Comparison of mean operative time in patients undergoing Ho: YAG laser lithotripsy and pneumatic lithotripsy in ureterorenoscopy for ureteric calculus.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mean operative time (MOT) in patients undergoing Ho: YAG laser lithotripsy (LL) and pneumatic lithotripsy (PL) for ureteric stones. METHODS: This randomized study was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Urology (AFIU) Rawalpindi, Pakistan from July 2016 to November 2018. Non probability consecutive sampling technique utilized to enroll 60 patients of both gender aged 18-60 years, having ureteric calculus ≤1.5cm. Randomization was done into group I (LL) and II (PL) via computer generated number tables. Six Consultant Urologists performed surgeries under spinal anesthesia utilizing Swiss Lithoclast® Master (EMS+ S.A. Switzerland) in group II and holmium laser fiber (365µm, 8-10Hz, 9.6-16W, 2100nm wavelength) in group I respectively. MOT was noted from insertion of cystoscope till removal out of meatus. Data obtained was analyzed through IBM SPSS 24.0. RESULTS: Analysis involved 60 patients (30 each group) having similar baseline characteristics (age, gender, laterality, location). There was statistically significant different MOT between LL & PL (25.48±6.99 vs 34.83± 7.47 minutes, p < 0.001). Data stratification with respect to age, gender, laterality and stone location revealed similar trend. Lithotripsy technique significantly affected MOT (p < 0.001) on Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Ho: YAG LL is an efficient technique when compared with PL in terms of MOT for ureteric stones.

Are we performing a lot of simple nephrectomies?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of simple nephrectomies for benign diseases and compare it with the frequency of nephrectomies for malignant diseases. METHODS: The observational study was conducted at the Armed Forces Institute of Urology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from October 2008 to September 2011, and comprised patients undergoing simple nephrectomy for benign disease who were followed up for one year. This was compared to all the other urological procedures performed during the study period, including nephrectomies for malignant diseases. Indications and the post-operative sequel of simple nephrectomies were documented. SPSS 16 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the total 7518 procedures, 1995(26.5%) were open cases. A total of 295 nephrectomies were performed during this period, out of which 203 (68.8%) were simple nephrectomies for benign disease and 92 (31.1%) were radical nephrectomies for malignant causes. Simple nephrectomy (203 cases) represented 2.7% of the total and 26.5% of the open procedures. In contrast, the radical nephrectomies for malignant disease (92 cases) represented 1.2% and 4.6% respectively. Among the 203 cases of simple nephrectomy, the male-to-female ratio was 2.27:1 with 141(69.5%) males and 62(30.5%) females. The mean age was 40.21 + 17.243 years (range: 4-84 years) The most common indication of simple nephrectomy was non-functional kidney due to renal calculus disease 101(49.7%). This was followed by pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction causing renal damage 31(15.2%), chronic pyelonephritis 24(11.2%) and pyonephrosis 15(7.38%). Two (0.98%) patients had a fatal outcome.. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of nephrectomies for benign diseases was more than the malignant diseases. Simple nephrectomies are being performed in a large percentage, indicating the advanced stage of benign diseases at the time of presentation.

Examination of CK2α and NF-κB p65 expression in human benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer tissues.

Protein kinase CK2 plays a critical role in cell growth, proliferation, and suppression of cell death. CK2 is overexpressed, especially in the nuclear compartment, in the majority of cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). CK2-mediated activation of transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 is a key step in cellular proliferation, resulting in translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. As CK2 expression and activity are also elevated in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), we sought to increase the knowledge of CK2 function in benign and malignant prostate by examination of the relationships between nuclear CK2 and nuclear NF-κB p65 protein expression. The expression level and localization of CK2α and NF-κB p65 proteins in PCa and BPH tissue specimens was determined. Nuclear CK2α and NF-κB p65 protein levels are significantly higher in PCa compared with BPH, and these proteins are positively correlated with each other in both diseases. Nuclear NF-κB p65 levels correlated with Ki-67 or with cytoplasmic NF-κB p65 expression in BPH, but not in PCa. The findings provide information that combined analysis of CK2α and NF-κB p65 expression in prostate specimens relates to the disease status. Increased nuclear NF-κB p65 expression levels in PCa specifically related to nuclear CK2α levels, indicating a possible CK2-dependent relationship in malignancy. In contrast, nuclear NF-κB p65 protein levels related to both Ki-67 and cytoplasmic NF-κB p65 levels exclusively in BPH, suggesting a potential separate impact for NF-κB p65 function in proliferation for benign disease as opposed to malignant disease.

