Fixation of the glans penis and urethral catheter to the abdominal skin to avoid wound dehiscence after a hypospadias surgery: A comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of glanular and urethral catheter fixation to the abdominal skin on wound dehiscence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After a standard tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) for hypospadias repair, 128 patients were divided into two groups based on glanular and urethral catheter fixation to the abdominal skin as follows: no glanular and urethral catheter fixation (Group A) and glanular and urethral catheter fixation (Group B). Groups A and B included 61 and 67 patients, respectively. RESULTS: No significant difference was determined between the groups with respect to age, meatal localization, and length of hospital stay. Wound dehiscence was noted in 13.1% and 2.9% patients in Groups A and B, respectively, after surgery (p=0.029, odds ratio=4.9). Patients in Group B had no excessive analgesic usage and unpleasant scarring due to the glans suture. CONCLUSION: Glanular and urethral catheter fixation to the lower abdominal skin considerably reduced wound dehiscence after hypospadias repair.

Do Montelukast Sodium and N-Acetylcysteine Have a Nephroprotective Effect on Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction? A Placebo Controlled Trial in a Rat Model.

PURPOSE: We assessed the nephroprotective effects of montelukast sodium and N-acetylcysteine on secondary renal damage due to unilateral ureteral obstruction in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study 30 Wistar albino male rats were randomized into 3 groups, including placebo, N-acetylcysteine and montelukast sodium. Three rats served as the control group. The left ureter of the rats was sutured with 4-zero polyglactin sutures. Medications were given 3 days before obstruction and continued for 15 days. Dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy was performed before obstruction and on day 15. Rats were sacrificed on day 15 and histopathological examinations were done. We biochemically assessed oxidative stress markers (myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde), sulfhydryl and total nitrite for lipid peroxidation, oxidative protein damage and antioxidant levels, respectively. RESULTS: On pathological examination inflammation and tubular epithelial damage in the N-acetylcysteine and montelukast sodium groups were less than in the placebo group (p <0.05). No difference was seen in normal kidneys. Myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde and total nitrite levels in the N-acetylcysteine group, and myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde levels in the montelukast sodium group were lower than in the placebo group (p <0.05). No statistical difference was seen in sulfhydryl levels (p >0.05) or among the N-acetylcysteine, montelukast sodium and placebo groups on scintigraphy (p >0.05). No pathological, chemical and scintigraphic differences were seen among the N-acetylcysteine, montelukast sodium and sham treated groups (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: N-acetylcysteine and montelukast sodium have a protective effect against obstructive damage of the kidney. However, further investigations are needed.

Acupuncture versus solifenacin for treatment of overactive bladder and its correlation with urine nerve growth factor levels: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether acupuncture is effective as an overactive bladder (OAB) treatment compared with solifenacin and placebo, and to investigate its relation with urine nerve growth factor (NGF) levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted with methodological rigor based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials criteria. 90 female patients with OAB were included and randomly assigned to a solifenacin, acupuncture or placebo group. The medicated group received solifenacin 5 mg/day; the acupuncture and placebo groups were treated twice a week for 4 weeks. Symptom scores, quality of life scores, frequency of micturition and urine NGF levels were used to assess treatment efficiency. RESULTS: The study was completed with 82 patients (n = 30 in the solifenacin group, n = 28 in the acupuncture group and n = 24 in the placebo group). After treatment, comparison of the medical and acupuncture therapy groups with the placebo group showed significant differences between recovery concerning quality of life (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) and symptom scores (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The decrease of NGF levels after treatment compared to before treatment was determined in each group (solifenacin, acupuncture, placebo group; p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.359, respectively). Sufficient symptomatic improvement was not achieved in 8 patients in the acupuncture group. Therefore, comparisons were assessed twice with and without including these patients, and NGF levels in the acupuncture group were higher than at first comparison in which all patients in the acupuncture group were included. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with OAB in whom anticholinergic treatment is contraindicated, acupuncture may be considered another treatment option.

