Arzu Canmemiş

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the publication rates of abstracts presented at the Pediatric Urology Association (PEDURO) congresses and assess factors influencing their conversion into full-text publications. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on abstracts presented at PEDURO congresses between January 2018 and December 2023, excluding 2020 due to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Data were extracted from congress proceedings and categorized by research type, presentation format, and institutional affiliation. Publication status was determined through searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ULAKBIM. Results: Of the 393 abstracts presented, 14.2% (n=56) were published in peer-reviewed journals. Oral presentations had a significantly higher publication rate (17%) than posters (8.6%) (p=0.026). Basic science studies had the highest publication rate (45%), while case reports had the lowest (4%) (pConclusion: The publication rate of PEDURO congress abstracts aligns with national trends, but remains lower than international congresses. Basic science studies and oral presentations were more likely to be published. Encouraging high-quality research and improving methodological rigor may enhance publication rates, ultimately strengthening the scientific impact of the congress.

Objective Methylene blue is a vital dye used for lymphatic mapping in laparoscopic varicocelectomy. However, some clinical studies have reported testicular calcifications following its use, raising concerns about its potential impact on testicular health. We aimed to experimentally investigate the pathological changes associated with the application of different concentrations of methylene blue through both intratesticular and peritesticular routes. Materials and methods This study examined methylene blue-induced testicular damage in 45 male Wistar albino rats. Rats were divided into seven groups and received intratesticular or peritesticular injections: control (G1), saline (G2), needle-only (G3), methylene blue 100% intratesticular (G4), methylene blue 50% intratesticular (G5), methylene blue 100% peritesticular (G6), and methylene blue 50% peritesticular (G7). Testicular tissues were histologically analyzed for structural changes, including edema, inflammation, calcification, hyalinization and spermatogenesis alterations, using hematoxylin–eosin staining and Johnsen scoring. Results Histopathological analysis showed significant testicular changes. Hyalinization was absent in G1–G3 but present in G4 (28.6%), G5 (35.7%), and G6 (35.7%) (p = 0.001). Calcification peaked in G4 (50%) and G5 (42.9%) (p = 0.004). Seminiferous tubule necrosis (ST necrosis) was highest in G4 (28.6%) and G5 (21.4%) (p = 0.027). Tubular atrophy was most severe in G5 (42.9%) (p = 0.011). Inflammation and edema were prominent in G4 (42.9%), G5 (35.7%), and G6 (100%) (p < 0.001). Two-way ANOVA indicated significant differences between testicular sides (p < 0.001). Peritesticular injection caused milder changes. Conclusion Intratesticular methylene blue injection, especially at high concentrations, caused significant testicular damage, including calcification, tubular atrophy, ST necrosis, and hyalinization.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and complications of laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LV) in pediatric and adolescent patients, comparing lymphatic-sparing (LS) and non-lymphatic-sparing (NLS) techniques, with a particular focus on the postoperative effects of methylene blue dye. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted for patients with Grade 3 left-sided varicocele who underwent LV between 2010 and 2023. Patients were grouped according to whether lymphatic-sparing techniques were used. Testicular volumes were measured pre- and postoperatively by ultrasonography. Surgical complications including hydrocele, recurrence, and intratesticular calcification were recorded. Statistical comparisons were made between the two groups. Results: A total of 21 patients with a median age of 15 years were included. LS suvrgery was performed in seven patients (33.3%), and arterial sparing in four (19%). Methylene blue was used to identify lymphatic vessels in the LS group. Postoperative hydrocele was observed in three patients (14.3%) and occurred equally in both groups. However, testicular calcification was detected only in the LS group and was significantly more common compared to the NLS group (p = 0.002). Recurrence rates were not significantly different between groups (p = 0.694). No cases of testicular atrophy were observed. The median follow-up duration was 6 years in the NLS group and 3 years in the LS group (p = 0.026). Conclusions: Lymphatic-sparing laparoscopic varicocelectomy appears effective in preserving testicular volume, but the use of intratesticular methylene blue is associated with a higher incidence of calcification. These findings highlight the need for caution and further long-term evaluation of vital dyes in pediatric varicocelectomy.

Purpose This preliminary study investigated the effectiveness of conventional ultrasound (US) and Doppler US in evaluating rectosigmoid ratio (R/S) and blood flow dynamics in children with functional constipation (FC). Methods A total of 62 children aged 5–18 years were enrolled, including 32 patients with FC and 30 healthy controls. Rectal and sigmoid diameters, R/S ratio, and mesenteric blood flow parameters (PSV, PI, and RI) were assessed using standardized US and Doppler US techniques before and after a three-month treatment regimen including behavioral therapy and osmotic laxatives. Results The R/S ratio significantly improved after treatment in the FC group (p = 0.036), while no significant changes were observed in mesenteric blood flow velocities or resistive indices. Patients with R/S ≥ 1 had significantly lower celiac artery PSV values compared to those with R/S < 1 (p = 0.009). Conclusions While Doppler US did not yield substantial clinical benefits in assessing intestinal blood flow in FC, the non-invasive evaluation of the R/S ratio proved useful in monitoring treatment response. This preliminary study suggests that rectosigmoid measurements may aid in patient management and calls for further research with larger cohorts.

Idiopathic urethritis (IU) is among the causes of macroscopic hematuria in children and primarily affects males aged between 5 and 15 years. Common symptoms include dysuria and hematuria. The etiology remains incompletely understood. Untreated IU may progress to urethral stricture in the long term. Conventional treatments like prolonged antibiotic therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have limited success. Recent studies suggest favorable outcomes with associated dysfunctional elimination syndrome treatment or steroid instillation. This study aims to present a 13-year retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with IU via cystourethroscopy, assess long-term outcomes with or without steroid injection and explore the relationship between IU and voiding dysfunction. Patients who underwent cystoscopy due to unexplained hematuria and/or dysuria between 2010 and 2023 were retrospectively screened. Patients diagnosed with IU were included and those who underwent steroid instillation (Group S) or received no steroid treatment (Group NS) evaluated separately. Available uroflowmetry (UFM) results were assessed. Thirty male patients were diagnosed with IU, with a mean age of 11.1 (2–17) years and mean symptom duration of 9.3 (0.1–36.5) months. Steroid instillation was performed in 21 patients (Group S), yielding a 57% recovery rate. In Group NS, symptoms resolved without treatment in 66% of patients. UFM results showed obstructive patterns in patients with urethral strictures. Cystourethroscopy allows for accurate diagnosis of IU and targeted intervention. In our series, the promising steroid instillation therapy did not significantly alter long-term symptom-free survival compared to observation alone. Further research is warranted to elucidate IU’s pathogenesis and establish standardized treatment approaches.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the additional contribution of the Mitrofanoff channel to health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Method...