MEDICAL EXPULSIVE TREATMENT OF DISTAL URETERAL STONE USING TAMSULOSIN.

BACKGROUND: Many minimally invasive interventional techniques as well as expectant treatment exist for the management of lower ureteric calculi. This study was conducted to evaluate th efficacy of tamsulosin as an expulsive pharmacologic therapy for the treatment of distal uretern stone. METHODS: This randomized control trial included 100 patients over 18 years of age wit stone Size > or = mm in distal 1/3 of ureter. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups (A & B Group A Patients were given Capsule Tamsulosin 0.4 mg, 1 daily up to 4 weeks while group B patients were given placebo, 1 Capsule daily up to 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was expulsio rate. A written informed consent was taken from all the patients. Expulsion time, need for analgesics, need for hospitalization and drug side effects were secondary endpoints. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients in group A and 48 patients in group B reported back, therefore 97 out of 10 patients were evaluated. Mean age of the patients was 36.34 years (range 18-57 years). Mea stone size was 5.78 mm (range 4-8 mm) in greatest dimension. A stone expulsion rate of 85.71C (42 patients) was noted in group A and 54.20% (26 patients) in group B. Group A revealed statistically significant advantage in term of stone expulsion rate (p=0.032). Considering expulsio time in days group A showed statistically significant advantage (p=0.015). Regarding age, se) stone size and stone lateralization (right/left), there was no significant difference between th group A and B. No drug side effects were noted in both the groups. CONCLUSION: By usin tamsulosin a higher stone expulsion rates can be achieved in a shorter time. More randomize control trials are required to establish tamsulosin as a standard medical expulsive treatment fc

Ureterovaginal fistula--etiological factors and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the etiological factors and the outcome of ureterovaginal fistula in an urban setting. METHODS: The observational study was conducted at the Armed Forces Institute of Urology, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from January 2009 to January 2011. All the patients of uretero-vaginal fistula at the centre were included on the basis of non-probability purposive sampling. The etiology, clinical presentation and the investigative procedures were recorded. The operative modality contemplated was noted and post-operative results were evaluated. The data was entered in a structured proforma and analysed for descriptive statistics using SPSS version 14.0. RESULTS: Seventeen cases of ureterovaginal fistula were recorded. Amongst these 10 (58.8%) were post-hysterectomy, while 7 (41.1%) cases post-caesarean section. The emergency procedures performed by the residents/junior registrars contributed 12 (70.2%) of the cases. All these patients were treated surgically; 14 (82.3%) were managed with ureteroneocystostomy, 2 (11.7%) required Boari Flap reconstruction, and in psoas hitch was performed in 1 (5.8%) case. The time of intervention was 4 - 12 weeks (9.76 +/- 2.223). Post-operatively, only 1 (5.8%) case had superficial wound infection and 1 (5.8%) urinary tract infection. All the patients remained dry with a follow-up period of 3 - 24 months (mean 12.24 +/- 6.879). CONCLUSION: Ureterovaginal fistula is one of the complications of emergency procedures, especially in the hands of inexperienced surgeons. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention produce excellent results. Intervention can be done safely as early as 4 weeks after the initiation of the condition.

A rare complication of forgotten ureteral stent.

A 35 years old lady presented with history of something coming out of the genitalia for the last 5 days. She also had history of pain in the left lumbar region which was initially investigated but the patient did not follow-up. About 15 years ago she also underwent left ureteric reimplantation. On examination, a stick like tube was protruding out of the urethral meatus which was fixed to the underlying vesical calculus. The calculus was evident radiologically and on ultrasound. The projecting portion of the stick like tube was cut and the vesical calculus with the inner portion of the tube was removed by open procedure. On evaluation of the specimen, it was found that the vesical calculus was fixed to the plastic tube which had concretions around it. This plastic tube had been placed after the ureteric reimplantation done 15 years ago and the patient was not aware of it.

