ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the importance of preoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) predicting malignancy in patients who undergo partial nephrectomy due to renal mass. Materials and Methods: Seventy nine patients who underwent open partial nephrectomy for renal masses were included in this retrospective study. In preoperative routine blood tests, renal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography were performed for all patients. Preoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio were compared in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (Group1, 65 patients) and benign lesions (Group 2, 14 patients). The predictive ability of NLR was analyzed by ROC curves and Youden Index method was used to identify the cut-off value for NLR. Results: The mean age of patients was 59.8±11.7 years in Group1 and 57.4±12.6 years in Group 2 (p=0.493). The mean tumor size was 3.8±1.2 cm in Group 1 and 3.3±1.0 cm in Group 2 (p=0.07). The median NLR was 2.48 (1.04) in Group 1 and 1.63 (0.96) in Group 2 (p<0.001). The area under a ROC curve was 0.799 (p<0.001). Conclusions: Preoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio may predict renal masses that can not be distinguished radiologically. Our results must be confirmed by large and properly designed prospective, randomized trials.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and sexual function and effective parameters on erectile dysfunction (ED). Materials and Methods: A total of 1300 individuals were included in this study between January 2009 and July 2012. All of individuals were asked to fill in an International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. The presence of metabolic syndrome was determined when any three or more of the five risk factors were present according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP)-III. Obese individuals were divided into six groups according to modified World Health Organization (WHO) definition. Effective parameters on erectile dysfunction were investigated in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Results: Metabolic syndrome was detected in 455 individuals (35%). Mean domain scores of IIEF for all parameters were higher in individuals without metabolic syndrome than individuals with metabolic syndrome (p < 0.05). Mean domain scores of IIEF were lower in individuals with class 3 obesity than individuals with other obese groups (p < 0.05) for erectile dysfunction. There was statistical difference in terms of mean score of IIEF-Erectile function between smoking and nonsmoking groups (p < 0.05). Seventy percent of individuals with metabolic syndrome and 45% of individuals without metabolic syndrome had ED (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that waist circumference (WC) was the most important criteria for ED (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome, smoking and obesity seem to be potential risk factors for ED. We recommend individuals with metabolic syndrome, smoking and obesity should be questioned about ED.

Purpose We aimed to compare the effect and feasibility of a combined therapy with tamsulosin hydrochloride plus meloxicam, and tamsulosin hydrochloride alone in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia symptoms and impact on nocturia and sleep quality. Materials and Methods Four hundred male patients were included in this study between 2008 and 2011. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: one received tamsulosin hydrochloride 0.4 mg (Group 1, 200 patients) and the other tamsulosin hydrochloride 0.4 mg plus meloxicam 15 mg (Group 2, 200 patients) prospectively. Patients were evaluated for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms according to the American Urological Association clinical guidelines and sleep quality according to Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Patients were reevaluated after three months of treatment. The International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS-Quality of Life (IPSS-QoL), maximal urinary flow rates (Qmax), average urinary flow rates (AFR), post void residual urine volumes (PVR), nocturia and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Score (PSQS) were recorded at baseline and after three months. Results Mean age was 63.3 ± 6.6 and 61.4 ± 7.5 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.245). There were no statistically significant differences between both groups. Also, baseline prostate specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, creatinine, International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS-Quality of Life (IPSS-QoL), maximal urinary flow rates (Qmax), average urinary flow rates (AFR), post void residual urine volumes (PVR), nocturia and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Score (PSQS) were similar in both groups. In addition, the total IPSS, IPSS-QoL, PVR, nocturia, and PSQS were significantly lower in Group 2 compared with Group 1 after treatment (p < 0.05). Qmax and AFR were higher significantly in Group 2 compared with Group 1 after treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusions Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors in combination with an alpha blocker may decrease benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms and increase sleep quality without serious side effects.