A randomized trial of holmium laser vs thulium laser vs bipolar enucleation of large prostate glands.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome and morbidity of bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate (B-TUEP) and thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) with those of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in the treatment of large symptomatic benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) through a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial (NCT03916536). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 155 patients were recruited from a single centre between February 2019 and August 2020. All had BPO, with a prostate volume ≥80 ml. Patients were randomly assigned to HoLEP, ThuLEP or B-TUEP using computer-generated random tables in a 1:1:1 ratio. Participants, investigators and surgeons were blinded to group assignment until the date of the operation. Thereafter, the patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome was maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax ) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included assessment of other functional urinary variables, peri-operative records, and adverse events. RESULTS: There were 138 and 120 patients available for analysis at 6 and 12 months. There was no significant difference in Qmax between the groups at 6 and 12 months (P = 0.4 and P = 0.7, respectively), and no significant difference regarding International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) or postvoid residual urine volume (PVR). The median (interquartile range) prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reductions (ng/ml) were similar in the three groups at last follow-up point (4.7 [2.2-7.1]; 5.6 [2.3-9.5] and 5 [3.4-10] after HoLEP, ThuLEP and B-TUEP, respectively). Differences in enucleation time, enucleation efficiencies and auxiliary manoeuvres were statistically insignificant (P = 0.1, 0.8 and 0.07, respectively). At 1 year, patients with prostate volumes >120 ml showed significant IPSS improvement in favour of HoLEP and ThuLEP (P = 0.01). Low- and high-grade adverse effects were recorded in 31 and five cases, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that ThuLEP and B-TUEP are as safe and effective as HoLEP for the treatment of large-sized BPO. Significant PSA reductions indicate that there was effective adenoma enucleation with all three approaches. The study provides objective evidence that endoscopic enucleation of the prostate is a technique rather than energy dependent procedure.

GreenLight™ laser (XPS) photoselective vapo-enucleation versus holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: After the advent of the GreenLight XPS™ (180 W) 532 nm laser, photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate could compete with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate as a size independent procedure. We assessed whether photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate-XPS is not less effective than holmium laser enucleation of prostate for improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled noninferiority trial comparing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate to photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate-XPS 180 W was conducted. I-PSS, flow rate, residual urine, prostate specific antigen and prostate volume changes as well as perioperative and late adverse events were compared. Noninferiority of I-PSS at 1 year was evaluated using a 1-sided test at 5% level of significance. The statistical significance of other comparators was assessed at the (2-sided) 5% level. RESULTS: Overall 50 and 53 patients were included in the holmium laser enucleation and photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate groups, respectively. Operative time, hospital stay and time to catheter removal were comparable between the groups. There was significant, comparable improvement in I-PSS and post-void residual urine volume at 1, 4 and 12 months. After 4 months prostate size reduction was significantly higher in the holmium laser enucleation of prostate group (74.3% vs 43.1%, p=0.001). At 12 months maximum urine flow rate was significantly higher in the holmium laser enucleation of prostate group (26.4 ±11.5 vs 18.4 ±7.5 ml per second, p=0.03). Re-intervention was needed in 2 and 3 cases in the holmium laser enucleation and photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate groups, respectively (p=1.0). Mean estimated cost per holmium laser enucleation of prostate procedure was significantly lower than per photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to holmium laser enucleation of prostate, GreenLight XPS laser photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate is safe, noninferior and effective in treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Trifecta in flexible ureteroscopy for treatment of renal and upper ureteral calculi: A multicenter study.

Purpose: To determine predictors for missing trifecta in patients who underwent flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) for treatment of renal and upper ureteric calculi. Patients and Methods: The data of adult patients with renal or upper ureteral stones who underwent FURS from June 2021 through December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Stone-free status (no residual stones > 3 mm) was evaluated after 3 months with non-contrast CT. Modified Clavien classification was used to grade complications. A stone-free status after a single intervention of FURS without complications was defined as trifecta. Patients were divided into two groups (trifecta and non-trifecta). Risk factors for missing trifecta were compared between both groups using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Three hundred twenty-three patients with mean age 48.9 ± 13 years and mean stone length 16 ± 5.9 mm were included. The trifecta criteria were applicable for 250 patients (71%). On multivariate analysis, risk factors for missing trifecta were stone multiplicity (OR: 3.326, 95%CI: 1.933-5.725) and non-experienced surgeons (OR: 1.819, 95%CI: 1.027-3.220). Conclusions: Multiple stones and performance of FURS by non-experienced surgeons are the independent risk factors for missing trifecta of FURS.

