[Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in a 9-year-old patient with horseshoe kidney]

INTRODUCTION

The horseshoe kidney is the most frequent renal anomaly, with a prevalence of 0.25% and a male to female ratio of 3:1. Although the pathogenesis remains controversial, the consequences of the impaired urinary drainage are well known: up to two third of patients present with urinary stasis, infection and urolithiasis. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a successful procedure for urolithiasis in horseshoe kidneys.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 9-year-old patient with a 4-cm stone associated with horseshoe kidney underwent Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). During the procedure, a flexible uretheroscopy was performed in order to obtain a complete vision and an optimal management of the procedure.

RESULTS

At the end of the procedure, the patient was stone-free. We reported no hemorrhagic complications, no pain and no infection. The patient was discharged after 48 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

The procedure is safe and effective, as long as the surgeon pays attention to the recommendations below.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in a 9-year-old Patient with Horseshoe Kidney

Introduction

The horseshoe kidney is the most frequent renal anomaly, with a prevalence of 0.25% and amale to female ratio of 3:1. Although the pathogenesis remains controversial, the consequences of the impaired urinary drainage are well known: up to two third of patients present with urinary stasis, infection and urolithiasis. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a successful procedure for urolithiasis in horseshoe kidneys.

Materials and Methods

A 9-year-old patient with a 4-cm stone associated with horseshoe kidney underwent Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). During the procedure, a flexible uretheroscopy was performed in order to obtain a complete vision and an optimal management of the procedure.

Results

At the end of the procedure, the patient was stone-free. We reported no hemorrhagic complications, no pain and no infection. The patient was discharged after 48 hours.

Conclusions

The procedure is safe and effective, as long as the surgeon pays attention to the recommendations below.

Endourological Management of Ureteral Stenosis and Vesicoureteral Reflux after Renal Transplantation

Introduction and Objectives

Ureteral stenosis and vesicocoureteral reflux after renal transplantation represent a key concern because of their incidence and the associated morbidity. Prompt diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment are mandatory in immunosuppressed patients with single kidney. The aim of this study is to evaluate the success rate of the endourological techniques in the management of such complications.

Materials and Methods

Between January 1996 and December 2006, 647 kidney transplants were performed. Urinary tract continuity was re-established by ureteroneocystostomy according to Gregoir-Lich technique. We observed 13 cases of ureteral stenosis (2%) and 11 cases of symptomatic vesicoureteric reflux (1.7%). The endourogical procedure was performed in 13 patients: 5 cases of II-III grade vesicoureteric reflux, 4 early ureteral stenosis and 4 late ureteral stenosis. Patients with vesicoureteric reflux underwent endoscopic injection of macroplastique in 4 cases and Durasphere in 1. Early ureteral stenoses were treated using balloon dilation in 2 cases, balloon dilation and laser endoureterotomy in 3, ureteral stent placement in the other. Recipients with late stenosis underwent laser incision and balloon dilation in 2 cases, balloon dilation in 1 and a laser incision only in the last case. Combined antegrade and retrograde endoscopic approach was performed in 7 patients, whereas retrograde access in 1.

Results

Endourologic treatment was successful in 9 cases (69.2%); 2 patients required open reconstructive surgery due to endourological technique failure (early ureteropelvic junction stricture, late ureterovesical anastomotic stricture). Vesicoureteric reflux was corrected in 3 patients (60%), 2 patients underwent uretero-ureterostomy for recurrent reflux. No technique-related morbidity was observed. With a mean follow-up of 81.6 months, 8 patients show normal renal function, 5 patients have returned to haemodialysis (4 for chronic rejection, 1 for carcinoma in the graft).

Conclusions

Considering their low morbidity and the satisfactory success rate, we claim that endourological procedures should be considered the preferred treatment for ureteral stenosis and vesicoureteric reflux in selected patients.

Risk-Factors of Recurrence after Retropubic and Perineal Radical Prostatectomy

The Authors review their own surgical series about retropubic and perineal radical prostatectomy performed in 1993–2002 ys, with particular attention for risk factors of biochemical recurrence of disease.

Coinvolgimento Ureterale Bilaterale Nella Sindrome di Churg-Strauss: Descrizione di un Nuovo Caso

We report a case of Churg-Strauss syndrome, with bilateral ureteral involvement. We describe the endourological approach to the disease and we also discuss the literature about this argument.

