Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux with polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer and dextranomer/hyaluronic acid in adults.

PURPOSE: Aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer and polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer in endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux disease in adult patients with and without chronic renal failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty two patients (12 female, 20 male) with a total of 50 renal units were treated for vesicoureteral reflux. There were 26 (81%) chronic renal failure patients. The success of treatment was evaluated by voiding cystouretrography at 3rd and 12th months after subureteric injection. The persistence of reflux was considered as failure. Patients were divided into two groups according to injected material. Age, sex, grade of reflux and treatment results were recorded and evaluated. RESULTS: Reflux was scored as grade 1 in seven (14%), grade 2 in 16 (32%), grade 3 in 21 (42%) and grade 4 in six (12%) renal units. There was not patient with grade 5 reflux. Fourteen renal units (28%) were treated with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (group 1) and 36 renal units (72%) were treated with polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (group 2). The overall treatment success was achieved at 40 renal units (80%). The treatment was successful at 11 renal units (79%) in group 1 and 29 renal units (81%) in group 2 (p = 0.71). There was not statistically significant difference between two groups with patients with chronic renal failure in terms of treatment success (p = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of two bulking agents was similar in treatment of vesicoureteral reflux disease in adult patients and patients with chronic renal failure.

Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux with polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer and dextranomer/hyaluronic acid in adults

Purpose Aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer and polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer in endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux disease in adult patients with and without chronic renal failure. Materials and Methods Thirty two patients (12 female, 20 male) with a total of 50 renal units were treated for vesicoureteral reflux. There were 26 (81%) chronic renal failure patients. The success of treatment was evaluated by voiding cystouretrography at 3rd and 12th months after subureteric injection. The persistence of reflux was considered as failure. Patients were divided into two groups according to injected material. Age, sex, grade of reflux and treatment results were recorded and evaluated. Results Reflux was scored as grade 1 in seven (14%), grade 2 in 16 (32%), grade 3 in 21 (42%) and grade 4 in six (12%) renal units. There was not patient with grade 5 reflux. Fourteen renal units (28%) were treated with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (group 1) and 36 renal units (72%) were treated with polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (group 2). The overall treatment success was achieved at 40 renal units (80%). The treatment was successful at 11 renal units (79%) in group 1 and 29 renal units (81%) in group 2 (p = 0.71). There was not statistically significant difference between two groups with patients with chronic renal failure in terms of treatment success (p = 1.00). Conclusions The effectiveness of two bulking agents was similar in treatment of vesicoureteral reflux disease in adult patients and patients with chronic renal failure. .

Withdraw of the ureteroscope causes fragmented ureter stones to disperse.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteroscopy has improved from the first use of ureteroscope in the 1970' s. Although the success rate increased in the last years, new treatment techniques are being developed for impacted and large proximal ureter stones (2). Pneumatic lithotripsy has high efficiency with low complication rates. However, in case of steinstrasse and large (> 1 cm) ureter stones, fragmented small stones may obstruct insertion of a ureteroscope after initial lithotripsy. In order to triumph over this issue, multiple ureteroscopic passages and manipulations needed for extraction of these small stones by forceps or basket catheters. The overall incidence of stricture was found upto 14.2% when the fragments were removed with a grasping forceps or a basket. We present our technique to disperse small fragmented stones in order to contact non-fragmented rest stone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ureteral lithotripsy was performed with an 8-9.8F semirigid ureteroscope using a pneumatic lithotripter (Swiss LithoClast, EMS, Nyon, Switzerland). The stone was fragmented into small pieces as small as 2-3 mm. by pneumatic lithotripter. Eventually, these fragmented stones interfered with vision and the lithotripter to get in touch with the rest stone. After fragmenting distal part of the large stone, the ureteroscope was pulled back out of ureter. While pulling back, the operating channel was closed and irrigation fluid was flowing in order not to decrease pressure behind the stones. Simultaneously, a person tilted the operating table to about 30 in reverse Trendelenburg position. When the ureteroscope was out of ureteral orifice, the operating channel was opened and irrigation fluid was stopped. This maneuver aided decreasing pressure in the bladder more rapidly in addition to feeding tube. Stone dust and antegrade fluid flow were easily seen out of the ureteral orifice. Ureteroscope was re-inserted after 30-60 seconds. While reaching the rest of the stone, small stone dust was seen at first. Bigger stones were approximately 3-5 cm distal to the original place of the stone. When the non-fragmented rest stone appeared, there were no blocking fragmented stones. Insertion of the ureteroscope was easy and we could go on with the lithotripsy procedure. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to standard position, tilting and rapid decrease in pressure by pulling back the ureteroscope made gravity and negative pressure more effective.

