The New Gold Standard In Laparoscopic Imaging: 3d Vs 4k Laparoscopic Nephrectomy- A Single Centered Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Thanks to progressive technology and modern innovations, laparoscopic procedures, being minimally invasive, have now supervened upon most open surgical procedures. Laparoscopic procedures have proven advantages over open procedures. The study was designed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic nephrectomy between 3D and 4K camera resolutions. METHODS: This randomized control trial carried out at Tabba Kidney institute, Karachi, Pakistan from July 2020 to April 2021, to our knowledge was the first of its kind comparative study in Pakistan and internationally. All patients diagnosed to have symptomatic non-functioning kidney on the basis of both renal scintigraphy and CT- KUB were divided through blocked randomization in to two different camera resolution groups, i.e., 3D vs 4K and outcomes in terms of operative time, haemoglobin fall, post procedure complications and in patient stay were recorded. RESULTS: It was observed that the 3D group had a significantly shorter mean total operative time 172.1±36.9 vs 272.5±14.1 respectively (p<0.005). A significant difference was also observed in mean operative time for task 2 was 53.1±21.1 & 101±30.9 mins (p<0.005), and for task 3 was 67.18±18.3 & 112.5±37 mins (p=0.005) for 3D and 4K groups respectively. The mean haemoglobin drops in 3D and 4K groups was 0.51±1.6 & 0.73±1.1 respectively (p=0.7). Moreover, the mean hospital stay was 2.5±0.6 for 3D group & 2.7±0.9 for 4K group (p-value 0.8). Post-operative wound infection was observed in one patient in each group. No case had to be converted to surgery by an open approach. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that despite being the latest technological advancement with a greater zooming capability, when used for performing laparoscopic nephrectomy, 4K imaging system couldn't show any superiority over 3D imaging system, in different operative tasks and in terms of total operative time.

European Association of Urology Section of Urolithiasis and International Alliance of Urolithiasis Joint Consensus on Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

CONTEXT: Although percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been performed for decades and has gone through many refinements, there are still concerns regarding its more widespread utilization because of the long learning curve and the potential risk of severe complications. Many technical details are not included in the guidelines because of their nature and research protocol. OBJECTIVE: To achieve an expert consensus viewpoint on PCNL indications, preoperative patient preparation, surgical strategy, management and prevention of severe complications, postoperative management, and follow-up. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: An international panel of experts from the Urolithiasis Section of the European Association of Urology, International Alliance of Urolithiasis, and other urology associations was enrolled, and a prospectively conducted study, incorporating literature review, discussion on research gaps (RGs), and questionnaires and following data analysis, was performed to reach a consensus on PCNL. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The expert panel consisted of 36 specialists in PCNL from 20 countries all around the world. A consensus on PCNL was developed. The expert panel was not as large as expected, and the discussion on RGs did not bring in more supportive evidence in the present consensus. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate preoperative preparation, especially elimination of urinary tract infection prior to PCNL, accurate puncture with guidance of fluoroscopy and/or ultrasonography or a combination, keeping a low intrarenal pressure, and shortening of operation time during PCNL are important technical requirements to ensure safety and efficiency in PCNL. PATIENT SUMMARY: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been a well-established procedure for the management of upper urinary tract stones. However, according to an expert panel consensus, core technical aspects, as well as the urologist's experience, are critical to the safety and effectiveness of PCNL.

Renal dysfunction due to advance pelvic organ prolapse.

Uterovaginal prolapse is the downward descent of the pelvic organs, resulting in protrusion of the vagina, uterus, bladder or rectum. The association between POP and hydronephrosis has been shown by various studies, but severe hydronephrosis that leads to renal dysfunction is rarely seen. We report the case of a 70 year old female with massive vaginal prolapse and chronic renal impairment. She presented with urinary tract infection (UTI) and raised creatinine levels of 4.5mg/dl. After the treatment of UTI, we surgically managed to treat her obstructive symptoms. After surgery her creatinine levels dropped to 2.0mg/dl but chronic renal failure persisted. Advanced stage prolapsed may damage renal function if left untreated. Timely diagnosis and management may help to prevent irreversible damage to kidneys.

Comparative evaluation of upper versus lower calyceal approach in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for managing renal calculi.

OBJECTIVE: To compare upper versus lower calyceal approaches in percutaneous nephrolithotomy for managing renal calculi. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Urology, The Kidney Centre Post-Graduate Training Institute, Karachi, and comprised data of patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy from January 2014 to January 2015. Patients were divided into upper pole puncture group A and lower pole puncture group B. Data was analysed using SPSS 17. RESULTS: Of the 198 patients, 147(74.2%) were males and 51(25.8%) were females. The overall mean age was 40.64±14.02 years. Of the total, 69(34.84%) were in group A and 129(65.15%) were in group B. Inter-group difference was significant in pre- and post-operative haemoglobin (p<0.05). Post-operative outcomes showed that blood transfusion, stone clearance and complication like tube thoracostomy had significant association with both the groups (p<0.05). Complete clearance was seen in 152(76.8%) patients; 40(74.1%) in group A and 102(81.6%) in group B. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate was found to be better in lower calyceal puncture group than upper calyceal puncture group for the management of renal calculi.

Open surgical management of pediatric urolithiasis: A developing country perspective.

OBJECTIVES: To describe decision factors and outcome of open surgical procedures in the management of children with stone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2004 and December 2008, 3969 surgical procedures were performed in 3053 children with stone disease. Procedures employed included minimally invasive techniques shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), ureterorenoscopy (URS), perurethral cystolithotripsy (PUCL), percutaneous cystolithotripsy (PCCL), and open surgery. From sociomedical records demographics, clinical history, operative procedures, complications, and outcome were recorded for all patients. RESULTS: Of 3969 surgeries, 2794 (70%) were minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques to include SWL 19%, PCNL 16%, URS 18.9%, and PUCL+PCCL 16% and 1175 (30%) were open surgeries. The main factors necessitating open surgery were large stone burden 37%, anatomical abnormalities 16%, stones with renal failure 34%, gross hydronephrosis with thin cortex 58%, urinary tract infection (UTI) 25%, and failed MIS 18%. Nearly 50% of the surgeries were necessitated by economic constraints and long distance from center where one-time treatment was preferred by the patient. Stone-free rates by open surgeries were pyelolithotomy 91%, ureterolithotomy 100%, and cystolithotomy 100% with complication rate of upto 3%. CONCLUSIONS: In developing countries, large stone burden, neglected stones with renal failure, paucity of urological facilities, residence of poor patients away from tertiary centers necessitate open surgical procedures as the therapy of choice in about 1/3rd of the patients. Open surgery provides comparable success rates to MIS although the burden and nature of disease is more complex. The scope of open surgery will remain much wide for a large population for considered time in developing countries.