LAPAROSCOPIC MANAGEMENT OF DISTAL URETERIC STONE IN BILHARZIAL URETER: RESULTS OF A SINGLE CENTER PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

No doubt, Bilharzial ureters are complicated by distal stricture due to precipitation of Bilharzial ova in distal ureter. These cases are associated with poorly functioning and grossly hydronephroic kidneys that hinder endoscopic manipulation of the coexistent distal, high burden, long standing impacted stones. Thus, laparoscopic uretrolithotomy was performed in 51 bilharzial patients with distal ureteric stones 4 trocars were used. The ureter was opened directly over the stone and the stone was extracted. A double-J stent was inserted into the ureter which was closed by 4-0 polyglactin running suture. The results showed that among 51 cases 33 males and 18 females; the mean age was 40.13 years. the mean stone size was 2.73 cm. Conversion to open surgery was in only one case; the mean operative time 92.05 (range 75-120 minutes); postoperative pain score ranged from 20 to 60, the mean number of PO analgesic request was 1.72 (range 1-3); it was once in 21, twice in 23 and thrice in 7 cases. Hospital stay ranged from 2 to 5 with a mean of 2.74 days; total duration of follow up ranged from 7 to 12 with a mean of 9.68. Stone recurrence reported in 4 cases; ureteric stricture reported in 2 cases. Stone free rate was reported to be 100%.

Laparoscopic management of distal ureteric stones in a bilharzial ureter: Results of a single-centre prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of the laparoscopic management of an impacted distal ureteric stone in a bilharzial ureter, as bilharzial ureters are complicated by distal stricture caused by the precipitation of bilharzial ova in the distal ureter. These cases are associated with poorly functioning and grossly hydronephrotic kidneys that hinder the endoscopic manipulation of the coexistent distal high burden of, and long-standing, impacted stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used laparoscopic ureterolithotomy, with four trocars, to manage 51 bilharzial patients (33 men and 18 women; mean age 40.13 years) with distal ureteric stones. The ureter was opened directly over the stone and the stone was extracted. A JJ stent was inserted into the ureter, which was then closed with a 4-0 polyglactin running suture. RESULTS: The mean stone size was 2.73 cm. Conversion to open surgery was required in only one patient. The mean operative duration was 92 min, the postoperative pain score was 20-60, the mean (range) number of analgesic requests after surgery was 1.72 (1-3), comprising once in 21 patients, twice in 23 and thrice in seven. The mean hospital stay was 2.74 days, and the total duration of follow-up was 7-12 months. The stone recurred in four patients and a ureteric stricture was reported in two. All patients were rendered stone-free. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for distal ureteric stones in a bilharzial ureter with hydronephrosis.

Holmium laser enucleation versus photoselective vaporization for prostatic adenoma greater than 60 ml: preliminary results of a prospective, randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To our knowledge we report the first single center, prospective, randomized study comparing holmium laser enucleation and high performance GreenLight™ prostate photoselective vaporization as surgical treatment of prostatic adenomas greater than 60 ml. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 patients with a large prostatic adenoma were randomly assigned to surgical treatment with holmium laser enucleation or photoselective vaporization. International Prostate Symptom Score, International Index of Erectile Function-15, maximum flow rate, post-void residual urine, serum prostate specific antigen and transrectal ultrasound volume were recorded. RESULTS: Patient baseline characteristics were similar for holmium laser enucleation and photoselective vaporization. Operative time and catheter removal time were almost equal in the 2 groups (p = 0.7 and 0.2, respectively). Eight vaporization cases were converted to transurethral prostate resection or holmium laser enucleation intraoperatively due to bleeding. A significantly higher maximum flow rate and lower post-void residual urine were noted in holmium laser cases during the entire followup (at 1 year each p = 0.02). However, no significant difference in International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life or International Index of Erectile Function-15 was detected. Prostate volume and serum PSA decreased 78% and 88% in the holmium laser group, and 52% and 60% in the vaporization group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Holmium laser enucleation and photoselective vaporization are effective for lower urinary tract symptoms due to a large prostatic adenoma. Early subjective functional results (maximum flow rate and post-void residual urine) of holmium laser enucleation appear to be superior to those of photoselective vaporization. In our hands cases intended to be treated with photoselective vaporization were at 22% risk of conversion to another modality. This could reflect our determination to vaporize to the capsule in all vaporization cases.

Laparoscopic management of primary pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction: Single-centre experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect and safety of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in the treatment of pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 34 patients, laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty was used to treat primary PUJO. Information was obtained for symptoms, results of a nuclear scan before and after surgery, intraoperative blood loss, operative duration, stenting method, and hospital stay. Under general anaesthesia and in the flank position, a 10 mm trocar was first placed above the umbilicus; three 5 mm working ports were then placed. The ureter and pelvis were freed from surrounding adhesions. The obstructive pelvi-ureteric segment was then excised, and the opened point of the ureter spatulated. Ureteropyeloplasty between the lower pole, pelvis and spatulated ureter was made using a 4-0 polyglactin suture around a JJ stent. RESULTS: The mean (SD) preoperative nuclear scan result was 23.6 (6.4) mL/min, with retention of tracer. The median operative duration was 200 min, and the median blood loss 120 mL. All patients were stented with a JJ stent. The mean hospital stay was 5 days. The final results were assessed at 6 months after surgery, when the mean (SD) nuclear scan result was 30 (7.4) mL/min. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a safe and effective option which can produce satisfactory results both clinically and radiologically.