Impact of Renal Pelvic Denervation on Systemic Hemodynamics and Neurohumoral Changes in a Porcine Model.

INTRODUCTION: The blood pressure (BP) response to arterial renal denervation (RDN) is variable. METHODS: This study examined the effectiveness of renal pelvic denervation (RPD) on BP, heart rate (HR), norepinephrine (NE), and histopathology in 42 swine. NE levels were measured immediately, 7, 14, 30, and 90 days after RPD. Intra-arterial BP and HR were measured throughout RPD and after 14 days in 5 swine. RESULTS: During the procedure, RPD immediately reduced systolic BP (-20.6 ± 18.3 mm Hg), diastolic BP (-6.0 ± 8.3 mm Hg), and HR (-5.4 ± 5.6 bpm), which remained decreased at follow-up. The porcine kidneys had a mean NE reduction of 76% directly post procedure and 60% after 7 days, 64% after 14 days, 57% after 30 days, and 65% after 90 days. Histopathological examination confirmed nerve ablation. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings suggest that the renal pelvis nerve ablation is an encouraging target for RDN. Clinical trials are required to test the feasibility of RPD in human hypertension.

Multiple variations of collateral branches of the abdominal aorta associated with pyelic duplication: A case report.

PURPOSE: We describe a rare case of anatomical variation of the collaterals of the abdominal aorta associated with a duplication of the pyelic. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A 51-year-old patient in whom an abdominal CT scan was performed as part of the exploration of a cystic left renal mass objectified on ultrasound. RESULTS: A celiomesenteric trunk with two left renal arteries and a duplication of the left pyelon were found. CONCLUSION: The reported case is of interest in the rare association of these anatomical variants.

Feasibility of superb microvascular imaging to detect high-grade vesicoureteral reflux in children with urinary tract infection.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate superb microvascular imaging (SMI) for the detection of high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). METHODS: We reviewed the patients with urinary tract infection who underwent renal US with SMI and VCUG. The subjects were divided into a VUR group, which included 17 patients (20 kidney units, KU) with high-grade reflux (grade 4 or 5) on VCUG, and a group without VUR including the same numbers of subjects. The direction of urine movement at the distal ureter and the renal pelvis was reviewed on SMI. SMI and VCUG results were compared. RESULTS: Urinary flow "jets" into the bladder and direction of the flow were detectable on all SMI examinations in both groups. In the group with VUR, 20 KUs had grade 4 (n = 11) or grade 5 (n = 9) reflux (bilateral VUR in 3 patients). Among 20 KUs with VUR, 15 (75%) showed a reversed ureteral jet and/or renal pelvic swirl sign on SMI. None of the patients in the group without VUR showed those findings on SMI. CONCLUSION: SMI enables detection of the direction of urinary flow. The presence of a reversed ureteral jet and/or renal pelvic swirl sign correlates with high-grade VUR with 75% accuracy. KEY POINTS: • Superb microvascular imaging is feasible in children with urinary tract infection. • SMI enables detection of the direction of urinary flow. • Presence of reversed flow correlates with high-grade vesicoureteral reflux.

Differences between intrinsic and extrinsic ureteropelvic junction obstruction related to crossing vessels: histology and functional analyses.

PURPOSE: In children, ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is mostly caused by intrinsic factors (IUPJO); extrinsic UPJO are rare and often due to crossing vessels (CVs). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all data of children with UPJO that underwent surgery in our institution from 2004 to 2011. Analyses included age at surgery, gender, preoperative and postoperative results of ultrasound and renal scans [differential renal function (DRF); signs of obstruction], and pathology reports. Available histological specimens of cases with CV were compared to a random selection of intrinsic cases in a blinded fashion. After additional Masson's trichrome staining, the specimens were scored for fibrosis, muscular hypertrophy, and chronic inflammation. RESULTS: Out of 139 patients with UPJO, 39 cases were associated with CV. Median age at surgery was 68 months (range 2-194) in the CV group and 11.5 months (range 0-188) in IUPJO group. Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty (LDMP) was carried out in 134 and open DMP in five patients. Preoperative ultrasound identified 28/39 cases with CV. DRF below 40 % was more frequently seen in CV patients (p = 0.020). Histological analyses revealed no differences between the CV and IUPJO specimens in total. CV patients with higher grades of muscular hypertrophy had lower preoperative DRF, compared to those with higher preoperative DRF (p = 0.026). Functional recovery after (L)DMP was excellent in both groups. CONCLUSION: We could not find any significant histological differences between CV and IUPJO in children. To obtain excellent functional recovery, surgical procedures with a definite correction of the UPJ should be preferred in paediatric patients with CV.

