Evren Süer

Effectiveness of Doxazosin in Treatment of Distal Ureteral Stones in Children

PURPOSE We evaluated the effectiveness of doxazosin in children with distal ureteral stones in terms of stone expulsion rates and time to expulsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 39 patients 2 to 14 years old with lower ureteral stones smaller than 10 mm were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 20 controls receiving ibuprofen for pain and group 2 consisted of 19 patients receiving doxazosin. Doxazosin dose was approximately 0.03 mg/kg daily. All patients were evaluated with x-ray, ultrasound or spiral computerized tomography. Stone expulsion rates and time to expulsion between the groups were compared. Mean followup was 19 days. Effects of doxazosin were also evaluated by comparing subgroups with stones smaller than 5 mm and 5 to 10 mm. Results were also evaluated with special emphasis on gender and age. RESULTS Expulsion was observed in 14 patients (70%) in group 1 and 16 (84%) in group 2 (p >0.05). Mean expulsion times for groups 1 and 2 were 6.1 and 5.9 days, respectively (p >0.05). Although fewer pain episodes were observed in the treatment group, this finding could not be evaluated objectively. None of the patients experienced any adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS Administration of 0.03 mg/kg doxazosin daily in children to treat distal ureteral stones up to 10 mm is not superior to analgesic alone. This result is not affected by gender, stone size or patient age. However, additional randomized controlled studies, especially including larger stone volumes, and different doses of doxazosin and other alpha-blockers, might highlight the usefulness of alpha-blockers for ureteral stones in children.

Open prostatectomy is still a valid option for large prostates: a high-volume, single-center experience.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate, in a retrospective, single-center trial, our open prostatectomy outcomes and complications in the past 12 years to emphasize the feasibility of open prostatectomy for large prostates. METHODS A total of 1193 patients underwent open prostatectomy from 1995 to 2007. We retrospectively analyzed the data from 664 patients who had preoperative, operative, and postoperative data available. RESULTS The mean patient age was 67.5 years (range 52-86). The mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen value was 9.6 ng/mL (range 1.65-45.6). The mean prostatic weight was 88.7 g (range 45-324) and was significantly different for the 1995-2001 and 2002-2007 groups (73.6 vs 98.2 g, respectively). Of the 664 patients, 208 (31%) had had an indwelling catheter before surgery. The average International Prostate Symptom Score was 21.7 (range 13-32) preoperatively and 10.6 (range 8-18) postoperatively (P <.005). The average hospitalization was 6.74 days (range 4-14). Blood transfusion was required in 12.7% of the patients either intraoperatively or postoperatively. Postoperatively, 82 patients (12.3%) had urinary tract infections, 22 (3.2%) had bladder neck obstruction, 5 (0.7%) had urinary incontinence, and 15 (2.3%) had a ureteral meatus stricture. CONCLUSIONS Open prostatectomy is a feasible treatment option for patients with a large prostate and also for patients with additional bladder pathologic findings such as bladder calculi or diverticula for whom endoscopic treatment modalities are not appropriate. Consequently, open prostatectomy is still the primary option for patients with a prostate greater than 100 cm(3) and preserves its importance in urology practice, even in the presence of endoscopic innovations.

A New Robot for Flexible Ureteroscopy: Development and Early Clinical Results (IDEAL Stage 1–2b)

BACKGROUND An improved armamentarium has had a significant impact on the emerging role of flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) for the management of nephrolithiasis; however, FURS still represents a challenging technique. OBJECTIVE To examine a robotic device designed for FURS for its impact on ergonomics and outcome of the procedure based on the IDEAL (idea, development, evaluation, assessment, long-term study) framework. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Roboflex Avicenna consists of a surgeons console and a manipulator for the flexible ureterorenoscope. Following experimental evaluation of the prototype (IDEAL stage 1) and receipt of ethical approval, seven surgeons treated 81 patients (mean age: 42 yr [range: 6-68]) with renal calculi (mean volume: 1296±544 mm(3) [range: 432-3100 mm3]) in an observational study (IDEAL stage 2). SURGICAL PROCEDURE Robotic FURS was performed with the Roboflex Avicenna robotic device. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Numerical data were analysed with the Mann-Whitney test, and categorical variables were analysed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact test. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Mean robot docking time was 59.6±45 s. Mean operative time was 74min (range: 40-182). Mean fragmentation speed was 29.1±6.1 mm3/min. Ergonomics based on a validated questionnaire showed significant advantage for robotic FURS (total score: 5.6 vs 31.3; p<0.01). A 10/12F-access sheath was used in 72 patients. Two cases required secondary FURS, one because of malfunction of the flexible digital ureteroscope and another because of larger residual fragments. In the remaining 79 cases, complete stone disintegration was accomplished. CONCLUSIONS Roboflex Avicenna provides a suitable and safe platform for robotic FURS with significant improvement of ergonomics. Future studies should evaluate its impact on the clinical outcome of FURS. PATIENT SUMMARY Robotic flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) was performed with the Roboflex Avicenna robotic device. Results showed that Roboflex Avicenna provides a suitable and safe platform for robotic FURS with significant improvement of ergonomics.

