Is Thiol/Disulphide homeostasis important in prostate cancer diagnosis?

OBJECTIVES

To assess the relationship between prostate cancer and thiol/disulphide homeostasisas an important indicator of oxidative stress.

METHODS

After ethics committee approval (546/2015); 388 patients aged between 46-75 years who underwent transrectal ultrasound guided prostatebiopsy in three different centers between July 2015-2016 owing to serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels ≥2.5 ng/ml and/or abnormal digital rectal examination were involved in this study. The plasma levels of thiol/disulphide homeostasis parameters were compared in patients with and without prostate cancer.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 62.9±7 years. In patients with prostate cancer (n=130, 33.5% ) the mean plasma levels of native thiol and total thiol were lower (332.9 vs 362.1 μmol/L and 363 vs 392.6 μmol/L, p=0.001). Plasma disulphide levels were not statistically different between the groups (15 vs 15.3 μmol/L, p=0.936). In prostate cancer group; patients with Gleason score ≥7 had lower plasma native thiol levels than patients with Gleason score<7 (321.3  vs 342.6 μmol/L, p=0.029) while there were no significant differences in total thiol and disulphide levels (352.3 vs 371.9 μmol/L, ptotal Thiol =0.064 and 15.5 vs 14.6 μmol/L, pdisulphide =0.933).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower plasma levels of thiol in patients with prostate cancer and high Gleason score is an oteworthy result. We believe that our results should be supported by further studies.

Can the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio be used to predict recurrence and progression of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer?

The aim of our study was to evaluate whether neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a predictor of disease progression and recurrence in patients with primary non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). This was a prospective study of 86 patients with newly diagnosed NMIBC. The patients were classified by the number of points assigned by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer risk tables. The correlation between progression score, recurrence score, age, mean platelet volume, red blood cell distribution width and NLR was assessed statistically. The same parameters were compared between the risk groups. A significant difference in NLR and age values was observed between recurrence and progression risk score groups. The relationships between NLR and recurrence and progression risk scores were no longer significant after correcting for the statistical effect of age on scores. Age was significantly different between groups after adjusting for NLR. Our study revealed that NLR and age were associated with patient age and bladder tumor progression and recurrence risk scores. After correcting for age, the significant relationship with NLR was lost, in contrast to some previous studies. We recommend that patient age should be corrected to avoid misleading results in NLR studies.

The Effect of Metabolic Syndrome on the Success and Complications of Percutaneous Nephrolitotomy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the success and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL).

METHODS

Two hundred ten patients who had undergone PNL for kidney stones in our clinic between May 2012 and May 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they had diagnostic criteria for MetS. All patients had lower pole kidney stones between 15 and 20 mm. Complication rates between groups were evaluated using a modified Clavien grading system.

RESULTS

Group1 was a standard PNL group and group 2 consisted of patients with MetS. Mean stone size was 293.25 ± 102.4 mm(2) for group 1 and 301.10 ± 169.5 mm(2) for group 2 (p < 0.05). Mean hospitalization days, fluoroscopy duration, and mean hematocrit loss were significantly higher in group 2. Mean operative time and need for blood transfusions were higher in group 2 but statistically insignificant. One hundred twenty five patients in group 1 (96.1%) and 72 patients in group 2 (90%) obtained stone-free state.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study results reveal an increase in complications and morbidity for patients with MetS during PNL.

Vitamin B12, folate and iron levels in primary nocturnal enuresis

Objective:

Folate, vitamin B12 and iron are important vitamin and minerals which play role in the development of nervous system. The aim of this study was looking at the presence of folate, vitamin B12 and iron deficiency among patients with Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) and possible relation between the delay of central nervous system (CNS) development, PNE and folate, vitamin B12 and iron states.

Methods:

Consecutively applied forty patients with PNE (23 girls and 17 boys) and otherwise normal thirty control subjects (17 girls and 13 boys) were included in the study. Average ages (in range) of PNE and the control group were 9.2(6-12) years and 9.3 (6-12) years accordingly. Age, height, weight, complete blood count, blood vitamin B12, folate, ferritin and iron values of both groups were recorded and compared to each other.

Results:

Average vitamin B12 and folate levels of patients with PNE were significantly and statistically lower compared to those of the control group. Average blood iron of patients with PNE was significantly higher than that of the control group and also average ferritin level of the PNE group was detected to be higher than the control group but this relation was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion:

Primary nocturnal enuresis is related to the delay in CNS maturation so it was thought that low vitamin B12 and folate which were found in patients with PNE may have role in the delay of CNS maturation. Additionally, further studies are needed to investigate the role of vitamin B12 and folate either alone or as combination in treatment of patients with PNE who have low vitamin B12and folate level.