One shot: a novel method to dilate the nephrostomy access for percutaneous lithotripsy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The creation of the nephrostomy access is a fundamental step of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL). Dilation of the track is usually achieved with multiple incremental flexible exchange dilators of the Amplatz type, metal telescoping dilators of the Alken type, or a balloon. Currently, balloon dilation is regarded as the most modern and safest system, though it has the disadvantage of relatively high cost. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that a procedure that we named "one shot," which consists of a single dilation of the track with a 25F or 30F Amplatz dilator, compares favorably in terms of efficacy, costs, and length with the other techniques of track dilation, without a significant increase in morbidity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy-eight consecutive patients who underwent PCNL for stone disease from June 1998 to July 1999 were considered and divided into three groups according to the type of tract dilation used: A (Alken telescoping dilators), B (balloon), or C (one shot). Radiologic exposure, blood loss, and costs were evaluated.

RESULTS

The one-shot procedure compared favorably with both of the other dilation techniques without an increase in morbidity and with significant reductions in X-ray exposure and costs. Indeed, significant differences in estimated blood loss were observed between groups B and C and the minor bleeding for group C.

CONCLUSION

Our experience indicates that one-shot dilation is feasible in the majority of patients. It is as safe and effective as the technique regarded today as the gold standard but less time consuming and less expensive. These encouraging results should be confirmed by further studies.

[Report of 2 cases extragonadal germ cell neoplasia with primary burnt out tumor of the testis]

If the histogenesis of the extragonadal germ cell tumor is a still debatable subject, its clinical diagnosis remains a question of no immediate solution. In fact, only the keen histologic evaluation of microfocuses and/or scar tissue in the testis, possibly on the guide of US finding, could give the answer about the primitiveness or not of the extragonadal neoplasia. Which implies, of course, some problems of compliance on the part of young locally symptomless men, especially on the ground of possibly bilateral involvement.

[Surgical treatment of urologic complications of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis. Our experience]

The chief complications of retroperitoneal fibrosis RPF in the ureteric compression ab extrinseco by fibrotic tissue. In the period 1994 to 1999, we treated two cases of idiopathic RPF: the first case a 49 years aged man, presented a left hydronefrosis and bilateral ureteral displacement to the midline. RMN showed widespreads fibrotic tissue in the retroperitoneal space. At operation, the histological findings was that of aspecific fibrositis. The surgical procedure was ureterolysis and lateralization of both ureters with the aid of a wrapping with a pedicled omental graft. The patient was also treated with metilprednisolon, 8 mg-die, for altogether twelve months, Now he is asymptomatic. The second case, a man aged 60, had a compression of both ureter by fibrotic tissue down to the pelvic tract; the histologic picture was the same of that of the first case. A difficult ureterolysis was carried on, plus an omentoplasty and a left ureteral reimplantation to the bladder. Medical treatment followed, following the above scheme. Seven months after surgery the patient is well. This experience of ours urological complications of RPF is confirmatory of the importance of a sound surgical approach and of a tight follow up as well as a sustained corticosteroid therapy in order to prevent relapse.

[Early enteral nutrition in patients treated with major surgery of the abdomen and the pelvis]

Hypercatabolism after operations has a negative influence on nutritional status, the healing process, infective complications and hospital stay. Moreover, the immune status of the patient has been shown to be equally important for septic morbidity and mortality. It is extensively accepted that in critical situations, an adequate nutritional support (enteral or parenteral) is absolutely necessary, but subjects such as the best way of feeding, the kind of nutrients to be used and the administration time are still debatable issues. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness (nutritional and immunological features) and clinical outcomes (septic morbidity and mortality) of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), early enteral nutrition and early enteral immunonutrition (EEN, EEIN) in 171 patients undergoing major abdominal and urological surgery for neoplastic pathology. Our prospective, randomised study showed no significant differences among the 3 nutritional supports (TPN, EEN, EEIN) with regard to restoration of normal nitrogen balance during the acute phase of surgical stress. No correlations were found in the 3 groups with immunoglobulin percentage, lymphocyte subpopulations and their functional patterns as studied by specific immunological tests. The skin test, on the other hand, seems to be more representative of the immune condition of the patients, demonstrating a faster improvement in immunological status in the EEIN group as compared to the control group. A smaller percentage of septic morbidity and mortality was found in both enteral nutritional groups (EEN and EEIN), although there was a statistically significant difference only between the TPN and EEIN groups. The hospital stay was 3.5 days shorter in enteral feeding patients (EEN, EEIN). Finally, EEN was less expensive than the other nutritional conditions, this result depending on the cost of the different materials used (infusion sets, linear filters, prepacked diets, etc.).

