Intestinal microbiota is a topical subject of modern research. The maintenance of a healthy intestinal micro biota is an important component of homeostasis, and violations of its composition and functions, called dysbiosis, are associated with a number of diseases, including urinary tract infections. Antimicrobial therapy leads to significant changes in the intestinal microbiota and causes the possibility of urinary tract infection recurrence. In this regard, it is important to study methods of microbiota correction in order to restore its structural and functional integrity.
Prostate biopsy is a standard urological procedure and a valuable tool for identifying prostate cancer. To assess the effect of music on outpatient prostate biopsy, we aimed to conduct a systematic review of literature to understand if music reduced the use of analgesics and anxiolytics. The systematic review was performed in line with the Cochrane guidelines and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. The databases searched included MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar, from inception of databases to February 2021. The primary outcome measures were the effect of music on pain and anxiety from the procedure. The initial search yielded 212 articles and after going through titles and abstracts, and six studies (570 patients) were included for the final review. It included five randomized-controlled trials and one case-control study. These studies were done in Korea, USA, Taiwan, and Turkey. Patients had a combination of either local anesthetic gel or periprostatic nerve block or intravenous pethidine. The choice of music was varied and most offered a choice of music to patients. Four of the six studies showed significantly reduced pain and anxiety with the use of music, and the willingness for repeat procedures was higher in two studies. This review has demonstrated that listening to music is associated with reduced anxiety and pain during prostate biopsy. It is likely to, therefore, increase procedural satisfaction, and willingness to undergo the procedure again considering repeated biopsy is sometimes needed in these patients. As music is simple, inexpensive, and easily accessible, it should be routinely offered to patients for outpatient and office-based urological procedures.
Objective: The aim of the study is to identify whether crossing vessel is a cause or an associated finding in Pelvi Ureteric Junction Obstruction. Material and methods: This is a prospective study of a total of 128 patients who underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty from January 2016 to June 2020. All patients who underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty and pelvi ureteric junction segments were sent for histopathological examination. The presence of crossing vessels is documented intraoperative and patients were divided into two groups, group 1 having pelvi ureteric junction obstruction with crossing vessel, and group 2, pelvi ureteric junction obstruction without crossing vessels. Histopathological examination findings of pelvi ureteric junction segment including inflammation, fibrosis, muscle hypertrophy, muscle disarray, and synaptophysin were recorded. Unpaired Student t-test was used for comparing differences between continuous normally distributed data from 2 samples and non-parametric tests were applied for continuous data. Results: Of the total 128 patients, crossing vessels were identified in 42 (32.8%), and 86 (67.2%) were without crossing vessels. The demographic profile of patients between the 2 groups was comparable. On histopathological examination, moderate-to-severe chronic inflammation was seen in 23.8% and 44.2% (P > .05) in group 1 and group 2, respectively; fibrosis and muscular hypertrophy were higher in group 2 but statistically insignificant (P > .05), and muscle disarray was higher in group 1 but statistically insignificant (P > .05). Synaptophysin was positive in 4.8% and 4.7% in group 1 and group 2, respectively. Conclusion: The differences in histopathological examination between the 2 groups were not statistically significant. However, in patients with crossing vessels, there was a higher degree of inflammation, which may lead to early pelvi ureteric junction obstruction.
OBJECTIVE:Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the commonest surgical procedure for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Bipolar-TURP (BTURP) is being increasingly used as compared to the long-established Monopolar TURP (MTURP). In this systematic review, we compared the outcomes of BTURP vs MTURP.MATERIAL AND METHODS:A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane library using relevant search terms from inception of databases till June 2020. Using PRISMA methodology, 18 randomized control trials were reviewed comparing MTURP vs BTURP with a total of 8,393 patients.RESULTS:A significant drop in serum sodium was seen in four studies in MTURP vs BTURP and while there was zero incidence of TUR syndrome in BTURP group, there were 1-16 episodes of TUR syndrome across studies in the MTURP group. A significant fall in hematocrit was seen in three of nine studies with MTURP and one with a significant difference in blood transfusion rates. There were no significant differences in the incidence of clot retention across the studies with 1-5 cases in BTURP group vs 2-12 cases in MTURP group. There were no significant differences related to the duration of catheterization, operative time, resection volume, length of stay, quality of life, postoperative urethral stricture, and sexual function.CONCLUSION:Although both BTURP and MTURP improve urinary symptoms, BTURP is associated with less risk of hyponatremia, TUR syndrome, and blood loss compared to MTURP. There seems to be no significant difference in length of stay, urethral stricture, quality of life, and operative duration.