Withdraw of the Ureteroscope Causes Fragmented Ureter Stones to Disperse

Introduction Ureteroscopy has improved from the first use of ureteroscope in the 1970's. Although the success rate increased in the last years, (1) new treatment techniques are being developed for impacted and large proximal ureter stones (2). Pneumatic lithotripsy has high efficiency with low complication rates (2). However, in case of steinstrasse and large (> 1 cm) ureter stones, fragmented small stones may obstruct insertion of a ureteroscope after initial lithotripsy. In order to triumph over this issue, multiple ureteroscopic passages and manipulations needed for extraction of these small stones by forceps or basket catheters. The overall incidence of stricture was found upto 14.2% when the fragments were removed with a grasping forceps or a basket (3). We present our technique to disperse small fragmented stones in order to contact non-fragmented rest stone. Materials and Methods Ureteral lithotripsy was performed with an 8-9.8F semirigid ureteroscope using a pneumatic lithotripter (Swiss LithoClast, EMS, Nyon, Switzerland). The stone was fragmented into small pieces as small as 2-3 mm. by pneumatic lithotripter. Eventually, these fragmented stones interfered with vision and the lithotripter to get in touch with the rest stone. After fragmenting distal part of the large stone, the ureteroscope was pulled back out of ureter. While pulling back, the operating channel was closed and irrigation fluid was flowing in order not to decrease pressure behind the stones. Simultaneously, a person tilted the operating table to about 30° in reverse Trendelenburg position. When the ureteroscope was out of ureteral orifice, the operating channel was opened and irrigation fluid was stopped. This maneuver aided decreasing pressure in the bladder more rapidly in addition to feeding tube. Stone dust and antegrade fluid flow were easily seen out of the ureteral orifice. Ureteroscope was re-inserted after 30-60 seconds. While reaching the ...

Corticosteroid therapy improves the outcome of semen analysis in an oligozoospermic patient with epididymal sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem, inflammatory disorder characterized by the presence of noncaseating epithelioid granulomas. Sarcoidosis can involve the genitourinary system by affecting the kidney and genitals. Most characteristic genital lesions proceed to granuloma and can comprise the epididymis, testis, and vas deferens. Few case reports have been published on this rare entity. We report a case in which a man presented with bilateral epididymal sarcoidosis and severe oligospermia. Corticosteroid treatment, which was applied in gradually decreasing doses for 6 months, dissolved the testicular granuloma. Consequently, semen analysis demonstrated a significant increase in the sperm count to within normal limits.

Prostate metastasis of malignant melanoma.

Metastatic malignant melanoma of the prostate is extremely rare in clinical practice, and only one case has been reported in the English literature in the past 30 years. We report a case of malignant melanoma that metastasized to the prostate and review the current literature. A 50-year-old man with a history of malignant melanoma metastasis to the left axilla, which was excised 3 years ago, presented with lower urinary tract symptoms and gross hematuria. He underwent cystoscopy and transurethral resection of the prostate. The pathological examination showed metastatic malignant melanoma of the prostate gland. The patient died 6 months after the transurethral resection.

The effects of retropubic and perineal radical prostatectomy techniques on postoperative urinary continence after surgery: Results of 196 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the retropubic and perineal radical prostatectomy techniques on postoperative urinary continence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included patients who had undergone radical retropubic (RRP) (n=54) or radical perineal prostatectomies (RPP) (n=142) in our clinic between December 2006 and December 2010 with the indication of localized prostate cancer. Preoperative, and postoperative continence levels of the patients were evaluated on the day of catheter removal, and at 3., 6. or 12. months using University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) prostate cancer index query forms completed by the patients themselves in outpatient clinics. RESULTS: Mean ages of the perineal, and retropubic groups were 62.3 (48-77), and 62.5 (50-74) years, respectively. The absolute urinary control rates of the RPP patients on the first days, and the first, third, sixth, and twelfth months were 44.3, 63.6, 76.2, 79.5, and 86.1%, respectively. The same rates were 51.4, 75.7, 78.4, 89.2, and 91.9% for the RRP group, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between RRP groups as for the frequency of urinary incontinence.

The use of suprapubic cystoscopy in perineal urethroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Posterior urethral strictures are difficult cases to treat for urologists. Anastomotic open urethroplasty is the major surgical treatment option, and various modifications/manipulations to the procedure have been recommended in the literature. We aimed to assess the advantages of performing antegrade endoscopy through the suprapubic cystostomy tract during perineal urethroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six perineal urethroplasties combined with suprapubic cystoscopy were performed in 33 adult male patients between 2005 and 2011. Pre-and peri-operative records of the patients were evaluated, with a particular focus on suprapubic cystoscopy findings during urethroplasty. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 41 years, and the mean lesion length was 2.6 cm (range 1-10 cm). Lesions were secondary to pelvic trauma in 21 patients, to a history of prostatic surgery in 8 patients, and to other miscellaneous causes in the 4 remaining patients. In 23 cases with normal bladder necks, the anastomosis was created under the guidance of antegrade cystoscopy with fluoroscopy. In 10 cases, stiff guide wires or paddles were used in addition to endoscopic light to identify the correct anastomosis site. In two procedures, fistula openings were identified during endoscopy, and fistula repair was performed along with anastomosis. In one case involving the longest lesion with involvement of the bladder neck, a combined perineal-transpubic urethroplasty was performed. The mean follow up duration was 19 (3-38) months. The overall success rate was 91%, and the re-operation rate was 9%. CONCLUSION: Suprapubic cystoscopy is an easy-to-perform adjunctive modality in perineal urethroplasty. This method provides the benefits of supplementary endoscopic findings and feasibility of certain maneuvers that facilitate debridement and anastomosis formation concurrent with perineal urethroplasty.