LRIG2 Mutations Cause Urofacial Syndrome

Urofacial syndrome (UFS) (or Ochoa syndrome) is an autosomal-recessive disease characterized by congenital urinary bladder dysfunction, associated with a significant risk of kidney failure, and an abnormal facial expression upon smiling, laughing, and crying. We report that a subset of UFS-affected individuals have biallelic mutations in LRIG2, encoding leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 2, a protein implicated in neural cell signaling and tumorigenesis. Importantly, we have demonstrated that rare variants in LRIG2 might be relevant to nonsyndromic bladder disease. We have previously shown that UFS is also caused by mutations in HPSE2, encoding heparanase-2. LRIG2 and heparanase-2 were immunodetected in nerve fascicles growing between muscle bundles within the human fetal bladder, directly implicating both molecules in neural development in the lower urinary tract.

Effectiveness of Antibiotics Given to Asymptomatic Men for an Increased Prostate Specific Antigen

PURPOSE Although there is controversy surrounding this subject, some urologists in daily practice often prescribe antibiotics before biopsy to men with a newly increased prostate specific antigen. We evaluated the effects of antibiotics on serum total prostate specific antigen, free prostate specific antigen, percent free prostate specific antigen and prostate specific antigen density in men with prostate specific antigen between 4 and 10 ng/ml and normal digital rectal examination. We also investigated the incidence of prostate cancer after antibiotic treatment by performing prostate biopsies in all patients regardless of posttreatment prostate specific antigen. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between May 2006 and April 2008 a total of 100 men with total prostate specific antigen between 4 and 10 ng/ml were enrolled in this study. In addition to total prostate specific antigen, free prostate specific antigen, percent free prostate specific antigen and prostate specific antigen density values were evaluated for all of the patients. Patients with pathological digital rectal examination and urinalysis were excluded from the study. All patients received 400 mg ofloxcacin daily for 20 days. After treatment the patients were reevaluated. Regardless of the total prostate specific antigen value after therapy transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy was performed. RESULTS Overall 23 men (23%) had histologically proven prostate cancer on biopsy. Mean total prostate specific antigen, free prostate specific antigen and prostate specific antigen density decreased after treatment in patients with and without prostate cancer. However, these reductions within these parameters were not significantly different between patients with and without prostate cancer. Only percent free prostate specific antigen change after treatment was found to be significantly different between patients with and without prostate cancer (p = 0.015). In 17 of the 100 men total prostate specific antigen after treatment was less than 4 ng/ml and of these 5 (29.4%) had prostate cancer on biopsy. CONCLUSIONS Although antibiotic therapy will decrease serum total prostate specific antigen, it will not decrease the risk of prostate cancer even if the prostate specific antigen decreases to less than 4 ng/ml. Therefore, prescribing antibiotics for asymptomatic men with a newly increased prostate specific antigen may not be an appropriate method of management.

Hydrodilation of the ureteral orifice in children renders ureteroscopic access possible without any further active dilation.

PURPOSE We review our experience with hydrodilation of the ureteral orifice for ureteroscopic access in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the results of 30 ureteroscopic procedures performed in 26 children who were followed for 6 months. Ureteral access was obtained with the assistance of a hand irrigation pump without any further active dilation in all cases. RESULTS A total of 26 patients (86.7%) were completely stone-free after 1 procedure. There was no major complication such as ureteral perforation or avulsion. Mild flank pain was observed in 8 cases (26.7%). Predominant symptoms of bladder spasm were observed in 6 cases (20%). At 6-month followup no patient had pyelonephritis or demonstrated hydronephrosis related to ureteral stricture. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that hydrodilation of the ureteral orifice in children renders ureteroscopic access possible with no additional active dilation and no associated complications.

Comparison of radical and partial nephrectomy in terms of renal function: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract Objective. This study aimed to evaluate kidney function following radical or partial nephrectomy and to evaluate the role of two common chronic diseases, hypertension (HT) and diabetes mellitus (DM), on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the long term. Material and methods. Data on 488 patients who underwent surgery for renal tumours between 1994 and 2008 were investigated. Patient characteristics and estimated GFR, history of DM or HT, tumour size and new-onset decrease in GFR were recorded. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to investigate whether the two types of operation were associated with chronic kidney failure after surgery, and the outcome was adjusted for age, gender, HT, DM and tumour size. p Values less than 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results. Seventeen patients (18.9%) in group 1 and 176 (68%) in group 2 developed new onset of GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Three patients (2.9%) in group 1 and 137 (37.2%) in group 2 developed new onset of GFR < 45 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.05). HT was associated with new-onset chronic renal failure in the radical nephrectomy group (hazard ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.028–1.890). Conclusion. After surgical treatment of renal masses, patients are at risk for development of chronic renal failure. A decrease in GFR was detected in both partial and radical nephrectomy, the latter associated with increased risk, especially in hypertensive patients. Routine praxis of radical nephrectomy should be overviewed.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in children: Evaluation of the results considering the need for auxiliary procedures

