Volume should be used instead of diameter for kidney stones between 10 and 20 mm to determine the type of surgery and increase success

Aim of this study is to categorize stones between 10 and 20 mm according to stone diameter or volume and compare mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) outcomes. Files of 515 patients who underwent surgery for kidney stones with sizes 10-20 mm were reviewed. Patients were divided into RIRS or mPNL groups. An attempt was made to find the diameter and volume threshold values above which the success of the operation, complication rates and the number of auxiliary treatments deteriorated. Subgroup analysis was performed below and above the threshold value to reveal the optimal treatment methods. RIRS complications increased with volumes above 1064 mm³, number of auxiliary interventions increased with volumes above 1256 mm³, and success of the operation decreased with volumes above 1416 mm³. A subgroup analysis under and over 1064 mm³ was performed in RIRS group. Complication and auxiliary treatment rates were higher, operative success was lower in patients with a stone volume greater than 1064 mm³. In patients who underwent RIRS, for every 1000 mm³ increase in stone volume success of the operation decreased by 2.1 times, while the probability of auxiliary treatment increased by 2.8 times. In patients with kidney stones between 10 and 20 mm, it is more meaningful to use volume instead of diameter to determine the success rate. When mPNL is used instead of RIRS for volumes greater than 1064 mm³, the success rate will be higher, complication rate will be similar, and the need for auxiliary treatment will be lower.

Effect of histopathologic characteristics on pseudocapsular invasion in the case of partial nephrectomy for renal tumours

OBJECTIVE

It is aimed to define the existence of pseudocapsular structure on renal tumours, illuminate the relation between pseudocapsular invasion and Fuhrman grade histological type that are among histopathologic prognostic risk factors and determine the relation between surgical margin positivity and existence of pseudocapsular invasion. Sequential partial nephrectomy series and relevant pathological preparations were retrospectively reviewed in order to evaluate these issues.

METHODS

The study includes 123 patients diagnosed with T1 renal tumour and treated with partial nephrectomy in between January 2007 and June 2016. Benign angiomyolipoma was excluded due to complete non-existence of pseudocapsule. 99 T1 patients diagnosed with renal cell cancer whose pathological slides can be duly analysed were included in the study. Clinical and pathological details were evaluated for all patients. Existence of pseudocapsule was revealed for all patients. Pseudocapsule invasion was classified by existence of expansive and infiltrative type and non-existence of pseudocapsule invasion. The groups have been assessed by their histopathologic characteristics.

RESULTS

Compared to the group in which pseudocapsular invasion was not detected, clear-cell histological subtype was observed more frequently in a statistically significant way in the group with expansive pseudocapsular invasion and infiltrative pseudocapsular invasion respectively (p = 0.017 and p < 0.001). Pathological tumour sizes were found out to be statistically similar (p = 0.874). There was not a statistically significant difference in terms of Fuhrman grade (p = 0.220). There was not a statistically significant difference in terms of surgical positive margin (p = 0.609).

CONCLUSION

It was indicated in our study that only the histological subtype affected pseudocapsular invasion in group of patients treated with partial nephrectomy but tumour size, tumour stage, tumour location as well as endophytic and exophytic character did not affect invasion. It has also been revealed that surgical margin positivity is not correlated with pseudocapsular invasion.

Is urotherapy alone as effective as a combination of urotherapy and biofeedback in children with dysfunctional voiding?

Objective:

To compare standard urotherapy with a combination of urotherapy and biofeedback sessions and to determine the changes that these therapies promote in children with dysfunctional voiding.

Patients and Methods:

The data of 45 patients who participated in the study from January 2010 to March 2013 were evaluated. All patients underwent urinary system ultrasonography to determine post-void residual urine volumes and urinary system anomalies. All patients were diagnosed using uroflowmetry - electromyography (EMG). The flow pattern, maximum flow rate, and urethral sphincter activity were evaluated in all patients using uroflowmetry - EMG. Each patient underwent standard urotherapy, and the results were recorded. Subsequently, biofeedback sessions were added for all patients, and the changes in the results were recorded and statistically compared.

