Objectives: To compare clinical results of plasmakinetic (PK) resection vs. standard monopolar resection of the prostate, i.e. transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Materials and Methods: 48 patients were included in this study between January 2003 and October 2003. They were randomized into two groups (TURP:PK) with a ratio of 1:1. PK resections (n = 24) were carried out by using PlasmaKinetic Tissue Management System (Gyrus Medical Ltd, Cardiff, UK) and PlasmaSect electrodes. TURPs (n = 24) were done by using a 26-Fr continuous-flow resectoscope and Karl Storz 27040 electrodes. Patients were assessed for safety and efficacy by measuring the IPSS and maximum flow rates at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and residual urine measurement at 3, 6 and 12 months and transrectal ultrasonography at 6 months. Results: The patients’ ages ranged from 50 to 82 (mean 64 ± 10) years. Groups were similar for operation time, bleeding score, resected tissue, catheterization time and irrigated volume. Mean serum Na levels at the end of the operation were 141.7 ± 5.1 in the TURP group and 145.2 ± 4.4 in the PK group (p = 0.013). The IPSS, QOL score and Q_max had improved significantly in the postoperative period without any differences in either group. Conclusions: The main advantage of PK resection seems to be decreasing the risk of TUR syndrome, thus, larger prostates could be treated without a time limitation, theoretically. However, this technique brings no advantages in terms of intra- and postoperative bleeding, hospital stay, operation time and late complications.

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To investigate the effects of sildenafil, a popular new drug in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, on ocular blood flow. Methods: This study was designed as a prospective, double-blind, placebocontrolled study. Twenty participants with erectile dysfunction were given a single oral dose of 100 mg sildenafil, while 10 participants with erectile dysfunction were given placebo. All the participants underwent routine systemic and ophthalmological examinations. Intraocular pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and ocular blood flow (ophthalmic, central retinal, short posterior ciliary arteries) were measured in both eyes before and 1 hour after the dose of sildenafil or placebo. Ocular blood flow measurements were performed using colour Doppler ultrasonography. Results: None of the parameters were significantly different between the groups before study drug intake. Although central retinal artery velocities were not changed, ophthalmic artery and short posterior ciliary artery peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and mean velocity values were significantly increased 1 hour after drug intake in the sildenafil group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Sildenafil causes a significant increase in blood flow in these arteries. A possible role of inhibition of phosphodiesterase-5 in vascular smooth muscles by sildenafil is implicated. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of sildenafil on ocular blood flow in patients with senile macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

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ICIQ-SF scoring is a practical and reliable method for baseline and post-treatment evaluation of patients with urge incontinence. Significant correlation exists between ICIQ-SF score and urodynamic parameters.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of treatment of curvature in Peyronie's disease with a relaxation incision and fascia lata grafting. Between 2000 and 2002, this technique was used for 12 patients with a 1-year history of plaque and curvature of more than 35 degrees. Penile degloving was performed with a circumferential incision. The tunica defect was closed with fascia lata grafting after a relaxation incision. For all patients, penile curvature was corrected and normal erections were achieved. No complication was observed in 9 to 24 months (mean, 10 months) of follow-up monitoring. The initial results suggested that tunica albuginea incision and fascia lata grafting could represent an alternative for the treatment of curvature in Peyronie's disease. Further studies are warranted.