Acupuncture versus paroxetine for the treatment of premature ejaculation: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture therapy has been used by many researchers in both male and female sexual dysfunction studies. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether acupuncture is effective as a premature ejaculation (PE) treatment compared with paroxetine and placebo. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The study was conducted with methodologic rigor based on Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) criteria. Ninety patients referred to the urology clinic at a tertiary training and research hospital with PE were included in this randomized controlled trial and randomly assigned into paroxetine, acupuncture, and placebo groups. Heterosexual, sexually active men aged between 28 and 50 yr were included. Men with other sexual disorders, including erectile dysfunction; with chronic psychiatric or systemic diseases; with alcohol or substance abuse; or who used any medications were excluded. INTERVENTION: The medicated group received paroxetine 20 mg/d; the acupuncture or sham-acupuncture (placebo) groups were treated twice a week for 4 wk. MEASUREMENTS: Intravaginal ejaculation latency times (IELTs) and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) were used to assess PE. IELTs were calculated by using a partner-held stopwatch. Data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Median PEDT scores of paroxetine, acupuncture, and placebo groups were 17.0, 16.0, and 15.5 before treatment, and 10.5, 11.0, and 16.0 after treatment, respectively (p=0.001, p=0.001, and p=0.314, respectively). Subscores after treatment were significantly lower than subscores before treatment in the paroxetine and acupuncture groups but remained the same in the placebo group. Significant differences were found between mean-rank IELTs of the paroxetine and placebo groups (p=0.001) and the acupuncture and placebo groups (p=0.001) after treatment. Increases of IELTs with paroxetine, acupuncture, and placebo acupuncture were 82.7, 65.7, and 33.1 s, respectively. Extent of ejaculation delay induced by paroxetine was significantly higher than that of acupuncture (p=0.001). The most important limitation of the study was the lack of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although less effective than daily paroxetine, acupuncture had a significant stronger ejaculation-delaying effect than placebo.

Single-institution outcomes of open reconstruction techniques for management of pediatric and adolescent post-traumatic urethral strictures.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the long-term results and efficiency of open reconstruction techniques for pediatric and adolescent post-traumatic urethral strictures. METHODS: A total of 75 patients who had undergone open reconstructive urethroplasty for post-traumatic bulbous or posterior urethral obliterative strictures resulting from pelvic fracture urethral injuries were retrospectively analyzed. The mean patient age was 12.3 years (range 6-17). Of the 75 patients, 38 had a bulbar stricture and 37 had posterior urethral obliteration. Perineal end-to-end anastomotic repair, urethral pull-through, and ureteral tube graft urethroplasty were performed in 54, 20, and 1 patient, respectively. All patients were followed up by medical history and a urinary flow rate evaluation at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The patients were followed up for 12-94 months (mean 43.2). The urethral strictures were successfully treated with end-to-end anastomotic urethroplasty in 37 (68.5%) of 54 patients, urethral pull-through urethroplasty in 14 (70%) of 20 patients, and ureteral tube graft in 1 patient. The total primary success rate was 69.3% (52 of 75 patients). Recurrent stricture developed in 23 patients. Of these 23 patients, 7 and 11 were successfully treated with secondary end-to-end anastomosis and direct vision internal urethrotomy, respectively. The overall success rate was 93.3% (70 of 75 patients). Five patients with treatment failure were still in follow-up, with direct vision urethrotomy performed, as needed. No penile curvature, penile shortening, or urethral diverticula developed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study have shown that open urethral reconstruction techniques are effective for primary and secondary surgical interventions in pediatric and adolescent patients with post-traumatic urethral strictures in experienced centers. These techniques provide excellent long-term results with minimal morbidity.

