patients and patients above the age of 65 years.

Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Nephrectomy in Non-functioning Severe Hydronephrotic Kidneys With or Without Renal Stone.

Aim To investigate the effects of the additional presence of nephrolithiasis on the results of laparoscopic simple nephrectomy in patients with severe hydronephrotic non-functional kidneys. Patients and methods A total of 43 patients in whom severe hydronephrosis had been determined on spiral computerized tomography, who had a renal function of lower than 10% according to the dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scintigraphy, and who had undergone a laparoscopic simple nephrectomy due to persistent renal pain and/or recurrent urinary tract infection and/or unresolved hypertension with multidrug treatment, were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of renal stone as those with stone formation (Group 1) and those without stone formation (Group 2). The groups were compared with regard to the patients' demographic characteristics, operation durations, pre- and postoperative hemoglobulin and creatinine levels, percentage of change of postoperative hemoglobulin levels, complications, transfusion requirements, and durations of hospitalization. Results Overall, there were 43 patients including 19 patients in Group 1 and 24 patients in Group 2. Although the durations of operations, the durations of hospitalization, and the rates of change of hemoglobulin were higher in the patients in Group 1, these differences were not statistically significant. Postoperative complications were observed in 21 (48.8%) of the 43 patients. Postoperative complications were observed in 13 patients in Group 1 and in eight patients in Group 2. This difference was determined to be statistically significant (p<0.01). Conclusions We observed that except for the postoperative complication rates, the laparoscopic nephrectomy results in patients with severe hydronephrotic non-functional kidneys with or without stone were similar.

Is Prostate Biopsy Recommended in Turkish Men with a Prostate-Specific Antigen Level between 2.5 and 4 ng/mL?

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the most common solid tumor. The incidence of prostate cancer shows regional and racial differences. The ideal PSA threshold for prostate biopsy is still being debated. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate cancer detection rates in Turkish men who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSPB) who had prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in the range of 2.5 to 4.0 ng/mL and compare them with the rates of cancer in patients with PSA levels in the range of 4.0 to 10.0 ng/mL. METHODS: All Turkish men who underwent TRUSPB in our clinic between January 2012 and May 2014 were included; that is, 101 patients (Group 1) with PSA level in the range of 2.5 to 4.0 ng/mL and 522 patients (Group 2) with PSA level in the range of 4.0 to 10.0 ng/mL. Mean PSA level, age, prostate volume, and cancer detection rates were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 60.5 and 64 years in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (P = 0.06). The mean PSA level was determined as 3.1 and 6.8 ng/mL in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (P = 0.03). The cancer detection rate was 12.7% in Group 1 (n = 13) and 30.8% in Group 2 (n = 161), which revealed a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.001). In Group 1, 9 of 13 patients (69%) had Gleason score of 6, 3 (23%) had Gleason score of 7, and 1 (8%) had a Gleason score of 8. CONCLUSIONS: The cancer detection rate is lower in Turkish men with PSA level in the range of 2.5 to 4.0 ng/mL when compared with men with PSA level in the range of 4.0 to 10.0 ng/mL. Furthermore, most patients in whom cancer was detected who have a PSA level in the range of 2.5 to 4.0 ng/mL are low risk. Therefore, the benefit of TRUSBP in Turkish men with PSA level between 2.5 and 4 ng/mL is low.

Effects of body mass index on the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the the effect of body mass index (BMI) on PNL results and complications with a large number of patients. Materials and Methods A total of 958 patients were included in the study, who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy in our clinic between 2008 and 2015. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their body mass index. Patients with a BMI < 30 kg/m2 were classified as group 1 (n:676) and patients with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were classified as group 2 (n:282). Achieving stone-free status or having residual stones of ≤ 4 mm were considered as operational success. Results The mean age was 47.9 years for group 1 and 48.9 years for group 2 patients. At postoperative first month CT analysis, residual stone was not observed in 466 patients (69%) of group 1 and 20 (72%) patients of group 2. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of stone-free status (p=0.348). There was no significant difference between two groups complications. Also, there was no difference between the groups for requiring additional intervention (p=0.924). No other complications were observed in the patients. Conclusions BMI does not affect the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy as well as complication rate.

