No 2 (2023)

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Introduction. A diagnosis and treatment of recurrent lower urinary tract infection (UTI) in women is still one of the unresolved problems of urology. The proper identification of the etiological factor determines the treatment tactics. Therefore, the most urgent issue of recurrent lower UTI is the differential diagnosis of the causative pathogens.

Materials and methods. A cytological study of urine was performed in 151 patients with recurrent lower UTI, who, according to the results of bacteriological and PCR studies of urine, were divided into three groups, depending on the etiological factor. The group 1 (n=70) included women with recurrent lower UTI of bacterial etiology, while in group 2 (n= 70) papillomavirus etiology was found, and in group 3 (n=11) candida species were the causative pathogens. The age of the patients ranged from 20 to 45 years (32.3±7.8).

Results. In the majority of patients with recurrent lower UTI of bacterial etiology, the cytological features were represented by leukocytes, plasma, epithelial cells and bacteria in combination with actively phagocytic macrophages. In group 3, in addition to a large number of leukocytes (neutrophils) and epithelial cells, Candida mycelium was found. In group 2, signs of bacterial inflammation were minimal, while a predominance of lymphocytes, epithelial cells, and the presence of single neutrophils was seen. With papillomavirus lesions of the bladder, urothelial cell dystrophy with the presence of koilocytes developed.

Conclusions: A cytological examination of urine can confirm the etiology of the recurrent lower UTI and be an evidence-based criterion in the differential diagnosis of bacterial, candidiasis, and papillomavirus infection. Total transformation of the urothelium and vacuolization of urothelial cells, as well as an excess of lymphocytes in the urine in the absence of neutrophils, are the characteristic features of viral recurrent lower UTI.

Introduction. According to the literature, 20-50% of women will experience urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime, and in 10-30% of cases, cystitis will recur. Despite the high prevalence of recurrent UTI, there are lack of studies dedicated to its impact on the quality of life, and the influence of postcoital cystitis on the quality of life and sexual function has not been previously evaluated.

Aim. To assess the quality of life and sexual function in patients with recurrent postcoital cystitis before and after transposition of the urethra.

Material and methods. Women suffering from recurrent postcoital cystitis, who underwent urethral transposition from 2019 to 2021 were included the study. The SF-12v2 questionnaire was used to assess quality of life, while sexual function was evaluated using Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]. Questionnaires were filled out by 70 patients, before and after surgery.

Results. All domains of the quality of life were significantly different in the pre- and postoperative period. More pronounced changes were found in the mental health-related quality of life. In addition, there were significant differences in each domain of FSFI and the overall score postoperatively compared to baseline.

Conclusion. Our study reports a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women with recurrent postcoital cystitis as well as a reduced quality of life. This work shows the social significance of the problem, as well as the high rehabilitation potential of urethral transposition.

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using Androgel in men with endogenous testosterone deficiency and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in routine clinical practice.

Materials and methods. The multicenter, prospective, comparative study «POTOK» included 500 patients aged over 50 years with biochemical signs of testosterone deficiency (morning total testosterone concentration <12.1 nmol/l) and LUTS/BPH (International Prostatic Symptoms Score [IPSS] score of 8–19). The recruitment and monitoring of patients was carried out in 2022 in 40 clinics in Russia. Depending on the therapy, all patients were divided into two groups. The physician's decision to prescribe a specific drug (according to the approved patient information leaflet), as well as the subsequent follow-up scheme and therapy, was made a priori and independently of patient. In the first group (n=250) alpha-blockers and Androgel were prescribed, while in the second group (n=250) patients received monotherapy with alpha-blockers. The follow-up duration was 6 months. The efficiency of the therapy was evaluated after 3 and 6 months according to IPSS, symptoms of androgen deficiency (AMS and IIEF scores), uroflowmetry (peak flow rate, total urination volume), ultrasound study (postvoid residual and prostate volume). Safety was assessed by the total number of adverse events, stratified by severity and frequency. Statistical analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS 26.0.