High-pressure balloon assessment of pelviureteric junction prior to laparoscopic "vascular hitch".

AIM: To assess if calibration of the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) using a high-pressure balloon inflated at the UPJ level in patients with suspected crossing vessels (CV) could differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic stenosis prior to laparoscopic vascular hitch (VH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed patients with UPJO diagnosed at childhood or adolescence without previous evidence of antenatal or infant hydronephrosis (10 patients). By cystoscopy, a high-pressure balloon is sited at the UPJ and the balloon inflated to 8-12 atm under radiological screening. We considered intrinsic PUJO to be presente where a 'waist' was observed at the PUJ on inflation of the balloon and a laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty is performed When no 'waist' is observed we considered this to represent extrinsic stenosis and a laparoscopic VH was performed. Patients with absence of intrinsic PUJ stenosis documented with this method are included for the study. RESULTS: Six patients presented pure extrinsic stenosis. The mean age at presentation was 10.8 years. Mean duration of surgery was 99 min and mean hospital stay was 24 hours in all cases. We found no intraoperative or postoperative complications. All children remain symptoms free at a mean follow up of 14 months. Ultrasound and renogram improved in all cases. CONCLUSION: When no 'waist' is observed we considered this to represent extrinsic stenosis and a laparoscopic VH was performed. In these patients, laparoscopic transposition of lower pole crossing vessels ('vascular hitch') may be a safe and reliable surgical technique.

[Diagnosis and treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction caused by renal crossing vessels:an analysis of 24 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnosis, treatment and surgical outcomes of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) caused by renal crossing vessels. METHODS: The case records of 24 patients discharged from Peking University Third Hospital between June 2001 and September 2011 with the diagnosis of UPJO caused by renal crossing vessels were reviewed .Of the 24 patients, 17 were male and 7 were female patients. The mean age was 28 years (range, 2-63 years). The mean disease duration was 22.3 months (range, 7 days to 180 months). Of which, 4 patients underwent open surgery, and the other 20 patients were treated with laparoscopic surgery. Surgical approach was decided by operative conditions: adhesion release technique, dismembered pyeloplasty or Y-V anastomosisor, with or without cut off the crossing vessels. The kind of crossing vessels was recorded, and the effect of surgery was evaluated by follow-up. RESULTS: Fifteen cases were caused by oppressed renal crossing artery, 8 cases by renal crossing vein, and 1 case by 2 renal crossing arteries and 1 renal crossing vein. Among them, 11 cases were followed up successfully. Average follow-up time was 48.2 months (range, 13-120 months). Eight cases (8/11) were relieved, and 1 case (1/11) had no obvious improvement, another 2 cases (2/11) were aggravating. Among those 6 cases underwent adhesion release technique, 3 cases were relieved, 1 case had no obvious improvement, and 2 cases were aggravating. Five cases who underwent dismembered pyeloplasty was relieved significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Renal crossing artery is one of the main causes of UPJO, the crossing artery should be retained as far as possible. Crossing vessel oppression is not the only pathological cause of UPJO, so the treatment of UPJ constriction is also very important. Dismembered pyeloplasty seems to be the most efficacies treatment procedure for UPJO caused by repressed vessels, and the remission rate of adhesion release technique seems limited.

