Mini-PCNL - a boon for CKD patients with nephrolithiasis.

Purpose: The prevalence of urinary stone disease in ESRD is 3.2%, leading to renal damage due to obstructive uropathy, infection, and frequent surgical intervention. PCNL, the gold standard for complex renal stone disease, has evolved with smaller access sheaths (14-20 F), improved optics, and fluoroscopic equipments. This study aims to assess the safety and feasibility of mini- PCNL in CKD patients with respect to postoperative outcome and its effect on stage of CKD. Patients and methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Urology, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, from January 2022 to October 2022. This study included adult patients with nephrolithiasis at CKD stage 3 or higher. The primary objective of this research was to assess the impact of mini-PCNL on renal function, specifically measuring changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline to a 6-month follow-up. The secondary objective was to evaluate the feasibility of mini-PCNL in CKD patients in terms of complications, stone clearance rate, and duration of hospital stay. Four variable Modification of Diet in Renal Diseases(MDRD) equation was used to calculate the estimated GFR(eGFR) of each patient and NKF/KDOQI classification system to classify the stage of CKD. Results: A total of 46 patients were included in the study. We found that for management of nephrolithiasis in CKD patients, mini-PCNL leads to significant improvement in eGFR at 6 months follow-up (mean difference = 14.25 ml/min/1.73 m2; p-value <0.01) with high stone-free rates (89.5%). The complication rates were comparable to standard PCNL. Conclusions: mini-PCNL is a bonanza for management of CKD patients with nephrolithiasis.

Outcome of dorsal buccal graft urethroplasty in female urethral stricture disease (FUSD); our institutional experience.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Female urethral stricture is a poorly studied disease entity. To date, its management has been poorly evaluated, with small numbers and various definitions of success. Treatment options traditionally have been urethral dilatation and/or self-catheterization with success rates ranging from only 14 to 49%. However, there has been increasing use of urethroplasty due to the improved success rate (70 to 100%). In this study we assessed the outcome of dorsal buccal mucosal grafts in female urethral stricture disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our study we prospectively analyzed 25 female patients treated from 2014 to 2019 at our institute; ages ranged from 26 to 66 years. Dorsal buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty was performed in all patients. The pathology of female urethral stricture disease is unknown, and neither the pre- nor the intraoperative assessment allows determining the precise location and extent or the severity of urethral damage; therefore, we advocate extensive grafting of the entire urethra. Patients were followed every 3 months during the 1st year and then biannually with lower urinary tract symptom, uroflowmetry and post-void residual urine assessments. Stricture recurrence (failure) was defined as recurrence of symptoms, no change or reversal in Qmax and post-void residual urine values and failure of negotiation of a 17-Fr cystoscope. RESULTS: Success rate of our surgical intervention was > 90%. We observed that the mid-urethra was the most common location of the stricture. Stricture location was confined to the distal urethra in 12%, the mid-urethra in 16%, spanned the distal mid-urethra in 16%, spanned the mid-proximal urethra in 40% and spanned the pan-urethra in 16%. Mean stricture length was 1.8 (0.7-2.1) cm. Mean pre- versus postoperative Qmax was 5 ml/s versus 23.3 ml/s and mean residual urine was 178 ml versus 18.5 ml. Two patients had stricture recurrence at 3 months post-intervention. CONCLUSION: Dorsal buccal mucosal graft currently represents a prime choice for female urethral stricture reconstruction, keeping in view the advantages of the procedure such as easy availability of the graft and fewer donor site comorbidities. We emphasize upfront urethroplasty and extensive urethral grafting.

