Urinary stone in infants; should vitamin D prophylaxis be stopped?

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effect of the discontinuation of vitamin D supplementation on kidney stone formation in children under 2 years of age. METHODS: This study involved a retrospective analysis of two patient groups. The first group comprised postoperative patients who were stone-free, while the second group consisted of asymptomatic patients with kidney stones. The patients who discontinued vitamin D supplementation and those who continued were compared in terms of stone formation and stone size progression. The data collected included patient characteristics, stone size measurements, and laboratory results. RESULTS: The findings showed that the discontinuation of vitamin D supplementation was not associated with kidney stone formation or the progression of stone size in either group. For patients who were stone-free on ultrasonography 1 month after the operation, according to the 12-month ultrasonography evaluation, in the group that discontinued vitamin D, 42 (78%) patients had no stones, 6 (11%) patients had stones larger than 3 mm, and 6 (11%) patients had microlithiasis. However, in the group that continued vitamin D, 49 (72%) patients were stone-free, 10 (15%) patients had stones larger than 3 mm, and 9 (13%) patients had microlithiasis. There was no difference between the groups in terms of stone status at 12 months (p = 0.76). For patients with asymptomatic kidney stones, the initial stone sizes were similar between the groups (p = 0.74). During the 6th month of ultrasound, the changes in stone size were 1.76 ± 1.81 mm and 1.79 ± 1.75 mm for the two groups, respectively (p = 0.9). During the 12-month ultrasound measurement, the changes in stone size were 1.98 ± 2.93 mm and 2.60 ± 2.48 mm for the two groups, respectively (p = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that more research is needed to make definitive recommendations regarding vitamin D prophylaxis in infants with kidney stones. Although the first objective of our study is not conclusively proven with the current findings, we recommend continued vitamin D prophylaxis in infants with urolithiasis.

Foreskin neurovascular structure: A histological analysis comparing 0-3 years and 6-11 years children.

BACKGROUND: Circumcision is a surgical operation that is frequently performed throughout the world due to religious, cultural, and medical reasons. The best age for circumcision is still debatable, with different procedures depending on geography, culture, and surgeon preference. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to immunohistochemical examination using S100 staining and histologically evaluate the neurovascular structures in foreskin samples obtained from children aged 0-3 years and 6-11 years. The goal is to provide guidance in determining an appropriate age for circumcision based on these data. STUDY DESIGN: Concerns regarding potential effects on glans sensitivity and sexual function led to the investigation and comparison of sensory innervation in the foreskin of children aged 0-3 and 6-11 years, a total 54 samples, divided into pre-phallic (0-3 years) and post-phallic (6-11 years) groups, were examined. The mean number of Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles, Ruffini endings, free nerve endings and the diameters of arteries were investigated. RESULTS: Our findings show that compared to the 6-11 age group, the 0-3 age group had considerably lower sensory innervation in terms of, Meissner's corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, Ruffini endings and free nerve endings. Additionally, the diameter of arteries was noticeably smaller in the 0-3 age group. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study supports the idea that circumcision performed in the early years of life may be associated with less adverse effects on neurovascular structures.

Simultaneous uroflowmetry and urinalysis with single specimen - A prospective evaluation of automatic urine strip analyzer of ORUBA INALYS: Uroflowmetry-urinalysis combined device.

Objective: To evaluate the consistency of the urinalysis results performed with the ORUBA INALYS device, (Oruba, Ankara, Turkey) which can perform urinalysis and uroflowmetry simultaneously, with the analysis results performed with the SYSMEX UC3500 automated urine chemistry analyzer (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan). Material and methods: In this prospective study, urinalysis of 50 male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated. The parameters of glucose, pH, urobilinogen, bilirubin and ketone, leukocyte, protein, and blood were measured with ORUBA INALYS, and the same urine specimens collected from ORUBA INALYS by a special setup were sent to the laboratory for urinalysis with Sysmex UC-3500 to assess the concordance of the results between two devices. Results: Urinalysis results in ORUBA INALYS device in terms of glucose, pH, urobilinogen, bilirubin, and ketone parameters were shown to achieve 100% agreement within ±1 category with SYSMEX UC3500 whereas these values were slightly decreased to 88%, 96%, and 98% for leukocyte, protein, and blood, respectively. Among the calculable weighted kappa values for the test parameters, the highest value was found for glucose and followed by blood, pH, leukocyte, and specific gravity respectively. Conclusion: Significant consistency of the urinalysis results obtained from ORUBA INALYS with those obtained from device SYSMEX UC3500 shows the reliability of the urinalysis performed with ORUBA INALYS. ORUBA INALYS could minimize costs and workload, provide time save and reduce plastic waste.