Effects of body mass index on the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the the effect of body mass index (BMI) on PNL results and complications with a large number of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 958 patients were included in the study, who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy in our clinic between 2008 and 2015. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their body mass index. Patients with a BMI < 30 kg/m2 were classified as group 1 (n:676) and patients with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were classified as group 2 (n:282). Achieving stone-free status or having residual stones of ≤ 4 mm were considered as operational success. RESULTS: The mean age was 47.9 years for group 1 and 48.9 years for group 2 patients. At postoperative first month CT analysis, residual stone was not observed in 466 patients (69%) of group 1 and 20 (72%) patients of group 2. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of stone-free status (p=0.348). There was no significant difference between two groups complications. Also, there was no difference between the groups for requiring additional intervention (p=0.924). No other complications were observed in the patients. CONCLUSIONS: BMI does not affect the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy as well as complication rate.

Anterior apical cores in the initial prostate biopsy does not increase detection of significant prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of routine sampling anterior apical cores in the initial prostate biopsy among patients that 14-cores of prostate biopsy (PB) planned. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five-hundred twenty-eight patients with increased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and/or abnormal digital rectal examination underwent transrectal ultrasound and initial PB between November 2012 and October 2013. We performed routine 12-cores extended PB, plus 2 anterior apex samples that were taken from the junction of urethra and apex of the prostate. Site-specific and unique cancer detection rate, tumor characteristics, the presence of clinically insignificant prostate cancer (PCa) (clinical stage ≤ T1, serum PSA level of < 10 ng/mL, biopsy Gleason score ≤ 6, number of positive biopsy cores ≤ 3 and no core with > 50% involvement) and biopsy-related pain were evaluated. RESULTS: PCa was detected in 147 of 451 patients (32.6%). The lateral base of the prostate was the most affected area with 128 of 451 patients (28.3%), followed by unique cancer detection, with 17 of 40 patients (43.5%). Anterior apex (n = 6) was in third place after the lateral apex (n = 8). The patients diagnosed by anterior apex cores were all clinically insignificant PCa. The cancer diagnosis rate would be 31% if 12-cores biopsy was used, but the rate was found to be 32.6% in 14-cores biopsy (P = .016). Average biopsy pain, right anterior apex biopsy pain, and left anterior apex biopsy pain were found to register at 0.61, 1.06 and 1.08 points in the visual analog scale pain score, respectively. When right and left anterior apex biopsy pain is compared to average biopsy pain, the pain level was found to be statistically significantly higher in the biopsies of right and left anterior apex (P = .040 and P = .042, respectively). CONCLUSION: The gold standard for the diagnosis of PCa is at least 8 cores PB. According to our results, although most PCa diagnosis is carried out with 14-cores PB, it should not be forgotten that these patients might have clinically insignificant PCa.

Castleman's disease imitating adrenal mass in the retroperitoneal area.

Castleman's disease (CD) is a non-clonal lymph node hyperplasia, mostly seen in the mediastinum. It has various clinical and pathological outcomes. There are different treatments because of its rare occurance and heterogenity. We present 2 cases which were referred to our clinic as retroperitoneal mass and diagnosed as CD after surgical resection.

Predictive factors for biochemical recurrence in radical prostatectomy patients.

INTRODUCTION: Radical prostatectomy (RP) is considered the best treatment for the management of localized prostate cancer in patients with life expectancy over 10 years. However, a complete recovery is not guaranteed for all patients who received/underwent RP treatment. Biochemical recurrence is frequently observed during the post-operative follow-up period. The main objective in this study is to evaluate the predictive factors of biochemical recurrence in localized prostate cancer patients who underwent RP surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 352 patients with prostate cancer treated by RP at a single institution between February 2004 and June 2014. Detailed pathological and follow-up data of all patients were obtained and analyzed to determine the results. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was 39.7 months. 83 patients (23%) experienced biochemical recurrence (BCR) during the follow-up period. Mean BCR duration range was 6.56 (1-41) months. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, Gleason score (GS), PSA and extra-capsular tumour spread (ECS) variables were found to be statistically significant as BCR predictive factors. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study results, it is thought that PSA, GS and ECS can all be used for guidance in choosing a treatment modality for post-RP biochemical recurrence and metastatic disease as predictive factors. However, there is no consensus in this matter and it is still debated.