Transvaginal subfascial synthetic sling - "A novel technique" versus trans-obturator mid-urethral sling in female stress urinary incontinence: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: To assess the treatment outcome and overall efficacy of the novel technique of a transvaginal subfascial synthetic sling (TVSS) in comparison to the standard trans-obturator tape (TOT-O) mid-urethral sling for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 206 female SUI patients managed at our institution between March 2015 and December 2019. The patients were randomly distributed into 2 comparable groups (Group A as TOT-O and Group B as TVSS) with respect to age, trouble due to SUI assessed with respect to degree of incontinence (number of episodes and diapers used per day), and body mass index (≤40 kg/m2), with 100 patients in the TOT-O group as group A and 106 patients in TVSS as group B. Preoperative variables related to the number of incontinent episodes and diapers usage were equal in both groups. The procedure was done under spinal anesthesia and results were assessed in terms of improvement in SUI as the primary outcome, any sexual dysfunction, complications, and overall satisfaction as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Symptomatic improvement after the procedure was seen in all patients with complete resolution of symptoms in 91 patients (91.%) in the TOT-O group (group A) versus 96 patients (90.56%) in the TVSS (group B). Postoperative complications included urinary retention in 6% versus 5.6%, increased day time urinary frequency in 8% versus 6.6%, urge incontinence in 4% versus 2.8%, and groin/thigh pain in 12% versus 0.9%, respectively. Mesh incision was done in 1 (1%) versus none (0%), and local mesh excision for mesh erosion in 2 (2%) versus 1 (0.9%) at 3 months after the procedure in the TOT-O group and the TVSS group, respectively. The p value and Chi-Square test with respect to the clinical profile and satisfaction with respect to complete resolution of symptoms was calculated using Open EPI software which were insignificant. Sexual function (SF) was assessed using the Brief Index of SF for Women questionnaire. All the patients were satisfied with respect to SF at 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The TVSS as a novel technique for female SUI is less invasive, simpler to learn, with less postoperative pain with resolution of SUI, rapid recovery, and good personal satisfaction compared to the standard TOT-O in procedure.

Outcome of laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery using a Satinsky clamp for hilar control: a trusted tool (SKIMS experience).

BACKGROUND: Nephron sparing surgery is a well-established surgical procedure for patients with small/bilateral renal masses. During the procedure, hilar control can be achieved by using bulldog clamps individually on the renal vessels, the renal artery alone without clamping the vein, or a laparoscopic Satinsky clamp for en bloc hilar clamping. In our series, we described the outcome of laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery using a Satinsky clamp for hilar control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All eligible cases with confirmed diagnosis of a renal mass were advised of nephron sparing surgery. The short-term outcomes were evaluated by warm ischemia time (using a Satinsky clamp especially when CT renal angiography was not available), average blood loss, and length of postoperative hospital stay. The oncological outcome was evaluated by noting the surgical margins of histopathological specimen, local recurrence, and distant metastasis. RESULTS: Of 30 cases 20 were male. The mean age was 54.25 years. On preoperative evaluation, 24 cases were T1a stage and the rest were 6 T1b stage. Four tumors were located in the upper pole, 4 in the posterior midpole, and 22 in the lower pole. Twenty-six patients had a low complexity score on RENAL scoring (ie, 4-6) and 4 patients a medium complexity score (ie, 7-9). Three patients were converted to open partial nephrectomy because of technical difficulty in intracorporeal suturing and difficulty in achieving hemostasis. Among these 3 patients, 2 patients had posterior base tumors and 1 had a lower polar tumor. Average blood loss was 350 ml, warm ischemia time was 28.46 minutes, and postoperative stay was 4.55 days. Of 30 specimens for histopathology, 23 (76%) were clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), 4 (13%) were papillary RCC, 1 (3.3%) was chromophobe RCC, whereas 2 (6.6%) were benign (oncocytoma). Margins were free of tumors in all the patients with no recurrence in 2 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy by using a Satinsky clamp as a tool for en bloc hilar clamping in the proper axis at the hilum takes care of multiple vessels irrespective of size and number, particularly when renal angiography is not available. This technique of en bloc hilar clamping is quite useful especially in developing countries where robotic facilities are not available. The Satinsky clamp decreases blood loss and intraoperative time.