Results:

A total of forty - five patients were included, of which 34 were female and 11 were male and the average age of the patients was 8.4 ± 2.44 years (range: 5 - 15 years). After the standard urotherapy plus biofeedback sessions, the post-void residual urine volumes, incontinence rates and infection rates of patients were significantly lower than those with the standard urotherapy (p < 0.05). A statistically significant improvement in voiding symptoms was observed after the addition of biofeedback sessions to the standard urotherapy compared with the standard urotherapy alone (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Our study showed that a combination of urotherapy and biofeedback was more effective in decreasing urinary incontinence rates, infection rates and post - void residual urine volumes in children with dysfunctional voiding than standard urotherapy alone, and it also showed that this combination therapy corrected voiding patterns significantly and objectively.

Safety and Efficacy of Pneumatic Lithotripters Versus Holmium Laser on Multiple Ureteral Calculi

BACKGROUND

Different energy sources can be used for ureteroscopic stone fragmentation, such as pneumatic, ultrasonic, laser or electrohydraulic. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of pneumatic lithotripters versus Ho: YAG laser in the treatment of multiple stones in the distal ureter.

METHODS

A retrospective evaluation was done using the data of patients to whom ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URL) was applied for ureter stones in our clinic. From these patients, those with multiple unilateral distal ureter stones were identified, then these patients were separated into 2 groups according to the type of lithotriptor used in stone fragmentation as laser lithotripsy (Group 1) and pneumatic lithotripsy (Group 2).

RESULTS

Statistically, the two groups were similar in respect of the number of stones, stone burden and the number of double J stents applied intra-operatively. The mean operating time was similar in the 2 groups as 53.47 (±17.3) minutes in Group 1 and 50.59 (±15.3) minutes in Group 2. On postoperative day 1 after the URL, the stone free rate (SFR) of Group 1 (78.7%) was found to be significantly high compared to the SFR of Group 2 (63.6%), while at postoperative month 1, the SFR of both groups was found to be similar. Binary logistic regression was applied to determine the effect of related independent variables on the 1st month SFR. In this model, age and stone burden were affecting variables.

CONCLUSION

Compared to the pneumatic lithotripter, the Ho: YAG laser seems to have advantages of a higher SFR in the early postoperative period, eventhough there are statistically similar success rates and complication rates.

Immediate Continence Rates in RALRP: A Comparison of Three Techniques

Background and Objectives:

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) is said to provide excellent long-term continence. In this study, we compared the early incontinence outcomes of our patients, who had undergone no reconstruction, posterior reconstruction only, or total anatomic restoration and posterior reconstruction.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the patients who underwent RALRP for localized prostate cancer by a single surgeon in our clinic from January 1, 2009–February 1, 2016. Continence was defined as no leakage or use of a safety pad for minimal leakage. The main outcome measure was continence at postoperative week 1 and months 1, 6, and 12.

Results:

Between 2009 and 2016, 239 patients underwent RALRP for localized prostate disease. Seventy-four patients underwent a standard approach (group 1), 88 had posterior reconstruction (group 2), and 77 had posterior reconstruction with total anatomic restoration (group 3). After 1 week, 24.3% of the patients in group 1 (18/74), 31.8% in group 2 (28/88), and 45.8% in group 3 (33/72) were continent (P = .02). One month after the surgery, continence rates for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 56.7, 67, and 75%, respectively (0.065). After 6 and 12 months, continence rates for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 72.9 and 87.8%, 81.8 and 89.7%, and 84.7 and 91.6%, respectively (P = .178 and .7484).

Conclusion:

Anatomic restoration improves continence rates in the early period after RALRP. Even though other parameters were higher in the total restoration group, immediate continence (at 1 week) was significantly better.

Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy with Concomitant Pyelolithotomy Using Flexible Cystoscope

PURPOSE

To report and discuss the treatment of ipsilateral upper ureteral and renal stones by laparoscopic ureterolithotomy with concomitant pyelolithotomy using flexible cystoscope.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 19 patients (14 men and 5 women) underwent laparoscopic retroperitoneal ureterolithotomy with concomitant pyelolithotomy using flexible cystoscope through the ureterotomy site. The mean age of the patients was 37.9 (22-61) years. Stones were on the right side in 12, on the left side in 7, and multiple in 6 patients. All ureteral stones were located in the upper ureter. Most renal stones were in the pelvis or in the calices.

