[Carboxycryobiopsy and carboxycryoextraction of bladder tumor. Experimental study]

AIM

To evaluate the possibility of performing transurethral carboxycryobiopsy (CCB) and carboxycryoextraction (CCE) of a bladder tumor for pathomorphological examination, as well as to perform a comparative analysis of the safety (quality) of biopsy material (tumor tissue) during standard transurethral biopsy and carboxycryobiopsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the first experiment in vitro, CCE of bladder tumor fragments obtained after transurethral resection was performed. In the second pilot study, cystoscopy followed by CCB and CCE in a patient with multiple bladder tumors was done. The procedure was performed by transurethral access. During cryopreservation of the bladder tumor, a biopsy was performed. After freezing, the tumor was removed from the bladder and sent for histological examination.

RESULTS

The first experiment showed that cryoextraction of the fragments of a bladder tumor using carbon dioxide (CCE) in vitro is a feasible procedure and allows the evacuation of tumor tissues of various sizes. According to the second experiment, CCB and CCE of the bladder tumor using carbon dioxide allows to obtain a biopsy of a bladder tumor of sufficient size without compression or coagulation artifacts, which contributes to a more accurate histological evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Our experiments showed that CCB and CCE of a bladder tumor using carbon dioxide are feasible procedures that contribute to obtaining better biopsy material for pathomorphological examination, and also allows to evaluate the effect of low temperatures of carbon dioxide on the biopsy material (tumor tissue).

[Puncture access with a new atraumatic needle MG for mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy]

INTRODUCTION

An important aspect of the prevention of complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is to reduce the likelihood of injury to the adjacent structures and perirenal tissues.

AIM

To determine the efficiency and safety of renal puncture during mini-PCNL with a new atraumatic needle MG.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 67 patients who underwent mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy at the Institute of Urology and Human Reproductive Health of Sechenov University were included in the prospective study. For the purpose of homogeneity of the groups, those with staghorn nephrolithiasis, nephrostomy, a history of prior kidney surgery (including PCNL), renal and collecting system anomalies, acute pyelonephritis, and blood clotting disorders were not included. The main group consisted of 34 (50.7%) patients who underwent atraumatic kidney puncture with a new needle MG (MIT, Russia), while in the control group there were 33 (49.3%) patients, who underwent standard puncture with Chiba or Troakar needles (Coloplast A/S, Denmark). The outer diameter of all needles was 18 G.

RESULTS

In patients with a standard access, a hemoglobin decrease in the early postoperative period was more pronounced (p=0.024). The incidence of complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification did not differ significantly (p=0.351), however, a JJ stent was placed in two patients from the control group due to impaired urine flow and the development of urinoma.

CONCLUSION

Together with a similar stone-free rate, atraumatic needle allows to reduce a hemoglobin drop, as well as less development of severe complications.

[Retrograde intrarenal surgery using a 1.94 m superpulsed thulium fiber laser]

INTRODUCTION

surgical treatment of urinary stone disease plays an important role in urological practice. Stone fragmentation can be performed using various lithotripters, from which Holmium fiber laser (Ho: YAG) has currently taken the main place. According to the current literature, a superpulsed thulium fiber laser with a wavelength of 1.94 m and a maximum power output of 40 W showed in vitro higher efficiency compared to Ho: YAG, while having the same safety profile. The use of a thulium fiber laser with a pulse energy of 0.025-6 J and a high repetition rate (up to 1600 Hz) allows to most effectively perform stone dusting during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS).

AIM

to improve the performance of RIRS using the 1.94m superpulsed thulium fiber laser.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

a total of 152 patients with renal stones who were treated during the period from February 2018 to July 2019 were included in the study. The analysis of the laser settings, their effect on retropulsion and visibility when performing RIRS using a superpulsed thulium fiber laser with a wavelength of 1.94 m and a maximum power output of 40 W, a peak power of 500 W, as well as an assessment of the stone-free rate the first postoperative day and 3 months after the procedure was done.