Comparison of percutaneous nephrolithotomy under epidural anesthesia versus general anesthesia: A randomized prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: PCNL has revolutionized the treatment of renal calculi putting almost an end to the era of open stone surgery. The procedure can safely be carried out under general anesthesia (GA) or regional anesthesia viz. spinal anesthesia (SA), epidural anesthesia (EA) or combined spinal and epidural anesthesia (CSE). AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the surgical outcome after PCNL in two groups of patients randomly divided to undergo procedure under GA or EA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and thirty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score <3 were randomly divided into two groups according to the type of anesthesia: i.e. GA (n=110) or EA (n=120). All patients underwent PCNL in prone position. Puncture was done using Bulls eye technique under fluoroscopic guidance and tract dilated using serial dilators up to 24Fr-28 Fr. Demographics, perioperative and postoperative parameters were noted and data analysed. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in terms of mean age, distribution of stone location, and stone burden. The stone free rate was 90.9% in GA group and 89.2% in EA group and the difference was statistically insignificant (P= 0.659). The requirement for auxiliary procedures was similar between the two groups. A significant difference in pain score was seen in favor of EA group during early post-operative period (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: It seems that PCNL can be performed safely and effectively under regional epidural anesthesia with results comparable to general anesthesia with the added advantage of less immediate postoperative pain and analgesic requirement.

Association of metabolic equivalent of task (MET) score in length of stay in hospital following radical cystectomy with urinary diversion: a multi-institutional study.

PURPOSE: The Metabolic equivalent of task (MET) score is used in patients' preoperative functional capacity assessment. It is commonly thought that patients with a higher MET score will have better postoperative outcomes than patients with a lower MET score. However, such a link remains the subject of debate and is yet unvalidated in major urological surgery. This study aimed to explore the association of patients' MET score with their postoperative outcomes following radical cystectomy. METHODS: We used records-linkage methodology with unique identifiers (Community Health Index/hospital number) and electronic databases to assess postoperative outcomes of patients who had underwent radical cystectomies between 2015 and 2020. The outcome measure was patients' length of hospital stay. This was compared with multiple basic characteristics such as age, sex, MET score and comorbid conditions. A MET score of less than four (< 4) is taken as the threshold for a poor functional capacity. We conducted unadjusted and adjusted Cox regression analyses for time to discharge against MET score. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients were included in the analysis. Mean age on date of operation was 66.2 (SD 12.2) years and 49 (38.9%) were female. A lower MET score was associated with a statistically significant lower time-dependent risk of hospital discharge (i.e. longer hospital stay) when adjusted for covariates (HR 0.224; 95% CI 0.077-0.652; p = 0.006). Older age (adjusted HR 0.531; 95% CI 0.332-0.848; p = 0.008) and postoperative complications (adjusted HR 0.503; 95% CI 0.323-0.848; p = 0.002) were also found to be associated with longer hospital stay. Other comorbid conditions, BMI, disease staging and 30-day all-cause mortality were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: A lower MET score in this cohort of patients was associated with a longer hospital stay length following radical cystectomy with urinary diversion.

Surgical Outcome of Renal Cell Carcinoma with Tumor Thrombus Extension into Inferior Vena Cava and Right Atrium (Beating Heart Removal of Level 4 Thrombus): A Challenging Scenario.

AIM: "To evaluate oncological and surgical outcomes of different levels of tumor thrombus and tumor characteristics secondary to renal cell carcinoma (RCC)". MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review from 2013 to 2020 of 34 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy for RCC with tumor thrombus extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and right atrium (RA) at our center. Level I and most level II tumors were removed using straight forward occluding maneuvers with control of the contralateral renal vein. None of the patients had level III tumor extensions in our study group. For level IV thrombus, a beating heart surgery using a simplified cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) technique was used for retrieval of thrombus from the right atrium. RESULTS: " Of the 34 patients with thrombus", 19 patients had level I, 12 patients had level II, none had level III, and three patients had level IV thrombus. Two patients required simplified CPB. Another patient with level IV thrombus CPB, was not attempted in view of refractory hypotension intraoperatively. Pathological evaluation showed clear-cell carcinoma in 67.64%, papillary carcinoma in 17.64%, chromophobe in 5.8%, and squamous cell carcinoma in 8.8% of cases. Left side thrombectomy was difficult surgically, whereas right side thrombectomy did not have any survival advantage. Mean blood loss during the procedure was 325 mL, ranging from 200 to 1000 mL, and mean operative time was 185 min, ranging from 215 to 345 min. The immediate postoperative mortality was 2.9%. Level I thrombus had better survival compared to level II thrombus. CONCLUSION: Radical nephrectomy with tumor thrombectomy remains the mainstay of treatment in RCC with inferior venacaval extension. The surgical approach and outcome depends on primary tumor size, location, level of thrombus, local invasion of IVC, any hepato-renal dysfunction or any associated comorbidities. The higher the level of thrombus, the greater is the need for prior optimization and the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach for a successful surgical outcome.