Anatomic outcomes of sacrohysteropexy without posterior mesh placement in patients with asymptomatic grade 1 and 2 rectoceles: Is a rectouterine mesh really necessary?

OBJECTIVES: To present the anatomic outcomes of sacrohysteropexy surgery without posterior mesh placement in patients with asymptomatic grade 1 and 2 rectoceles. METHODS: The patients who underwent abdominal sacrohysteropexy without posterior mesh placement for the treatment of symptomatic grade 3 and 4 anterior/apical prolapse + asymptomatic grade 1 and 2 rectocele between May 2015 and January 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. The success rate, the anatomic outcomes (for anterior, apical, and posterior pelvic organ prolapse [POP]), and perioperative data of the surgical procedure were assessed. The objective failure criteria after surgery included the presence of grade 1 or higher in any compartment (anatomical criteria), recurrent POP requiring an operation, and/or usage of pessaries. Perioperative adverse events were categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients underwent sacrohysteropexy without posterior mesh. The mean age of the patients was 56.8 ± 10 years. The success rates (anatomical outcomes) for the anterior/apical and posterior POP in the study group were 60.7%, 54.9%, and 58.8%, respectively, at a median follow-up time of 40.24 (24-71) months. The median hospital stay was 3.1 (2-6) days. The mean estimated blood loss was 127.6 (80-150) mL. The mean operation time was 114 (90-156) min. The mean urethral and catheter removal times were 1.3 (1, 2) and 2.1 (2-4) days, respectively. The mean recovery time of gastrointestinal motility was 14.4 h (11-35). CONCLUSIONS: Sacrohysteropexy without posterior mesh placement might be associated with less pain, shorter operative time, and shorter recovery time of gastrointestinal motility, without compromising the anatomic success.

The Efficiency and Safety of Mirabegron Monotherapy for the Treatment of Urge Incontinence in Women Aged >80 Years.

Objective We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mirabegron monotherapy in very older (>80 years) women with overactive bladder (OAB) who were discontinued anticholinergic drugs by the other departments. Material and methods The present retrospective study evaluated very older (>80 years) women with OAB who were discontinued anticholinergic drugs by the other departments between May 2018 and January 2021. Efficacy assessments were performed using Overactive Bladder-Validated Eight-Question (OAB-V8) scores before and after mirabegron monotherapy (12 weeks). Safety was evaluated based on adverse events (hypertension, nasopharyngitis, and urinary tract infection), electrocardiography, hypertension measure, uroflowmetry (UFM), and post-voiding. Patient data including demographic characteristics, diagnoses, values before and after mirabegron monotherapy, and adverse events were evaluated. Results A total of 42 very older (>80 years) women with OAB who used mirabegron monotherapy (50 mg per day) were included in this study. Frequency, nocturia, urgency, and total OAB-V8 scores were significantly lower after mirabegron monotherapy than before mirabegron monotherapy (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.05, respectively). There was no significant difference between systolic-diastolic blood pressure and heart rate before and after mirabegron monotherapy treatment. Conclusion Mirabegron monotherapy is an effective and safe therapy in very older (>80 years) women with OAB.