One-stage versus staged ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for simultaneous ureteral and renal stones.

Objectives: This study is aimed to investigate the outcome of one-stage ureteroscopy (URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for simultaneous ureteral and renal stones over 10years at a tertiary urology institute. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who were operated on for simultaneous ureteral and renal stones from January 2011 to December 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A, who underwent one-stage URS and prone PCNL, and group B, who underwent staged procedures. The overall success, complications, operative time, and hospital stays were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Data for 190 patients were reviewed; mean age was 50 ± 13years old, and 146 (77%) were male. The one-stage (A) and staged (B) groups included 102 and 88 patients, respectively. Group A included older patients, with a high The American Society of Anesthesiologists score, while group B included more patients with multiple or staghorn stones. The one-stage group recorded shorter operative time (120 ± 12min vs. 140 ± 16min, p = 0.02) and shorter hospital stays (3days [2-6] vs. 4days [3-9], p = 0.06). Otherwise, both groups had equal outcomes in terms of success rates and complications. Conclusions: PCNL and URS can be performed in one-session for simultaneous ureteral and renal stones, except for multiple renal and staghorn stones. The results are comparable to those of the staged procedure in terms of success rate and complications, with the advantage of a shorter operative time and hospital stay.

Long-term results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy for treatment of staghorn stones.

OBJECTIVE: • To study long-term results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) for treatment of staghorn stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • The records of patients who underwent PNL for staghorn stones between January 1998 and January 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. • Patients who completed follow-up for one year or more were included. Follow-up with KUB and renal ultrasonography were performed every 3-6 months. • Renal radioisotopic scan was performed for patients who had already undergone this study before doing PNL. RESULTS: • The study included 122 patients (69 male and 53 female) with mean age 47.6 ± 14.5 years (5-74). They underwent 126 PNL. • Perioperative complications were encountered in 28 procedures (22%). The mean period of follow-up was 3.5 ± 2.3 years (1-11.3). Among 71 stone-free kidneys, 18 (25%) developed stone recurrence. Of 55 kidneys with residuals at the start of follow-up, 36 (65%) showed growth of these residuals. • Preoperative and postoperative renograms were performed for 71 patients. • At the last follow-up, differential GFR was stable in 53 (74.5%), improved in 12 (17%) and deteriorated in 6 (8.5%). Among patients with deteriorated renal function, 3 had undergone embolization to control severe bleeding, one developed secondary UPJO, and one had recurrent stone obstructing the kidney. CONCLUSION: • Long-term functional results of PNL for staghorn stones are satisfactory as 91.5% of kidneys showed stable or improved GFR. Long-term follow-up is mandatory especially for patients with residual stones.

Bilateral same-session ureteroscopy for treatment of ureteral calculi: critical analysis of risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors affecting the success of bilateral same-session ureteroscopy (BSU) in the treatment of ureteral calculi. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2003 to December 2008, BSU was carried out in 89 patients (178 renal units). A successful outcome was considered when both ureters were free of stones without intraoperative complications. Stone-free rate was evaluated with a kidney-ureter-bladder plain X-ray or non-contrast computed tomography. Factors interfering with successful completion of BSU were tested using univariate (chi-squared test and t test) and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses. Data on unilateral ureteroscopy for the treatment of multiple ureteral calculi carried out in 105 patients during the same period were compared with BSU. RESULTS: Intraoperative complications were recorded in 11 procedures (6.2%) in the form of ureteral perforation in three and mucosal injury in eight. After BSU, 153 renal units were stone free (86%) as 17 had residual fragments, stones migrated to the kidney in six and failure was encountered in two. A successful outcome was observed in 62 patients (70%). Stone impaction, stones located in the proximal ureter and stone surface area were the significant risk factors for unsuccessful BSU (relative risks 3.6, 3.3 and 1.47, respectively). Compared with unilateral ureteroscopy, no difference were found with regard to complication rate (6.7%, p = 0.5) or stone-free rate (80%, p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral same-session ureteroscopy is a safe and effective procedure in the management of bilateral ureteral stones. Proximal ureteral calculi, large and impacted stones carry the highest risk of unsuccessful results.

Semirigid ureteroscopy for ureteral stones: a multivariate analysis of unfavorable results.

