Evolving horizons in renal angiomyolipoma: two decades of management strategies and clinical perspectives in a single institutional study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess various management options for renal angiomyolipoma (AML) to guide clinical practice. METHODS: A single center retrospectively reviewed an AML series from 2002 to 2022. The image reports and chart reviews of patients who received two abdominal scans at least 6 months between the first and last scans were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 203 patients with 209 tumors were identified and followed up for a median of 42.6 months. Active surveillance (AS) was the most frequently selected option (70.9% of cases). Interventions were required for 59 AMLs, of which 20 were treated with embolization, 29 with partial nephrectomy, 9 with radical nephrectomy, and 1 with radiofrequency (RF) ablation. The median size of the lesions at intervention was 5 cm. The average growth rate of the lesions was 0.12 cm/year, and there was a significant difference in the average growth rate of lesions ≤4 cm and those >4 cm (0.11 vs. 0.24 cm/year; p = 0.0046). CONCLUSION: This series on AMLs confirms that lesions >4 cm do not require early intervention based on size alone. Appropriately selected cases of renal AML can be managed by AS.KEYWORDS: Angiomyolipoma; active surveillance; embolization; nephrectomy; nephron-sparing surgery.

Predictive role of ureteral wall thickness and patient characteristics in endoscopic treatment outcomes for ureteral stricture disease following stone surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of certain radiological parameters and patient characteristics in predicting the success of endoscopic treatment in ureteral stricture disease. METHODS: Fifty one adult patients with ureteral stricture disease (< 1 cm) after developing due to upper ureteral stones with ureteroscopic laser disintegration were included and in addition to stone and patient parameters, radiological parameters including ureteral wall thickness (UWT) at the impacted stone site were also measured on computed tomography (CT) images. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1: Patients with endoscopic treatment success and Group 2: Patients with endoscopic treatment failure. The possible relationship between the UWT values and other radiological parameter was comparatively evaluated. RESULTS: Mean UWT value assessed at the treated stone site was significantly higher in cases unresponsive to endoscopic treatment with values of 2.77 ± 1.03 mm and 4.25 ± 1.32 mm in Group 1 and 2 respectively. A cut off value 3.55 mm for UWT was found to be highly predictive for endoscopic treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS: Our current results indicated that assessment of UWT value at the obstructing stone could be helpful enough to predict the likelihood of failure following endoscopic management of strictures with high sensitivity and specificity. Evaluation of this particular parameter could let the endourologists to look for more rational treatment alternatives with necessary measures taken on time.

Ureteral stricture formation after endoscopic removal of obstructing stones: could it be predicted with well-assessed radiological parameters?

The possible role of well-assessed radiological parameters in the prediction of ureteral stricture formation in cases with impacted obstructive ureteral calculi has been evaluated. 46 adult patients with or without ureteral stricture formation after ureteroscopic stone management were included. In addition to stone size and some certain radiological parameters including ureteral wall thickness (UWT) of the involved ureter at the impacted stone site was also measured and noted on computed tomography (CT) images. Parameters were evaluated in two subgroups of cases, namely: Group 1: patients in whom a ureteral stricture formed after endoscopic stone removal and Group 2: patients normal ureteral anatomy without any stricture formation. The possible relationship between the UWT values and degree of hydronephrosis (HN) with subsequent stricture formation was comparatively evaluated. All of the stones were proximal ureteral calculi in both groups. Both the degree of HN and proximal ureteral diameter (PUD) parenchymal was higher in cases with stricture formation. In addition, mean parenchymal thickness was lower and mean values of UWT measurements at the stone site were 3.70 ± 0.97 mm and 2.17 ± 0.26 mm in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. A cutoff value 2.49 mm for UWT was found to be highly predictive for stricture formation. UWT value calculated at the obstructing stone site was found to be predictive enough for the likelihood of ureteral stricture formation with high sensitivity and specificity . This evaluation along with some other radiological parameters may enable the urologists to follow such cases on this aspect with necessary measures taken.

