Changing trends in the endourological management of urolithiasis in anomalous kidneys.

OBJECTIVES: To present our single-centre experience of urolithiasis management in anomalous kidneys, highlighting the need for an algorithm-based approach in deciding the appropriate treatment method for each type. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of all the patients who presented to our renal unit with urolithiasis in an anomalous kidney between January 1990 and July 2014. The peri-operative characteristics of all the patients, along with management approach, were studied. RESULTS: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) was the most common surgical technique used, followed by flexible ureterorenoscopy (URS). Pain was the most common presentation in these patients. The overall stone clearance rate associated with PCNL and flexible URS was 85.8% in cases of anomalous kidneys in this series. The stone clearance rates in ectopic kidneys, horseshoe kidneys, malrotated kidneys and autosomal dominant polycystic kidneys associated with PCNL and flexible URS were similar: 86%, 88%, 76% and 83%, respectively, and 81.2%, 80%, 92% and 100%, respectively . Based on our results, we developed a stone management algorithm. CONCLUSION: The management of renal calculi in patients with renal anomalies may vary based on the stone size, location, density, pelvicalyceal system anatomy and drainage. An algorithm-based approach could help surgeons decide the appropriate treatment in this population.

Can intraperitoneal bupivacaine decreases pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy? A randomized control trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate effect of intraperitoneal bupivacaine on postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy. METHODS: Hundred patients undergoing laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy were included in the study and were divided randomly into two groups based on computer-generated randomization chart of fifty each. Patients were made familiar with VAS chart preoperatively. Group A received 20 mL of 0.5 % bupivacaine, while group B patients received 20 mL of 0.9 % normal saline intraperitoneally Postoperatively, patients were assessed based on VAS and requirement of rescue analgesic, hemodynamic parameters and presence of any adverse effects. Student's t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: At all-time interval, mean pain scores were higher in group B than group A. The difference between the mean pain scores was statistically significant (p < 0.05) at 0, 2 and 4 h. The mean dose of rescue analgesia (pentazocin, 30 mg in one vial) in group A was 33 ± 26 mg which was significantly less as compared to group B where it was 62 ± 28 mg. There was statistically insignificant difference between all cardiorespiratory factories at all-time intervals except for heart rate and mean blood pressure at 0 h in group A as compared to group B. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal bupivacaine is a simple, safe, inexpensive method for control of postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy. Use of the correct dose and concentration of the drug are essential for effective pain control.

Role of flexible uretero-renoscopy in management of renal calculi in anomalous kidneys: single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Flexible uretero-renoscopy (FURS) is an accepted modality for management of renal calculi in orthotopically placed kidney. Though it has been used in management of calculi in anomalous kidneys, the literature is scarce. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To define the role of FURS in the management of stones in anomalous kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all the patients with anomalous kidneys who primarily underwent FURS from January 2010 to December 2015 at our institute. In our study, we included patients with anomalies of lie, fusion and rotation. A total of twenty-five patients with twenty-five renal units having renal calculi in anomalous kidneys were evaluated. Indications for FURS included stone size less than or equal to 2 cm, contraindication to PCNL like bleeding tendencies, patients on anticoagulants or patients who refused ESWL and PCNL. Complete clearance of stone was defined as no residual fragment greater than 2 mm at the end of 4 weeks. The parameters evaluated were patient demographics, type of renal anomaly, stone size, location, laterality, patient's presentation, need for preoperative stenting, operative time, need for postoperative DJ stent, hospital stay, analgesic requirement, number of stages or auxiliary procedures required for stone clearance, success rate and complications. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with calculi in anomalous kidneys were managed with FURS. These 25 patients had a total of 37 stones. Out of 25 patients, 14 had ectopic kidneys with 19 stones, 5 had malrotated kidneys with 6 stones, 5 had horseshoe kidneys with 11 stones and one had a left-to-right crossed fused ectopia with a single stone. Average age of presentation was 38.28 ± 12.59 years. Majority of the patients had the stones located in pelvis (n = 11) or lower calyx (n = 11). Eight stones were in middle calyx (n = 8), five in upper calyx (n = 5) and two in upper ureter (n = 2). Fifteen patients had a single stone, and 10 of them had 2 or more stones. Average size of stone was 14.71 ± 4.11 mm and average density being 1210.8 ± 237.7 Hounsfield units. Five patients had a preplaced DJ stent. Average Operative time was 74 ± 21.2 min, and patients had an average hospital stay of 59.48 ± 17.8 h. DJ stent was placed postoperatively in 21 patients, and four were managed with a ureteric catheter. Complete clearance was achieved in 22 (88 %) patients, three patients required two stages and one required the third stage. Three patients (12 %) could not be managed with FURS and required percutaneous stone clearance. CONCLUSION: Primary FURS is an effective and less invasive modality for management of renal calculi less than 2 cm in kidneys with anomalies of lie, fusion and rotation. It can offset the low clearance rate and high complication rate of ESWL and PCNL, respectively. Ureteral access sheath is an important tool to overcome anatomical challenges of anomalous kidney. Basket and Laser are indispensable accessories for FURS in anomalous kidneys.