External iliac artery polytetrafluoroethylene graft interposition: An effective rescuer for kidney transplant in progressive intimal dissection of external iliac artery.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to highlight the use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) interposition graft as an important salvage procedure in case of irreparable intimal injury of external iliac artery during renal transplant recipient surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since 1987, we encountered irreparable intimal dissection of external iliac artery in five cases just after opening the clamp. It was successfully managed by PTFE interposition graft with subsequent end to side anastomosis of donor renal artery to the vascular graft. RESULTS: No patient had bleeding or infective complications related to the graft and three patients had immediate diuresis. Normal immediate graft function was present in three patients while the other two had delayed graft function. CONCLUSION: Polytetrafluoroethylene interposition graft is a successful procedure to salvage the kidney and lower limb in case of progressive intimal dissection of external iliac artery during renal transplant surgery.

Use of autologous grafts in the treatment of acquired penile curvature: An experience of 33 cases.

AIM: The objective was to compare the use of autologous dermal and temporalis fascia grafts in the treatment of acquired penile curvatures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a prospective observational study of 33 cases, conducted in Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar from March 2007 to September 2013. All the patients had stable Peyronies disease (PD). Dorsal, dorsolateral and vental curvatures with good preoperative erections were included. PD index with visual analog scales for curvature was used preoperatively. An informed written consent was taken from all the patients with main emphasis on erectile dysfunction. RESULTS: After an average follow up of 2 years, complete straightening of penis was observed in all patients with satisfactory sexual intercourse in 30 patients (90%). Three patients (10%) required frequent use of type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors for adequate erections. Overall 91% of patients and partners were satisfied with the procedure and cosmetically donor site was better in temporalis fascia graft site. No rejection of any graft was noted and glans hypoesthesia was noticed in 4 patients (12%). None of the patients required penile prosthesis. Total operative time for harvesting and application of the graft was more in dermal grafts (>3 hrs) than for temporalis fascia graft (2 hrs). CONCLUSION: Tunical lengthening procedures by autologous free grafts represents a safe and reproducible technique. A good preoperative erectile function is required for tunical lengthening procedure. Temporalis fascia graft is thin, tough membrane and effective graft for PD with good cosmetic and functional results.

Fosfomycin tromethamine. Antibiotic of choice in the female patient: A multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate oral single/multiple doses of Fosfomycin Trometamol with clinical and microbiological efficacy in:Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy.Endourological procedures.Lower urinary tract infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective, uncontrolled, open label study was conducted in two tertiary hospitals over a period of three years. A total of 400 patients were included in the study. Group A (200 patients) with asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy and Group B (200 Patients) with symptomatic lower urinary tract infections and with any day care endourological procedures were enrolled in our study. Efficacy end points like post- antibiotic urinalysis, microbiological efficacy and clinical improvement with adverse effects of the drug were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 400 patients studied, 98% returned for follow-up. Out of the 304 urinary isolates in Table 2 (ASB and symptomatic LUTS) grown on urinary culture, majority of the isolates were Gram-negative Enterobacteriacae family. After oral single/multiple doses of fosfomycin, bacterial eradication, bacterial persistence, bacterial reinfection were 96.3%, 3.9%, 3.9% respectively (Figure 2). No isolates were grown in 8 cases (Table 2). However, on administration of the drug 23.5% patients noticed diarrhea (loose stools) followed by itching (19.7%) in genital area (Figure 1). CONCLUSIONS: Fosfomycin Trometamol is a bactericidal antibiotic with a broad spectrum activity against Gram-positive also Gram-negative bacteriae. It has an advantage of oral single /multiple doses, higher eradication rate of bacteria after 48 hours, excellent tolerability and safety in pregnancy and other female age groups. We recommend Fosfomycin Trometamol as the drug of choice particularly in patients with poor drug compliance and for minor day care endourological procedures.

Robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: An experience with a novel technique of suturing.