Paratesticular Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma with Rhabdomyoblastic Differentiation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Liposarcomas of the paratesticular tissue is a rare pathological entity. The symptoms are similar to inguinal hernias or hydroceles. We present the case of an 84-year-old man with a rare paratesticular liposarcoma that manifested as painless right hemiscrotal swelling. Testicular tumour markers were negative. Imaging revealed a heterogeneous mass with a fat component. He underwent a radical orchiectomy on the left side to remove the associated mass. This revealed dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLS) with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation and MDM2 amplification. The surgical margins were negative, and the patient had a metastatic workup that included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen and pelvis. Because of the disease's rarity, there is no clear agreement on radiotherapy and chemotherapy roles.

A nationwide survey on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on minimal invasive surgery in urology practice.

OBJECTIVE: The beta-coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the clinical approach of 93% of urologists worldwide, and this situation has affected the use of laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic methods, which are known as minimally invasive surgery (MIS). This study aimed to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on MIS in urology practice at national level. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 234 urologists in Turkey participated in an online survey between August 22 and September 23, 2020. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to determine the participants' demographic characteristics and responses to multiple-choice questions. RESULTS: While 54% of urologists stated that they were concerned about the possibility that the patients planned to undergo MIS were carrying COVID-19 or false-negative for the virus, 51% considered that open surgery was safer than MIS in this regard. The pandemic led to a difference in the preferences of 40% of the urologists in relation to open or MIS methods, and during the pandemic, 39% of the urologists always directed their patients to open surgery. It was determined that during the pandemic, there was a statistical decrease in the intensity and weekly application of MIS methods among all surgical procedures compared to the pre-pandemic (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). MIS was preferred for oncological operations by 97.3% of the urologists during the pandemic, with the most performed operation being radical nephrectomy (90.7%). Among oncological operations, radical prostatectomy was most frequently postponed. To prevent virus transmission during MIS, 44% of the urologists reported that they always used an additional evacuation system and 52% took additional precautions. There were a total of 27 healthcare workers who took part in MIS and tested positive for COVID-19 after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of operations has decreased during the ongoing pandemic, MIS is a method that can be preferred due to its limited contamination and mortality in urology practice provided that safety measures are taken and guideline recommendations are followed.

Clinical significance of serum and urinary HER2/neu protein levels in primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

Objective: We aimed to compare serum and urinary HER2/neu levels between healthy control group and patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Additionally, we evaluated relationship of HER2/neu levels with tumor stage, grade, recurrence and progression. Materials and Methods: Fourty-four patients with primary non-muscle invasive bladder tumors (Group 2) and 40 healthy control group (Group 1) were included the study. Blood and urinary samples were collected from all patients and HER2/neu levels were measured by ELISA method. Blood and urinary HER2/neu levels and additionally, ratio of urinary HER2/neu levels to urinary creatinine levels were recorded. Demographic data and tumor characteristics were recorded. Results: Mean serum HER2/neu levels were similar between two groups and statistically significant difference wasn't observed. Urinary HER2/neu levels were significantly higher in group 2 than group 1. Ratio of urinary HER2/neu to urinary creatinine was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1, (p=0,021). Serum and urinary HER2/ neu levels were not associated with tumor stage, grade, recurrence and progression while ratio of urinary HER2/neu to urinary creatinin levels were significantly higher in high-grade tumors. HER2/neu, the sensitivity of the test was found to be 20.5%, and the specificity was 97.5%, also for the urinary HER2/neu/urinary creatinine ratio, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were found to be 31.8% and 87.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Urinary HER2/neu and ratio of urinary creatinine urine were significantly higher in patients with bladder cancer compared to healthy subjects. Large series and controlled studies are needed for use as a tumor marker.

Clinical significance of serum and urinary HER2/neu protein levels in primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare serum and urinary HER2/neu levels between healthy control group and patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Additionally, we evaluated relationship of HER2/neu levels with tumor stage, grade, recurrence and progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourty-four patients with primary non-muscle invasive bladder tumors (Group 2) and 40 healthy control group (Group 1) were included the study. Blood and urinary samples were collected from all patients and HER2/neu levels were measured by ELISA method. Blood and urinary HER2/neu levels and additionally, ratio of urinary HER2/neu levels to urinary creatinine levels were recorded. Demographic data and tumor characteristics were recorded. RESULTS: Mean serum HER2/neu levels were similar between two groups and statistically significant difference wasn't observed. Urinary HER2/neu levels were significantly higher in group 2 than group 1. Ratio of urinary HER2/neu to urinary creatinine was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1, (p=0,021). Serum and urinary HER2/ neu levels were not associated with tumor stage, grade, recurrence and progression while ratio of urinary HER2/neu to urinary creatinin levels were significantly higher in high-grade tumors. HER2/neu, the sensitivity of the test was found to be 20.5%, and the specificity was 97.5%, also for the urinary HER2/neu/urinary creatinine ratio, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were found to be 31.8% and 87.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary HER2/neu and ratio of urinary creatinine urine were significantly higher in patients with bladder cancer compared to healthy subjects. Large series and controlled studies are needed for use as a tumor marker.