Objective: As the number of mobile health applications increases, quality assessment becomes a capital feature of any mobile application design. Besides the professional evaluation conducted before marketing the app, the perceptions of the subjects to whom is intended will determine the successful widespread dissemination. Hence, the implementation of a given app may be impaired by the lack of a validated translation and cross-cultural adaptation. We aimed to validate in the Turkish language the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale, an English original scale designed to assess the quality of mobile health applications. Materials and methods: A well-established and predefined process of cross-cultural adaptation and translation to Turkish of the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale according to the World Health Organization guidelines was performed using a common, readily available, free-of-charge application. Internal consistency and reliability were tested in a population sample by Cronbach's a and r(wg) index, respectively. Results: The total User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale score had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.87). Internal consistencies of its subscales were also acceptable: with Cronbach's alpha of 0.71, 0.78, 0.71, and 0.73 for engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information, respectively. Cronbach's a of the satisfaction subscale was 0.46. The User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale total and subscales scores had a strong within-group agreement, all of them with r(wg) indexes between 0.78 and 0.87 over baseline to 1 month. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale is consistent with the English original version and is a reliable and valid tool to assess the quality of mobile applications by Turkish users.
Objective: The present study examines the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on radical prostatectomy performed as part of localized prostate cancer treatment in Turkey. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis was made of the data of 176 patients from 8 centers in Turkey who underwent radical prostatectomy due to localized prostate cancer over the 2 years spanning March 1, 2019, to February 28, 2021. Within this timeframe, March 1, 2019, to February 28, 2020, was denoted the 1-year pre-coronavirus disease 2019 period, while March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021, was denoted the 1-year coronavirus disease 2019 period. An analysis was made of whether there was a difference in the number of radical prostatectomies performed for prostate cancer, the time from biopsy to operation, and the biopsy and radical prostatectomy pathology between the 2 periods. Results: It was found that the number of radical prostatectomies performed for localized prostate cancer during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic was statistically and highly significantly fewer than in the pre-coronavirus disease 2019 period (P <.001). The patients diagnosed with Gleason 3 + 3 (low risk) prostate cancer were statistically significantly fewer in number in the coronavirus disease 2019 period (P <.001). The pathological Gleason score was upgrading than the biopsy Gleason score in all patients who underwent in both periods (P <.001). When the periods were compared, the pathological involvement determined by lymph node dissection performed during radical prostatectomy was found to be decreased in the coronavirus disease 2019 period, although the difference was not statistically significant (P =.051). Conclusion: As with many diseases, the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer have been adversely affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Objective: Analyzing protein kinase C (PKC) alpha, iota, and zeta as well as levels of Mxi-2 and Vim3 in regressive clear cell renal carcinomas (ccRCCs) and urine samples. Material and methods: Fresh samples of ccRCCs (predominantly pT1a/b) with different degrees of regression (<10%, 30%, 50%, and >= 70%) vs normal renal tissue and oncocytomas were studied by Western blot, using antibodies of different PKC isoforms. Urine samples from these tumors were analyzed by ELISA (PKC isoforms, Mxi-2, and Vim3). Results: With increasing degree of regression beyond 10%, nuclear Mxi-2 and Vim3 were highly overexpressed in fresh tumor samples. In urine samples, Vim3 was significantly overexpressed in oncocytoma and downregulated in RCCs with 70% regression. Western blot analysis shows that PKC alpha and iota levels were significantly increased in fresh tumor tissue samples (tumors with >= 30% regression). PKC zeta was expressed in normal kidney and significantly increased in oncocytoma but not found in ccRCCs. In patients' urines, Mxi-2 was significantly reduced (regression > 50%), while PKC isofonn alpha was significantly increased by advanced regression rate. PKC iota in patients' urine was overexpressed in oncocytoma and reduced in all ccRCC urines. Conclusion: Tumor regression in ccRCC tissue shows strong nuclear overexpression of Mxi-2, Vim3, and PKC alpha and iota. In respective urines, PKC alpha was overexpressed; PKC iota was decreased. Mxi-2 and Vim3 decreased with increasing regression rates. These reagents could serve as noninvasive ccRCC markers for regression.