Do lubricants with 2% lidocaine gel have an effect on patient comfort in diagnostic cystoscopy?

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing both rigid and flexible cystoscopic evaluation suffer from a great deal of pain and discomfort. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of lidocaine gel anestesia on patient comfort on diagnostic rigid cystoscopy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

11 mL of lubricant gel applied to each patient via the external meatus in 10 s. Patients were randomized into three groups. In group 1, liquid glycerine was applied and cystoscopy was immediately performed, in group 2 lidocaine gel (Aqua Touch™: İstem Tıbbi Cihaz Ve Sanayi Ltd.Şti, Ostim, Ankara, Türkiye) was applied and the procedure undergone immediately and in group 3, lidocaine gel was applied and penis was clemped for 10 minutes before the procedure. VAS forms were filled to determine the discomfort and pain during cystoscopy and the first micturation after.

RESULTS

After the evaluation between groups, VAS scores were significantly lower in Group II and III than Group I and in Group III than in Group II (p < 0.05). When post micturation VAS scores were evaluated, VAS scores were significantly lower in Group II than Group I and in Group III than in Group II (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of local anesthetic lidocaine gel in rigid cystoscopy, is a practical, safe and efficient method to improve patient comfort when applied in appropriate dose and waiting duration.

The comparison of laparoscopy, shock wave lithotripsy and retrograde intrarenal surgery for large proximal ureteral stones

INTRODUCTION

In this study we compare the success rates and complication rates of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), laparoscopic, and ureteroscopic approaches for large (between 1 and 2 cm) proximal ureteral stones.

METHODS

In total, 151 patients with ureteral stones between 1 and 2 cm in diameter were randomized into 3 groups (52 SWL, 51 laparoscopy and 48 retrograde intrarenal surgery [RIRS]). The groups were compared for stone size, success rates, and complication rates using the modified Clavien grading system.

RESULTS

Stone burden of the groups were similar (p = 0.36). The success rates were 96%, 81% and 79%, respectively in the laparoscopy, SWL, and ureteroscopy groups. The success rate in laparoscopy group was significantly higher (p < 0.05). When these groups were compared for complication rates, RIRS seemed to be the group with the lowest complication rates (4.11%) (p < 0.05). SWL and laparoscopy seem to have similar rates of complication (7.06% and 7.86%, respectively, p = 0.12).

INTERPRETATION

To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the results of laparoscopy, SWL and RIRS in ureteral stones. Our results showed that in management of patients with upper ureteral stones between 1 and 2 cm, laparoscopy is the most successful method based on its stone-free rates and acceptable complication rates. However, the limitations of our study are lack of hospital stay and cost-effectiveness data. Also, studies conducted on larger populations should support our findings. When a less invasive method is the only choice, SWL and flexible ureterorenoscopy methods have similar success rates. RIRS, however, has a lower complication rate than the other approaches.

The comparison of standard and tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures

PURPOSE

To compare totally tubeless and standard percutaneous nephrolitotomy procedures on many parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Percutaneous nephrolitotomy was performed on 195 patients between June 2009 and May 2012. The data of those patients were evaluated retrospectively. Totally tubeless cases were enrolled to Group 1, and Group 2 consisted of non-tubeless cases (re-entry or Foley catheter).

RESULTS

Group 1 included 85 cases and group 2 a total of 110 patients. Paper tracing values for the kidney stones were 321.25 ± 102.4 mm(2) and 324.10 ± 169.5 mm(2) respectively. Mean fluoroscopy time was 4.9 ± 1.9 min and 5.08 ± 2.7 min, mean operation time was 78.8 ± 27.9 min and 81.9 ± 28.77 min and mean decrease in hematocrit was 2.6 ± 1.6 and 3.74 ± 1.9 respectively. All these comparisons were statistically significant. Length of hospitalization was 1.6 ± 1.1 and 3.5 ± 1.5 days for Groups 1 and 2 respectively. Mean superficial pain score was 5.8 ± 1.6 and 6.7 ± 1.2 respectively for both groups after 1 hour. At 6 hours, the scores changed to 3.87 ± 1.22 and 4.84 ± 1.3 respectively. The analgesic dose was 1.00 ± 0.7 and 1.53 ± 0.6 for the groups respectively at 6 hours. All the statistical differences were significant for these three parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that, because of their post operative patient comfort and decreased length of hospital stay, totally tubeless procedures should be considered as an alternative to standard percutaneous nephrolitotomy.

Totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: selecting for success in children

BACKGROUND

The placement of a nephrostomy tube or internal ureteral stent after PCNL has been considered standard practice.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the inclusion criteria for totally tubeless PCNL in pediatric cases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 27 children who underwent PCNL included in the study: Twelve of the 27 patients who underwent totally tubeless PCNL (group 1; tubeless and stentless), and the remaining 15 patients underwent Standard PCNL (group 2; tube with or without stent). Whether or not to perform totally tubeless technique was decided intraoperatively. The length of hospitalization, drop in hemoglobin level, the operation time, stone burden and the fluoroscopy time of group 1 and 2 were compared statistically. Also stone free and complication rates were evaluated in both groups.

RESULTS

The mean age was 5 years and 9.5 years in group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.01). The mean operative time was 15.83 min in group 1, and 48.6 min in group 2 (p = 0.0001). The mean change in hemoglobin levels between preoperative and postoperative measurements was -1.83 mg/dl for group 1, and -5.2 mg/dl for group 2 (p = 0.0001). No blood transfusion was needed during or after the operation in any cases for group 1. The mean length of hospital stay was 1.83 day in group 1 and 5.53 day in group 2 (p = 0.001). Stone free rate for group 1 was 100% (12/12) and 93.3% (14/15) for group 2. There were no major operative or postoperative complications in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Provided an optimal patient selection, the success and safety rates of PCNL's performed via totally tubeless technique are similar to those.

Comparison of percutaneous nephrolithotomy, shock wave lithotripsy, and retrograde intrarenal surgery for lower pole renal calculi 10-20 mm

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for 1- to 2-cm lower pole kidney stones.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was based on data collected from the files of patients between January 2007 and May 2012. The files of 383 patients (221 SWL, 144 PCNL, 38 RIRS) were evaluated. The groups were compared for stone size, success rate, and complication rate using the modified Clavien grading system.

RESULTS

The stone burdens of the groups were similar (p = 0.36). The success rates were 76, 94, and 73%, respectively, in SWL, PCNL, and RIRS. The highest stone-free rate was in the PNL group (p < 0.05). When the complication rates were evaluated using the Clavien grading system, they were determined to be 13% in PCNL, 3% in SWL, and 5% in RIRS. Especially GII and GIII complications were more common in the PCNL group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PCNL seems to be the most successful but most invasive method. However, with relatively low complication rates, SWL and RIRS are other techniques to keep in mind. To determine the first-line treatment, prospective randomized studies with larger series are needed.

Pediatric bladder rhabdomyosarcoma: report of organ sparing treatment of two cases

Pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma cases require multimodality therapy. Here, we present two cases treated by tumor resection followed by chemotherapy, and discuss the bladder preserving treatment of this uncommon disease.

The effect of metabolic syndrome upon the success of varicocelectomy

We aimed to investigate the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the varicocele treatment. 101 patients underwent spermatic vein ligation between 2007 and 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Those patients were divided into two groups as without (n: 56, Group 1) or with MetS (n: 48, Group 2). All the patients underwent left microsurgical subinguinal spermatic vein ligation. Groups were compared by the improvement on sperm parameters and spontaneous pregnancy rates at a mean of 19 (±4) months followup. When sperm parameters were compared postoperatively, the significant improvement in total sperm count, motile sperm count percentage, and normal sperm percentage was reported. The groups were compared to each other and the improvement seemed significantly better in Group 1. There was no statistically significant improvement difference in the normal sperm percentage between groups. Spontaneous pregnancy rate after two years was 45% in Group 1 and 34% in Group 2 (P < 0.05). Patients with MetS and varicocele improved after surgery, but not as well as the similar group without MetS. This may help to show that MetS can be a factor for male infertility.