RESULTS

All procedures were completed laparoscopically without conversion to open surgery. Mean operation duration was 86.5 (range: 80-93) minutes, thus operation duration was prolonged by a mean of 24.4 minutes in patients with concomitant stone extraction. Fifteen cases were treated using flexible cystoscope and a nitinol basket; in the remaining four cases holmium laser lithotripsy was performed. Complete stone clearance was confirmed by postoperative imaging in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy with concomitant pyelolithotomy is a feasible and effective technique for patients with large ureteral stone and low renal stone burden.&nbsp.

Management of renal cysts

Background and Objectives:

Renal cysts have a high prevalence in the general population, and their estimated incidence increases with age. Renal cyst aspiration (usually with sclerotherapy) or open/laparoscopic decortication is a generally effective and safe method in the treatment of symptomatic simple renal cysts. The success rates of laparoscopic decortication and percutaneous aspiration-sclerotherapy were compared to assist in the decision making for the procedure.

Methods:

A total of 184 patients with symptomatic simple renal cysts were treated with either laparoscopic decortication in 149 cases or percutaneous aspiration-sclerotherapy in 35 cases. The follow-up period was approximately 35 months, and the symptomatic and radiologic success rates of the 2 techniques were compared retrospectively.

Results:

Laparoscopic decortication was found to have high success rates, a low recurrence rate, and minimal morbidity. Percutaneous aspiration-sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure with a minimally higher recurrence rate.

Conclusion:

When a symptomatic cyst is encountered and treatment of the cyst is indicated, laparoscopic decortication is a more efficient method that offers better results than percutaneous aspiration-sclerotherapy.

Treatment of Moderate Sized Renal Pelvis Calculi: Stone Clearance Time Comparison of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy and Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery

PURPOSE

To compare the stone clearance times in patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) or retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for single radiopaque renal pelvis stones 10-20 mm in size. The results of this study may guide urologists and patients and aid in selecting the optimal preoperative treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2013 and February 2015, we conducted a retrospective study and collected data from 333 patients treated with SWL (n = 172) or RIRS (n = 161). We included successfully treated patients with a single radiopaque renal pelvis stone 10-20 mm in size to calculate stone clearance times.

RESULTS

The average stone size for the SWL group was 14.62 &plusmn; 2.58 mm and 14.91 &plusmn; 2.92 mm for the RIRS group. The mean Hounsfield unit (HU) of the patients was 585.40 &plusmn; 158.39 HU in the SWL group and 567.74 &plusmn; 186.85 HU in the RIRS group. Following full fragmentation, the mean stone clearance time was 26.55 &plusmn; 9.71 days in the SWL group and 11.59 &plusmn; 7.01 days in the RIRS group (P &lt; .001).

CONCLUSION

One of the most overlooked parameters in urinary stone treatments is stone clearance. We believe this study will shed light for those who aim to conduct larger randomized prospective studies.&nbsp.

Standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy alone versus in combination with intraoperative anterograde flexible nephroscopy for staghorn stones: A retrospective study

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) to PCNL with intraoperative antegrade flexible nephroscopy (IAFN) for treating stones of staghorn nature. We retrospectively analyzed patients treated using PCNL between January 2007 and July 2013. A total of 1250 patients were treated using PCNL, and 166 patients had staghorn stones. All patients had been subjected to a complete blood count, routine biochemical analyses, coagulation tests, a complete urine analysis, and urine cultures. Patients with a positive urine culture had been treated with appropriate antibiotics until the urine culture became negative. After purchasing a flexible renoscope in March 2012, we routinely used this tool to improve the stone-free (SF) rate. The 105 patients who underwent standard PCNL prior to March 2012 were classified as Group 1, and the 61 patients who underwent PCNL + IAFN after that date were classified as Group 2. The two groups had similar and homogeneous demographic data. The fluoroscopy and total operative times were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p < 0.01). Additionally, the hospitalization time (p < 0.01) and the mean hematocrit decrease (p < 0.01) were significantly lower in Group 1. In both groups, the SF rates were higher than 85%, similar to those reported in the literature. Although Group 2 had a slightly better SF rates, this difference was not statistically significant. For staghorn calculi, PCNL combined with IAFN yields excellent outcomes. However, similar prospective studies on larger cohorts should be performed to support our findings.

