Introduction: In this study we compare the success rates and complication rates of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), laparoscopic, and ureteroscopic approaches for large (between 1 and 2 cm) proximal ureteral stones. Methods: In total, 151 patients with ureteral stones between 1 and 2 cm in diameter were randomized into 3 groups (52 SWL, 51 laparoscopy and 48 retrograde intrarenal surgery [RIRS]). The groups were compared for stone size, success rates, and complication rates using the modified Clavien grading system. Results: Stone burden of the groups were similar (p = 0.36). The success rates were 96%, 81% and 79%, respectively in the laparoscopy, SWL, and ureteroscopy groups. The success rate in laparoscopy group was significantly higher (p < 0.05). When these groups were compared for complication rates, RIRS seemed to be the group with the lowest complication rates (4.11%) (p < 0.05). SWL and laparoscopy seem to have similar rates of complication (7.06% and 7.86%, respectively, p = 0.12). Interpretation: To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the results of laparoscopy, SWL and RIRS in ureteral stones. Our results showed that in management of patients with upper ureteral stones between 1 and 2 cm, laparoscopy is the most successful method based on its stone-free rates and acceptable complication rates. However, the limitations of our study are lack of hospital stay and cost-effectiveness data. Also, studies conducted on larger populations should support our findings. When a less invasive method is the only choice, SWL and flexible ureterorenoscopy methods have similar success rates. RIRS, however, has a lower complication rate than the other approaches. IntroductionUpper ureteral stones, which are hard to treat, are frequently encountered in daily practice. For treatment, the most effective and the safest approach should be chosen. Upper ureteral stones can be managed by various approaches. There is no gold standard treatment for stones between 1 and 2 cm. Even though some researchers recommend extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) as first-line treatment, 1 it has a 40% success rate in larger proximal ureteral calculi.2 With the common use of flexible devices in urology, ureteroscopy has gained popularity in the treatment of upper ureteral stones. For stones larger than 1 cm and fully obstructing the passage in the ureter, open or laparoscopic surgery may be an option with success rates up to 100%.1 In recent years, some authors have published their data on the laparoscopic approach and have recommended its use for its high success and low complication rates. 3This study compares the success and complication rates of SWL and laparoscopic and ureteroscopic approaches for proximal ureteral calculi between 1 and 2 cm. MethodsAfter Institutional Review Board approval, we enrolled 150 patients who had ureteral stones between 1 and 2 cm in the study; they were randomized into 3 groups by an online randomization program (52 for SWL, 51 for laparoscopy, and 48 for retrograde intrarenal surge...

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SummaryBackgroundTo investigate the diagnostic value of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for laryngeal cancers after inadequate CT results.Material/MethodsThe study comprised 45 patients investigated for primary laryngeal cancer or recurrence-residue in which CT was considered inadequate. A mass was found in 20 patients. Dynamic MRI and PET/CT were compared for diagnosis of mass, lymph node involvement, recurrence and residue. The dynamic curves formed in dynamic MRI were investigated for diagnostic contributions.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of the dynamic MRI, for supraglottic, glottic and subglottic location, was 100%, 80%, and 92%; 100%, 85%, and 100%, respectively. In PET/CT the sensitivity and specificity were 100% for all of those localizations. For lymph node involvement, the sensitivity of dynamic MRI and PET/CT was 100%, the specificity was 100% and 93%, respectively. For recurrence-residue, the sensitivity and specificity of dynamic MRI were 86% and 67%, respectively, with 100% sensitivity and specificity in PET/CT. The sensitivity of type A curve for detection of malignancy was 40%, and specificity was 100%. When type A and B curves were included, the sensitivity was 100%.ConclusionsFor patients investigated for laryngeal cancer in which CT is considered inadequate, dynamic MRI or PET/CT is useful.

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In this study, the recovery from ARS was complete after treatment. The small population, short follow-up period, and the relatively small doses resulted in no long-term adverse effects, as would be predicted.

IntroductionThe use of robotics for benign etiology in gynecology has not proven to be more beneficial when compared to traditional laparoscopy. The major concern regarding robotic hysterectomy stems from its high cost.AimTo evaluate the clinical utility and effectiveness of one-arm reduced robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy as a cost-effective surgical option for total robotic hysterectomy.Material and methodsA sample population of 54 women who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecologic indications was evaluated, and two groups were identified: (1) the two-armed robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery group (n = 38 patients), and (2) the three-armed robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery group (n = 16 patients).ResultsAn increased cost was observed when three-armed robotic surgery was employed for benign gynecologic surgery (p < 0.001). The cost reduction observed in the study group was primarily derived from one robotic arm reduction and vaginal closure of the cuff. This cost reduction was achieved without an increase in complication rates or undesirable postoperative outcomes. An estimated profit between $399.5 and $421.5 was made for each patient depending on the suture material chosen for cuff closure. Two-armed surgery resulted in an 18.6% reduction in procedure-specific costs for robotic hysterectomy.ConclusionsTwo-armed robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy appears to be a cost-effective solution for robotic gynecologic surgery. This surgical solution can be performed as effectively as classical three-armed robotic hysterectomies for benign indications without the risk of increased surgical-related morbidities. This approach has the potential to be a widely preferred surgical approach in medical communities where cost reduction is one of the primary determinants of surgery type.

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The incidences of extracranial and intracranial complications of acute otitis media (AOM) in children have markedly decreased in the postantibiotic era. Zygomatic abscesses are the rarest type of abscesses originating from mastoiditis. This paper presents a case with a zygomatic abscess as a complication of acute coalescent mastoiditis in a 7-year-old girl who underwent cortical mastoidectomy and myringotomy-ventilation tube insertion.