Results. According to the primary end-point (IPSS score), there were significant differences between groups 1 and 2 after 3 months (11 vs. 12 points, p=0.009) and 6 months of therapy (9 vs. 11 points, p<0.001). There were also significant differences in the severity of symptoms of androgen deficiency after 3 and 6 months of therapy according to AMS score of 35 vs. 38 points (p<0.001) and 28 vs. 36 points (p<0.001), respectively. According to IIEF, all domains (erectile and orgasmic functions, libido, sexual satisfaction with and general satisfaction) were better in group 1 (p<0.001). After 6 months, uroflowmetry values also differed. In group 1 Qmax was 16 ml/s compared to 15.2 ml/s in group 2 (p=0.004); postvoid residual was 10 ml vs. 15.5 ml, respectively (p=0.001). The prostate volume in group 1 after 6 months of treatment was significantly lower (39.5 cc) compared with group 2 (43.3 cc; p=0.002). During the study, 18 mild AEs, 2 moderate AEs, and 1 severe AE were identified without significant differences between the groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion. The results of study «POTOK» showed greater efficacy and comparable safety of alpha-blockers in combination with Androgel compared with monotherapy with alpha-blockers in men with LUTS/BPH and endogenous testosterone deficiency in routine clinical practice. The increase in serum testosterone concentrations to normal values in patients with age-related hypogonadism favorably influence on the severity of LUTS and the potentiate the effect of the standard monotherapy with alpha-blockers.

Aim. To evaluate the dynamics of plasma and urine level of osteopontin in the early postoperative period after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients with pelvic stones.

Materials and methods. A total of 110 patients with pelvic stones up to 20 mm in size without urinary tract obstruction were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the results of intraoperative monitoring of intrarenal pressure. In each of the groups, PCNL or mini-PCNL were performed in same proportions. Intraoperative monitoring of intrarenal pressure was done in all cases according to the authors’ method. Sampling of plasma and urine for enzyme immunoassay was performed on the 0, 7 and 30 days after the procedure. Plasma and urine osteopontin level was measured using a commercial Human Osteopontin ELISA Kit for enzyme immunoassay.

Results. In patients with increased intraoperative intrarenal pressure pyelonephritis developed, accompanied by hyperthermia from 3 to 7 days in 70% of cases, and leukocytosis and leukocyturia in 100% of cases. The number of hemorrhagic complications did not differ in both groups. An increase in serum osteopontin level was seen, which was significantly more pronounced in the group with increased intraoperative intrarenal pressure. Urinary osteopontin level, on the contrary, tends to decrease, more pronouncedly in patients with normal intraoperative intrarenal pressure.

Conclusion. The rate of decrease in urinary osteopontin level indicates the stabilization of injury and the restoration of renal function after PCNL. An increase in serum osteopontin level is associated with the development of postoperative inflammatory complications, which demonstrates the immune functions of serum osteopontin.

Introduction. Vesicouterine fistula (VVF) is a rare disease. In 83-93% of cases it develops due to caesarean section. VVF is characterized by non-physiological communication between the bladder and the uterus. This disorder has a significant social impact, causing incontinence, persistent medical and psychological maladaptation. The gold standard for treating VVF is surgical reconstruction. Early and late results of minimally invasive approaches do not differ from open procedure, but only if the surgical team has sufficient experience.

Aim. To evaluate the efficiency of surgical treatment of VUF using a minimally invasive technique.

Materials and methods: From 2010 to 2021 a total of 15 patients with VVF were treated. The age of the patients varied from 18 to 37 years (mean 26.4 years). The average body mass index was 26.3 kg/m2. The mean maximum fistula diameter was 10.7 mm (from 2 to 25 mm). The predominant cause of VVF was cesarean section (93%; n=14). In one case (7%), radiation-induced VVF was seen. Patients were randomized according to the Jóźwik and Jóźwik classification based on clinical manifestations. A type I of VVF was diagnosed in 4 patients (27%), type II in 9 patients (60%), type III in one woman. Recurrent urinary tract infection was observed in 53% (n=8) of cases. Four women were complaint of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (27%). The pain score on VAS did not exceed 6 points. All patients were undergone to minimally invasive procedures, including robot-assisted approach (n=5; 33%) and laparoscopic access (n=10; 67%).