This study was conducted to evaluate whether robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) is superior to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) with regard to warm ischemia time and complications and, in addition, to report our novel technique of suturing in partial nephrectomy (PN). This was a prospective study carried out over a period of six years at our institute. A single surgeon performed PNs laparoscopically (17) and with robotic assistance (16). Only exophytic tumors were included and a novel technique of knotless and bolster-less suturing using Hem-o-loc clips was used to close the renal defect. There was no difference in intra-operative and post-operative blood loss between the two groups. However, LPN patients had significantly longer mean warm ischemia time (24.1 vs. 30.1 min, P <0.001) and operating time (157.5 vs. 192.5 min, P <0.001). Also, hospital stay was comparable between the two groups. RALPN is technically easier and also safer than LPN because of its advanced degrees of freedom, decreased warm ischemia time and reduction in the total operating time. However, these observations need further validation by larger and randomized trials. Based on our study, we recommend RALPN wherever there is availability of robot and if cost is not an issue.

Effectiveness of Antegrade Access in Bladder Tumors With Inaccessible Urethra.

Inaccessible urethra with no retrograde endoscopic access due to multiple/diffuse strictures or multiple urethrocutaneous fistulas with acute urinary retention due to posturethral instrumentation (transurethral resection of bladder tumor [TURBT], or TURBT with transurethral resection of the prostate [TURP]), is a rare entity. Management of such a case with a bladder tumor for TURBT/surveillance cystoscopy poses a great challenge. The authors present 12 cases of bladder tumor with inaccessible urethra, 10 cases due to multiple strictures (post-TURBT and/or TURP), and 2 cases due to urethrocutaneous fistulas (post-TURBT), who presented to our emergency department with acute urinary retention. Emergent suprapubic catheterization was used as a temporary treatment method.

Stentless laparoscopic pyeloplasty: A single center experience.

AIM: To assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic stentless pyeloplasty for congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective comparative study conducted over a period of 5 years. The study included 35 cases of primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) with mean age of 29.5 years, divided in two groups- Group A (stent-less, 18 patients) and Group B (stented, 17 patients). Follow up ranged from one to 4years (mean 2 years). Transperitoneal laparoscopic Anderson- Hyene's pyeloplasty was standard for both the groups. Perioperative and postoperative complications were prospectively collected and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 17 version using Pearson chi square test. RESULTS: Both the groups were comparable with respect to preoperative differential renal function (DRF) and time required for maximum activity in minutes (tmax.min). Average post operative DRF was significantly higher than preoperative DRF in both the groups. Average tmax was significantly lower after pyeloplasty than pre operative tmax. Mean operative time, mean duration of urethral catheter, and mean duration of drain removal were comparable in both the groups. However bothersome irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and hematuria were significantly more in group B patients (P < 0.0001 and <0.013 respectively). CONCLUSION: In experienced hands, laparoscopic stentless pyeloplasty is as effective method for treating UPJO as its stented counterpart. It is cost effective, avoids stent-related morbidity, and could be performed without compromising the success rate. However, more randomized studies are needed to evaluate the safety of stentless pyeloplasty.

Postpercutaneous nephrolithotomy nephrostogram: is it mandatory? A single center experience.

Aims and Objective. "Postpercutaneous nephrolithotomy nephrostogram" (PPNN) is routinely performed in most of the centers. No published series could be found in the literature without post percutaneous nephrolithotomy nephrostogram. Hence, the aim of our study is to highlight that post percutaneous nephrolithotomy nephrostogram is not mandatory and it only adds to cost and morbidity without adding any information in the management of such patients. Methods. It was a prospective study from 2005 to 2012, conducted in our institute. It included 119 patients of renal stones who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy performed under the guidance of a single surgeon. Postoperative nephrostogram was not done in any of the patients. Results. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 97.5% of patients and 2.5% of patients needed two to three sessions of ESWL later on. None of the patients needed second look percutaneous nephrolithotomy or nephrostogram. Conclusion. Postpercutaneous nephrolithotomy nephrostogram increases chances of infection, inconvenience, contrast related complications, and cost, with no added advantage over plain X-ray KUB, and it should not be done as a routine investigation prior to the removal of PCN tube in patients with complete stone clearance.