Effect of spermatic vein ligation on seminal total antioxidant capacity in terms of varicocele grading

We aimed to assess the effect of spermatic vein ligation on seminal total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with varicocele. Twenty infertile male patients with varicocele and 20 normal fertile men (control group) were included in the study. All the male patients were diagnosed with primary infertility and varicocele. The patients with varicocele were divided into two groups as nonpalpable (GI) (eight patients) and palpable (GII-III) (12 patients) varicocele groups. All the patients underwent microsurgical spermatic vein ligation. Seminal TAC levels and sperm parameters were evaluated in all the patients. Preoperative sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology and seminal TAC levels with equivalent figures 3-6 months after spermatic vein ligation and the same values of the control group were compared. There was a statistically significant increase in the total seminal antioxidant capacity level after spermatic vein ligation, and there was a statistically significant increase in the sperm count, sperm motility and spermatozoa with normal morphology. However, evaluation of the patients for varicocele grade showed a statistically significant increase in the TAC level only in the GII-III varicocele group. Spermatic vein ligation can improve the total seminal antioxidant capacity levels especially in patients with middle and high grade varicocele.

Urinary complications of gynecologic surgery: iatrogenic urinary tract system injuries in obstetrics and gynecology operations

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate iatrogenic urinary tract system injuries in obstetrics and gynecology operations and compare the results with the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We examined the records of patients who had obstetric and gynecology operations at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health, Training and Research Hospital between June 2007 and June 2010. All the patients who were diagnosed as having urinary system injuries in either the intraoperative or postoperative period were determined.

RESULTS

During this period, 25,998 gynecologic and obstetrical operations were performed, 0.03% ureteric, 0.20% bladder, and one case of urethral injury, in a total of 0.24% urinary tract injuries were observed. The bladder was the most frequently injured organ. Total urinary tract injury rates were 0.79% (0.49% bladder, 0.24% ureteral) in gynecologic operations and 0.19% (0.18% bladder and 0.01% ureteral) in obstetric operations.

CONCLUSION

Urinary system injuries are seen in approximately 1% of all gynecologic and obstetric surgeries. The complication rates observed in our patients were comparable with the other studies in the literature. A gynecologic surgeon must become familiar with the anatomy of the urinary tract and must be aware of common intraoperative and postoperative complications to decrease the risk of morbidity.

The unusual mass of retrovesical space: a secondary hydatid cyst disease

Hydatic cyst of seminal vesicles is very rarely seen. We report a case who complained of the inability to void, which developed progressively with dysuria, frequency, nocturia, and tenesmus, due to a giant retrovesical hydatid cyst that displaced the bladder and rectosigmoid region.

The comparison of artificial urinary sphincter implantation and endourethral macroplastique injection for the treatment of postprostatectomy incontinence

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness of macroplastique injection with artificial urinary sphincter implantation (AUS) for treatment of postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI).

METHODS

A prospective randomized clinical trial including 45 patients with PPI was performed secondary to radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), transvesical prostatectomy (TVP), transurethral prostatectomy (TURP), and TURP with TVP, in 12, 16, 16, 1 patients respectively. Patients were divided into two groups as minimal (group I) and total incontinence (group II) according to the severity of incontinence. Respectively, Group I (n = 21) and group II (n = 24) patients were randomized as AUS implantation (n = 11, n = 11) and macroplastique injection (n = 10, n = 13). Follow-up period was 48 (6-84) months in patients with macroplastique injection and 60 (8-120) months in AUS implantation. The success of the treatment was evaluated by calculating the average number of pads used by the patient per day, the weight of the pads and score of quality of life survey scale for each group both in the preoperative and in the postoperative period.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative average pad weight, average number of pads and quality of life scores, both in patients with minimal and total incontinence. In group I there was no statistically significant difference between the two techniques. However, in group II there was a significant difference favoring AUS implantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Endourethral injection should be the treatment of choice for patients with minimal incontinence, whereas AUS implantation as the first choice for patients with total incontinence.

Is Early Forceps Application Necessary in the Treatment of Distal Ureteral Stone with Dye-Laser and Pneumatic Lithotripsy?

We report the success and complication rates of pulsed dye-laser and pneumatic lithotripsy methods, as well as emphasizing the importance of early forceps application.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated ureterorenoscopy performed in 900 patients, between April 1996 and May 2004, due to distal ureter stones. Following stone fragmentation, patients with stones ≤4 mm in diameter were accepted as stone-free and patients with stones >4 mm had them removed with forceps.

Results

In the laser treated group, the 1st stone-free rate in patients with a stone diameter ≤4 mm was 56.9%. In this group, when forceps were used in patients after fragmentation, the total stone-free rate increased to 96.8%. Likewise, while the 1st stone-free rate in the pneumatic group was 71.56%, the total stone-free rate increased to 96.73% after forceps application.

Conclusion

Both success and complication rates were found to be significantly higher in the pneumatic lithotriptor applied group.