RESULTS

The most frequently used settings were as following: 0.5 J, 30 Hz, 15 W (No. 1), 0.15 J, 200 Hz, 30 W (No. 2), 0.8 J, 31.25 Hz, 25 W (No. 3), 0.8 J, 37.5 Hz, 30 W (No. 4). The statistical analysis of the influence of the settings on the quality of endoscopic imaging and retropulsion was carried out. In addition, the features of each settings were analyzed. The stone-free rate on the first postoperative day was evaluated using low-dose CT.

CONCLUSION

A superpulsed thulium fiber laser with a wavelength of 1.94 m and a maximum power of 500 W has shown high efficiency in clinical practice when performing RIRS, since it allows to have good endoscopic imaging, minimal retropulsion, and to perform stone dusting, which had a positive effect on the stone-free rate. Optimization of the settings of thulium fiber lithotripsy may improve the results of surgical treatment of urinary stone disease.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF LASER EN BLOC RESECTION OF THE BLADDER TUMOR FOR NON-MUSCLE-INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER

Abstract: In recent decades bladder cancer has become one of the most topical problems of modern healthcare due to its widespread distribution. This makes it necessary to investigate new effective methods of surgical treatment.Objective: Assessment of the effectiveness of en bloc resection of the bladder with tumor by analyzing scientific publications on this matter.Materials and methods: We have analyzed current articles related to this topic on the databases Pubmed and Google Scholar. The search was performed using the keywords «Bladder Tumor», «En bloc resection of the bladder wall», «non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer».Results: Most studies confirm the advantages of laser en bloc resection over other methods in terms of such parameters as the frequency of recurrence, macrohematuria, and the quality of morphological material.Conclusions: Laser en bloc resection of a bladder tumor without invasion of the muscle layer is a safe and effective operation that has a number of advantages over classical transurethral resection, namely: no obturator syndrome, high-quality material for pathomorphological research, low recurrence rate.

[Simultaneous laparoscopic procedures in patients with synchronous multiple primary gastric and kidney cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate an effectiveness of simultaneous laparoscopic procedures in patients with synchronous multiple primary cancer (SMPC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We observed 3 patients (2 men and 1 woman) aged 61-78 years with synchronous multiple primary gastric and kidney cancer. Gastric tumors were localized in the lower third of the body (1) and the antrum (2), histological structure corresponded to adenocarcinoma G1 (1) and G2 (2). Kidney tumors were verified as light cell carcinoma and localized in the upper segment of the left kidney in 2 patient and right kidney in one patient. Mean dimension of tumor scheduled for resection was 4.65 cm, nephrectomy - 10.3 cm. Complexity of resection according to the RENAL scale was equal to 8 and 10.

RESULTS

Three patients underwent laparoscopic Billroth-I distal gastrectomy, 2 - kidney resection and one patient - nephrectomy. Mean surgery time was 265±37 min, blood loss - 175±29 ml. There were no conversion and redo interventions within 30 days after surgery. Mean hospital-stay was 11±2 days.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive technologies in patients with SMPC reduces blood loss, ICU- and hospital-stay. Earlier rehabilitation ensures the next stage of treatment in early postoperative period, while quality of life is better in comparison with traditional interventions.

[Laser in laparoscopic urology]

Nowadays, various laparoscopic instruments for tissue dissection and vessel coagulation are available. However, there are ongoing studies dedicated to "ideal" type of energy suitable for this aim. Laser radiation has been used for many years in medical practice and it is established as reliable and effective method in surgical armamentarium. The ability to provide highly precision and well-controlled action on the tissues, improved hemostasis, easy adaptability to fiber-optic and minimally invasive delivery systems, as well as the possibility of facilitating complex dissection made lasers an important tool for surgeons. The mechanism and methods of laser energy using in urology have been studied since 1980s, but there is still no consensus on the optimal type of laser and its settings during urological surgeries, which determines the importance of further researches dedicated to this promising form of energy.