Bulbar uretheral stricture repair with buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of buccal mucosa graft in single stage urethral reconstruction of bulbar urethral stricture. METHODS: In Armed Forces Institute of Urology Rawalpindi, from Jan 2008 to Oct 2009, 56 patients underwent single stage dorsal onlay urethroplasty using buccal mucosa graft for long bulbar urethral strictures (> 2cm). Urethra was incised along the strictured segment in the 12 o'clock (dorsal) position starting from the distal end. A buccal mucosa graft of required length was harvested. The graft was anchored in a spread fixed fashion to the corporal bodies opposing the dorsally incised strictured urethra. The urethra was rotated back to the normal anatomic position. The margins of urethral incision were sutured to the fixed graft edge and corporal body using interrupted 4-0 vicryl. After completion of right margin's stitches, a 16 Fr silicon catheter was placed and then left margin stitches were completed. RESULTS: Only 54 out of 56 patients could be evaluated because 2 patients were lost to follow up. Mean age of the patients was 48 +/- 11.32 years (range 19-67 yrs). Mean length of the buccal mucosa graft was 3.4 +/- 0.6 cm (range 2.6 - 5.5 cm). Duration of follow up was 4-20 months, mean 16.3 +/- 3.65 months. In 47 (87%) patients, the procedure was successful, 7 (13%) patients developed recurrence, out of these 7 patients, 2 (3.7%) required optical urethrotomy and 5 (9.25%) patients responded to urethral dilatation. Mean operative time was 92 +/- 13.22 minutes. CONCLUSION: Buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty produces encouraging results in long bulbar urethral strictures. Longer follow up is required.

Pattern of malignant renal tumours using 2004 WHO classification of renal tumours on radical nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the type of malignant renal tumours subjected to radical nephrectomy at a tertiary care urology unit using the 2004 WHO classification for renal tumours. METHODS: It was an observational study conducted at Department of Urology, AFIU Rawalpindi, from October 2008 to September 2010. The study included 92 patients with malignant renal tumours of both genders aged above 15 years. The histopathological types and grades were recorded along with the gross tumour presentation. The data was entered in structured proforma and analysed for descriptive statistics using SPSS-14. RESULTS: Over the span of 24 months study, 92 cases of malignant renal tumours were subjected to radical nephrectomy. The age was 16-82 (57.23 +/- 14.61) Years and male to female ratio was 2.1:1. The lesions were mostly unifocal (96.7%) and 58.6% affecting the right side. The commonest malignant renal tumour encountered was the conventional clear cell renal carcinoma (78.2%). The other tumours in descending order were the transitional cell carcinoma (7.6%), papillary (chromphilic) renal cell carcinoma (6.5%), renal cell carcinoma unclassified (3.2%), chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (2.1%), Wilm's tumour and oncocytoma (1.7%). T1 lesions were found in 42 cases (45.6%), T2 lesions in 25 cases (27.1%), T3a lesions in 17 cases (18.4%) each, while 8 cases (8.6%) had T3b lesions. Four cases had high and 3 had low grade lesions in transitional cell carcinoma. Wilm's tumour had favourable prognosis, 1 case had oncocytoma limited to kidney. Among the rest, 26 (28.2%) were G1, 35 (38%) were G2, 16 (17.3%) were G3, and 6 (6.5) were G4. CONCLUSION: The commonest type of the malignant renal neoplasm remains the clear cell (conventional) renal cell carcinoma. The lesions from T1 to T3 are amenable to radical nephrectomy and may not include the ipsilateral adrenalectomy as well. The grade may range from G1 to G4.

Mini PCNL: A viable single stage treatment for pediatric nephrolithiasis in resource limited countries.

