ISRN Urology

Introduction. To evaluate the association between preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and clinicopathologic characteristics in patients with small renal masses (SRM). Methods. Retrospective chart reviews of patients with renal masses ≤4 cm who underwent nephrectomy from January 2007 to July 2012 were conducted. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the association between preoperative NLR and clinicopathologic variables. Results. In 1001 patients, we noted higher mean preoperative NLR in men (3...

Purpose. To assess changes in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) within 1 year after brachytherapy in patients receiving alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists. Methods. We retrospectively evaluated 116 patients who underwent (125)I prostate brachytherapy in our institute. Seventy-one patients were treated with a combination of external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy. Alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists were prescribed to all patients after brachytherapy. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) forms and postvoid residual urine volume were recorded at all follow-up visits...

We critically evaluate a recent article by Van Howe involving 12 meta-analyses that concludes, contrary to current evidence, that male circumcision increases the risk of various common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Our detailed scrutiny reveals that these meta-analyses (1) failed to include results of all relevant studies, especially data from randomized controlled trials, (2) introduced bias through use of inappropriate control groups, (3) altered original data, in the case of human papillomavirus (HPV), by questionable adjustments for "sampling bias," (4) failed to control for confounders through use of crude odds ratios, and (5) used unnecessarily complicated methods without adequate explanation, so impeding replication by others...

Purpose. Although the use of buccal mucosa in substitution urethroplasty has been practiced for some years, it has not been free of controversy over which surgical technique is the most appropriate to use. There is paucity of data in Sub-Saharan Africa about its success; this study presents the outcomes of dorsal and ventral buccal graft urethroplasty at a sub-Saharan tertiary hospital. Methods. This is a prospective study in which buccal mucosa was used for ventral and dorsal grafts; followup was up to two years...

Objective. Present study was undertaken to compare the results of two single stage hypospadias repairs, namely, Tubularized Incised Plate (TIP) repair and Mathieu's repair. Methods. The study included 100 patients of distal penile hypospadias, from January, 2008 to January, 2013. After a detailed history, local examination was performed with reference to the site of meatus, shape of glans, and presence of chordee. TIP repair was performed in 52 patients and Mathieu's repair in 48 patients. On follow-up, the patients were examined for the position of meatus, shape of meatus, urinary stream, urethrocutaneous fistula, and stricture formation...

Objectives. This research was conducted to describe a novel technique for performing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) using a retrograde approach that mimics the classic open surgical technique. Methods. From June 2009 to March 2011, we performed 18 nonconsecutive RALPs using a novel retrograde approach. Patients were initially selected with D'Amico low to intermediate risk disease. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were analyzed in all patients. Results. All 18 patients had successful surgery without any intraoperative complications...

To reduce the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) after radical cystectomy, a new closing method using subcutaneous continuous aspiration drain was developed and compared to the conventional closing method. The new method involved (a) closed aspiration with an indwelling aspiration drain without suture of the subcutaneous fat and (b) covering with hydrocolloid wound dressing after suture of the dermis with 4-0 absorbable thread and reinforcement using strips. The incidence of SSI was significantly improved by using the new method...

Novel therapeutic approaches are needed to combat the urinary tract infection in women. During menstruation elevated protein concentration and increase in oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations with decrease in vaginal Lactobacilli all together contribute to urinary tract infections. Lactobacillus species are a predominant member of the vaginal microflora and are critical in the prevention of a number of urogenital diseases. In order to increase antimicrobial potential of vaginal Lactobacilli, bacteriocin colicin E2 which has specific activity against uropathogenic Escherichia coli has been overexpressed in vaginal probiotic Lactobacillus brevis DT24...

Introduction. Ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URS) although highly effective for the treatment of ureteral stones is associated with certain complications, the more common of which are postoperative fever and infection. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the levels of serum cytokines in patients undergoing ureteroscopic lithotripsy and investigate any possible correlation between levels of cytokines and infectious complications after URS. Materials and Methods. Thirty patients (19 males, 11 females), with a mean age of 47 (range: 26-68) that underwent URS lithotripsy for ureteral stones, and 10 healthy volunteers serving as the control group were enrolled in this study...

Background. Sarcomatoid variant of urothelial carcinoma (SVUC) was added to the WHO classification in 2004. Aims. To review the literature. Materials and Method. Various internet databases were used. Result. SVUCs are rare biphasic malignant neoplasms exhibiting morphologic/immunohistochemical evidence of epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation with the presence or absence of heterologous elements. Some cases of SVUC have been associated with radiation therapy and cyclophosphamide treatment. Patients' ages range from 50 to 77 years (mean age 66)...