[Experimental verification of thulium lithotripsy]

AIM

Experimental evaluation of the efficacy and safety of lithotripsy using a new pulsed thulium fiber laser operating at a wavelength of 1.94 microns, peak power of 500 watts (maximum average power of 50 watts) by comparing it with a holmium laser operating at a wavelength of 2.1 microns (average maximum power 100 W and 120 W).

RELEVANCE

The proportion of minimally invasive surgery in the management of urolithiasis, including retrograde intrarenal surgery, is steadily growing. The most appropriate tool for stone destruction is a laser. To date, the gold standard of minimally invasive surgical treatment of nephrolithiasis is holmium laser lithotripsy, which uses a laser on yttrium-aluminum-garnet activated by holmium ions (Ho: YAG) operating at a wavelength of 2.1 m. However, in recent years, lasers on a Tm-activated fiber with a wavelength of 1.94 m have become increasingly popular since the water absorption coefficient for the Tm radiation of a fiber laser is 5.5 times higher than for a Ho: YAG laser and in 2.2 times higher than for the Tm: YAG laser. This difference may translate into greater effectiveness and speed of stone crushing, which in turn leads to shorter operating time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This article describes physical foundations of holmium and thulium laser radiation, the mechanisms of stone fragmentation, data from a series of experiments comparing the efficiency and safety of ex-vivo lithotripsy using a holmium solid-state laser with a wavelength of 2.1 m and a thulium fiber laser with a wavelength of 1.94 m.

RESULTS

The study findings suggest that the STA IRE-Polyus thulium fiber laser operating at a wavelength of 1.94 microns and a maximum power of 500 watts has several advantages over the holmium laser in the stone fragmentation in urological practice.

CONCLUSION

The results of the experimental work allow us to conclude that the use of a thulium fiber laser operating at a wavelength of 1.94 m and a maximum peak power of 500 W enables highly effective and safe lithotripsy.

[En bloc holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HOLEP EN BLOC): our experience]

INTRODUCTION

Some authors consider HoLEP a new gold standard for the surgical management of prostatic hyperplasia. The increasing utilization of holmium enucleation has led to the development of various modifications of this treatment modality, including the so-called enucleation as a single piece (HoLEP en bloc), which reduces the operative time and, according to some authors, facilitates acquiring new surgical technique by surgical trainees.

AIM

To compare the effectiveness and safety of the traditional HoLEP and HoLEP en bloc.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised 227 BPH patients aged from 53 to 86 years old (mean - 61.38+/-5.09 years). HoLEP en bloc was performed in 114 patients, of whom 39 patients had prostate volume (Vpr) less than 80 cm3, and in 75 patients it was more than 80 cm3. The standard HoLEP was performed in 113 patients, of whom 41 patients had Vpr less than 80 cm3, and in 72 patients it was more than 80 cm3.

RESULTS

Enucleation time: HoLEP - 48+/-12 min, HoLEP en-bloc - 35+/-10; morcellation time: HoLEP - 20+/-3 min, HoLEP en-bloc - 16+/-12; duration of urinary bladder drainage by a urethral catheter: HoLEP - 58+/-3 h, HoLEP en-bloc - 41+/-2; length of hospital stay: HoLEP - 5.93+/-0.39 days, HoLEP en-bloc - 4.45+/-0.35; bladder tamponade, urethrocystoscopy and coagulation of bleeding vessels: HoLEP-3, HoLEP en-bloc-1; infectious-inflammatory complications (prostatitis): HoLEP-3, HoLEP en-bloc-2; acute urinary retention, stress urinary incontinence: HoLEP-6, HoLEP en-bloc-2; stress urinary incontinence: HoLEP - 5, HoLEP en-bloc - 2.

CONCLUSION

En bloc holmium enucleation of the prostate results in the reduction of enucleation and total operative time compared with traditional HoLEP due to the fast identification of the surgical capsule and the right layer. Using this technique can improve the effectiveness of learning holmium laser enucleation of the prostate by surgical trainees.