INTRODUCTION: There is increasing enthusiasm for the value of mini PCNL for pediatric stone clearance. In developing countries, it is important to arrange a single stage treatment as a significant proportion of patients do not comply with repeated treatments, such as SWL. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety, feasibility and outcomes of Mini PCNL in a pediatric cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed of all paediatric patients undergoing Mini-PCNL at our institute between December 2016 and December 2019. Data was collected on stone size, stone clearance rate, complications, fluoroscopic exposure, mean procedural time and length of hospital stay. Follow up data included imaging to assess stone free status at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Mini PCNL was performed in 113 pediatric patients, a total of 135 procedures, accounting for bilateral disease in 22. The age range was from 1 to 14 years with a mean age of 8.45 ± 3.14 years. The mean stone burden was 2.1 ± 0.4 cm. Partial and complete staghorn stones were observed in 7 and 3 patients, respectively. The mean operative time was 63.8 ± 13.2 min (range: 25 min to 116min) and mean length of stay was 4.3 ± 2.2 days. Primary stone clearance was achieved in 91.1% (123 patients). Ancillary procedures were undertaken in 10 patients resulting in a secondary clearance rate of 97.0% (131 patients) at 3 months. Complications occurred in 16.3% (22 patients) using the modified Clavien Classification. Metabolic abnormalities were seen in 56.7% of patients with hypocitraturia and hypercalciuria being the most common abnormalities. DISCUSSION: Our study reports a clearance rate of 91.1%, whereas, Zeng et al. documented a stone clearance rate of 80.4%. This contrast may be attributed to the difference in followup imaging protocols of the two studies and the energy source used for fragmentation. The incidence of complications with PCNL ranges from 10.6% to 36.3%, we found complications in 16.3% of our cohort. Our study is limited due to its retrospective design with a short follow-up protocol. Computed tomography being gold standard for qualitative and quantitative assessment of stone burden was not used in all patients to assess the preoperative stone size. Furthermore, postoperatively stone clearance was determined on the basis of ultrasound and x-ray films that could limit the accuracy of our stone clearance rate. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that mini PNCL in pediatrics patients is an effective single stage treatment for definitive stone clearance with an acceptable complication risk.

Pure xanthine pediatric urolithiasis: A cause of acute renal failure.

Xanthine urolithiasis is usually a benign condition, easy to prevent or cure by appropriate alkalinization, forced hydration and restriction of dietary purines if diagnosed early. When unrecognized, xanthinuria can lead to end-stage renal failure or nephrectomy.

Modified midline abdominal wound closure technique in complicated/high risk laparotomies.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the local wound complications in complicated/ high risk laparotomies in terms of wound dehiscence and incisional hernia formation with a modified technique of midline abdominal wound closure. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of General Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Bahawal Nagar Cantonment, May 2006 to June 2008. METHODOLOGY: Cases of complicated/high risk abdominal conditions, which required laparotomy, were included in the study. A modified midline abdominal wound closure technique was used. Interrupted Smead-Jones sutures with prolene, a non-absorbable suture material for closure of linea alba was combined with mass closure involving all the layers (also with prolene) and drains were placed. Patients were followed-up for 3-23 months. The postoperative wound dehiscence and incisional hernia formation were noted. Other local wound complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Out of the 36 patients undergoing this surgical technique, 20 (55.55%) had inflammatory/intra-abdominal sepsis, 8 (22.22%) had trauma, 7 (19.44%) had neoplasia and 1 (2.77%) had vascular aetiology. Only 1 (2.77%) had partial wound dehiscence and 1 (2.77%) developed incisional hernia. Wound infection was noted in 12 (33.33%) cases; 4 (11.11%) experienced pain over the subcutaneous palpable knots and 3 (8.33%) developed sinus due to the knots. The average follow-up period was 12.47+7.17 months. CONCLUSION: Patients with extensive widespread generalized peritonitis and metastatic abdominal tumours need special attention regarding wound closure. This modified technique of midline abdominal wound closure is associated with low incidence of wound dehiscence and incisional hernia formation.

Allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis presenting as flitting opacities on chest radiograph.

Allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus in the bronchial tree of young asthmatic patients. A 28 years old female patient presented with one year history of fever with generalised body aches and pains and had already received treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. Her chest radiograph showed flitting opacities in both lung fields with a TLC of 13.2 x 109/L having 25% eosinophils and ESR of 87 mm at first hour. Her serum IgE were markedly raised and CT scan of the chest showed dilated large and medium sized bronchi forming mucocoeles, finger in glove appearance and nodular shadowing in the lung parenchyma. Sputum also showed fungal hyphae by direct microscopy. All the findings were consistent with the diagnosis of ABPA, which responded to oral Itraconazole and Prednisolone. ABPA is a potentially destructive lung disease requiring high index of suspicion for an early diagnosis to prevent irreversible lung damage.

Postoperative complications in emergency versus elective laparotomies at a peripheral hospital.