The cost analysis of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy in 302 cases.

The objective of this study was to audit the cost of flexible ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy. The data for 302 consecutive flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURSL) procedure undertaken in our department for renal stone treatment were collected retrospectively. The costs associated with performing FURSL, including the cost of ancillary equipment were analyzed. This includes the cost of the initial purchase of the ureterorenoscopes and the holmium laser equipment. The cost of flexible ureterorenoscopy for each lithotripsy procedure (for a total of 302 FURSL) was $118. Additional cost of ancillary equipment including laser device, ureteral access sheath and stone retrival catheter were $156, $231 and $611, respectively. In this series, the costs of the ancillary equipment including laser exceeded the purchase and maintenance of the flexible ureteroscope. The cost of disposables rather than flexible ureteroscope itself should be considered in planning the budget.

Treatment of renal stones with flexible ureteroscopy in preschool age children.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) to treat renal stones in preschool age (<7 years) children. From September 2005 to May 2013, a total of 65 children (31 boys and 34 girls) with 72 renal stones were treated using RIRS. Patients were considered stone-free when the absence of residual fragments was observed on imaging studies. In the presence of residual calculi >4 mm, a second-stage RIRS was performed. The pre-operative, operative and post-operative data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 65 patients with a mean age of 4.31 ± 1.99 years (6 months-7 years) were included in the present study. The mean stone size was 14.66 ± 6.12 mm (7-30 mm). The mean operative time was 46.47 ± 18.27 min. In 5 (7.69%) patients, the initial procedure failed to reach the renal collecting system and ended with the insertion of a pigtail stent. The stone-free rates were 83.07 and 92.3% after the first and second procedures, respectively. Complications were observed in 18 (27.7%) patients and classified according to the Clavien system. Post-operative hematuria (Clavien I) occurred in 6 (9.2%) patients, post-operative urinary tract infection with fever (Clavien II) was observed in 10 (15.4%) patients, and ureteral wall injury (Clavien III) was noted in 2 (3%) patients. RIRS is an effective and safe procedure that can be used to manage renal stones in preschool age children.

Comparison of different ureteroscope sizes in treating ureteral calculi in adult patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the success and complication rates of a 4.5-6.5F semirigid ureteroscope (S-URS) with an 8.5-11.5F S-URS in treating ureteral stones in adult patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients with ureteral stones, who were treated with 4.5-6.5F S-URS (group 1) and 52 patients who were treated with 8.5-11.5F S-URS (group 2) were compared retrospectively using a matched-pair analysis. The size, lateralization, location, and impaction of the stones and also the patient age, gender, body mass index, and the presence of hydronephrosis were used as the matching parameters. The stones were fragmented with Holmium-YAG laser. RESULTS: The matching parameters were comparable between the 2 groups. The stone-free rates were 88.5% in group 1 and 84.6% in group 2 (P = .566) after a single procedure. The mean operative times for groups 1 and 2 were 32.7 ± 5.8 and 30.2 ± 5.4 minutes, respectively (P = .06). Postoperative hematuria was detected in 1.9% and 13.5% of patients in groups 1 and 2 (P = .027). Ureteral balloon dilation was needed in 1.9% and 15.4% of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .015). Mucosal injury was observed in 1.9% and 13.5% of the patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .027). No major complications were noted in either group. CONCLUSION: Although the stone-free rates and operative times were similar between the 2 groups, a 4.5-6.5F ureteroscope can reduce the need for ureteral balloon dilation and some minor complications, such as mucosal injury and postoperative hematuria, in adult patients.

Bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery for the treatment of bilateral renal stones.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery in the treatment of bilateral renal stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2008 to February 2012, 42 patients who had undergone bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and laser lithotripsy were included in the study. The procedures were performed in the lithotomy position on an endoscopy table under general anesthesia, beginning on the side in which the stone size was smaller. Plain abdominal radiography, intravenous urograms (IVU), renal ultrasonography (USG) and / or non-contrast tomography (CT) scans were conducted for all patients. The success rate was defined as patients who were stone-free or only had residual fragment less than 4 mm. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients (28 male, 14 female) with a mean age 39.2 ± 14.2 were included in the present study. The mean stone size was 24.09 ± 6.37 mm with a mean operative time of 51.08 ± 15.22 minutes. The stone-free rates (SFR) were 92.8% and 97.6% after the first and second procedures, respectively. The average hospital stay was 1.37 ± 0.72 days. In two patients (4.7%), minor complications (Clavien I or II) were observed, whereas no major complications (Clavien III-V) or blood transfusions were noted in the studied group. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral single-session RIRS and laser lithotripsy can be performed safely and effectively with a high success rate and low complication rate in patients with bilateral renal stones.

Retrograde intrarenal surgery for the treatment of renal stones in patients with a solitary kidney.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in the treatment of renal stones in patients with a solitary kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2008 to March 2012, 24 patients with a solitary kidney who were treated with RIRS for renal stones were included in the study. All patients were preoperatively evaluated with urine culture, serum biochemistry, urinary ultrasonography, noncontrast computed tomography or intravenous urography, or both. The procedure was considered as successful in patients with complete stone disappearance or fragments <4 mm on computed tomography. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. The mean serum creatinine levels before and after the procedures were compared using a paired sample t-test. RESULTS: The study included 24 patients with a mean age of 44.41 ± 12.15 years (range, 24-70). The mean stone size was 19.83 ± 5.90 mm (range, 10-35). The mean operative time was 55.83 ± 10.90 minutes (range, 40-75). The success rates were 83.3% and 95.8% after the first and second procedures, respectively. A pigtail stent was placed in all patients. The mean serum creatinine levels before the procedures and at 2 weeks after removal of the pigtail stents were 1.54 ± 0.55 mg/dL (range, 0.7-2.8) and 1.56 ± 0.50 mg/dL (range, 0.9-2.6), respectively (P = .92). Minor complications, classified as Clavien I or II, occurred in 4 patients (16.6%). No major complications (Clavien III-V) occurred in the study group. CONCLUSION: RIRS is an effective and safe procedure that can be used to manage renal stones in patients with a solitary kidney.

Bilateral Single-Session Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for the Treatment of Bilateral Renal Stones

Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery in the treatment of bilateral renal stones. Materials and Methods: From December 2008 to February 2012, 42 patients who had undergone bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and laser lithotripsy were included in the study. The procedures were performed in the lithotomy position on an endoscopy table under general anesthesia, beginning on the side in which the stone size was smaller. Plain abdominal radiography, intravenous urograms (IVU), renal ultrasonography (USG) and / or non-contrast tomography (CT) scans were conducted for all patients. The success rate was defined as patients who were stone-free or only had residual fragment less than 4 mm. Results A total of 42 patients (28 male, 14 female) with a mean age 39.2 ± 14.2 were included in the present study. The mean stone size was 24.09 ± 6.37 mm with a mean operative time of 51.08 ± 15.22 minutes. The stone-free rates (SFR) were 92.8% and 97.6% after the first and second procedures, respectively. The average hospital stay was 1.37 ± 0.72 days. In two patients (4.7%), minor complications (Clavien I or II) were observed, whereas no major complications (Clavien III-V) or blood transfusions were noted in the studied group. Conclusions Bilateral single-session RIRS and laser lithotripsy can be performed safely and effectively with a high success rate and low complication rate in patients with bilateral renal stones. .

Retrograde intrarenal surgery in patients with horseshoe kidneys.

Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in patients with horseshoe kidneys (HSKs) remains poorly studied. The present study aimed to assess clinical success and stone-free rates in HSK patients with renal stones treated with flexible ureteroscopy. RIRS was attempted in 20 patients with 25 renal stones in HSK from December 2008 to January 2012. The patients were evaluated with imaging studies including plain abdominal radiography, intravenous urogram, abdominal ultrasonography or non-contrast tomography scan. Success rate was defined as stone-free or residual fragment less than 4 mm. Pre-operative, operative and postoperative data were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 20 patients were included in the present study (12 males, 8 females). 9 of 25 renal stones (36 %) were located in the lower calyx of the kidney, whereas 7 (28 %) in the middle calyx, 5 (20 %) in the renal pelvis and 4 (16 %) in the upper calyx. The mean stone size was 17.8 ± 4.5 mm. The stone-free rate was 70 % after a single procedure. 6 patients required shock wave lithotripsy and two of these were completely stone-free. Average hospital stay was 1.4 ± 0.7 days. Minor complications as classified by Clavien I or II occurred in 25 %. No major complications (Clavien III-V) occurred in the study group. RIRS is an effective and safe treatment modality for renal stones in patients with HSK. The procedure has minimal morbidity and high success rate.

The impact of body mass index on the outcomes of retrograde intrarenal stone surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of using retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for treating renal stones among normal weight, overweight, and obese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2008 to March 2012, 207 patients who underwent RIRS were included in the study. Patients were categorized into 3 groups according to their body mass index (BMI): normal weight <25 kg/m(2) (group 1), overweight 25-29.9 kg/m(2) (group 2), and obese ≥30 kg/m(2) (group 3). We compared the 3 groups with regard to preoperative characteristics, operative parameters, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, gender, or renal stone parameters (size, localization, laterality, multiplicity) among the 3 groups. The mean stone sizes were 18.6 ± 7.1 mm in group 1, 16.9 ± 7.0 mm in group 2, and 18.5 ± 8.4 mm in group 3 (P = .365). The stone-free rates (SFRs) of a single procedure for the groups were 79.0%, 77.9%, and 75.5% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P = .897). After additional treatments, the final SFR for the groups increased to 85.2%, 84.4%, and 81.6% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P = .861). We did not find any significant differences among the groups with regard to the operation times, complication rates, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Major complications were not observed either during or after the operations. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the outcomes of RIRS for treating renal stones are similar in overweight and obese patients when compared with patients who are of normal weight. Therefore, these patients can be treated safely and successfully with RIRS.

Ureteroscopic management with laser lithotripsy of renal pelvic stones.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The development of semirigid and flexible ureteroscopes has permitted easier access to calculi throughout the urinary tract. We compared the use of semirigid and flexible ureteroscopy for the management of shockwave lithotripsy-refractory, isolated renal pelvic calculi by evaluating stone-free rates, operating room times, and associated complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ureteroscopic stone treatment was attempted in 47 patients with isolated renal pelvic stones between November 2008 and December 2010. The procedures were performed under general anesthesia. Semirigid ureteroscopy was routinely performed in all patients. If the stones were accessible in the renal pelvis with the semirigid ureteroscope (S-URS), they were then treated with the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser through S-URS under direct vision. If the stones were not accessible, flexible ureteroscopy was then performed. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative data were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: In 25 of 47 patients, renal pelvic stones were accessible with S-URS, and the stones were fragmented with the Ho:YAG laser using S-URS. In the remaining 22 patients, the stones were accessed with the flexible ureteroscope (F-URS), and the fragmentation of stones was performed with the Ho:YAG laser using the F-URS. There were no significant differences in age, body mass index, grade of hydronephrosis, mean stone size, and stone laterality among the two groups. The mean operative times were 71.90 ± 17.90 minutes in the S-URS group and 93.41 ± 18.56 minutes in the F-URS group (P=0.001). The stone-free rates at postoperative day 1 and at the 1 month follow-up were 72% and 76% in the S-URS group and 81.8% and 86.4% in the F-URS group, respectively (P=0.861 and P=0.368). We found no significant differences among groups with regard to stone-free rates, complication rates, and hospital lengths of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Although it is well known that flexible ureteroscopy permits a detailed caliceal examination and therapeutic interventions, semirigid ureteroscopy is also often another sufficient means of reaching the renal pelvis in selected patients.

Testicular polyarteritis nodosa mimicking testicular neoplasm.

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) presents mostly as a systemic disease characterized by necrotizing vasculitis affecting small- and medium-sized arteries. Rarely, the inflammatory process is isolated and involves a single organ without systemic manifestations. We described the case of a 57-year-old patient with isolated testicular PAN who presented with a testicular mass mimicking a primary testicular tumor.