[Unusual case of mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis associated with prostatic adenocarcinoma]

Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis, is a very rare neoplasm with highly aggressive biological behaviour. It usually occurs in patients aged between 55 and 75 years. A testicular mass is always observed, often accompanied with hydrocele. The response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy is poor. Initial aggressive surgery is necessary. The median survival, without surgical treatment is 23 months. A rare case of malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis, observed in a patient affected by prostate neoplasm is reported. A radical retropubic prostatectomy was performed. The patient was suffering from dysuria and there was a suspect area at the digital examination. Rectal ultrasonography and biopsy showed an adenocarcinoma at T1c clinical stage. A radical prostatectomy was carried out and histology showed an adenocarcinoma, Gleason score 7 pT3bN0M0. Surgery was followed by radiation therapy. After three years, a pleural seroma, a cutaneous mass and testicular nodule were observed and cytological examination showed endothelial cells. Scrotal orchiectomy was performed, because he was suffering from emphysema. Cytological examination confirmed malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis. Only 73 cases of this tumour have been reported in the last 30 years. The therapeutic options for this aggressive neoplasm are discussed. Since chemotherapy and radiation therapy had poor results, a rapid surgical treatment, by radical orchiectomy, is important.

[The mini-invasive surgery of stress urinary incontinence (SUI): the use of the Vesica kit]

From February 1996 to March 1997, we have performed with the Vesica system the percutaneous bladder neck suspension in 13 pts (group 1) and the vaginal wall sling in 7 pts (group 2). After a mean follow-up of 12 months for group 1, 10 patients (76.9%) were "dry", 1 pt "improved" and 2 "failed"; in the group 2 (mean follow-up of 5 months) 6 pts/7 were "dry". Overall morbidity has been minimal. The percutaneous bladder neck suspension and the vaginal wall sling with Vesica system are minimally invasive surgical procedures for the urinary stress incontinence (hypermobility of bladder outlet and intrinsic sphincter deficiency).

[The use of early enteral nutrition (EEN) after major urologic surgery]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of early enteral nutrition in management of patients operated by major urologic surgery and to demonstrate her advantages versus total parenteral nutrition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

20 patients, operated by radical cystectomy and urinary diversion by ureteroileocutaneostomy, Padua ileal bladder or ureterosigmoidostomy are inserted in our study: 12 were treated by early enteral nutrition for 8 days and eight by total parenteral nutrition for the same period: in each group nutritional and immunological parameters at day -1, +3 and +7, the length of postoperatory stay, the incidence of complications, with particular respect for infections have been evaluated and correlated one to each other.

RESULTS

We have no death in each group; in the first group no gastroenteric allergy to the nutrient, less incidence of venous catheter and surgical wound infections (respectively p < 0.01 and p < 0.005); we have no significant decrease of postoperatory stay length; the effective problem in this group was the incidence of diarrhea, that in one case have made necessary the suspension of enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition costs were about half of those of total parenteral nutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that early enteral nutrition is an effective and safe nutrition method in patients operated by major urologic surgery: with this is possible a better nutrition, that reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, mainly infections, and maybe the length of postoperatory stay (our champion is too small for statistical evaluation), that may lead to a decrease in management costs of these patients.

[The conservative surgery of renal carcinoma]

In the period 1986-1997, 387 cases of renal carcinoma were operated upon, at the Department of Urology, Parma General Hospital (Italy). Among these, thirty patients (all together 31 operations, 26 men and 5 women, mean age 58 +/- 11.3 years) have had conservative, nephron-sparing surgery; in 8 patients, conservative procedure was mandatory, due to previous contralateral nephrectomy or renal unreliability (4 RCC, 1 TCC, 1 severe injury, 1 pyonephrosis, 1 end stage insufficiency); in 23 patients, with normal contralateral kidney, the tumor was less than 4 cm in diameter and unique. Preoperatively, all cases had been staged by abdominal TC, chest X-ray, bone scan, renal angiography. 23 of 30 cases showed pathological stages I-II (pT1-T2), while 8 patients had stage III (pT3) tumors. After dismissal we recommended: abdominal echography after three months; again US and TC, chest X-ray after further three months. Then US and/or TC every six months, should the former results suggest a relapse, either locally and/or at a distance. Mean follow-up was 40 months. 6/30 patients (19.3%) died of metastatic disease (mean survival time: 27 months). 25 patients are alive and tumor free after a mean follow-up of 43.1 months. Immediate postoperative complications were 2 cases of urinary fistula treated by ureteral stenting.

Alternative Mini-Invasive Nelle Ostruzioni Cervico-Uretrali Dell'anziano: La Laserterapia: Mini-Invasive Alternatives in Cervico-Urethral Obstructions in the Elderly: Laser Therapy

An ageing general population, increase in average life span and prevailing benign prostatic hypertrophy bring an increasing number of elderly men to surgery for cervico-urethral obstruction. Given the small but significant morbidity of TURP, recently new mini-invasive techniques have been introduced for BPH, laser therapy being the most popular. The authors report on the different methods for delivering laser energy to the prostate, discussing the benefits and defects. They also present their personal experience with 44 patients aged over 75 years subjected to Nd:YAG laser prostatectomy from 1992 until today. In these patients transurethral laser evaporation, as suggested by Narayan and al., produced significant symptomatic and clinical results with low morbidity and invasiveness. The authors therefore believe that this kind of therapy may improve management of the elderly patient with BPH.