[En-bloc laser resection of the urinary bladder tumor]

Currently, transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TUR) is the gold standart treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Standard TUR for a bladder wall tumor has a high recurrence rate, which is caused mainly by malignant cell implantation during the surgery. Besides, specimens obtained with conventional TUR are insufficient for accurate pathological staging. The non-conformity of the standard TUR with the established oncological principle of dissecting through normal tissue prompted a search for the optimal surgical modality. En-bloc resection of the bladder wall tumor has been proposed as an alternative method for surgical management of NMIBC. This technique involves the resection of bladder tumor through the underlying muscle layer as a single piece thus providing high quality material for subsequent morphological study and reducing the risk of metastasizing by implantation of malignant cells. This paper presents an analysis of relevant research literature published in the last twenty years, describes all currently existing techniques of the bladder tumor resection using a variety of energy sources, including laser.

[Complications of the holmium laser enucleation of prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia]

INTRODUCTION

With growing experience in the HoLEP, it can replace TURP as the "gold standard" for the surgical management of BPH, and therefore this technique is the most studied surgical modality. Despite the proven effectiveness of HoLEP in the treatment of patients with BPH, its widespread use has been associated with both intra- and postoperative complications.

AIM

To improve the results of surgical management of patients with BPH.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study comprised 310 patients who underwent HoLEP for BPH. HoLEP was performed using the Gillings technique.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

presence of LUTS (Qmax<15 ml/s, Qav<10 ml/s, presence of residual urine, I-PSS score> 5, QoL score> 2), absence of an active inflammatory process of the urogenital organs.

RESULTS

Intraoperative complications included severe hemorrhage in 16 (5.2%), the bladder wall injury in 17 (5.5%) and the ureteral orifice injury in 2 (0.6%) patients. 275 (88.7%) had no intraoperative complications. Early postoperative complications included fever in 4 (1.3%), the bladder tamponade that required cystoscopy and evacuation of blood clots in 7 (2.3%) and acute urinary retention in 36 (11.8%) patients. 263 (84.6%) patients had no postoperative complications. Long-term postoperative complications comprised urinary incontinence in 39 (12.6%) patients and urethral strictures requiring surgical treatment in 9 (2.9%) patients. There were no long-term complications in 262 (84.5%) patients.

CONCLUSION

HoLEP is an effective and safe surgical modality for treating patients with BPH with minimal complications, suitable for any size of the prostate.

[Laser enucleation of the prostate (HOLEP and THULEP): a comparative effectiveness analysis in treating recurrent prostatic hyperplasia]

INTRODUCTION

The estimated recurrence rate of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) after transurethral resection of the prostate is about 5 to 15%. Laser enucleation of the prostate results in a much lower recurrence rate (not exceeding 1-1.5%). At the same time, laser enucleation of the prostate is still not widely used for recurrent prostatic hyperplasia since it believed to be technically difficult in cases.

AIM

To describe the distinctive features of thulium and holmium laser enucleations of the prostate in the management of recurrent BPH and show that the technical difficulties are not an obstacle to the wide application of this technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study comprising 676 patients aged 54 to 87 years with clinically pronounced infravesical obstruction due to prostatic hyperplasia (IPSS>20, Qmax<10). All patients were divided into four groups. Groups 1 (n=489) and 3 (n=153) underwent holmium (HoLEP) and thulium (ThuLEP) laser enucleations of the prostate, respectively. Groups 2 (n=23) and 4 (n=11) included patients with BPH recurrence after HoLEP (group 2) and ThuLEP (group 4). All patients underwent diagnostic evaluation at baseline and at 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean ThuLEP operating time was shorter than that of HoLEP (p=0.02). The mean duration of repeat and primary ThuLEP and HoLEP did not differ statistically significantly (p>0.05). There was no difference in the length of hospitalization and catheterization between the four groups (p>0.05). At six months after surgery, a statistically significant improvement in I-PSS, Qmax, QoL, and RUV was observed in all groups compared with preoperative values (p>0.05)).