BACKGROUND: Laparotomy is a commonly performed procedure in any surgical unit. Postoperative complications directly affect the outcome of the disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the postoperative complications in emergency versus elective laparotomies at a peripheral hospital. METHODS: This comparative cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of General Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Bahawal Nagar Cantonment from Feb 2006 to May 2009. One hundred and four consecutive patients undergoing laparotomy were included. They were divided into two groups: emergency laparotomies (Group-A) and elective laparotomies (Group-B). They were followed up meticulously and the postoperative complications/sequel were recorded. RESULTS: In Group-A there were 83 patients while in Group-B only 21 patients were recorded. A total of 73 postoperative complications were seen in 28 patients (33.7%) in Group-A, while 5 complications were seen in 3 patients (14.2%) in Group-B. The Group-A showed 21.6% postoperative fever and wound infection, postoperative nausea and vomiting was 13.2%, wound dehiscence 4.8%, incisional hernia 3.6%, pneumonia/anastomotic disruption 2.4% and duodenal fistula/peristomal excoriation/adhesive intestinal obstruction 1.2%. The septicaemia was seen in 6.0% and mortality in 8.4%. Group B showed 14.2% postoperative fever and 4.7% postoperative nausea and vomiting/wound infection. No case of septicaemia or mortality was seen. CONCLUSION: The postoperative complications are more common in emergency laparotomies as compared to the elective ones. Postoperative fever, wound infection, nausea and vomiting are the mostly encountered complications.

Early versus late arterio-venous fistulae: impact on failure rate.

BACKGROUND: Haemodialysis is the primary mode of renal replacement therapy for patients of end stage renal disease. The most important determinant for effective haemodialysis is a reliable vascular access. Arterio-venous (AV) fistula is the closest to be an ideal long-term haemodialysis vascular access. The creation of fistulas or grafts is recommended before starting haemodialysis, this study was undertaken to determine the impact of timing of AV fistula creation on its failure rate. METHODS: It is a descriptive study. All patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) reporting to Armed Forces Institute of Urology (AFIU) and Military Hospital (MH) Rawalpindi from January 2008 to October 2009 in whom vascular access was created were included. The patients were followed prospectively and a complete data about their haemodialysis and vascular access was maintained. RESULTS: A total of 168 permanent accesses were created in 112 patients in this study. The mean duration of follow-up was 14.05 +/- 4.45 months. Early access creation group included 23 patients and late access creation group included 89 patients. Out of 168 fistulas that were created, 54 fistulas failed with 45 (83.3%) of these from patients of late access creation group. Age, gender and diabetes mellitus (DM) had no significant affect on failure rate of fistulas. CONCLUSION: Timely referral to nephrologists and early creation of permanent vascular access by dedicated team work can improve the success rate of AV fistulae so enhancing quality of life of patients of end stage renal disease.

Renal endometriosis mimicking a renal tumor in a pregnant patient.

Renal endometriosis, if progressed is a serious localization of disease burden that can lead to urinary tract obstruction, with subsequent hydronephrosis leading to potential kidney loss. Diagnosis is elusive and relies heavily on clinical suspicion as endometriosis can occur with both minimal and extensive disease. Management technique varies but the goal is to salvage renal function and disease burden.

Classical prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy in a solitary functioning kidney with severe kyphoscoliosis.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is one of the important options in the management of large (>2 cms) and complex renal calculi. Traditionally the prone position has been used to access the pelvicaliceal system. It has its advantages and disadvantages as well. Several modifications to this position have been suggested and reported by several urologists. We had performed PCNL in an elderly female in classical prone position with severe kyphoscoliosis and solitary functioning kidney.