[Renal lymphoma: an atypical mass in search of characterization]

We report the case of a B cell, renal non-Hodgkin lymphoma come to our attention due to urologic symptoms. A review of the literature is provided and it is discussed the differential diagnosis with renal cell carcinoma.

Müllerian duct cyst: Case report, embryology, pathogenesis and therapeutic options

We report the case of a 56-year-old male suffering from acute urine retention after a period of increasing dysuria. Physical examination, TRUS and CT showed the presence of a multilocular cystic mass in the space above the prostate and behind the bladder. Pathological findings following surgical exploration indicated a Müllerian duct cyst, few cases of which have been reported in literature. We performed surgery because malignancy was suspected and it was impossible to drain off all the cystic fluid due to the multilocular nature of the cyst. Moreover, cystic adenocarcinomas originating from Müllerian duct remnants have been reported. We agree with other authors that a percutaneous approach should be standard treatment in these cases, leaving open surgery for more complex cases.

[Percutaneous treatment of postoperative stenosis of ureteropelvic junction. Use of the Korth stent]

Endopyelotomy is, in our opinion, the most proper therapeutic strategy for the treatment of UPF post-surgery stenosis, as a traditional re-operation is often difficult to be carried out and not exempt from possible stenotic relapse. We report 2 cases of secondary stenosis and inferior caliceal stones associated. As a first step we subjected the patients to a percutaneous lithotomy of the calculi and we kept a trans-calyceal nephrostomy in situ for about 5 days. Among the different EPT techniques, we chose the "transurethral traction" Rippa-Franch set, as the dynamic combined transurethral traction of the cold-knife allows a smooth dissection of the strongest cicatrix pad, too. The stenting of the dissected UPF has been carried out for few days by means of a Korth's temporaneous nephrostomy and subsequently, at light-coloured urine, by using the definitive Korth endostent by subcutaneous anchorage. This internal stenting system seems to be the most suitable one, as the patient can stand it quite well for long periods of time (3-6 months) too and it is not burden with V-U refluxes that could jeopardize the good result of the operation. The easy performance and good results achieved by this way, persuade us to suggest this two combined techniques as an effective endourological solution for UPF post-surgery stenosis.

Association of goserelin and flutamide in the treatment of advanced prostatic carcinoma

From January 1987 to June 1990, 40 previously untreated patients, 60–85 years old (mean 76.7 years) with C and D stage (according to AUS) prostatic adenocarcinoma, were administered analogous LH-RH goserelin and the non-steroid antiandrogen flutamide. The patients were followed until June 1992. 9 patients died from the disease. The treatment was well tolerated in 68% of the cases (27 patients); in the other 13 patients, the administration of flutamide caused secondary effects (gastro-intestinal intolerance, alterations of hepatic function). The administration of goserelin did not cause any secondary effect. The local response (assessed by transrectal echography) was good and in 31 cases consisted of a regression of the initial area from 25 to 50%. The performance status improved in 16 patients. 12 patients had a remission of pain. In all the patients, from the third month of treatment, the testosteronemia remained under 0.8 ng/ml; the prostatic alkaline phosphatase and the prostatic specific antigen presented a good correlation with the clinical evolution of the disease.

Day Hospital and resources utilization: A DRG-analysis of the relationship between costs and benefits

We present the results of our analysis on the operative efficiency of the Day Hospital since it opened on 27/04/92 in the Division of Urology of ULSS 4 Parma. This study has been performed by comparing both median stays in hospital for the numerically more representative surgical operations (prostatectomy, TURP, TURV) and by using the DRG system. The DRG specific cost for every hospitalization has also been calculated. Both systems show an increase in the number of treated cases and a decrease in the average hospitalization. This positive trend has been confirmed by the analysis of the costs.

[Calyceal diverticula: notes on endourological technique]

Percutaneous approach to complicated small caliceal diverticula is the first choice therapy. Generally, the open surgery is used large diverticula with renal parenchymal damage but, in selected cases, a percutaneous (PCN) treatment may be an effective alternative. The Authors report a case of inferior caliceal diverticulum associated to a parenchymal damage successfully treated using directed PCN management (electrical fulguration) and consequent injection of human fibrin glue.

Trattamento con laser Nd-Yag della schistosomiasi vescicale

We present the case of a young man from Ghana, who complained of dysuria and gross haematuria: he had bladder schistosomiasis. We associated Nd-Yag-laser photocoagulation of residual polipoid lesions with standard pharmacotherapy to obtain a linear cicatrization, without spreading infectious pathological material and with better riepithelialization, to reduce belated obstructive complications, common in this disease. A larger casuistry and longer follow-up are necessary to define the efficacy of this technique.