Expression analysis of MKK6 protein in solid tumors has never been investigated. Here, we report systematic analysis of MKK6 protein in different types of human tumor samples using western blotting and immunofluorescence techniques. We observed significant increase in the expression of MKK6 in Esophageal, Stomach, and Colon cancers as compared to controls. Results were alternately confirmed by Immunofluorescence studies. Upregulation of MKK6 protein is indicative of its role in human cancers and could possibly be used as a novel diagnostic or prognostic marker in these cancers.

We studied the expression of α1-syntrophin (SNTA1) protein in histologically confirmed esophageal, stomach, lung, colon, rectal and breast cancerous tissue samples. Our results suggest a significant decrease in the expression level of SNTA1 protein in both esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) compared with their respective controls while a significant increase in expression of SNTA1 protein compared with the normal tissue was observed in breast carcinoma samples. No significant difference in expression of SNTA1 protein was observed in stomach, lung, colon and rectal cancers. Our results suggest that SNTA1 has a role in carcinogenesis and could possibly be used as a novel diagnostic or prognostic marker in esophageal and breast cancers.

Introduction: Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) represent a wide range of disorders that result from developmental abnormalities of the kidneys, urinary collecting tract, and lower urinary tract. There has been extensive development in approaches to the management of stones in normal kidneys with the advent of retrograde intra-renal surgeries (RIRS)/ureteroscopies, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy/robotics). However, the management of stones in CAKUT is not straightforward and is often challenging for urologists. There are no clear guidelines available to help navigate stone management in such patients. Materials and methods: The aim of this literature review was to focus on stone management in anomalous kidneys. Most common abnormalities were considered. The studies were very heterogeneous with different approaches. The methodology involved evaluating studies looking into individual surgical approaches to the management of stones in these anomalous kidneys as well as looking at different approaches to stone management, in particular renal abnormality. Results: We found RIRS is a feasible approach in most stones with sizes <20 mm and PCNL holds the upper hand in stones more than 20 mm. However, ESWL, laparoscopy, and robotics have their places in managing some of these cases. Conclusion: We concluded that stones in anomalous kidneys can be challenging but can be managed safely. There is no straightforward answer to the right technique but rather the right planning based on the anatomy of the kidney in terms of vascularity and drainage, stone size and density, and expertise available.

To assess efficacy and safety of Thulium laser enucleation of prostate (ThuLEP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is a systemic review based on a comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Google scholar databases from inception to 31 March 2020. All studies in English evaluating ThuLEP as well as those comparing it with Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) and Holmium Laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) were enrolled. The primary outcome was to evaluate operative, postoperative, and functional outcomes (IPSS, QoL, Qmax, PVR) in patients undergoing ThuLEP. Secondary outcome was to compare operative, postoperative, and functional outcomes with TURP and HoLEP in comparative studies. Fourteen studies with a total of 2,562 patients were included in this review. 2,034 underwent ThuLEP, 349 underwent TURP, and remaining 139 had HoLEP. We found that ThuLEP is safe as well as efficacious in all age groups as well as across all prostate sizes and with all four functional outcomes (IPSS, QoL, Qmax, PVR) revealing marked improvement at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Compared to TURP and HoLEP, Thulep is non-inferior in terms of operative and functional outcomes and, in fact, is associated with lesser catheterization duration as well as shorter hospital stay. Further, Thulium fiber laser (TFL) has advantages of being light weight, having high frequency, less fiber degradation, and less energy consumption, making it cost effective for operational and maintenance purpose. ThuLEP is a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective procedure for BPE. Cite this article as: Wani MM, Sriprasad S, Bhat T, Madaan S. Is Thulium laser enucleation of prostate an alternative to Holmium and TURP surgeries - A systematic review? Turk J Urol 2020; 46(6): 419-26.

Radical prostatectomy (RP) is one of the recommended treatments to achieve oncological outcomes in localized prostate cancer. However, a radical prostatectomy is a major abdominopelvic surgery. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a well-known complication associated with surgical procedures, including RP. There is a lack of consensus regarding VTE prophylaxis in urological procedures. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate different aspects of VTE in post-radical prostatectomy patients. A comprehensive literature search was performed, and relevant data were extracted. The primary aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis (wherever possible) of VTE occurrence in post-RP patients in relation to surgical approach, pelvic lymph node dissection, and type of prophylaxis (mechanical or combined prophylaxis). The secondary aim was to investigate the incidence and other risk factors of VTE in post-RP patients. A total of 16 studies were included for quantitative analysis. Statistical methods for analysis included the DerSimonian–Laird random effects. We were able to conclude that the overall incidence of VTE in post-radical prostatectomy is 1% (95% CI) and minimally invasive procedures (MIS), including laparoscopic, as well as robotic procedures for radical prostatectomy and RP without pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND), are associated with less risk of developing VTE. Additional pharmacological prophylaxis to mechanical methods may not be necessary in all cases and should be considered in high-risk patients only.

Objective: Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy, which has been quoted to have a success rate equivalent to open ureterolithotomy for uretric stones, can be performed transperitoneally and retroperitoneally. The aim of the present study is to report our experience with laparoscopic retroperitoneal ureterolithotomy, its results and advantages in the current era of minimally invasive surgery in a developing country. Patients and Methods: It was a prospective study carried from May 2010 to December 2012. 60 patients diagnosed with upper and middle uretric calculi, with sizes more than 1 cm and with value of more than 1500 hu on CT Urography ,underwent laparoscopic retroperitoneal ureterolithotomy. Results: All patients underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy successfully. The mean operative time was 64.53 min. The mean blood loss was 39.83 ml. 3 patients had minor intra-operative complications which were tackled on table. Post-operative complications developed in 3 patients, all minor. There were no major complications. The removal of drain was at (2.7 days). Mean hospital stay was of 3.3 days. Patients reported to their routine activities in 1.78 weeks. During follow-up 3 months later, CT urography revealed normal ureter in all cases. Conclusion: Laparoscopic retroperitoneal ureterolithotomy has low rate of conversion to open surgery and an acceptable overall complication rates. In selected patients with impacted, hard, large ureteral stones, which are likely to cause diffi-culty in endo-urological procedures, laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is a reason-able treatment option.