Objective: This study aimed at improving the discrimination of Prostate Imaging – Reporting and Data System version 2.1 (PI-RADS v2.1) score 3 suspicious prostate cancer lesions using lesion volume evaluation. Material and methods: Two hundred five PI-RADS v2.1 score 3 lesions were submitted to transperineal MRI/TRUS fusion-targeted biopsy. The lesion volumes were estimated on diffusion-weighted imaging sequence and distributed in PI-RADS 3a (LV < 0.5 mL) and PI-RADS 3b (LV ≥ 0.5 mL) subcategories, using a 0.5 mL cutoff value. Data were retrospectively matched with histopathological findings from the biopsy. Assuming that lesions with LV < or ≥ 0.5 mL were respectively not eligible (benign and indolent PCa lesions) or eligible for biopsy (significant PCa lesions), the diagnostic accuracy of lesion volume in determining clinically significant PCa at biopsy was evaluated using a bi- or multivariate model. Results: About 55.1% and 44.9% of lesions were distributed in subcategories 3a and 3b, respectively. The overall PI-RADS score 3 detection rate was 273%. 3.5% (1.95% of total), and 25% (11.7% of total) significant PCa were found in PI-RADS 3a and 3b subcategory, respectively. The method showed 85.2% sensitivity, 61.2% specificity, 25% positive predictive value, and 96.5% negative predictive value and avoided 55.1% of unnecessary biopsies. The diagnostic accuracy in determining significant PCa at biopsy was 73.2% or 86.5% depending on whether lesion volume was used alone or in combination with prostate volume and patient age in a multivariate model. Conclusion: 0.5 mL lesion volume cutoff value significantly discriminates fusion-targeted biopsy need in PI-RADS v2.1 score 3 lesions and its diagnostic accuracy improves when it combines with prostate volume and age in a multivariate model.
Clamping of renal vessels during partial nephrectomy is usually performed to improve the visualization of tumor margins. However, clamping of renal vessels has been associated with detrimental effects on renal function after surgery. This study aimed to compare artery only versus artery and vein clamping as regards the surgical and functional outcomes in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy. The literature was searched for English published studies from January 1, 2000 to August 7, 2021. The search included MEDLINE/ PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ProQuest, using the terms {"par- tial nephrectomy"} OR {"nephron-sparing surgery"} AND {"renal artery and vein clamping} AND {"renal artery only clamping}. Nine studies were included. Meta-analysis showed the artery only clamping grouphad a significantly less percentage of change in glomerular filtration rate at last follow-up (standardizedmean difference: -0.42 [95% CI: -0.70, -0.13], P = .004) as well as a rate of postoperative complications(odds ratio: 0.64 [95% CI: 0.41, 0.98], P = .04). However, no significant difference was observed regarding the development of chronic kidney disease. There was no significant difference regarding the warm ischemiatime, blood loss, or positive surgical margin. Artery only clamping has a comparable safety to artery and vein clamping and may produce a renoprotective effect. Due to limitations of the included studies, the conduction of large-size randomized clinical trials with a long duration of follow-up is required before recommending the replacement of artery and vein clamping with artery only clamping during partial nephrectomy.
Objective: This study aimed to measure the AHNAK2 urinary levels in bladder cancer patients. Material and methods: This prospective case-control study enrolled 67 participants between January and March 2019 and were categorized into bladder cancer group (n = 37), with histologically proven bladder cancer, and control group (n = 30), with histologically verified benign lesions or with no bladder cancer indication during follow-up. Urine samples of 15 mL were collected in the mid-morning before cystoscopy/surger y and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed as per the manufacturer's protocol. Bladder malignancies were classified according to the World Health Organization Tumor Classification. Group's associations were evaluated with the Student t-test, Spearman's rank correlation, and Mann-Whitney U test, while receiver operating curve was plotted for assessing the test's performance. Results: Mean age of the bladder cancer group was 66.41 years (standard deviation = 10.04, range = 43-82 years) and the control group was 59.67 years (standard deviation = 10.44, range = 38-77 years). All bladder cancers were of the urothelial histotype, with the following pT distribution: pTa/papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential (n = 19; 28.4%), Primary tumor (pT) in situ (n = 4; 6%), pT1 (n = 7; 10.4%), and pT >= 2 (n = 7; 10.48%). Mean AHNAK2 levels were higher in bladder cancer patients 49.08 pg/mL (standard deviation = 114.91) compared to controls 5.28 pg/mL (standard deviation = 6.65), P <.05). Significant differences were noted between non-invasive bladder cancer (n = 23; mean = 7.14 pg/mL; standard deviation = 7.26) and invasive bladder cancer (n = 14; mean = 117.99 pg/mL; standard deviation = 168.08) and between non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (mean = 23.19 pg/mL; standard deviation = 66.93) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer ( mean = 160.05 pg/mL; standard deviation = 199.65) (P <.001). The result of the assays was given as follows: sensitivity: 64.19%, specificity: 66.67%, positive predictive value: 22.07%, negative predictive value: 92.37%, area under curve: 0.695, and 95% CI: 0.57-0.82. Conclusion: AHNAK2 protein could be used as bladder cancer surveillance biomarker. The inclusion of AHNAK2 levels in stratification nomograms might reduce the number of unnecessary cystoscopies.