Open extraperitoneal mesh repair for abdominal wall hernias in females.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of treatment in terms of infection and recurrence using open extraperitoneal mesh repair technique. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The department of General Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Bahawal Nagar Cantonment, from February 2006 to November 2008. METHODOLOGY: Female patients with abdominal wall hernias with defect of 4 cm or more were studied. A history of previous surgery along with clinical findings on examination like size of defect and previous scar were noted. At surgery, hernial sacs were carefully opened and omental and intestinal adhesions were carefully separated. Polypropylene mesh was placed over extraperitoneal space and secured with interrupted vicryl 2/0 sutures. Redivac drains were placed over the mesh and the fascial repair. The patients were discharged on the 3rd - 4th postoperative day and were followed-up at 3 monthly intervals for postoperative sequelae like seroma, haematoma, infection and recurrence. RESULTS: There were 32 cases with a mean age of 41.25 + or - 10.79 years. The mean follow-up period was 15.78 + or - 9.02 months. Previous abdominal surgical intervention was found in 16 (50%) cases. Out of those, 14 (43.7%) had defects through the previous scar. A history of multiple caesarean sections alone, or in combination with either hysterectomy or laparotomy in the last 5 years was present in 7 patients. There were 12 (37.5%) cases of paraumbilical hernia, 4 (12.5%) of a recurrent paraumbilical hernia, 5 (15.6%) epigastric hernia, 2 (6.2%) mix hernia, 7 (21.8%) incisional hernia and 1 (3.1%) each of Spigelian hernia and postlaparoscopic cholecystectomy portal (paraumbilical) hernia. The mean size of the defect was 4.9 cm in primary paraumbilical hernias and 7.2 cm in recurrent paraumbilical hernias. The mean size of the defect in incisional hernias was 9.4 cm, larger than all other types. Superficial wound infection was seen in only 1 morbidly obese (BMI > 30) patient. No case of seroma, haematoma, deep seated abscess or recurrence was noted in the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Abdominal wall hernias are common in female patients, especially those with previous surgical intervention. Open extraperitoneal mesh repair with placement of redivac drains is an effective method for the management of abdominal wall hernias with a smaller complication rate and less recurrence.

Acute acalculous perforated cholecystitis.

A case of acute acalculous perforated cholecystitis with acute generalized peritonitis in a middle aged cachectic man, presenting late in a moribund condition, is reported. He underwent emergency laparotomy (subtotal cholecystectomy), went into multi-organ failure and was managed accordingly. The patient recovered in about 2 weeks and was followed-up regularly.

Ruptured ovarian teratoma presenting as peritonitis.

A 55-year-old lady reported to the surgical OPD with clinical findings of acute peritonitis. Emergency laparotomy was performed. The peritoneal cavity was full of purulent material, however, the gut was normal. An 8 x 6 cm thick walled cyst was found in the left ovary with a minute perforation and purulent fluid coming out of it. Thorough peritoneal lavage along with left oophorectomy was performed. The postoperative recovery was smooth. Histopathology confirmed benign cystic teratoma of ovary.

Clinico-pathological profile and outcome of inhalational burns.

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinico-pathological profile and outcome of inhalational burns in a specialized burns treatment unit. STUDY DESIGN: Case-series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre Unit, Combined Military Hospital, Kharian Cantonment in March 2005. METHODOLOGY: Patients of inhalational burns were included and evacuated within 30 hours of accident to the specialized burns centre after immediate resuscitation. Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) involved in burns was calculated. Complete blood count and renal profile along with serum albumin and total proteins was obtained. Portable chest radiographs and bronchoscopic examination was conducted. Escarotomies were carried and wounds were covered with split thickness skin grafts. Ventilatory support was used as needed. Comparison of the clinico-pathological profile of surviving and fatal cases was done for significance using t-test. RESULTS: There were 19 patients of inhalational burns, 8 (42%) of whom expired. The mean percentage of TBSA in 11 surviving patients was 50+/-10.87 and 70+/-15.46 in fatal cases. The mean haemoglobin (Hb) on admission was 15.8+/-1.6 g/dL and after fluid resuscitation it became 11.4+/-1.5 g/dL. The mean Total Leucocyte Count (TLC) in surviving patients was 9.6+/-6.1 x 10(9)/L and 1.5+/-2.3 x 10(9)/L in fatal cases (p=0.001). The mean platelet count of surviving patients was 205+/-63 x 10(12)/L while in fatal cases was 58+/-48 x 10(12)/L (p=0.05). The serum urea levels in surviving patients was 4.3+/-2 mmol/L while in fatal cases was 8.6+/-0.9 mmol/L (p=0.05). The serum creatinine levels were 98.2+/-16.5 micromol/L in the survivor group and 249.5+/-76 micromol/L in the mortality group (p=0.05). The serum total protein in surviving patients was 63+/-8 g/dL while in mortality cases it was 57+/-7 g/L. Serum albumin in the survivor group was 36.7+/-5 g/L and 35+/-4 g/L in fatal cases. Significant in Hb, protein and albumin levels. All the expired patients had acute respiratory distress syndrome while acute renal failure with multi-organ failure co-existed in 6 patients. CONCLUSION: Inhalational burns injury cases multi-system injury with high mortality. Body area involvement, total leucocyte count, platelet count, serum area and serum creatinine are important indicators of survival.