Endoscopic versus open hydrocelectomy for the treatment of adult hydroceles: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of endoscopic treatment of hydrocele with conventional open hydrocelectomy regarding complications and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Patients with clinically significant hydroceles were prospectively enrolled into two treatment groups. Groups 1 and 2 consisted of patients who underwent endoscopic (n = 27) and open surgical treatments (n = 27), respectively. Outcome measures were perioperative and postoperative complications and recurrence rates. RESULTS: Hydrocele recurred in the first two cases in Group 1 during the initial phase of the learning curve of the technique. No recurrence was encountered in Group 2. As a complication, moderate to severe edema occurred in 4 cases in the endoscopic group. In the open surgery group, significant edema and hematoma occurred in 8 and 2 cases, respectively. On the first and tenth postoperative days, endoscopic procedure was found more cosmetically acceptable and covered a more comfortable convalescence period when compared to open surgical group (P < 0.05). In Groups 1 and 2, 88 and 70% of the patients, respectively, declared that they would recommend this procedure to their friends (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic method is a viable option in the treatment of hydrocele. Outstanding feature of the endoscopic method is an earlier achievement of a better cosmetic outcome and a comfortable postoperative period when compared with the conventional treatment.

Hormonal and pathologic changes after chemoablation of testes with hypertonic saline solution as a treatment method alternative to orchiectomy in patients with hormone sensitive metastatic prostatic cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We tried to clarify whether less invasive and lower-cost method of injecting hypertonic saline solution could be an alternative to orchiectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty adult healthy male Wistar rats were used as experimental animals. Three groups were made as 0.9% NaCl administered to the first group, orchiectomy performed to the second group, and 20% saline solution administered to the third group. To measure baseline testosterone values were obtained from all rats 1 day before the procedure. Blood samples obtained to analyze total testosterone from all rats at days 1, 15, and 60 were centrifuged and stored in deep freeze. After blood samples were obtained at day 60, intramuscular 100 IU HCG (Pregnyl) was administered to all rats. Following HCG injection, new blood samples were obtained to analyze testosterone levels at 120 minutes. RESULTS: On microscopic examination, while extensive coagulation necrosis was seen in the third group, in only two samples in this group, an area of intact tissue was observed. Baseline, day 1, day 15, and month 2 testosterone levels of all groups were analyzed. When changes in testosterone levels between baseline values and month 2 control levels were compared, changes in the second and third group were detected statistically significant, and there was no statistically significant difference between these two groups. When month 2 and post-HCG stimulation test serum testosterone levels were compared, a statistically significant increase was found only in the first group. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that since there are nearly the same pathological and biochemical results with bilateral orchiectomy and no negative findings were found for comorbidity, bilateral injection of 20% hypertonic saline solution into the testes could be an alternative in the treatment of hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer.

Intrarenal epidermal cyst.

Although renal cystic formations are seen frequently and arise with diverse symptoms, epidermal cyst is a very unusual cause of renal masses. A50-year-old woman was admitted to our clinic because of lumbar pain, hematuria and dysuria that lasted for 2 months. An atrophic and dysfunctional right kidney was identified. Transperitoneal laparoscopic simple nephrectomy was performed. Microscopic examination revealed typical findings of epidermoid cyst. According to the literature, intrarenal epidermal cysts are usually treated by nephrectomy because they cannot be differentiated from renal masses. To the best of our knowledge, this case report of an epidermoid cyst located in the renal parenchyma of a female patient is the first in the English-language literature.

Effect of thioglycolic acid instillation to stop hair growth on the urethral mucosa after urethroplasty with hairy skin in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of thioglycolic acid on normal urethral mucosa. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were used. Three control and three study groups were formed each consisting of 4 rats. Controls groups were given 0.9% NaCl and study groups received thioglycolic acid instillation. The groups were allocated according to the time of urethral resection and the number of thioglycolic acid instillations (2, 4 or 8 instillations). The urethras of the rats were resected and examined under a light microscope in control and study groups 1, 2 and 3 on days 15, 30 and 60. RESULTS: There was no difference in the urethral mucosa of rats in the study or control groups, and no differences were found when the study groups were compared to each of the other groups at the microscopic level. CONCLUSION: The application of thioglycolic acid is an easy and inexpensive way of clearing urethral hair and does not cause pathological changes in the normal urethral mucosa.

Our 21-year experience with the Thiersch-Duplay technique following surgical correction of penoscrotal transposition.