Results. During the follow-up from 4 weeks to 10 years there was no recurrence of VVF. No indications for hysterectomy were found in any of the cases, however, it was carried out in two women after obtaining the informed consent. The average duration of robot-assisted procedure was 118 min (80–140), compared to 125.5 min (90–160) for laparoscopic access (p>0.05). The average length of stay after robotic procedure was 5.2 days (range 4 to 8 days) and 6.7 days (from 5 to 10 days; p> 0.05), respectively. Intraoperative blood loss did not exceed 130 ml. The mean value for laparoscopy was 97 ml, compared to 82 ml for robot-assisted approach (p>0.05). In both groups, there were no intra- and postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Thus, there was no significant difference in the results of VVF closure between robot-assisted and laparoscopic approaches.

Conclusion. The results of minimally invasive surgical reconstruction of VVF do not differ from open procedure and depend on timely diagnosis, adherence to strict surgical techniques, and surgical experience, regardless of the approach.

Introduction. Oxidative stress considered to be the main cause of male infertility. Surgical treatment of varicocele and elimination of the inflammatory process in the male accessory glands can help reduce the level of oxidative stress, however, in most cases, antioxidant therapy is additionally prescribed. Currently, much attention is paid to regulatory peptides as a component of antioxidant therapy due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

Aim. To evaluate the efficiency of a complex of antimicrobial peptides and cytokines Superlymph^® for the treatment of male infertility associated with oxidative stress.

Materials and methods. A total of 30 patients with elevated levels of reactive oxygen species were recruited in the open, prospective, multicenter study. Ejaculate analysis (WHO-2010), MAR-test, sperm DNA damage testing and reactive oxygen species measurement were performed. All patients received Superlymph^® 25 IU/day for 60 days. Antibiotics and vitamin D were also prescribed if indicated. In addition, 12 patients took dietary supplements with antioxidant action. Laboratory tests were repeated after the completion of treatment.

Results. Superlymph^® therapy led to an improvement in standard semen parameters as well as decrease in sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress. At the end of treatment, a significant increase in the sperm concentration was observed (46.8 [30; 87] vs. 62 [43–89], p=0.002). After treatment, there was also an increase in the median of sperm cells with normal morphology (3 [1; 7] vs. 4.5 [2; 9], p=0.002). The median sperm DNA fragmentation was lower compared to baseline, but this difference did not reach significant level (19 [14; 26] vs. 15 [10.5; 19.5], p=0.06). A significant decrease in the level of oxidative stress both in patients who took Superlymph^® as monotherapy (43 [27; 51] vs. 33 [22; 44], p=0.005), and as part of combination therapy with other antioxidants (31 [22; 54] vs. 21 [12; 36], p=0.009) was also observed.

Conclusion. Superlymph^® contributes to the improvement of standard ejaculate parameters as well as decrease in the level of sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress.

Introduction. Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed malignant tumor in men after lung cancer and is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. In November 2019, the spectrum of alternative treatment for PCa was added by a novel minimally invasive method, namely high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) using the latest Focal One machine (with the possibility of combining intraoperative ultrasound and preoperative MRI data).

Materials and methods. During the period from November 2019 to November 2021, HIFU using Focal One device (manufactured by EDAP, France) was performed in 75 patients with PCa. Total ablation was done in 45 cases, while 30 patients undergone to focal prostate ablation. The average age of the patients was 62.7 (51–80) years, the total PSA level was 9.3 (3.2–15.5) ng/ml and the prostate volume was 32.0 (11–35) cc. The maximum urinary rate was 13.3 (6.3–36) ml/s, IPSS score was 7 (3–25) points, IIEF-5 score was 18 (4–25). Clinical stage cТ1сN0M0 was diagnosed in 60 patients, Т1bN0M0 in 4 patients, Т2N0M0 in 11 patients. In 21 cases, transurethral resection of the prostate was performed within 4–6 weeks prior to total ablation. Before surgery, all patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis with intravenous contrast and PIRADS V2 assessment. MRI data were used intraoperatively for precision planning of the procedure.