Objective: In computed tomography examinations performed for various reasons, calcified Peyronie's disease can be incidentally detected. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of calcified Peyronie's disease incidentally detected in patients with abdominal computed tomography. Material and methods: The images of male patients undergoing abdominal computed tomography between January 2019 and January 2020 were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of calcified Peyronie's disease. 1968 patients remained after subtracting computed tomography scans for insufficient evaluation of the penis, evaluated for the presence of calcified Peyronie's disease by two radiologists based on consensus. The localization, side, and the number of plaques were recorded. Results: The computed tomography examination of 1968 patients revealed calcified Peyronie's disease in 130 (6.6%) patients. Peyronie's disease was bilateral in 73 patients (56.1%), and unilateral in 57 (43.9%). A single plaque was observed in 44 (33.9%) patients, and multiple plaques in 86 (66.1%). The plaques were located in the middle portion of the penis in 98, proximal penis in 92, and distal penis in 31 cases. Conclusion: Calcified Peyronie's disease is incidentally detected on computed tomography examinations at a rate not rare. Peyronie's disease tends to be multiple, bilateral, and localized in the middle portion of the penis.
Background: In this report, we describe a modification of transcorporal artificial urinary sphincter placement known as Gullwing modification. Description of Technique: Using a penoscrotal approach, bilateral corpora cavernosa flaps are harvested and sutured in the midline covering the lateral and ventral surfaces of the urethra. Transcorporal cuff placement provides dorsal reinforcement, thus having extra tissue buttressing all the circumference in cases of a fragile urethra due to previous urethral cuff erosion, urethroplasty, or pelvic radiotherapy. Patient and Methods: After previous urethral cuff erosion, radiotherapy, and urethral reconstruction, our patient complained of severe stress urinary incontinence. Due to the high risk of urethral complications, we proceed to a transcorporal artificial sphincter placement with urethral reinforcement through a bilateral cavernosal flap. Results: The surgery was successfully completed, and after 6 weeks, sphincter was activated with satisfactory results. Two years after surgery, his continence status is stable without complications. Conclusion: Urethral complications associated with artificial urinary sphincter surgery remain a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Reinforcement of the ventral aspect of the urethra through corpora cavernosal flaps may reduce the likelihood of urethral erosion in high-risk cases.
Background: To describe a step-by-step approach for glans preserving urethroplasty with a dorsal inlay graft used for distal urethral strictures. Description of the Technique: The reconstruction was performed through a keyhole incision in the urethra. In this way, we achieve maximal exposure by a minimal incision and saving of the glans. After incision of the diseased dorsal urethral mucosa through the keyhole and the meatus, a buccal mucosa graft pull-through resulting in a dorsal inlay is done. Patient(s) and Methods: We treated 10 patients in different clinical settings with success by using the newly described technique below. We highlight and illustrate 1 case of a 34-year-circumcised male. Antegrade urethrogram showed a distal penile and fossa navicularis stricture with a total estimated length of 3.5 cm. Results: In this specific case the glans sparing approach had a surgical duration of 115 minutes. After 3 weeks the urinary catheter was removed. At 12 months, the patient reported no remaining urinary tract symptoms. Examination showed a fully healed lesion and an adequate uroflowmetry with a Q max of 24 mL/s coming from 4 mL/s pre-operatively. In our 10-patient case series, all treated patients had complete resolution of their complaints, significant improvement in flow rates and excellent cosmetic results without complications. Conclusion: In selected cases, the described technique is feasible, safe, and effective with excellent functional outcomes and better cosmetic results especially due to the glans preservation.
Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of right- and left-sided live donor nephrectomies using the inverted kidney transplantation technique for right live donor nephrectomy on transplantation. Material and methods: A retrospective review was done for the cases of live donor nephrectomy, either as open donor nephrectomy or laparoscopic donor nephrectomy between 2004 and 2019. Inverted kidney transplantation was used with right-sided grafts. The variables of the right- and left-sided live donor nephrectomies were compared. Results: There were 202 live donor nephrectomies including 71 (35.1%) open donor nephrectomies and 131 (64.9%) laparoscopic donor nephrectomies with 4 cases of conversion to open donor nephrectomy. There were 119 (58.9%) right-sided and 83 (41.1%) left-sided live donor nephrectomies with insignificantly different mean operative time (123 and 127 minutes; P = .09), mean warm ischemia time (82.3 and 84.5 seconds; P = .32), and mean blood loss (73 and 78 mL; P = .18), respectively. Inverted kidney transplantation was performed for 86% of grafts from right live donor nephrectomies. Discharge from hospital was on an average of 4.3 days postoperatively. There were only 3 complications (1 in right live donor nephrectomy and 2 in left live donor nephrectomies) with grade 2 according to Clavien-Dindo Classification. Incidence of delayed graft function (P = .09), transplant vein thrombosis (1 case in each group), 1-year graft survival rate (93.2% vs. 94.8%; P = .12), and 1-year serum creatinine levels (1.4 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.3 +/- 0.2; P = .09) revealed statistically insignificant differences. Conclusion: Regardless of the surgical technique, the right live donor nephrectomy seems to be technically as safe as the left live donor nephrectomy for both the donors and the recipients. Using inverted kidney transplantation provided convenient extensions of graft's vessels to full length with no significant increased incidence of vascular thrombosis.
Artificial intelligence is used in predicting the clinical outcomes before minimally invasive treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia, to address the insufficient reliability despite multiple assessment parameters, such as flow rates and symptom scores. Various models of artificial intelligence and its contemporary applications in benign prostatic hyperplasia are reviewed and discussed. A search strategy adapted to identify and review the literature on the application of artificial intelligence with a dedicated search string with the following keywords: "Machine Learning," "Artificial Intelligence," AND "Benign Prostate Enlargement" OR "BPH" OR "Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia" was included and categorized. Review articles, editorial comments, and non-urologic studies were excluded. In the present review, 1600 patients were included from 4 studies that used different classifiers such as fuzzy systems, computer-based vision systems, and clinical data mining to study the applications of artificial intelligence in diagnoses and severity prediction and determine clinical factors responsible for treatment response in benign prostatic hyperplasia. The accuracy to correctly diagnose benign prostatic hyperplasia by Fuzzy systems was 90%, while that of computer-based vision system was 96.3%. Data mining achieved sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 50%, respectively, in correctly predicting the clinical response to medical treatment in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Artificial intelligence is gaining attraction in urology, with the potential to improve diagnostics and patient care. The results of artificial intelligence-based applications in benign prostatic hyperplasia are promising but lack generalizability of results. However, in the future, we will see a shift in the clinical paradigm as artificial intelligence applications will find their place in the guidelines and revolutionize the decision-making process.
Male infertility is a common problem. There is growing evidence that infertile men may harbor significant illness and disease. Many of the genetic causes of male fertility have implications on other systemic illnesses. This review aims to discuss various genetic conditions and gene mutations and alterations associated with male infertility and evidence for associated systemic conditions. These findings highlight the importance of a thorough workup in men presenting for a fertility assessment.
Sufficient functional repair of damaged peripheral nerves is a big clinical challenge in terms of long-lasting morbidity, disability, and economic costs. Nerve damage after radical prostatectomy is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction. In recent years, low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy has been explored to improve the outcomes of peripheral nerve repair and regeneration. Research indicated that application of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy after nerve surgery promoted nerve regeneration and improved the functional outcomes, underlined the mechanisms related to increase of neurotrophic factors, Schwann cells activation, and cellular signaling activation for cell activation and mitosis induced by low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy. We searched PubMed for articles related to research on these topics in both in vitro and in vivo animal models and found numerous studies suggesting that the application low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy could be a novel treatment for erectile dysfunction induced by nerve injury and other disease related to nerve injury.