Anatomical and Developmental Abnormalities of Ureters and Renal Pelvis Existing with Accessory Renal Arteries: Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: Anatomical and developmental variations of ureters and renal pelvis have been observed frequently during routine human cadaveric dissection and surgical practice; however, their coexistence with accessory or aberrant renal arteries is exceptionally rare. Accordingly, this study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of anatomical and developmental abnormalities of ureters and renal pelvis existing with accessory renal arteries in human cadavers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on 50 human cadavers including dissected specimens (25 males and 25 females) the kidneys, renal pelvis, and ureters along with their arteries were exposed and the anomalous abnormalities of the renal pelvis and ureters existing with accessory renal arteries were observed. Photographs of the anomalous and developmental variations were taken for proper documentation. RESULTS: Among the 50 cadavers studied, unilateral double ureters were found in 5 cadavers (10%), rare bilateral "S-"shaped loop of ureter with quadruple uretic constrictors in the abdominal segment of the ureter was observed in one female cadaver (2%), accessory or aberrant renal arteries were found in 15 cadavers (30%), hydronephrosis involving the renal pelvis and ureters was observed in 9 cadavers (18%). Interestingly, this prevalence was higher among males (28%) compared to females (8%). Moreover, the occurrence of bilateral hydronephrosis of the kidneys, renal pelvis, and ureters was identified in a single male cadaver, representing 2% of the sample. Notably, the prevalence of double ureter, hydronephrosis accompanied by congenital double and triple accessory renal arteries was documented in nine cadavers, accounting for 18% of the cohort. CONCLUSION: Anatomical and developmental variations of the ureters, renal pelvis, and renal vasculature, as well as their relationships to surrounding structures, hold clinical significance due to their impact on various surgical procedures, including kidney transplantation, abdominal aorta reconstruction, interventional radiology, and urologic operations. Therefore, identifying these potential developmental variations is essential for effective surgical management to preserve renal function and ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Résumé Contexte:Des variations anatomiques et développementales des uretères et du bassinet du rein ont été fréquemment observées au cours de routines d'examens cadavériques humains. dissection et pratique chirurgicale; cependant, leur coexistence avec des artères rénales accessoires ou aberrantes est exceptionnellement rare. En conséquence, cette étude a été conçu pour évaluer la prévalence des anomalies anatomiques et du développement des uretères et du bassinet du rein existant avec des anomalies rénales accessoires. artères dans les cadavres humains.Matériels et méthodes:Cette étude a été réalisée sur 50 cadavres humains dont des spécimens disséqués (25 mâles et 25 femmes), les reins, le bassinet et les uretères ainsi que leurs artères ont été exposés et les anomalies anormales du système rénal un bassin et des uretères existant avec des artères rénales accessoires ont été observés. Des photographies des variations anormales et développementales ont été prises pour une documentation appropriée.Résultats:Parmi les 50 cadavres étudiés, des doubles uretères unilatéraux ont été retrouvés dans 5 cadavres (10 %), de rares cas bilatéraux. Une anse de l'uretère en forme de « S ¼ avec des quadruples constricteurs urétiques dans le segment abdominal de l'uretère a été observée chez un cadavre féminin (2 %). des artères rénales accessoires ou aberrantes ont été retrouvées chez 15 cadavres (30 %), une hydronéphrose impliquant le bassinet et les uretères rénaux a été observée chez 9 cadavres (18 %). Il est intéressant de noter que cette prévalence était plus élevée chez les hommes (28 %) que chez les femmes (8 %). De plus, la survenue de conflits bilatéraux une hydronéphrose des reins, du bassinet du rein et des uretères a été identifiée sur un seul cadavre masculin, représentant 2 % de l'échantillon. Notamment, le La prévalence du double uretère et de l'hydronéphrose accompagnée d'artères rénales accessoires doubles et triples congénitales a été documentée dans neuf cas. cadavres, représentant 18% de la cohorte.Conclusion:Variations anatomiques et développementales des uretères, du bassinet et du rein le système vasculaire, ainsi que leurs relations avec les structures environnantes, revêtent une importance clinique en raison de leur impact sur diverses procédures chirurgicales, y compris la transplantation rénale, la reconstruction de l'aorte abdominale, la radiologie interventionnelle et les opérations urologiques. Par conséquent, identifier ces les variations potentielles du développement sont essentielles à une prise en charge chirurgicale efficace afin de préserver la fonction rénale et de garantir des résultats optimaux pour les patients.

Laparoscopic vascular relocation: alternative treatment for renovascular hydronephrosis in children.

AIMS: The standard treatment for pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) has been dismembered pyeloplasty. The open surgical, Hellström procedure in which crossing polar vessels are relocated, has been an option in adult urological practice. We present our experience with laparoscopic vascular relocation in children. METHODS: Data were retrospectively gathered on all patients who underwent laparoscopic relocation of lower pole vessels (LRLPV) at our institution between July 2004 and March 2008. Follow-up ultrasounds and MAG3 were obtained. RESULTS: LRLPV was performed in 10 boys and 9 girls. Patients were between 5.8 and 15.25 years (median 9.9 years). They presented with recurrent abdominal pain (n = 17), urinary tract infections (n = 7) and haematuria (n = 3). On ultrasound, MAG3 and retrograde studies they had hydronephrosis, obstructed drainage and a normal calibre ureter with a sharp cut-off. They were further assessed at laparoscopy and were found to have aberrant lower pole crossing vessels. All underwent laparoscopic mobilization of the lower pole vessels from the region of the PUJ thereby freeing the junction and relocating them superiorly onto the anterior wall of the pelvis. The median operating time was 120 min (range 60-240 min). The median hospital stay was 2 days (range 1-3 days). They were followed up for a median period of 12 months (range 6-36 months). All patients have remained asymptomatic. Ultrasound done at 6 months showed decreased hydronephrosis. MAG3 study showed improved drainage in 17, while 1 had poor drainage. This patient remains symptom free and is under regular follow up. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic vascular relocation is an unconventional technique in carefully selected patients with PUJO. It obviates disrupting an intrinsically normal PU junction and treats the cause rather than the effect. Our intermediate-term results are encouraging and further long-term assessment is needed.