OBJECTIVES: To assess surgical techniques applied after surgical correction of penoscrotal transposition and their complications. METHODS: The medical records of 64 patients with a mean age of 4.1 years (range 1-24) who underwent surgical correction for penoscrotal transposition and subsequent Thiersch-Duplay urethroplasty in the last 21 years were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: All cases underwent Thiersch-Duplay urethroplasty following reconstruction of penoscrotal transposition after a minimum interval of 6 months. Following Thiersch urethroplasty, 41 (64%) cases with successful outcomes had glandular meatuses. Of the remaining 23 (36%) patients 15, 7 and 1 patients underwent second operations for urethrocutaneous fistulas, meatal regressions and urethral diverticulum, respectively. Eleven of 15 patients underwent primary fistula repair and 4 patients, turnover fistula repair. These patients had glandular meatuses following fistula repair. Seven cases with meatal regression and breakdown of the neourethra were reoperated on by using double-face urethroplasty, onlay island flap urethroplasty and free-tube urethroplasty techniques. Finally, all patients had glandular meatuses. One patient with urethral diverticulum underwent successful diverticulum excision and meatoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Thierch urethroplasty is the most commonly performed technique after surgical correction of penoscrotal transposition; however, additional procedures are needed for the management of its complications.

Retrospective analysis of the results obtained by using Mathieu and TIP urethroplasty techniques in recurrent hypospadias repairs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of Mathieu and tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty techniques on the outcome of repair in recurrent hypospadias. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 78 patients who had undergone surgical correction by either Mathieu or TIP urethroplasty after unsuccessful hypospadias surgery were enrolled in this study. Cases were divided into two groups according to the operation technique performed. Surgical success rate of the techniques and the prognostic significance of age, type of diversion used, caliber and length of new urethra, and the number of previous operations were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Mathieu and TIP urethroplasties were performed in 57 and 21 patients, respectively. No statistically significant relation was found between the groups for age, length of new urethra created, caliber of the urethra, urinary diversion used, mean operation success rates and number of previous operations. From within-group analysis, Mathieu urethroplasty was found to have a statistically significant relationship with the number of previous operations (P=0.025, Mann-Whitney U-test). CONCLUSIONS: Age, length and caliber of new urethra, and diversion type used seem to have no effect on the success rate of Mathieu and TIP urethroplasty in recurrent hypospadias restoration. The success of the Mathieu operation diminished proportionally to the number of previous failed surgeries.

The analgesic effect of 8 and 16 mg lornoxicam administered before shock wave lithotripsy: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of 2 different doses of intravenous lornoxicam for pain relief during shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, double-blind study, 60 ASA I-II patients undergoing SWL were randomly divided into 3 groups. Fifteen minutes before SWL, 4 mL of saline solution was given to the patients in group I, 8 mg lornoxicam in group II, and 16 mg lornoxicam in group III. All groups received 1 mcg/kg fentanyl intravenously 3 minutes before SWL. Pain scores, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation were noted before SWL, at 1 minute and every 5 minutes during the procedure. Also, additional fentanyl consumption, oxygen support requirements, time for recovery room discharge, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction were recorded. RESULTS: The mean blood pressure, heart rate, and SpO(2) values were significantly lower in group I at 5 and 10 minutes (P < .01). The mean visual analogue scale scores and fentanyl consumption were higher in group I (P < .001). The additional meperidine requirement was higher in group I (P = .014). In group I, oxygen requirement was higher and recovery room period was longer than in the other 2 groups (P < .001), and 2 patients from group I had respiratory depression develop. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was higher in group I (P < .05). The patients' satisfaction scores were higher in groups II and III than in group I (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Eight milligrams of intravenously administered lornoxicam 15 minutes before SWL provides pain relief and patient satisfaction during the procedure, reducing opioid requirements as well as decreasing the incidence of side effects.