OBJECTIVE:Long segment ureteral lesion with obstruction is a clinically difficult issue for recovering and maintaining organ or tissue function. Regeneration medicine using various biomaterials as a scaffold in supporting tissue regrowth is emerging. We developed this customized scaffold using electrospinning and 3-dimensional assistance and expected that it may provide an alternative biomaterial for ureter defect repair.MATERIAL AND METHODS:Our study synthesized polycaprolactone and silk fibroin combination as biomaterial scaffolds. The differences in physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of polycaprolactone-silk fibroin bio-scaffolds prepared by electrospinning alone and 3-dimensional printing combined with electrospinning in proper ratios were compared and characterized. SV-HUC-1 uroepithelial cells cultured in polycaprolactone-silk fibroin (4 : 6) scaffolds were observed under a scanning electron microscope and using calcein-acetomethoxy and propidium iodide stain. The ex vivo resected healthy human ureteral segment tissue was anastomosed with the polycaprolactone-silk fibroin scaffolds and cultured in an ex vivo bath for 2 weeks. The cellular growth on the polycaprolactone-silk fibroin scaffold was observed microscopically. In the New Zealand white rabbit model, we performed a 1/5 ratio (2 cm out of 10 cm) defect replacement of the unilateral ureter. After 7 weeks, the rabbits were sacrificed and the implanted ureter scaffolds were resected for tissue sectioning and the cellular growth was observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining.RESULTS:When the proportion of silk fibroin was increased and the 3-dimensional electrospinning method was used, both the size and diameter of nanofiber holes were increased in the polycaprolactone-silk fibroin scaffold. Scanning electron microscope and fluorescent stain revealed that cultured 3T3 and SV-HUC-1 uroepithelial cells could electively penetrate inside the polycaprolactone-silk fibroin (4 : 6) nanofibrous scaffolds in 3 days. The polycaprolactone-silk fibroin scaffold anastomosis in an ex vivo bath showed cellular growth stably along the scaffold for 2 weeks, and most of the cells grow along with the outboard of the scaffold in layers. In an animal model, different layered cells can be observed to grow along with the outboard of the scaffold with mucosa, submucosa, muscular layer, and the serosa layer order after 7 weeks. Mucosa and muscular layer growth along the scaffold inner wall were seen simultaneously.CONCLUSION:3-dimensional electrospinning synthesized 4 : 6 polycaprolactone-silk fibroin nanofiber scaffolds that are feasible for tissue growth and achieve the purpose of ureteral reconstruction in animal experiments. This new form of 3-dimensional electrospinning constructed polycaprolactone-silk fibroin nanofiber scaffold may be considered as a clinical urinary tract tissue reconstruction alternative in the future.
OBJECTIVE:To describe special algorithm for the semi-autonomous 3-dimensional reconstruction of the pelvicalyceal system based on native computed tomography images of patients with upper urinary tract obstruction.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Fifty patients with renal colic fitting to inclusion criteria were enrolled. All patients underwent computed tomography urography to perform 3-dimensional reconstruction of the pelvicalyceal system on the affected size based on excretory phase representing "gold standard" and on native phase, which was performed via Medical Imaging Interaction Toolkit program updated with the described algorithm. Five urologists estimated their similarities and the potential use of non-contrast models for interventional planning. Contralateral non-distended pelvicalyceal system was reconstructed to evaluate the viability of the proposed technology in such cases. Surface areas of contrast and non-contrast models were compared. Distended pelvicalyceal system of 1 patient was used to reconstruct virtual endoscopic view. Obtained 3-dimensional noncontrast pelvicalyceal system models were analyzed by an engineer for suitability for 3-dimensional printing.RESULTS:The average surface area of contrast and non-contrast models was 3513 and 3371 mm2 , respectively (P=.0818). Non-contrast 3-dimensional reconstruction was possible with all distended pelvicalyceal systems and with 9 non-distended cases. Properties of non-contrast models were estimated as 4.3 out of 5. Obtained models were suitable for their intraluminal reconstruction and potential 3-dimensional printing.CONCLUSION:Described semi-autonomous approach allows for 3-dimensional reconstruction of dilated pelvicalyceal system based on non-contrast computed tomography images.
Despite the introduction of effective oral pharmacotherapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), penile implants are still the standard care for patients who do not respond well to medical therapy. Since the first inflatable penile implant surgery was performed almost 40 years ago, a variety of improvements in the penile prosthesis design, and advancements in material science, surgical technique, and post-operative care have been developed to increase patients' satisfaction, as well as that of their partners. Penile implants have evolved vastly during that same time frame and now represent the cutting-edge technology, durability, and function. Here, advancements are reviewed with a focus upon recent developments in surgical techniques and device technology.