[Uretero-pelvic junction obstruction due to crossing pole vessel: contra vascular hitch]. / Subpelvine Stenose/Kreuzendes Gefäß ­ kontra vascular hitch.

Hydronephrosis in infants and children is most commonly due to a congenital, intrinsic obstruction of the uretero-pelvic junction. The Gold standard of care is defined as a dismembered pyeloplasty, nowadays mostly performed in a minimally-invasive procedure, either through a laparoscopic (also robotic-assisted) or retroperitoneoscopic approach. Less common is an extrinsic obstruction of the ureter or the uretero-pelvic junction caused by an aberrant crossing pole vessel, a condition more likely to affect children beyond infancy. This entity most often becomes apparent when it causes intermittent abdominal or flank pain. For this entity, Hellström described a surgical procedure avoiding dismembered pyeloplasty by hitching the crossing vessel in a tunnel at the pyelon. This has been increasingly advocated as a valuable therapeutic alternative to dismembered pyeloplasty. The discussion on whether dismembered pyeloplasty or a vascular hitch procedure is preferable to resolve the obstruction is controversial and ongoing. There is evidence in the literature that in the case of a crossing pole vessel an intrinsic stenosis of the ureter may additionally be present in up to 57 % of cases. However, this finding can only be proven histologically. The intraoperative aspect of a crossing pole vessel and the uretero-pelvic junction does not serve to discriminate between intrinsic and extrinsic stenosis. Therefore, a vascular hitch procedure bears the risk that a remaining intrinsic obstruction will be disregarded, which, in turn, may lead to urodynamic obstruction and consecutive loss of differential renal function. In addition, there is a general risk of compromising the perfusion of the affected kidney while hitching an aberrant vessel providing significant blood supply. Dismembered pyeloplasty can avoid a false selection of patients. In addition, there is sufficient evidence showing that dismembered pyeloplasty is a procedure with a low complication rate ranging from 2 to 3 %, providing very good results in functional outcome in terms of improving drainage and preserving differential renal function. Therefore, we prefer dismembered pyeloplasty as the method of choice for both the treatment of intrinsic as well as extrinsic uretero-pelvic junction obstruction.

Chimney technique for solitary pelvic kidney.

The combination of solitary pelvic kidney and abdominal aortic aneurysm is extremely rare. In this report, we present chimney graft implantation in a patient with solitary pelvic kidney. A 63-year-old man had the diagnosis of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm made incidentally. Preoperative computed tomography illustrated a fusiform abdominal aortic aneurysm accompanying a solitary ectopic kidney in the pelvis with aberrant renal artery. A bifurcated endograft was implanted, and a covered stent graft was placed into the renal artery by use of the chimney technique. Good patency of the chimney graft was documented with early postoperative and first month scans. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the chimney technique used in a solitary pelvic kidney.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction secondary to crossing vessels-to transpose or not? The robotic experience.

PURPOSE: We compared the surgical outcomes of robot assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in patients presenting with anterior crossing vessels with and without transposition of the crossing vessel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 107 patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction underwent robot assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. Evaluation of surgical success was based on validated pain scores, diuretic renography and imaging results, including excretory urography, computerized tomography or ultrasound. RESULTS: Anterior crossing vessels were identified in 48 patients (44.9%) and vessels were transposed in 18 (37.5%) (group 1). No transposition was performed in 30 patients (62.5%) (group 2). Mean radiological followup was 52.9 weeks in group 1 and 65.3 weeks in group 2 (p = 0.181). Mean pain score on a scale of 10 was 0.82 in group 1 and 0.74 in group 2 (p = 0.917). A Whitaker test performed in 3 patients with persistent pain was negative. Preoperatively mean differential function on the affected side was 35.1% in group 1 and 36.9% in group 2 (p = 0.133). Half-time was calculated as a mean of 46.3 minutes in group 1 and 49.4 minutes in group 2 (p = 0.541). In groups 1 and 2 mean postoperative differential function improved to 41.1% and 40.9%, and mean half-time improved to 7.43 and 8.03 minutes, respectively (p = 0.491). A comparison of preoperative and postoperative differential function, and half-time in each group showed a statistically significant difference. The radiographic and symptomatic success rate was 100% with no open conversion and recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of robot assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty outcomes revealed similar success rates in terms of the change in symptoms and renal function in patients with or without anterior crossing vessel transposition. Transposition of crossing vessel should only be performed when the anatomical relation dictates and it should be an intraoperative decision.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty and nephropexy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction and nephroptosis.