The Effect of Metabolic Syndrome on the Success and Complications of Percutaneous Nephrolitotomy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the success and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL).

METHODS

Two hundred ten patients who had undergone PNL for kidney stones in our clinic between May 2012 and May 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they had diagnostic criteria for MetS. All patients had lower pole kidney stones between 15 and 20 mm. Complication rates between groups were evaluated using a modified Clavien grading system.

RESULTS

Group1 was a standard PNL group and group 2 consisted of patients with MetS. Mean stone size was 293.25 ± 102.4 mm(2) for group 1 and 301.10 ± 169.5 mm(2) for group 2 (p < 0.05). Mean hospitalization days, fluoroscopy duration, and mean hematocrit loss were significantly higher in group 2. Mean operative time and need for blood transfusions were higher in group 2 but statistically insignificant. One hundred twenty five patients in group 1 (96.1%) and 72 patients in group 2 (90%) obtained stone-free state.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study results reveal an increase in complications and morbidity for patients with MetS during PNL.

Incidence of renal carcinoma in non-functioning kidney due to renal pelvic stone disease

The objective of This study was to report our pathological findings in nephrectomy specimens from patients treated for non-functioning hydronephrotic kidney due to renal pelvic stone disease. A total of 97 patients who underwent nephrectomy for non-functioning hydronephrotic kidneys between January, 2011 and June, 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. A non-functioning kidney was defined as one having paper-thin parenchyma on urinary ultrasound or computed tomography, exhibiting no contrast visualization in the collecting duct system on intravenous urography and having a split renal function of <10% on nuclear renal function studies. Following pathological evaluation, 9 patients were diagnosed with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, 9 with malignant tumors and 79 with chronic pyelonephritis. Of the patients with chronic pyelonephritis, 2 also had renal adenomas. The malignant tumors included 3 transitional cell carcinomas (TCC), 2 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 3 renal cell carcinomas (RCC) (1 sarcomatoid, 1 papillary and 1 clear cell RCC), whereas 1 patient had concurrent RCC and TCC. In conclusion, non-functioning kidneys, particularly those with kidney stones, should be managed as possible malignancies, due to the higher incidence of malignant tumors in such patients compared with the normal population.

Alpha adrenergic receptors in renal pelvis and calyces: can rat models be used?

We aimed, in this study, to determine the distribution of α-1 AR subtypes in rat and human pelvis and calyces, and to evaluate, by comparing these two species, the possibility of rats to be used as models for humans. Twenty patients with renal carcinoma were included into the study. The patients underwent radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). After nephrectomy, specimens were evaluated and excisional biopsies from healthy pelvis and calyces tissues were performed. When pathology confirmed the non-invasion of RCC, specimen was included into the study. A total of 7 adult Wistar Albino (250-300 g) female rats were used in this study. Specimens included renal pelvis and calyces. All specimens were evaluated under light microscope histopathologically. The concentrations of the receptor densities did not differ between the two groups. With the demonstration of the α receptors in rat kidneys and calyces, many receptor-based studies concerning both humans and rats can take place. Novel medication targeting these subtypes -in this matter α1A and α1D for renal pelvis and calyces- may be helpful for expulsive therapy and/or pain relief. With the demonstration of similar receptor densities between human and rat tissues, rat model may be useful for α-receptor trials for renal pelvis and calyces.

Experience and learning curve of retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to evaluate clinical experience and learning curve associated with laparoscopic ureterolithotomy performed for upper ureteral stones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical data of 50 patients who had undergone retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy between June 2010 and March 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. To assess the learning curve, patients were divided into two groups: Group A (the first 25 cases) and Group B (the last 25 cases). In Group A, double J stents were placed in 17 patients, whereas in Group B 15 patients received double J stents. In Group A, three ports were placed in nine patients and four ports in 16 patients. In Group B, three ports were placed in 20 patients and five patients had four ports. The patients were compared according to demographics, operative time, stone size, complications, hospital stay, and transfusion.