Results. In all patients, the procedure was performed under endotracheal anesthesia in accordance with the technical recommendations of the manufacturer. Prior to surgery, a silicone urethral catheter of 16 or 18 Ch was placed. The average duration of the intervention was 101 (56–147) minutes. The postoperative period was uneventful in all cases.Patients received antibiotic therapy via parenteral route for 4 days, followed by oral administration for another 10 days, as well as alpha-blockers (at least 1 month after procedure). After removal of urethral catheter on the 4th day, all patients started to void. In 9 cases there was acute urinary retention in the evening and in 4 patients in the next morning, requiring temporary bladder catheterization. A year after the procedure, 53 patients were fully examined: the average total PSA level in patients who underwent total ablation (n=53) was 0.96±0.11 ng/ml, the IPSS score was 6.9±0,6 points (no difference compared to baseline). Follow-up biopsy revealed PCa in 6 patients; in other cases, prostate fibrosis was determined.

Conclusions. HIFU in patients with localized PCa using image-guided robotic HIFU (Focal One) is promising and feasible. This method has shown good oncological results with a short follow-up period. It is advisable to carry out further prospective analysis.

Introduction. The development and implementation in clinical practice of a 3rd generation thulium fiber laser with the possibility of computer control (modulation) of the shape, amplitude and pulse repetition rate opens up new possibilities for thulium fiber laser lithotripsy.

Aim. To carry out a comparative study of the efficacy and safety of thulium fiber laser lithotripsy using a of the 2nd (FiberLase U3) and 3rd generation devices (FiberLase U-MAX).

Materials and methods. A total of 218 patients with solitary ureteral stones, who underwent to ureteroscopy with lithotripsy using 2nd and 3rd generation thulium fiber lasers (IRE-Polus, Russia) from January 2020 to May 2022 with the same peak power (500 W), laser settings of 1 joule, 10 Hz and with a laser fiber diameter of 365 μm, were included in the prospective study. For lithotripsy using FiberLase U-MAX laser a new original modulated pulse, which was found and optimized in a preclinical study, was used. Depending on the laser, the patients were divided into 2 groups. In 111 patients, stone fragmentation was performed on FiberLase U3 (2nd generation), while 107 patients were undergone to lithotripsy on a new laser device FiberLase U-MAX (3rd generation). Stone size ranged from 6 mm to 28 mm (11±4 mm). The duration of procedure and lithotripsy, the quality of the endoscopic picture during fragmentation (from 0 to 3 points, 0-bad, 3-excellent), the frequency of retrograde migration of stones, as well as damage to ureteral mucosa (of 1-3 degrees) were evaluated.

Results. The time of lithotripsy was significantly lower in the group 2 than in the group 1 (12.3±4.6 vs. 24.7±6.2 min; p<0.05). The average quality of the endoscopic picture was significantly better in the group 2 (2.5±0.4 vs. 1.8±0.2 points; p<0.05). Clinically significant retrograde migration of stone or its fragments (the need for additional ESWL, flexible ureteroscopy) was noted in 16% vs. 8% of patients in group 1 and 2, respectively (p<0.05). Damage to ureteral mucosa of the 1st and 2nd degree due to laser exposure in the group 1 was noted in 24 (22%) and 8 (7%) cases, compared to 21 (20%) and 7 (7%) cases in group 2, respectively. Stone-free state was 84% in group 1 and 92% in group 2.

Conclusion. Modulation of the laser pulse shape allowed to improve endoscopic visibility, increase the speed of lithotripsy, reduce the frequency of retrograde stone migration without increasing the trauma to ureteral mucosa.

