Correlation between computerized tomography density measurements of urinary bladder and urinalysis results.

Our aim was to investigate whether there is a correlation between computerized tomography (CT) density measurements of the urinary bladder and urinalysis results. Patients were subdivided into three groups with respect to urinalysis results: Group 1, no leukocytes or erythrocytes detected in urine (n=25); Group 2, erythrocytes detected in urine (n=50); and Group 3, leukocytes and erythrocytes detected in urine (n=98). In CT sections, densitometric measurements had been performed from three zones on each section and groups were compared in terms of densitometry results. Our results indicate that density measurements of CT views form the urinary bladder may provide valuable data on hematuria and leukocyturia.

Simple trigonometry on computed tomography helps in planning renal access.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively assess the usefulness of the measurements on preoperative computed tomography (CT) of patients with urinary stone disease for planning the access site using vertical angulation of the C-arm. METHODS: Of the patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy from November 2001 to October 2006, 41 patients with superior calix access had undergone preoperative CT. The depth of the target stone (y) and the vertical distance from that point to the first rib free slice (x) were measured on CT. The limit of the ratio of x over y was accepted as 0.58, with ratios below that indicating that infracostal access could be achieved by vertical angulation of the C-arm. RESULTS: We achieved an approach to the superior calix through an infracostal access in 28 patients. The preoperative trigonometric study on CT predicted 24 of them. The stone-free rate was 92.6%, and no chest-related complications developed. CONCLUSIONS: Simple trigonometry on CT of the patients with complex stones could help endourologists in planning renal access.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in children: lessons learned in 5 years at a single institution.

PURPOSE: We retrospectively compared morbidity and success rates in children who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy with 3 different sizes of instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed using adult instruments via a 26Fr tract in 23 patients, using pediatric instruments via a 20Fr tract in 13 and using minimal access (14Fr) in 10. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed using general anesthesia with parenteral antibiotic prophylaxis. Cystoscopy and retrograde pyelography were performed, and 5Fr to 6Fr soft ureteral catheters were placed during each procedure initially. Percutaneous access was established via fluoroscopic guidance with the patient in the prone position. Pneumatic, ultrasonic and holmium laser lithotriptors were used for in situ lithotripsy. A 14Fr nephrostomy catheter was placed at the end of the procedure in the 26Fr and 20Fr groups, and in the minimal access group the ureteral stent was left indwelling in cases of atraumatic procedure with no residual fragments. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 13.2, 5.9 and 6.3 years, respectively, in the 26Fr, 20Fr and minimal access groups (p=0.000). Sex distribution, previous surgery, stone size, surgery and fluoroscopy times, mean hemoglobin decrease and hospitalization time did not differ between the groups. However, blood transfusion rate was higher in groups 1 and 2. Stone-free rates were 69.5%, 80% and 90%, respectively, in groups 1 to 3. Overall, adjuvant shock wave lithotripsy treatment was needed in 3 children. CONCLUSIONS: Smaller instrument size to 20Fr did not significantly increase the operative time, and resulted in the same success rates as the adult sized devices. However, low blood transfusion rates were only reached in the minimal access percutaneous nephrolithotomy group.