RESULTS

The mean age for Group A was 47.8 ± 14.13 (21-72) years and that for Group B was 44.2 ± 14.98 (22-78) years. Mean operative times were 106.4 ± 38 (55-210) minutes and 70.76 ± 30.4 (30-180) minutes for Groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.05). The mean hospital stay was 7.12 ± 4.47 (3-22) days and 4.04 ± 2.05 (2-12) days for Groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.05). The mean stone size was 20.12 ± 5.18 (12-30) mm and 19.44 ± 4.44 (13-28) mm for Groups A and B, respectively (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In our study, as staff experience (in performing laparoscopic retroperitoneal ureterolithotomy) increased, operative time, length of hospital stay, and complication rates have correspondingly declined.

Papillary ureteral neoplasm of low malignant potential in the upper urinary tract: endoscopic treatment

INTRODUCTION

Papillary ureteral neoplasm of low malignant potential (PUNLMP) is a rare diagnosis, and to our knowledge, has not yet been reported in the upper urinary tract. In this study, we aimed to present our experience in managing a very rare diagnosis, PUNLMP, in the upper urinary tract, with endoscopic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Files of patients who received surgery between January 2007 and January 2013 for upper urinary tract tumors were reviewed and patients treated for PUNLMP in the upper urinary tract in 4 urology clinics were reviewed. Patients included in the study had at most 2 tumors in the ureter and had a pathology of PUNLMP.

RESULTS

The study included 11 patients with a mean age of 58.5 years. There were 9 men, and 2 women with a smoking rate of 81.8%. Nine patients (8 in the distal and 1 in the mid ureter) were managed using a semirigid ureteroscope. Two patients (1 with mid ureteral and 1 proximal) were treated using flexible ureteroscopy. The mean hospital stay was 1.56 days. Mean surgical time was 37.18 ± 7.14 minutes. The mean follow-up was 31.5 (range, 7-72) months. In the follow-ups, 3 patients had recurrences of 3, 2, and 4 mm in 9, 15, and 17 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

For tumors with a low risk of progression and relatively low risk of recurrence, organ-sparing treatments should be the choice of preference. To support our initial findings, randomized controlled studies on larger cohorts should be designed.

Do lubricants with 2% lidocaine gel have an effect on patient comfort in diagnostic cystoscopy?

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing both rigid and flexible cystoscopic evaluation suffer from a great deal of pain and discomfort. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of lidocaine gel anestesia on patient comfort on diagnostic rigid cystoscopy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

11 mL of lubricant gel applied to each patient via the external meatus in 10 s. Patients were randomized into three groups. In group 1, liquid glycerine was applied and cystoscopy was immediately performed, in group 2 lidocaine gel (Aqua Touch™: İstem Tıbbi Cihaz Ve Sanayi Ltd.Şti, Ostim, Ankara, Türkiye) was applied and the procedure undergone immediately and in group 3, lidocaine gel was applied and penis was clemped for 10 minutes before the procedure. VAS forms were filled to determine the discomfort and pain during cystoscopy and the first micturation after.

RESULTS

After the evaluation between groups, VAS scores were significantly lower in Group II and III than Group I and in Group III than in Group II (p < 0.05). When post micturation VAS scores were evaluated, VAS scores were significantly lower in Group II than Group I and in Group III than in Group II (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of local anesthetic lidocaine gel in rigid cystoscopy, is a practical, safe and efficient method to improve patient comfort when applied in appropriate dose and waiting duration.

Evaluation of frozen section results in patients who have suspected testicular masses: a preliminary report

PURPOSE

To report our experience with patients who have suspected testicular masses (STM) managed by ex vivo technique of testicular sparing surgery (TSS) after radical orchiectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2007-2011 years, 10 patients with STM were evaluated by history, physical examination, testicular ultrasound and serum tumor markers. STM were defined as; no paratesticular lesions, size of the lesion smaller than 20 mm, and no known presence of elevated tumor markers or metastatic disease. The principles of TSS followed by radical orchiectomy were applied to the removed surgical specimen. Excised mass, multiple biopsies of the adjacent parenchyma and the remaining testis were sent for frozen-section analysis (FSA). Histopathologic sections were re-reviewed for definitive pathologic diagnosis.

