Merkourios Kolvatzis

Mr. Merkourios Kolvatzis


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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24 December 2022 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ASAlba Sierra
Alba Sierra
MCMariela Corrales
Mariela Corrales
MKMerkourios Kolvatzis
Merkourios Kolvatzis
SDSteeve Doizi
Steeve Doizi
Olivier TraxerOlivier Traxer
Olivier Traxer
(1) Introduction: To evaluate the feasibility of measuring the intrapelvic pressure (IPP) during flexible ureterorenoscopy (f-URS) with a PressureWire and to optimize safety by assessing IPP during surgery. (2) Methods: Patients undergoing f-URS for different treatments were recruited. A PressureWire (0.014”, St. Jude Medical, Little Canada, MN, USA) was placed into the renal cavities to measure IPP. Gravity irrigation at 40 cmH2O over the patient and a hand-assisted irrigation system were used. Pressures were monitored in real time and recorded for analysis. Fluid balance and postoperative urinary tract infection (UTI) were documented. (3) Results: Twenty patients undergoing f-URS were included with successful IPP monitoring. The median baseline IPP was 13.6 (6.8–47.6) cmH2O. After the placement of the UAS, the median IPP was 17 (8–44.6) cmH2O. With irrigation pressure set at 40 cmH2O without forced irrigation, the median IPP was 34 (19–81.6) cmH2O. Median IPP during laser lithotripsy, with and without the use of on-demand forced irrigation, was 61.2 (27.2–149.5) cmH2O. The maximum pressure peaks recorded during forced irrigation ranged from 54.4 to 236.6 cmH2O. After the surgery, 3 patients (15%) presented UTI; 2 of them had a positive preoperative urine culture, previously treated, and a positive fluid balance observed after the surgery. (4) Conclusion: Based on our experience, continuous monitoring of IPP with a wire is easy to reproduce, effective, and safe. In addition, it allows us to identify and avoid high IPPs, which may affect surgery-related complications.

7 August 2022 in World Journal of Urology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
ASAlba Sierra
Alba Sierra
MCMariela Corrales
Mariela Corrales
APAdrià Piñero
Adrià Piñero
MKMerkourios Kolvatzis
Merkourios Kolvatzis
BSBhaskar K Somani
Bhaskar K Somani
Olivier TraxerOlivier Traxer
Olivier Traxer

21 July 2022 in World Journal of Urology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
ASAlba Sierra
Alba Sierra
MCMariela Corrales
Mariela Corrales
MKMerkourios Kolvatzis
Merkourios Kolvatzis
Olivier TraxerOlivier Traxer
Olivier Traxer

2 May 2025 in World Journal of Urology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
MKMerkourios Kolvatzis
Merkourios Kolvatzis
MCMariela Corrales
Mariela Corrales
SMStefano Moretto
Stefano Moretto
AQAlberto Quarà
Alberto Quarà
Olivier TraxerOlivier Traxer
Olivier Traxer

11 February 2026 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MKMerkourios Kolvatzis
Merkourios Kolvatzis
AAApostolos Apostolidis
Apostolos Apostolidis
Fotios DimitriadisFotios Dimitriadis
Fotios Dimitriadis
Evangelos N. SymeonidisEvangelos N. Symeonidis
Evangelos N. Symeonidis
MSMichael Samarinas
Michael Samarinas
KMKyriakos Moysidis
Kyriakos Moysidis
Background/Objectives: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in men with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but longitudinal data across the CKD spectrum, particularly those directly comparing non-dialysis CKD with haemodialysis, are limited. We aimed to characterise longitudinal patterns in erectile and broader sexual function over three years, focusing on persistent between-group stratification and change over time in men with CKD versus community controls, and to identify clinical predictors of poorer outcomes. Methods: We conducted a three-year prospective cohort study in three groups of adult men: a group on haemodialysis, a group with non-dialysis CKD stages 3A/3B, and age-matched community controls without known kidney disease. The primary endpoint was the erectile function (EF) domain score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15), assessed annually; the IIEF-15 total score and remaining domains were the secondary outcomes. Participants’ health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), age, and diabetes status were recorded. Linear mixed effects models with participant-level random intercepts estimated the effects of group, year, and group × year, adjusted for age, EQ-5D-5L, and diabetes. Results: We enrolled 267 men (haemodialysis n = 96; CKD n = 88; and controls n = 83). At every time point, EF and other IIEF-15 domain scores showed a graded pattern with controls being the highest, CKD being intermediate, and haemodialysis the lowest. group × year interactions were not significant, indicating parallel trajectories without differential decline between groups over three years. Having a lower EQ-5D-5L, an older age, and diabetes—particularly type 2—were independent predictors of poorer IIEF-15 scores across domains. Conclusions: Male sexual function in CKD is persistently and gradually impaired along the renal disease spectrum, with patients on haemodialysis faring the worst and with no evidence of divergent longitudinal change. Routine EF screening, systematic attention to patients’ quality of life, and aggressive management of diabetes should be embedded in CKD care pathways, and renal-appropriate erectile dysfunction interventions should be considered earlier and more systematically.