CONCLUSION

We found that the technical difficulties of the re-operation, such as the difficult separation of adenomatous tissue from the prostate capsule, the multinodular nature of the adenoma, increased tissue density are easy to overcome and do not confer a significant complexity. In turn, better completeness of resection, low complication and recurrence rates and the possibility of surgery, even in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities - these features allow us to conclude that laser enucleation of the prostate is not only an effective treatment for infravesical obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, but is also a method of choice in the treatment of patients with recurrent BPH.

[Current laser technologies for the surgical treatment of prostatic hyperplasia]

The first medical application of lasers dates back to the mid-60s of the XX century. Since then, laser systems have undergone significant changes. No longer a science fiction, lasers are used in many medical fields as an indispensable tool in the hands of the modern physician. The article outlines advances in laser techniques (from the idea of laser radiation to the modern laser systems used as effective surgical tools). We also present our experience in using laser surgical techniques in treating patients with prostatic hyperplasia.

[Endoscopic removal of papillary tumors of upper urinary tract]

AIM

To assess the results of organ-sparing endoscopic treatment of patients with tumors of the upper urinary tract (UUT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty four patients underwent percutaneous and ureteropyeloscopic interventions for tumors of the upper urinary tract and were followed up at the Urology Clinic, I.M. Sechenov First MSMU. Retrograde removal of benign tumors of the renal pelvis and ureter (tumors sized from 5 to 35 mm), percutaneous removal of papillary carcinoma of renal pelvis of a solitary kidney, percutaneous removal of papillary carcinoma of renal pelvis of only one functioning kidney and percutaneous removal of papillary carcinoma of the lower calyx of the L-shaped kidney were performed in 21, 1, 1 and 1 patients, respectively. The patients had stage T1 papillary cancer of the upper urinary tract. There were 7 (29.2%) men and 17 (70.8%) women with mean age 64+/-5 years. Electroresection/vaporization was carried out in 18 patients, and 6 patients were treated using Holmium laser.

RESULTS

None of the endoscopic procedures required conversion to open surgery or a more extended surgical operation. There were no recurrences or impaired UUT urinary flow in patients with benign UUT tumors at different points of follow-up. In 3 cases of malignant UUT tumors no recurrences occurred during 12-20 months follow-up.

CONCLUSION

and discussion. Nephroureterectomy with resection of the urinary bladder is the standard radical treatment of patients with tumors of the UUT. Technological advances in endoscopic and percutaneous surgery for UUT have allowed for organ-sparing procedures in patients with neoplasms of pelvicalyceal system and ureter. The absolute indications for such organ-sparing operations now include solitary kidney or only one functioning kidney and chronic renal failure. Endoscopic resection of the tumor and renal pelvic wall within healthy tissue, including by holmium laser, with tumor stage not exceeding T1 and followed by trans-fistula chemotherapy can be regarded as an effective treatment for patients with tumors of pelvicalyceal system.

[Using laser radiation in partial nephrectomy for renal tumors]

In recent years, the number of organ-sparing operations for renal tumors has been increasing steadily due to comparable oncological outcomes and the desire to preserve functioning renal parenchyma. Another technique, which is becoming increasingly popular, is so-called zero ischemia partial nephrectomy, which allows bleeding to be controlled during the operation without clamping the renal artery, thus avoiding renal ischemic injury. One of the most interesting and promising instruments for partial nephrectomy is a laser radiation. It combines good cutting and coagulating properties, thus enabling partial nephrectomy to be carried out without vascular clamping. This literature review presents the physical basis of laser technology and evidence from published clinical studies on using of various types of laser radiation for partial nephrectomy. The prospects for further development of the technique are discussed.