Evaluation of robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy videos on YouTube.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality and reliability of videos on YouTube about robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy. METHODS: YouTube's search function was used to find videos associated with robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy. On June 1, 2022, systematic research was performed using the term "robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy". The first 50 videos were included in the study. The quality of the videos was evaluated using the Global Quality Scale (GQS) [a 5-point scale: high quality (4 or 5), acceptable quality (3), low quality (1 or 2)]. The modified DISCERN scale was used to evaluate the reliability of the videos [a 5-point scale: high reliability (5), moderate reliability (3 and 4), low reliability (1 or 2)]. RESULTS: A total of 50 videos associated with robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy were analyzed. The most frequently discussed topics in the videos were the duration of the surgery (72%), the anatomical success rates (70%), the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure compared to the classical methods (68%), and the postoperative complications (60%). The mean GQS of the videos was 3.04 ± 0.75. The mean DISCERN score of the videos was 2.21 ± 1. No appropriate references were cited in any of the videos. There was no video that received a full score (5 points) from DISCERN. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the level of quality in YouTube videos associated with robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy is at an acceptable and high level, but its reliability is low. Therefore, short and concise videos that contain accurate information and refer to scientific facts should be prepared by urogynecology associations.

The outcomes of three buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty techniques in women with urethral stricture disease.

AIM: The purpose of this paper is to present the outcomes of three buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty techniques in female patients with urethral strictures. METHODS: We included all patients who had BMG urethroplasty for female urethral strictures (FUS) disease between January 2015 and June 2020. Patient age, comorbidities, stricture etiology, stricture length, the number of previous treatments, preoperative and postoperative uroflowmetry data, postvoid residual volumes, and the operation and postoperative course details were documented. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients were included in this study. There were 8 patients in vaginal-sparing inlay BMG, 12 for ventral onlay BMG, and 14 for Aybek-Zumrutbas (AZ) technique groups. The mean age of the study population was 56.1 years. The length of urethral strictures varied between one and 4.5 cm. All patients had a previous history of endoscopic treatment or dilatations. The preoperative mean maximal flow rate (Qmax) was 6.9 ml/s. The median postoperative follow-up time was 24.6 months. Twelve months after surgery, the mean Qmax was 25 (range: 14-32) ml/s. There were no significant complications in any patients. The success rates were 83.3% for ventral onlay BMG, 87.5% for vaginal-sparing, and 100% for AZ technique. CONCLUSIONS: All three BMG urethroplasty techniques applied in this study had a success rate of over 80% in a median follow-up of approximately 2 years. In females, urethroplasty with BMG provided high rates of cure, and the recently described two techniques (vaginal-sparing inlay BMG, and AZ technique) showed promise in FUS treatment.

Perioperative adverse events and functional outcomes following open and robot-assisted prostatectomy in patients over age 70.

AIM: To evaluate the safety (perioperative adverse events) of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and functional outcomes (continence and erectile dysfunction) of open and robotic radical prostatectomy in elderly patients. METHODS: The data of patients (≥70 years old) who underwent open retropubic radical prostatectomy (ORRP) and RARP within the period from November 2014 to February 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. The perioperative adverse events and the functional outcomes of both surgical approaches were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 149 men (59.3%) underwent ORRP, and 102 men (41.7%) underwent RARP. The mean age in the ORRP group was 73.6 ± 3.2 years, and that in the RARP group was 74.7 ± 4.1 years. The rate of grade 3 or higher (major) complications for the ORRP group was 4.7% (7 out of 149), and that for the RARP group was 4.9% (5 out of 102). The 24 months full continence and potency rates of the ORRP and RARP groups were 78.5% vs 79.4% and 21.8% vs 22.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The perioperative adverse events are similar in elderly patients undergoing ORRP and in RARP. The continence rates are favourable and reasonable, although the potency rates are low in elderly men who underwent prostatectomy. The results of the present study may be useful for surgeons in their decision making and counselling of elderly patients.

Individual-risk-score for urinary tract malignancy in patients with microscopic hematuria.

AIM: To determine the patients who can be safely exempted from undergoing unnecessary diagnostic procedures for microscopic hematuria (MH) evaluation by using the developed individual-risk-scoring system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients who underwent a complete urological evaluation for MH were identified retrospectively. The risk factors for urinary malignancy which defined in the 2020 American Urological Association/Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction guidelines were recorded for each patient. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to establish a predictive risk-scoring system. The odds ratios obtained as a result of the logistic regression analysis were scored. RESULTS: A total of 1461 patients who had undergone a complete urological evaluation for MH were identified. The urinary malignancy rate was 3.4% (50 of the 1461 patients). According to the odds ratios, age >40 was calculated as 1 point; male gender, 2 points; smoking history, 4 points; presence of occupational risk factor, 1 point; and presence of macroscopic hematuria, 2 points. For the cut-off risk score, 5 points was found to be the most appropriate score according to the sensitivity and specificity levels. The patients with risk scores of 5 points or lower were considered to be in the low-risk group for urinary tract malignancy. CONCLUSION: The patients with a risk score of 5 points or above require complete urological evaluation. The results of the present study may reduce the number of patients undergoing unnecessary urological evaluation.