Renal cell carcinoma presents with metastatic disease in approximately 30% cases. While surgical intervention remains the standard of care for organ confined disease, its role is limited in the management of metastatic disease. Over the last decade, cytoreductive nephrectomy prior to immunotherapy has demonstrated significant improvement in overall survival for appropriately selected patients. This review summarizes the evidence for the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy in combination with immunotherapy and discusses its potential role in the current era of targeted molecular therapy...

Single-incision slings were introduced in the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) to lessen the morbidity associated with traditional midurethral slings. However, long-term reports on patient satisfaction are still scarce. This study describes the outcome of women treated with Mini-Arc at a mean follow-up of 45 months. In a previous report on 105 women with 15-month mean follow-up, 84 (80%) were found cured and 12 (11%) improved. Now, with a mean follow-up of 45 months, cured/improved patients were reassessed by telephone and completed Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S), rated their improvement in a 0-100 scale, and answered if they would recommend the procedure...

Objectives. Normal and neoplastic human tissues have different electromagnetic properties. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive electromagnetic detection of bladder cancer (BC) by the tissue-resonance interaction method (TRIM-prob). Patients and Methods. Consecutive patients were referred for cystoscopy because of (i) microscopic or gross hematuria and/or irritative voiding symptoms and (ii) bladder ultrasounds and urinary cytology findings negative or just suspicious of malignancy...

Introduction. Buried penis is a difficult condition to manage in children and adults and conveys significant physical and psychological morbidity. Surgery is often declined due to morbid obesity, forcing patients to live in disharmony for years until the desired weight reduction is achieved. No single operative technique fits all. We present our experience and surgical approach resulting in an improved algorithm unifying the treatment of adults and children. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients treated for buried penis between 2011 and 2012...

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate protective effects of resveratrol, a strong antioxidant, against possible negative effects of chronic immobilization stress on testes of male rats histochemically, immunohistochemically, ultrastructurally, and biochemically. Material and Methods. Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 7). Group I, control group (C), was not exposed to stress. Group II, stress group (S), was exposed to chronic immobilization stress. In Group III, low dose resveratrol + stress group (LRS), rats were given 10 mg/kg/day resveratrol just before the stress application...

Background. To compare preoperative and postoperative sperm parameters such as sperm count, motility, and morphology in patients with normal sperm concentration with teratozoospermia and asthenozoospermia. Materials and Methods. Hundred and six patients with varicocele associated with male infertility over a 5-year period were included into the study. Pre- and postvaricocelectomy seminal fluid parameters evaluation according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria was performed at 4-6-month intervals...

Insulin is essential for the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Insulin dysfunction occurs in several pathologies, such as diabetes mellitus, which is associated with fertility problems. Somatic Sertoli cells (SCs) not only metabolize glucose to lactate, which is the central energy source used by developing germ cells, but also determine the germ cell population size. If a deregulation in SCs apoptosis occurs, it will affect germ cells, compromising spermatogenesis. As SCs apoptotic signaling is a hormonally regulated process, we hypothesized that the lack of insulin could lead to alterations in apoptotic signaling...

Background. The prognostic significance of ERG expression in prostate cancer (PCA) has generated mixed results. We sought to investigate the prognostic significance of ERG expression in a localized cohort of men with PCA. Material and Methods. We investigated ERG protein expression in a cohort of 198 men with localized PCA. ERG expression was correlated with patients' clinical outcome and several pathological parameters, including Gleason score (GS), pathological stage, surgical margin, and extra-capsular extension...

Objectives. To investigate the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for symptoms alleviation in chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). Materials and Methods. 40 patients with CPPS were randomly allocated into either the treatment or sham group. In the first group, patients were treated by ESWT once a week for 4 weeks by a defined protocol. In the sham group, the same protocol was applied but with the probe being turned off. The follow-up assessments were done at 1, 2, 3, and 12 weeks by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and NIH-developed Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI)...

Background. Fournier's gangrene is uncommon but increasingly being seen over the last two decades probably due to increasing socioeconomic problems including an upsurge in HIV infection especially in the tropics. Patients and Methods. The study retrospectively reviewed all patients with Fournier's gangrene managed in UMTH between January 2007 and December 2012. Results. Thirty-eight males aged 2 weeks to 80 years (mean 37.82) were reviewed, with most aged 30-39 years (13 (34.21%)). Clinical features were scrotal pain and swelling, 36 (94...