A 22-year-old female was referred with right flank pain and recurrent urinary infections. Flank pain was persistent while standing and relieved upon supine position. Intravenous urography demonstrated change of position with descent approximately 6-7 cm as the patient moved from the supine to the erect position. Diuretic renography corroborated the finding of right ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). A robotic-assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty with simultaneous nephropexy was performed. The proximal ureter appeared to course posterior to the renal vein and then anterior to the lower pole renal artery. There was a significant "nutcracker effect" to the proximal ureter, which was causing the patient's UPJO, and the concomitant nephroptosis contributed to increase the degree of obstruction. The robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty and nephropexy offer advantages for patients and surgeons and can be used in challenging cases with an efficacy similar to that of open repair. The robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty is the evolving standard for UPJO, especially in the presence of crossing vessels.

Detection rate of crossing vessels in pediatric hydronephrosis: Transperitoneal laparoscopy versus open lumbotomy.

BACKGROUND: A bundle of crossing vessels (CV) supplying the lower pole of the kidney and causing mechanical obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) has been the subject of many discussions. During pyeloplasty, it is possible to overlook the CV. This may result in recurrent dilatation of the kidney and the need for re-surgery. OBJECTIVES: To compare the detection rate of CV in UPJ obstruction (UPJO) depending on the operational access applied (transperitoneal laparoscopy (LAP) vs open lumbotomy (OPEN)). Assessment of features that could indicate the presence of CV. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and forty-six pediatric pyeloplasties were performed between January 2006 and July 2017 in the Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology at the Wroclaw Medical University, Poland - 111 out of them by LAP and 135 by OPEN, on 98 girls and 148 boys. A retrospective analysis of the patient records for the detection of CV and characteristics of the CV before surgery was performed. RESULTS: Intraoperative CV causing obstruction of the UPJ in the LAP group were recognized in 34.2% (n = 38) of the patients, and within the OPEN group in 12.5% (n = 17) (p < 0.0001); 90% (n = 27) of patients with the diagnosed CV did not show congenital hydronephrosis. In 68% (n = 21) of the patients there were cases of recurrent renal colic. The presence of CV was suspected in 7.2% of kidney ultrasounds and in 12.5% in computed tomography (CT) urograms. CONCLUSIONS: The detection rate of CV in UPJO is statistically higher in LAP access than in open retroperitoneal lumbotomy. The distinguishing features of patients with CV are the lack of prenatal diagnosis for hydronephrosis and the presence of pain in the lumbar region.

Pyelovenous fistula: a rare cause of hematuria.

A 72-year-old female who was admitted to our urology clinic with painless intermittent macroscopic hematuria existing for 3 months with no other voiding symptom was diagnosed with left pyelovenous fistula. Although a rare condition, pyelovenous fistula should be kept in mind when the cause of macroscopic hematuria cannot be diagnosed with routine radiological examinations, and retrograde pyelography should be the method of choice for the diagnosis in this rare condition.

The retroperitoneal laparoscopic Hellström technique for pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction from a crossing vessel.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with the treatment of pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) using the retroperitoneal laparoscopic Hellström (RLH) technique to relocate the crossing vessel. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used the RLH technique selectively in eight patients with PUJO from an aberrant crossing vessel, according to observations during surgery. The crossing vessel was mobilized and embedded in the generous pelvic wall with 4-0 polyglactin sutures to relieve the PUJO. Follow-up studies included intravenous urography, ultrasonography and renal functional scintigraphy at 1 month after surgery and every 3 months thereafter. RESULTS: The mean (range) operative duration was 45 (40-60) min; the blood loss was negligible. Crossing vessels were identified to be anterior to the renal pelvis in two patients and posterior in six. The hospital stay after surgery was 5 (4-7) days. No paregoric was required after surgery. The collecting systems were intact and no JJ stent was required in any patient. The mean (range) follow-up was 13.6 (12-15) months. In all patients the obstruction was resolved or significantly improved, and there were no complications, e.g. urine leakage and infection. A long-term follow-up is mandatory. CONCLUSIONS: The RLH technique is a minimally invasive alternative for patients with PUJO caused by a crossing vessel. Embedding the crossing vessels in the pelvic wall is feasible and safe for such patients; empirical judgement during surgery is prudent for success.