Can lockdown and homeschooling change the outcome of urotherapy for lower urinary tract dysfunction in children?

OBJECTIVE: Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) are still important for both children and pediatric urologists. Urotherapy is recommended in LUTD treatment management. In our country, all citizens under the age of 20 were banned from going out of their homes due to Covid-19 and the homeschooling system has been adopted The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of lockdown and homeschooling on the effectiveness of urotherapy used for LUTD treatment. METHODS: 83 patients were included in the study group. Besides 306 patients were determined as the control group (pre-Covid). The patients in the study group and the control group were compared in terms of improvement in Dysfunctional voiding and incontinence scoring system (DVISS), quality of life scores, bladder diary, Bristol stool scale, and treatment responses at 3rd and 6th months. RESULTS: The study group and control group were compared in terms of DVISS, voiding frequency and incontinence in the voiding diary, quality of life score, and Bristol stool scale at admission visit and the group characteristics were similar. During the 6th month visit, the mean DVISS of the study group was found to be significantly lower (7.12 ± 3.48; 8.58 ± 4.06 respectively (p 0.002)). Daily voiding frequency was similar in the study group and the control group during the 2nd and 3rd visit. The study group's mean number of daily incontinence was significantly lower at visit 3 (0.57 ± 0.9; 0.94 ± 0.27, respectively (p 0.02).After six months of treatment, 13.3% of the study group patients had a complete response, 44.6% had a partial response, whereas 42.2% non-responders. In the control group, the response rates were as 5.9%, 39.2% and 54.9% respectively (p 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: LUTD is still very common in pediatric urology. Standard urotherapy is widely used in treatment management. According to our results, the success of standard urotherapy increases with lockdown and homeschooling. We have shown that the success of standard urotherapy can be improved by regulating environmental conditions. In terms of LUTD management, environmental conditions can be regulated to provide a better quality of life and a better cure in a more economical way.

Comparison of Microscopic Hematuria Guidelines as Applied in 1018 Patients With Microscopic Hematuria.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the 2012 American Urological Association (AUA) and 2020 AUA/Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) microscopic hematuria (MH) guidelines as applied in 1,018 patients with MH, to confirm of risk groups and to investigate the natural history of patients with MH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had undergone a complete urological evaluation for MH according to the 2012 AUA MH guidelines were identified retrospectively. All the patients were then classified into low-, intermediate-, or high-risk for urinary tract malignancy according to the updated 2020 AUA/SUFU MH guidelines, for a second evaluation. The results of the first and second evaluations using the previous 2012 AUA and updated 2020 AUA/SUFU MH guidelines, respectively, were then compared. RESULTS: A total of 1018 patients with MH were identified. The urinary tract malignancy rate was 3.3% (34 of the 1,018 patients). According to the 2020 AUA/SUFU MH guidelines, there were 218 patients (21.4%) in the low-risk group, 447 patients (43.9%) in the intermediate-risk group, and 353 patients (34.6%) in the high-risk group. All the 34 patients with malignancy were from the intermediate- or high-risk group who require further urological evaluation. There was no patient with newly developed urinary tract malignancy at the median follow-up time of 28 months (12-58). CONCLUSION: The use of the updated 2020 AUA/SUFU MH guidelines may reduce the number of diagnostic procedures without compromising the diagnosis of life-threatening malignant lesions.