PURPOSE: We determined the factors predicting unfavorable results of semirigid ureteroscopy for ureteral calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the computerized files of 841 patients who underwent a total of 908 ureteroscopic procedures for ureteral stones from January 2003 through December 2006. A semirigid 6/7.5Fr ureteroscope was used in pediatric patients and an 8/10Fr or 8.5/11.5Fr ureteroscope was used in adults. Patients with favorable results were those who became stone-free after a single ureteroscopic procedure without any complications. They were compared with patients who had unfavorable results using univariate (chi-square and t tests) and multivariate (logistic regression) statistical tests to identify risk factors for unfavorable results. RESULTS: The study included 567 males and 274 females with a mean age of 48.5 years (range 2 to 81). The complication rate was 6.7% (61 procedures). The stone-free rate after a single ureteroscopic intervention was 87% (791 procedures). Favorable results were documented in 751 procedures (82.7%). Significant factors for unfavorable results were proximal ureteral stones, ureteroscopy done by surgeons other than experienced endourologists, stone impaction and stone width (relative risk 4, 2.5, 1.8 and 1.2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Semirigid ureteroscopy is a safe and highly effective treatment modality for ureteral stones.

Purse-string technique for laparoscopic excision of a bladder mucosal cuff in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract: initial report with intermediate follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel modification for excision of a bladder mucosal cuff around the ipsilateral ureter during laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNU) in the patients with upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2003 and 2007, 13 patients with upper urinary TCC were managed by LNU with excision of a bladder mucosal cuff. The renal pedicle was clipped early. The kidney was freed. The ureter was dissected down to the vesico-ureteric junction. The intramural part of the ureter was dissected under vision and sharply freed from the surrounding detrusor muscle of the bladder until the level of the ureteric orifice. Then the detrusor muscle was further dissected away from the underneath bladder mucosa for 1 cm around the ureteric orifice. Thus, a bladder cuff of mucosa-only could be retrieved. A purse-string suture was taken at the edge of the dissected mucosa and the cuff was excised. The intaoperative and postoperative outcome and morbidity were recorded and results of the short- and intermediate-term follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: All the procedures were completed by laparoscopy. The mean operative time was 226 min. The mean blood loss was 233 mL. There were no major complications. The median follow-up was 31.5 months. During follow-up, one patient developed recurrence in the renal bed. There was no pelvic recurrences. Two patients developed papillary bladder tumours. CONCLUSION: The purse-string technique enabled complete LNU without opening of the pelvicalyceal system. Short- and intermediate-term follow-up showed the oncological safety of the procedure. The outcomes from more patients with a longer follow-up are required to confirm these preliminary findings.

Safety and efficacy of supracostal percutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the supracostal approach for percutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 60 percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures done in 50 children (32 boys and 18 girls) between 2000 and 2007. Mean patient age was 7 +/- 4 years (range 9 months to 14 years). Noncontrast computerized tomography was the primary radiological investigation for most of the cases. The subcostal approach was used in 40 procedures, and the supracostal approach (above the 12th rib) was required in 20. We compared both approaches regarding preoperative characteristics, stone-free and complication rates, and the need for auxiliary procedures. RESULTS: The preoperative characteristics of the patients, urinary tracts and stones were comparable for both treatment groups. There were no major complications. Significant bleeding requiring blood transfusion was observed in 3 patients (5%), transient fever in 3 (5%) and urinary leakage through the nephrostomy site in 3 (5%). The distribution of complications among subcostal and supracostal approaches was comparable. Of the 60 renal units 46 (77%) were stone-free after percutaneous nephrolithotomy at discharge from the hospital. Of the remaining 14 units 9 (15%) were stone-free after shock wave lithotripsy and 5 (8%) had insignificant residual stones. Therefore, the overall stone-free rate at 3 months was 92.5%. Comparing the subcostal and supracostal approaches, there were no significant differences between hospital stays, complication rates, unplanned auxiliary procedures, and stone-free rates at discharge home and at 3-month followup. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for treating renal stones in children provides a high degree of safety and efficacy whether a supracostal or subcostal approach is used.

Combination of laparoscopy and nephroscopy for treatment of stones in pelvic ectopic kidneys.

PURPOSE: To present the combination of laparoscopy and nephroscopy for the treatment of stones in pelvic ectopic kidneys. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The series included seven male and four female patients (mean age 43 +/- 9 years). Laparoscopy-assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) was performed for caliceal stones in five patients after failure of shockwave lithotripsy, while laparoscopic pyelolithotomy was performed for large or branched renal pelvic stones in six patients. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 164 +/- 30 minutes. There were neither complications nor conversions to open surgery. The stone-free rate was 91% (10 patients). One patient had a residual caliceal fragment that was treated with shockwave lithotripsy. The mean hospital stay was 3.5 +/- 0.7 days. CONCLUSION: The combination of laparoscopy and nephroscopy is feasible, safe, and effective for the treatment of stones in pelvic kidneys.