Perioperative Outcomes of Robotic and Laparoscopic Simple Prostatectomy: A European-American Multi-institutional Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic and robotic simple prostatectomy (SP) have been introduced with the aim of reducing the morbidity of the standard open technique. OBJECTIVE: To report a large multi-institutional series of minimally invasive SP (MISP). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive cases of MISP done for the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) between 2000 and 2014 at 23 participating institutions in the Americas and Europe were included in this retrospective analysis. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic or robotic SP. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Demographic data and main perioperative outcomes were gathered and analyzed. A multivariable analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with a favorable trifecta outcome, arbitrarily defined as a combination of the following postoperative events: International Prostate Symptom Score <8, maximum flow rate >15ml/s, and no perioperative complications. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Overall, 1330 consecutive cases were analyzed, including 487 robotic (36.6%) and 843 laparoscopic (63.4%) SP cases. Median overall prostate volume was 100ml (range: 89-128). Median estimated blood loss was 200ml (range: 150-300). An intraoperative transfusion was required in 3.5% of cases, an intraoperative complication was recorded in 2.2% of cases, and the conversion rate was 3%. Median length of stay was 4 d (range: 3-5). On pathology, prostate cancer was found in 4% of cases. Overall postoperative complication rate was 10.6%, mostly of low grade. At a median follow-up of 12 mo, a significant improvement was observed for subjective and objective indicators of BOO. Trifecta outcome was not significantly influenced by the type of procedure (robotic vs laparoscopic; p=0.136; odds ratio [OR]: 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8-2.9), whereas operative time (p=0.01; OR: 0.9; 95% CI, 0.9-1.0) and estimated blood loss (p=0.03; OR: 0.9; 95% CI, 0.9-1.0) were the only two significant factors. Retrospective study design, lack of a control arm, and limited follow-up represent major limitations of the present analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the largest outcome analysis reported for MISP for BOO/BPE. These findings confirm that SP can be safely and effectively performed in a minimally invasive fashion in a variety of healthcare settings in which specific surgical expertise and technology is available. MISP can be considered a viable surgical treatment in cases of large prostatic adenomas. The use of robotic technology for this indication can be considered in centers that have a robotic program in place for other urologic indications. PATIENT SUMMARY: Analysis of a large data set from multiple institutions shows that surgical removal of symptomatic large prostatic adenomas can be carried out with good outcomes by using robot-assisted laparoscopy.

The effects of cigarette smoking on prostate-specific antigen in two different age groups.

BACKGROUND: We investigate the effects of cigarette smoking on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) using 2 different age groups. METHODS: The study was carried out between January 2007 and October 2011 with men; the 2 sets of age groups were: 25 to 35 years and 50 to 70 years old. The participants were divided into 4 groups. Of the 25 to 35 age range, smokers were Group 1, and non-smokers were Group 2; of the 50 to 70 age range, smokers were Group 3 and non-smokers Group 4. In addition, for the 50 to 70 age group, the International Prostate Symptom Score was completed, digital rectal examination was performed, and transabdominal prostate volume was measured. We wanted to see whether prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels showed a difference between the 2 age groups. RESULTS: There were 114 patients in Group 1, 82 in Group 2, 90 in Group 3, and 102 in Group 4. The mean PSA level was 0.7 ± 0.28 ng/mL for Group 1, and 0.6 ± 0.27 ng/mL for Group 2 (p = 0.27), and there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. The mean PSA was 2.5 ± 1.8 ng/mL for Group 3, and 2.1 ± 2.0 ng/mL (p = 0.59) for Group 4, and there was no statistically significant difference between the these 2 age groups. INTERPRETATION: Cigarette smoking effects various hormone levels. Different from previous studies, the PSA level was higher in smokers compared to nonsmokers, although it was not statistically significant. Our study is limited by the small numbers in our study groups and the lack of PSA velocity data.