[Choosing treatment for patients with bladder cancer combined with prostatic hyperplasia]

AIM

To define treatment selection criteria for patients with bladder cancer combined with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2006 and 2015, 1148 patients were treated for bladder cancer and 3368 patients for BPH. Among them, 258 (22.5%) patients had both bladder cancer and BPH. 113 (11.6%) patients had indications for surgical treatment of both diseases. In this group, 18 (13.5%) patients also had bladder stones. Only 2 (1.6%) patients had tumor invading the muscle wall, while the remaining patients had non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

RESULTS

In 18% of patients the surgery was done in two stages, the first for bladder cancer and the second for BPH. The remaining 82% of patients underwent simultaneous surgery. Bladder cancer recurred in 34.4% of patients.

DISCUSSION

Comparative evaluation of the results of transurethral resection of the bladder and prostate showed a greater number of intraoperative complications in patients who underwent staged surgery. In our opinion, it may be attributed to the lack of adequate visualization and access to the tumor, located near the opening of the ureter, to the intravesical prostate growth or large median lobe of the prostate. Bladder tumors greater than 3 cm, the multiple lesions and the low tumor differentiation were associated with a higher risk of bladder cancer recurrence, but recurrence rates of simultaneous and staged surgeries were not significantly different. The treatment of patients with bladder cancer in combination with BPH and bladder stones depended on the prostate volume, the number and size of stones. To reduce the risk of complications, in cases with assumed operating time more than 2 hours, it is advisable to split the treatment into two stages with BPH surgery on the second stage.

[The potential of endovideosurgical technologies for simultaneous ipsilateral presentation of a kidney tumor and kidney stone]

AIM

To determine the treatment strategy in patients with kidney tumors co-occurring with ipsilateral kidney stones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During the period from 2006 to 2015, a combination of kidney tumor and urolithiasis was detected in 159 (11.5%) patients. Of these, 61 patients had indications for surgical treatment for both diseases at the time of hospitalization. The article analyzes the surgical treatment results of 14 patients with ipsilateral combination of kidney stone and kidney tumors and shows the potential of endovideosurgical technologies in managing this category of patients.

RESULTS

The surgical treatment for stones was initially conducted in 3 (21.4%) patients, 4 (28.6%) patients underwent the kidney tumor surgery at the first stage, and the remaining 7 (50.0%) patients underwent one-stage surgery for both diseases. Despite the co-occurrence of two pathologies in one kidney, only 2 patients (14.3%) underwent an organ-removing operation.

DISCUSSION

Combined minimally invasive organ-sparing surgery for unilateral combination of the kidney stone and kidney tumor is the most preferable treatment option, allowing the patient to get rid of both the tumor and the kidney stone within one anesthesia session. One-stage laparoscopic kidney resection with pyelolithotomy or calycolithoextraction allows preventing possible complications associated with the postoperative stone migration and eliminates the need for repeat surgery.

[Focal laser thermocoagulation for localized prostate cancer]

Focal therapy involving destruction of prostate specific region containing a clinically meaningful tumor is a new treatment for prostate cancer. Despite the absence of long-term results of applying this method of treatment, there are prerequisites that allow to consider focal therapy as a method with a lower risk of side effects typical of conventional treatment. Focal laser thermocoagulation is a developing technique with a number of advantages, the most important of which is the ability to perform the treatment under the real-time magnetic resonance imaging control. This review describes the principles of laser thermocoagulation, and presents the data of already published clinical studies, as well as the eligibility criteria for focal laser thermocoagulation of prostate cancer. The prospects of development of the method are discussed.

[Laser lithotripsy]

The article describes the diverse methods of stone destruction in urolithiasis patients, including laser lithotripsy as the least traumatic and most efficient method of demolition of all types of urinary stones. Different types of lasers for intracorporeal lithotripsy have different mechanisms of stone fragmentation depending on the type of laser and its radiation parameters. The latest researches showed that new and promising laser modalities for lithotripsy are devices based on thulium (Tm) doped fiber laser, which can not only increase by several times the speed of the of stone fragmentation, but also minimizes the risks of surgical complications, due to the peculiarities of interaction between radiation and biological tissues.