Multidetector computed tomography arteriography in the preoperative assessment of patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, endoscopic management of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is the treatment of choice. However, in the presence of crossing vessels, the success rate of endoscopic management decreases and the risk of hemorrhagic and vascular complications rises. The purpose of this study is to evaluate patients with UPJ obstruction using contrast enhanced multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography to aid in surgical planning and management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2001 and 2005, 27 patients (mean age: 43 years; age range: 17-75 years) with UPJ obstruction were studied with multidetector CT angiography. Identification and characterization of crossing vessels was performed with multidirectional images and three-directional reconstructions. RESULTS: 12 patients (44%) were found to have 16 crossing vessels (vessels in contact with the UPJ or within a vicinity of less than 2 mm). Nine of these vessels were arteries and seven were veins. Nine vessels crossed anteriorly, two posteriorly, and one anteromedially. Endopyelotomy was contraindicated in these 12 patients due to the presence of crossing vessels. Eleven out of the 12 patients underwent a pyeloplasty by open surgery or laparoscopy, where the presence of crossing vessels was confirmed. One of the 12 patients did not undergo surgery. CONCLUSION: Multidetector CT angiography permits an adequate preoperative assessment of patients with UPJ obstruction as it is able to identify the presence and location of crossing vessels. Furthermore, it allows to study in detail the anatomy of the renal area and its vascular variants.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty in a solitary kidney.

BACKGROUND: A 40-year-old male presented with right-sided abdominal pain and no lower urinary tract symptoms. Examination was unremarkable, apart from mild right renal angle tenderness. INVESTIGATIONS: Renal function, full blood count and C-reactive protein levels were all normal. Ultrasound of renal tract, abdominal computed tomography (CT) and (99m)Tc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) renogram confirmed ureteropelvic junction obstruction. DIAGNOSIS: The ureteropelvic junction obstruction of the right kidney was identified, with a crossing lower pole renal vessel as the possible cause. An absent left kidney was also noted. MANAGEMENT: Laparoscopic transperitoneal dismembered Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty was performed, with posterior transposition of the crossing lower pole vessel.

Histopathology in Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction With and Without Crossing Vessels.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the histopathology of the ureteropelvic junction differs between those with and without crossing vessels who present with a ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our database was queried for patients undergoing pyeloplasty (Current procedural terminology 50400, 50405, and 50544) between June 1, 2002, and March 10, 2016. We excluded patients with other renal anatomic abnormalities and patients undergoing surgery for upper tract tumor. One genitourinary pathologist reviewed all slides for muscle hypertrophy, fibrosis, edema, and inflammation. Statistics were modeled in SAS 9.4 (SAS, Cary, NC) using logistic regression with maximum likelihood. RESULTS: A total of 178 patients met the inclusion criteria, and pathology slides were available for 136 patients. Thirty-three patients had crossing vessels in association with a UPJO. The degrees of muscle hypertrophy (P = .89) and fibrosis (P = .17) were not predictive of etiology. The odds of a crossing vessel increased by 4.3 times (95% confidence interval 1.8-9.9) when edema was present (P = .009) and by 4.4 (95% confidence interval 1.4-13.7) times when inflammation was present (P = .0103). CONCLUSION: In the largest pathology series to date, histopathology showed increased inflammation in the presence of a crossing vessel but a similar composition of muscle and fibrosis. These data suggest that UPJO with an associated lower-pole vessel may represent a chronic process, which would explain why patients with a crossing vessel present later in life.

[Percutaneous ablation of the segmental renal artery for the treatment of the arterio-pelvic fistula complicating percutaneous nephrolithotomy--a case report]. / Przezskórna ablacja tetnicy segmentowej nerki jako metoda leczenia przetoki tetniczo-kielichowej--opis przypadku.

We present a case of an 18-year-old female who underwent two percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures complicated with haematuria. Angiography revealed the presence of an aneurysm of the right superior renal artery branch and arterio-pelvic fistula. The aneurysm was successfully obliterated using alcohol injection via coronary balloon catheter.