Is robotic-assisted sacrocolpo(hystero)pexy safe and effective in women over 65 years of age?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of robotic-assisted sacrocolpo(hystero)pexy in elderly patients with symptomatic apical pelvic organ prolapse and to compare the outcomes of open abdominal and robotic-assisted sacrocolpo(hystero)pexy in geriatric patients. METHODS: Elderly patients (≥65 years of age) who underwent open abdominal or robotic-assisted sacrocolpo(hystero)pexy for treatment of symptomatic grade 3 and 4 apical pelvic organ prolapse between November 2015 and May 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. The success rates of the procedures, the surgical outcomes, and the perioperative adverse events of both groups were compared. Perioperative adverse events were categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Forty-four patients underwent open abdominal sacrocolpo(hystero)pexy and 30 patients underwent robotic-assisted sacrocolpo(hystero)pexy. The mean age in the open abdominal sacrocolpo(hystero)pexy group was 68.4 ± 3.4 years and in the robotic-assisted sacrocolpo(hystero)pexy group it was 69.7 ± 4.1 years. The success rates in the open abdominal sacrocolpo(hystero)pexy and robotic-assisted sacrocolpo(hystero)pexy groups were 59% and 57% at median follow-up time of 28 months and 24 months respectively. Although the mean dosage of the analgesic (10.1 mg/24 h) and the mean length of hospital stay (2.1 days) were significantly lower and shorter for the robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy group, the mean duration of operation was considerably longer (141.2 min). The rate of grade 2 or higher complications for open abdominal sacrocolpopexy was 16% (7 out of 44) and for robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy it was 17% (5 out of 30). CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical outcomes and adverse events are similar in elderly patients undergoing open sacrocolpo(hystero)pexy and robotic-assisted sacrocolpo(hystero)pexy.

Gabapentin add-on therapy for patients with spinal cord injury associated neurogenic overactive detrusors that are unresponsive to combined anticholinergic and beta-3 adrenergic therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord injury is a major cause of lifelong morbidity and functional micturition problems. Some patients are refractory to the available therapeutics, even when used in combination. In this paper we report our results of using gabapentin as an add-on treatment in refractory overactive detrusor cases secondary to spinal cord injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 27 patients who had a spinal cord injury between the levels of the second thoracic and fourth lumbar vertebrae and had an overactive detrusor in urodynamic studies were included in this retrospective study. The patients were selected due to the fact that they also had not responded to a combination of an anticholinergic and mirabegron and had neuropathic pain. Gabapentin treatment was added to the previous therapy. Demographics, previous treatments, chronic conditions, urodynamic findings, clinical and urodynamic responses are reported in this paper. RESULTS: We observed a response to treatment in the urodynamic studies of 11 patients (40.17%), in terms of decreased detrusor contractions, maximal detrusor pressure, and the number of incontinence episodes. Sixteen patients did not respond to the gabapentin add-on therapy and were referred for Botulinum toxin injections to the bladder. CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentin add-on therapy can be considered as a third or further option, before Botulinum toxin injection, for patients with neurogenic overactive detrusor who did not respond to the combination of anticholinergics and mirabegron. The approved usage of gabapentin for neurogenic pain justifies its usage in this area. In our selected patient group, who had not responded to the combination therapy, we observed a clinical benefit in one-third of the patients.

What is the optimum lithotripsy method for high density stones during mini-PNL? Laser, ballistic or combination of both.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is the primary treatment option for renal stones > 20 mm in diameter. Mini-PNL gained popularity with its minimally invasive nature. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of ballistic and laser lithotripsy with the combined use of both techniques. Data of 312 patients underwent mini-PNL for renal stones with Hounsfield Unit > 1000 was investigated retrospectively. We identified 104 patients underwent combined ballistic and laser lithotripsy. Propensity score technique was used to create the laser and ballistic lithotripsy groups. Groups were matched on stone size, stone density, and Guy's stone score. Primary end point of the study was to compare the stone free rate (SFR), complication rates, and duration of surgery. Mean age of the population was 49.4 ± 6.1, stone size was 24.6 ± 6.3 mm, and stone density was 1215 ± 89 HU. The groups were similar for age, stone size, stone density, and Guy's stone score. The SFR and the complication rates of the 3 groups were similar (p = 0.67). The duration of the surgery was shorter in the combined group (46.1 ± 6.3 min) compared to the laser lithotripsy (54.5 ± 6.6 min) and ballistic lithotripsy (57.2 ± 6.9 min) groups. Both laser and ballistic lithotripsy are effective methods for stone fragmentation during mini-PNL. Combined use of both methods has the potential to improve the fragmentation rates and diminish the operative times in case of high density stones.