RESULTS

The mean patient age, mean size and mean length of history of STM were 37 years (25-64), 17.5 mm (10-20) and 6 months (2-12). All STM were palpable and painless. Tumor markers were negative in all patients. Six tumors were benign (2 adenomatoid tumor, 1 epididymitis nodosa, 1 leydig cell tumor, 1 sertoli cell tumor, 1 fibrous pseudotumor) and 4 tumors were malignant (3 seminoma, 1 embryonal carcinoma) on definitive pathologic diagnosis. Excluding one benign lesion, FSA correctly determined 9 lesions and all malignant lesions. Three patients had testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (ones seminoma, ones embryonal carcinoma, ones adenomatoid tumor).

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary report reveals that STM tend to be benign rather than malignant in nature. Also, a careful patient selection and an accurate FSA are crucial points for TSS and it has the potential to become the primary option in selected patients who have testicular lesions instead of the traditional method.

Transurethral resection of a bladder leiomyoma: A case report

Benign mesenchimal tumour of the human bladder is rare. Insulin potentiation therapy mimics malignant tumours both clinically and radiologically. We present a patient we treated with transurethral resection (TUR) only. A 27-year old male patient presented to our clinic with frequency, dysuria and recurrent urinary tract infections. Magnetic resonance (MRI) revealed an endovesical bladder mass of 7 × 8 cm. We performed TUR in the same session for both diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis was endovesical leiomyoma. Six months to a year after the operation, the MRI did not reveal disease recurrence. Even though TUR is recommended for smaller and endovesical tumours, we believe larger intravesical tumours may also be managed by TUR.

Efficacy and safety of propiverine and terazosine combination for one year in male patients with luts and detrusor overactivity

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long term efficacy and safety of the use of propiverine and terazosine combination in patients with LUTS and DO by a placebo controlled study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred patients were enrolled in the study. They were randomized into two groups (each group consisted of 50 patients). Terazosine and placebo were administered to the patients in Group 1 and terazosine plus propiverine HCL was administered to Group 2. The patients were evaluated by international prostate symptom score (IPSS), the first four questions of IPSS (IPSS4), the 8th question of IPSS (quality of life-QoL), overactive bladder symptom score questionnaire (OAB-q V8), PSA test, urodynamic studies, post voiding residue (PVR). All patients were followed for one year and were reassessed for comparison.

RESULTS

IPSS, IPSS4, OAB symptoms, QoL score, PVR, and Qmax scores of the groups did not differ. After one year treatment, there was significant improvement in IPSS, IPSS4, OAB symptoms, QoL and Qmax values in Group 2. No significant improvement was noted for the same parameters in Group 1.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to show long term safety and efficacy of anticholinergic therapy for patients with LUTS. In patients with OAB or DO, long term anticholinergic treatment may be regarded as a treatment option.

The comparison of laparoscopy, shock wave lithotripsy and retrograde intrarenal surgery for large proximal ureteral stones

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.

The presence and distribution of alpha adrenergic receptors in human renal pelvis and calyces

In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the presence of Alpha (α) 1 receptors and subtypes in human pelvis and calyces, because an agent to facilitate kidney stone movement and help decrease pain may be an α 1 adrenergic blocker, as used in ureteral stones. Twenty patients who applied to our clinic for renal cell carcinoma were enrolled to the study. All patients underwent radical nephrectomy. After the specimens were removed, excisional biopsies were performed on healthy pelvises and calyces. Mean α-receptor stain rates in renal pelvis were 2.65 ± 0.74, 1.35 ± 0.81 and 2.9 ± 0.30 for α 1A, 1B and 1D, respectively. For calyces, the rates are 2.40 ± 0.82, 1.50 ± 0.76 and 2.75 ± 0.44 for α 1A, 1B and 1D, respectively (Fig. 1). When the staining patterns were compared, α 1A and 1D were expressed more in both pelvis and calyces than α 1B (p < 0.05). After the demonstration of α-adrenergic receptors in pelvis and calyces of human kidney, it may be helpful in coming up with new alternative treatments for patients suffering from kidney stones.