The effect of cardiopulmonary bypass in coronary artery bypass surgeries (on-pump versus off-pump) on erectile function and endothelium-derived nitric oxide levels

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on the erectile function and endothelium-derived nitric oxide (eNO) levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight consecutive patients were randomized into two groups depending on use of cardiopulmonary bypass in CABG surgery. The erectile function was evaluated by using the IIEF-5 questionnaire. The plasma eNO levels were determined at baseline and after reactive hyperemia before and after surgery. Blood was collected in one minute after cuff deflation from the radial artery on the same side. RESULTS: After CABG surgery the mean IIEF-5 score increased insignificantly over baseline from 14.8 to 15.8 (p = 0.29) and 12.4 to 14.3 (p = 0.11) after on-pump and off-pump CABG surgeries, respectively. The baseline plasma NO levels before surgery were 18.16 ± 7.63 nmol/L in on-pump and 21.76 ± 11.08 nmol/L in off-pump CABG. After reactive hyperemia the plasma NO levels were 22.14 ± 10.52 nmol/L in on-pump and 21.49 ± 9.13 nmol/L in off-pump CABG before the surgery. The difference in the plasma NO levels before surgery was not significant (p = 0.51). Two hours after surgery, the difference of the plasma NO levels at baseline (24.44 ± 12.31on-pump and 20.58 ± 6.74 nmol/L off-pump CABG) and after reactive hyperemia (35.55 ± 23.54 nmol/L on-pump and 23.00 ± 15.40 nmol/L off-pump CABG) were not significantly different from each other (p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had on-pump or off-pump CABG surgeries had higher IIEF-5 scores. Nevertheless, the improvement was insignificant in both groups. Meanwhile, on-pump or off-pump CABG surgeries did not have significant effect on plasma eNO levels.

The effect of cardiopulmonary bypass in coronary artery bypass surgeries (on-pump versus off-pump) on erectile function and endothelium-derived nitric oxide levels.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on the erectile function and endothelium-derived nitric oxide (eNO) levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight consecutive patients were randomized into two groups depending on use of cardiopulmonary bypass in CABG surgery. The erectile function was evaluated by using the IIEF-5 questionnaire. The plasma eNO levels were determined at baseline and after reactive hyperemia before and after surgery. Blood was collected in one minute after cuff deflation from the radial artery on the same side. RESULTS: After CABG surgery the mean IIEF-5 score increased insignificantly over baseline from 14.8 to 15.8 (p = 0.29) and 12.4 to 14.3 (p = 0.11) after on-pump and off-pump CABG surgeries, respectively. The baseline plasma NO levels before surgery were 18.16 ± 7.63 nmol/L in on-pump and 21.76 ± 11.08 nmol/L in off-pump CABG. After reactive hyperemia the plasma NO levels were 22.14 ± 10.52 nmol/L in on-pump and 21.49 ± 9.13 nmol/L in off-pump CABG before the surgery. The difference in the plasma NO levels before surgery was not significant (p = 0.51). Two hours after surgery, the difference of the plasma NO levels at baseline (24.44 ± 12.31 on -pump and 20.58 ± 6.74 nmol/L off-pump CABG) and after reactive hyperemia (35.55 ± 23.54 nmol/L on-pump and 23.00 ± 15.40 nmol/L off-pump CABG) were not significantly different from each other (p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had on-pump or off-pump CABG surgeries had higher IIEF-5 scores. Nevertheless, the improvement was insignificant in both groups. Meanwhile, on-pump or off-pump CABG surgeries did not have significant effect on plasma eNO levels.

Is there a correlation between testosterone levels and the severity of the disease in male patients with obstructive sleep apnea?

OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disease that can decrease quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum testosterone levels and the severity of the disease in patients with OSA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Severity of OSA was quantified with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) which was defined as the total number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep. Thirty-six male patients with mild-to-severe stable OSA and thirty age-matched subjects without OSA were included in this study. Erectile function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5. The association between severity of OSA and selected comorbidities was evaluated and compared with findings reported in the literature. RESULTS: Mean serum testosterone levels of OSA and control patients were 462.8 +/- 160.3 ng/dL and 486.9 +/- 163.2 ng/dL, respectively (p > 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between serum testosterone levels and AHI in patients with OSA (r = - 0,502, p < 0.01). Mean IIEF scores of OSA and control patients were 17.5 +/- 5.9 and 17.4 +/- 4.7, respectively (p > 0.05). Body mass index (BMI) of the OSA patients and control group were as 30.1 +/- 0.8 and 26.9 +/- 0.4, respectively (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Serum testosterone levels were negatively correlated with BMI and the severity of OSA. Measuring testosterone level may be an additional helpful indicator in diagnosis of severity and in follow-up of OSA.