Prospective evaluation of kidney displacement during supine mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Incidence, significance, and analysis of predictive factors.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney displacement may alter the quality of renal puncture during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The aim of this study was to identify the rate of kidney displacement and parameters associated with kidney displacement in patients who underwent supine mini-PCNL. METHODS: Data of 98 consecutive patients who underwent mini-PCNL was collected prospectively. The patients were grouped as displacement-positive vs. -negative. The parameters collected were age, gender, body mass index, side of the kidney, punctured calyx, fluoroscopy time to successful puncture and tract dilation, stone-free and complication rates, stone diameter, length of the renal artery, and quantity of peri-renal and abdominal fat. Groups were compared for the above listed parameters and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with kidney displacement. RESULTS: There were 34 and 64 patients in the displacement-positive and -negative groups, respectively. Groups were similar for stone-free and complication rates. Fluoroscopy time to puncture and tract dilation were longer in the displacement-positive group. Groups were different for renal artery length and peri-renal fat measurements. In multivariate analysis, lower pole puncture, renal artery length, and peri-renal fat measurement were found to be independent predictors of kidney displacement. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney displacement does not alter the success and complication rates, but is associated with longer fluoroscopy times during supine PCNL. In the current study, parameters in preoperative non-contrast computerized tomography (NCCT) associated with kidney displacement were identified. We recommend surgeons evaluate and take into account these parameters during preoperative planning to establish better outcomes and diminish fluoroscopy times.

A Novel Decision Aid to Support Informed Decision-Making Process in Patients with a Symptomatic Nonlower Pole Renal Stone <20 mm in Diameter.

INTRODUCTION: Stone disease is an important health problem, and patients have different treatment choices. Shared decision making is recommended for deciding the treatment type, but patient education is necessary. Decision aids (DAs) are used for this aim, and herein, we developed a novel DA for patients with symptomatic nonlower pole renal stones <20 mm in diameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The DA development process was established based on the recommended guides. General characteristics of the stone disease and details of the shockwave lithotripsy and retrograde intrarenal surgery were included in the content of the DA. The DA was further revised based on the suggestions of different physician groups and patients. The DA was evaluated by three physicians (Delphi assessment-International Patient Decision Aid Standards [IPDAS] Collaboration standards) and 25 patients (questionnaire of six questions with five-point Likert scale). RESULTS: The DA was designed as a booklet, and Delphi group assessment resulted in a total score of 50/54. Patient evaluation of the DA resulted in favorable outcomes, and patients generally recommended its use by other patients. CONCLUSIONS: This novel DA for patients with a symptomatic nonlower pole renal stone <20 mm showed promising results and was well accepted by the patients. We believe that this DA will have a positive impact on patients' level of knowledge. Increased level of knowledge will also improve the patients' contribution to the shared decision-making process. A further prospective randomized trial to compare with the standard patient informing process is also planned.

Comparison of supine and prone positions for percutaneous nephrolithotomy in treatment of staghorn stones.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is the primary treatment modality for management of staghorn stones. PNL in supine position has important advantages over prone positon. However, studies comparing prone and supine positions for PNL in staghorn stone patients have conflicting results, and the aim of the current study was to compare prone and supine positions for PNL in staghorn stone cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of patients underwent PNL for staghorn stones in supine or prone position by a single urologist were collected prospectively. The supine and prone position groups were compared for stone free rate (SFR) and complication rates. All patients were evaluated with NCCT for evaluation of SFR. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables and Student t test was applied for continuous variables of the treatment groups. RESULTS: The groups were similar for demographic and stone-related characteristics. Multi-caliceal and intercostal access was more common in prone position. Operation duration was significantly shorter and hemoglobin drop was significantly less in supine group. SFR was 64.1 and 60.4% in the supine and prone groups, respectively (p = 0.72). Complication rates were similar in the two groups but Clavien III complications were observed in two patients in the prone group. CONCLUSIONS: PNL in supine position is an effective treatment for management of staghorn stones. The need for multi-caliceal and intercostal puncture is less when combined with retrograde intrarenal surgery. PNL in supine position should be considered as primary treatment option in staghorn stone cases.