Chemical castration with intratesticular injection of 20% hypertonic saline: a minimally invasive method.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to ablate testicular tissue by hypertonic saline solution in a rat model, thereby to discover a minimally invasive alternative method to medical and surgical castration in patients with metastatic prostate carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 40 male Wistar rats were divided into orchiectomy (n = 20) and experimental groups. In the experimental group, 20% (n = 20) hypertonic saline solution was injected into the rat testes. Blood was taken prior to, 1 day, and 30 days after the intervention for testosterone determination. All testicles were surgically removed for pathologic examination. RESULTS: Skin infection, necrosis, and testicular abscess were not detected in any rat. Pathologic examination revealed necrosis in almost all areas of the testicle. The comparison of 0, day 1, and day 30 measurements of total testosterone did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the control and hypertonic saline groups at each of the three time points (Mann-Whitney U-test, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intratesticular hypertonic saline injection seems to be an alternative method in the future to its rivals such as orchiectomy and medical castration. This new approach offers a minimally invasive and less expensive method aside from preserving body image in metastatic prostatic carcinoma. However, our conclusions should be supported with more experimental studies before a clinical study is taken into account.

Our 23-year experience in urethrocutaneous fistulas developing after hypospadias surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the role of the fistula characteristics on the outcomes of repair in urethrocutaneous fistulas that develop after hypospadias surgery. METHODS: A total of 160 patients who had undergone urethrocutaneous fistula repair after hypospadias surgery were enrolled in this study. The prognostic significance of the site, size, and number of fistulas, number of the previous operations, and the techniques applied were analyzed by the appropriate statistical methods as the parameters of the study. RESULTS: The fistulas were localized at the distal, mid, or proximal penile region in 69 (43.2%), 60 (37.5%), and 31 (19.2%) patients, respectively. No statistically significant relation was found between the fistula site and the success rate (P >0.05). The fistula size (2 mm or less versus greater than 2 mm) and the number of fistula repairs (single versus two or more) also did not affect the outcome (P >0.05, Pearson chi-square and Fisher's exact tests). CONCLUSIONS: The site, size, and number of the fistula repair seemed to have no impact on the success rate. Well-known aspects of the modern hypospadias surgery (eg, delicate tissue handling, instruments, point coagulation, and vascularity of the tissues) probably play a role in the outcome.

Proteus syndrome with multiple genitourinary abnormalities.

Proteus syndrome is a rare hamartomatous disorder comprising a broad spectrum of congenital malformations and overgrowth of multiple tissues. Some rare urogenital malformations have been reported before. This case is unique for the presence of multiple genitourinary anomalies including retroperitoneal cystic mass, intra-abdominal testicle with hematoma and ureterovesical stricture apart from common clinic findings of proteus syndrome.

A new technique combining both polypropylene and vaginal wall sling procedures: can it minimize the risk of urethral and vaginal erosion occurring with synthetic materials?

We describe a new technique combining in situ vaginal wall and polypropylene mesh slings that may decrease potential erosive complications caused by synthetic materials. A folded mucosal patch harboring the polypropylene mesh was placed between mid-urethra and bladder neck. Using this technique, 12 consecutive women (age range 44-66 years) were operated. Preoperative evaluation included a detailed history, pelvic examination, stress test, cystourethroscopy, basic urodynamic evaluation (cystometry, Valsalva leak point pressure measurement), and urine culture. Based on these evaluations, three, seven, and two patients had type I, II, and III stress urinary incontinence, respectively. A paraurethral cyst excision was carried out in one patient and anterior colporrhaphy in four patients during the same operation. No ischemia or sloughing at the operation site occurred in any case. Pelvic examination was repeated in all patients after 3 and 6 months of follow-up and symptoms were determined after 12 months of follow-up in eight patients by telephone interview. Average follow-up was 10 months (range: 6-14 months). None of the patients were incontinent, or complained of sexual dysfunction or erosive complications after 1 year. Since there are two distinct barriers between the sling and both urethra and vagina, our technique covers all advantages of a sling procedure with synthetic materials and avoids the risk of urethral and vaginal erosion. The other advantage of this technique is the concomitant utilization of the vaginal wall as sling material.