Introduction. Lymphangioma (lymphatic malformation) is a congenital malformation of lymphatic vessels. According to the classification of the International Society for the Study of the Vascular Anomalies, there are macrocystic, microcystic and mixed types of lymphatic malformations. The typical location of the lymphangiomas is the area of large lymphatic collectors (head, neck, axillary areas), while the scrotum is not frequently affected.

Aim. To present a rare clinical case of lymphatic malformation of the scrotum with successful minimally invasive treatment (sclerotherapy).

Materials and methods. A clinical observation of a 12-year-old child with a diagnosis of «Lymphatic malformation of the scrotum» is presented. From the age of 4, there was a large lesion in the left half of the scrotum. In other clinic, a surgical removal with a diagnosis of «left-sided inguinal hernia», «spermatic cord hydrocele», «isolated left-sided hydrocele» was performed. However, there was a recurrence after the procedure. When contacting the Clinic of pediatrics and pediatric surgery, scrotal lymphangioma was suspected. The diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent minimally invasive sclerotherapy using the drug «Haemoblock». After 6 months of follow-up, no relapse was seen.

Conclusion. Lymphangioma (lymphatic malformation) of the scrotum is a rare urological pathology that requires specific diagnosis, in-depth differential diagnosis and treatment by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, including a specialist in the treatment of vascular pathology.

Urethral catheterization is a common procedure, but it is associated with a number of complications. Iatrogenic hypospadias can rarely occur. There is a limited literature dedicated to this condition. We report a young patient with COVID-19 with iatrogenic hypospadias of grade 3. He was undergone to a two-stage procedure with acceptable outcome. Surgical repair should be offered and performed for young patients to ensure good function with acceptable penile appearance. A surgical treatment will improve psychological, sexual and social outcomes.

Increasing of treatment efficiency in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity is an important medical and social problem. Its significance is determined not only by the high prevalence of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunctions, but also by the high risk of complications, among which an impaired renal function takes the leading place. Botulinum toxin therapy is considered as a second-line treatment and is carried out in case of insufficient efficacy, unsatisfactory tolerability or the presence of contraindications to anticholinergic therapy. Botulinum toxin therapy has been actively used in our country for more than 12 years. In 2022, abobotulinum toxin A (Dysport^®) was registered in the Russian Federation for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity. An overview of the results of clinical trials of Dysport^®, indicating its high efficacy and favorable safety profile, is presented in the article. The availability of botulinum toxin in the arsenal of a urologist, which has a high efficiency, opens up additional prospects for the treatment of patients with a neurourological profile.

A lecture on the pathogenesis and treatment of cardiorenal syndrome, which is a combination of various variants of renal and heart failure, is presented in the article. Currently, there are five types of this syndrome. All of them are discussed in detail from the view of relevance for urological practice.

In patients of the urological profile, II type, to a lesser extent III and V types of cardiorenal syndrome are most common. Moreover, type II, which is the simultaneous coexistence of chronic heart failure and chronic renal failure due to different (unrelated causal relationships) conditions, can significantly influence on the choice of surgical tactics. This question requires further research.

Type III of cardiorenal syndrome, which is a cardiac complication of a prolonged acute phase of acute renal failure, in most cases can be prevented through drug treatment and timely renal replacement therapy.

Type V cardiorenal syndrome, which represents a combined damage to the heart and kidneys within the same condition, apparently, occurs in urological practice in the most severe patients with metabolic syndrome, which allows to combine uric acid stones and other variants of gouty nephropathy into one nosology, naturally leading to progressive renal failure, ischemic heart disease and chronic heart failure.

In the section on treatment tactics, it is mentioned that there are no standard approaches to the treatment of cardiorenal syndrome in the literature. The restrictions in the choice and dosing regimen of cardiotropic drugs due to renal failure are considered in detail. The importance of timely hemodialysis is especially emphasized.

In conclusion, the authors suggest that the development of cardiorenal syndrome is due to the effect of potentiation with a significantly higher rate of progression of both renal and heart failure compared to isolated forms of both conditions.