OBJECTIVE To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in children with renal stones, with regard to ability of ureters to transport the fragments, and need for adjunctive procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between January 2000 and November 2004, 60 children (24 girls and 36 boys) with a total of 72 stones of the upper urinary tract were treated by ESWL using a PCK V5 lithotriptor. Patients with anatomical abnormalities and staghorn stones were excluded from the study. Stone size ranged from 4 to 28 mm. Mean number of shock waves was 1430 (range 600-2000) per ESWL session and mean energy used for stone disintegration was 12 kV (range 6-18). At 24-48 h after ESWL, a plain film or renal ultrasound was obtained to evaluate stone fragmentation. RESULTS Our stone-free rate after one session of ESWL was 92.8% and 81.2% for patients with stones smaller than 10mm and stones between 10 and 28 mm, respectively. Seven (11.6%) patients developed distal ureteral steinstrasse, and the stone size was 15-20 mm and 20-28 mm in two and five patients, respectively. The steinstrasse completely cleared under meticulous follow-up. No patient needed an adjunctive procedure, such as a double-J stent or nephrostomy tube placement, or ureteroscopic stone manipulation. CONCLUSION A childs ureter is capable of transporting the fragments after lithotripsy. Interventional procedures should be a last resort. Expectant management is usually adequate even in patients who develop steinstrasse after ESWL.

Clinical comparision of intravesical hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid-chondroitin sulphate therapy for patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitital cystitis.

INTRODUCTION Patients with a history of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) and who responded poorly or unsatisfactorily with previous treatment were compared taking intravesical hyaluronic acid (HA) or hyaluronic acid-chondroitin sulphate (HA-CS). METHODS Patients were treated with intravesical instillation with 50 mL sterile sodium hyalurinic acid (Hyacyst, Syner-Med, Surrey, UK) (n = 32) and sodium hyaluronate 1.6% sodium chondroitin sulphate 2% (Ialuril, Aspire Pharma, UK) (n = 33). Intravesical instillations were performed weekly in first month, every 15 days in the second month and monthly in third and fourth months, for a total of 8 doses. Patients were evaluated using a visual analog pain scale (VAS), interstitial cystitis symptom index (ICSI), interstitial cystitis problem index (ICPI), voiding diary for frequency/nocturia, cystometric bladder capacity and voided volume at the beginning and at 6 months. All patients had a potassium sensitivity test (PST) initially. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS In total, 53 patients met the study criteria. There were 30 patients in the HA-CS group (mean age: 48.47) and 23 patients in the HA group (mean age: 49.61) (p > 0.05). The initial PST was positive in 71.7% patients (38/53) overall with no difference between groups (p > 0.05). Responses for VAS, ICCS, ICPS, 24-hour frequency/nocturia statistically improved in both groups at 6 months. There was no significant difference in symptomatic improvement (p > 0.05). Eight patients had mild adverse events. CONCLUSION HA and HA/CS instillation can be effective in BPS/IC patients who do not respond to conservative treatment. An important limitation of our study is that the HA dosage of the 2 treatment arms were different. It would be more appropriate with same HA dosage in both groups; however, there was no commercially available glycosaminoglycan (GAG) substance with same HA dosage for single and combination therapy. Large, long-term randomized studies are required to determine if there is a difference between these treatments.

Diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: comparison of near infrared spectroscopy algorithm and pressure flow study in a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and an algorithm on the diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS Male patients with LUTS were recruited and underwent uroflowmetry and urodynamic pressure flow study (PFS) with simultaneous transcutaneous NIRS monitoring. Next, the postvoid residual urine volume was measured using ultrasonography. Data analysis first classified each subject as obstructed or unobstructed using the standard pressure flow data and nomogram and compared these results with the NIRS algorithm, which analyzed the pattern of change of the NIRS data plus the measurements of the postvoid residual urine volume and peak flow rate on uroflowmetry. RESULTS A total of 65 patients were enrolled in the present study. Of these patients, 10 with equivocal PFS findings and 2 with concurrent urinary tract infection were excluded. Of the 53 patients, 29 and 24 were classified as obstructed and unobstructed according to the PFS outcomes, respectively. The International Prostate Symptom Score and uroflowmetry peak flow rate demonstrated significant differences between the obstructed and unobstructed patients. The NIRS algorithm correctly identified 25 patients diagnosed as obstructed (86.2%) and 21 diagnosed as unobstructed (87.5%) according to the PFS findings. CONCLUSION The NIRS algorithm could be a noninvasive option for the diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction in men with LUTS, with 86.2% and 87.5% sensitivity and specificity, respectively.