The comparison of standard and tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures

PURPOSE

To compare totally tubeless and standard percutaneous nephrolitotomy procedures on many parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Percutaneous nephrolitotomy was performed on 195 patients between June 2009 and May 2012. The data of those patients were evaluated retrospectively. Totally tubeless cases were enrolled to Group 1, and Group 2 consisted of non-tubeless cases (re-entry or Foley catheter).

RESULTS

Group 1 included 85 cases and group 2 a total of 110 patients. Paper tracing values for the kidney stones were 321.25 ± 102.4 mm(2) and 324.10 ± 169.5 mm(2) respectively. Mean fluoroscopy time was 4.9 ± 1.9 min and 5.08 ± 2.7 min, mean operation time was 78.8 ± 27.9 min and 81.9 ± 28.77 min and mean decrease in hematocrit was 2.6 ± 1.6 and 3.74 ± 1.9 respectively. All these comparisons were statistically significant. Length of hospitalization was 1.6 ± 1.1 and 3.5 ± 1.5 days for Groups 1 and 2 respectively. Mean superficial pain score was 5.8 ± 1.6 and 6.7 ± 1.2 respectively for both groups after 1 hour. At 6 hours, the scores changed to 3.87 ± 1.22 and 4.84 ± 1.3 respectively. The analgesic dose was 1.00 ± 0.7 and 1.53 ± 0.6 for the groups respectively at 6 hours. All the statistical differences were significant for these three parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that, because of their post operative patient comfort and decreased length of hospital stay, totally tubeless procedures should be considered as an alternative to standard percutaneous nephrolitotomy.

Comparison of percutaneous nephrolithotomy, shock wave lithotripsy, and retrograde intrarenal surgery for lower pole renal calculi 10-20 mm

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for 1- to 2-cm lower pole kidney stones.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was based on data collected from the files of patients between January 2007 and May 2012. The files of 383 patients (221 SWL, 144 PCNL, 38 RIRS) were evaluated. The groups were compared for stone size, success rate, and complication rate using the modified Clavien grading system.

RESULTS

The stone burdens of the groups were similar (p = 0.36). The success rates were 76, 94, and 73%, respectively, in SWL, PCNL, and RIRS. The highest stone-free rate was in the PNL group (p < 0.05). When the complication rates were evaluated using the Clavien grading system, they were determined to be 13% in PCNL, 3% in SWL, and 5% in RIRS. Especially GII and GIII complications were more common in the PCNL group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PCNL seems to be the most successful but most invasive method. However, with relatively low complication rates, SWL and RIRS are other techniques to keep in mind. To determine the first-line treatment, prospective randomized studies with larger series are needed.

Pediatric bladder rhabdomyosarcoma: report of organ sparing treatment of two cases

Pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma cases require multimodality therapy. Here, we present two cases treated by tumor resection followed by chemotherapy, and discuss the bladder preserving treatment of this uncommon disease.

The effect of metabolic syndrome upon the success of varicocelectomy

We aimed to investigate the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the varicocele treatment. 101 patients underwent spermatic vein ligation between 2007 and 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Those patients were divided into two groups as without (n: 56, Group 1) or with MetS (n: 48, Group 2). All the patients underwent left microsurgical subinguinal spermatic vein ligation. Groups were compared by the improvement on sperm parameters and spontaneous pregnancy rates at a mean of 19 (±4) months followup. When sperm parameters were compared postoperatively, the significant improvement in total sperm count, motile sperm count percentage, and normal sperm percentage was reported. The groups were compared to each other and the improvement seemed significantly better in Group 1. There was no statistically significant improvement difference in the normal sperm percentage between groups. Spontaneous pregnancy rate after two years was 45% in Group 1 and 34% in Group 2 (P < 0.05). Patients with MetS and varicocele improved after surgery, but not as well as the similar group without MetS. This may help to show that MetS can be a factor for male infertility.