Robotic versus conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children less than 20 kg by weight: single-center experience.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of robotic versus conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children less than 20 kg by weight. METHODS: Nineteen patients undergoing RP and twenty-five LP under 20 kg by weight were compared retrospectively with respect to demographics and operative, postoperative, and follow-up data. For all cases, a lateral transperitoneal approach was used and all anastomoses were stented. Success was defined as the resolution of preoperative symptoms and hydronephrosis postoperatively. If either case is not fulfilled, a renogram was obtained postoperatively. Student's t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Forty-four patients underwent forty-seven pyeloplasties (19 RP and 25 LP), with three patients undergoing bilateral simultaneous laparoscopic procedure with mean age of 2.7 and 2.4 years in RP and LP, respectively. The robotic procedures were superior in terms of shorter mean hospital stay by one and half day on an average. Minimum time taken for RP was 60 min, while for LP it was 90 min. Both procedures were comparable in terms of complication rate, success rate as well as operating time. CONCLUSIONS: This comparative study confirms the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of robotic pyeloplasty in infants and toddlers. The obvious advantage is being shorter hospital stay. Further prospective studies will be needed to show its superiority over LP.

Adrenocortical carcinoma in pregnancy: A diagnostic dilemma.

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare disease. Additionally, in the case of coexisting pregnancy, there are diagnostic difficulties due to associated physiological hormonal changes as well as imaging limitations. Cushing's syndrome and virilization during pregnancy is a rare entity with few cases reported in the literature. Misdiagnosis is common as the syndrome may be easily confused with preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. We present the case of a 31-year-old pregnant woman with rapidly developing symptoms related to hormonally active adrenocortical cancer.

Minimally invasive basilic vein transposition in the arm or forearm for autogenous haemodialysis access: A less morbid alternative to the conventional technique.

OBJECTIVE: To devise a minimally invasive, less morbid yet effective alternative technique for basilic vein transposition (BVT) in the arm/forearm and to compare perioperative outcomes with the conventional technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing BVT in the last two years (June 2013 to June 2015) were included in the study and the results were analysed. All patients were preoperatively evaluated using colour Doppler ultrasonography performed by the operating surgeon himself. For minimally invasive BVT, two or three small 1-2 cm incisions were made to completely mobilise the basilic vein, transposed in an anterolateral arm/forearm tunnel, and then anastomosed to the brachial or radial artery in the forearm and arm, respectively. The incision in the conventional technique was along the full length of the basilic vein, with the rest of the procedure remaining the same. Complications, pain, analgesic use, maturation and primary patency rates were compared between the techniques. RESULTS: In all, 30 patients underwent minimally invasive BVT and 34 patients underwent conventional BVT, with mean age of 52 and 55 years, respectively. The complications of wound haematoma (one vs four) and wound infection/dehiscence (two vs six) were less common in the minimally invasive BVT group compared to the conventional group. The analgesic requirement and visual analogue scale pain score was significantly less in the minimally invasive BVT group. All other variables assessed, such as maturation and primary patency rate at 1 year, were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive dissection of the basilic vein for vascular access transposition is a safe, reliable procedure with patency and functional outcomes comparable with those of conventional BVT.

Extending indications of micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy: It is not just about cracking stones.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience and results of using the MicroPerc™ micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy armamentarium (PolyDiagnost, Germany) for unusual indications unexplored using this modality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used the MicroPerc™ system for stone clearance in three ureteric calculi, two bladder calculi, one case of urethral calculus, for antegrade biopsy in a case of upper tract urothelial carcinoma, for Deflux® (dextranomer/hyaluronic copolymer, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Uppsala, Sweden) injection in three cases of vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR), and three cases of posterior urethral valve (PUV) fulgurations. A 4.85-F 'All-Seeing Needle®' (PolyDiagnost) was used in most of the cases. An 8-F mini-micro sheath was used where stability was deemed necessary. Clinical data were collected in a dedicated database. Intraoperative variables, postoperative complications, and outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: All patients were successfully treated with complete stone clearance at 1 month with no residual fragments. The antegrade biopsy confirmed a high-grade papillary neoplasm. There were no technical difficulties with injection of Deflux or PUV fulgurations. Follow-up at 1 year revealed no stone recurrence, resolved reflux in all three cases, and all the children that had had PUVs were voiding well. The small sample and retrospective nature of the analysis are the limitations of this study. CONCLUSION: MicroPerc™, besides its usual use for minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy, can also be feasibly used for ureteric, bladder and urethral stones, and for treating non-calculus diseases such as PUVs and VUR. True to its name, it may be an 'All-Seeing Needle' in reality with much more to offer and harvest from.

Oxalobacter formigenes: Opening the door to probiotic therapy for the treatment of hyperoxaluria.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the early effect of the administration of Oxalobacter formigenes on the metabolic pattern of patients with calcium oxalate stones, comparing it with potassium magnesium citrate (KMgCit). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients were randomized to receive either 30 mEq of KMgCit or 700 million O. formigenes, both twice a day. Serum creatinine, serum urate, serum calcium and phosphorus, serum intact parathyroid hormone (if serum calcium >10.5 mg/dl) and 24 h urine metabolic evaluation for various metabolites (e.g. oxalate, calcium, phosphorus, citrate, magnesium, urate and creatinine) were evaluated at baseline and 1 month after starting the treatment. RESULTS: In both groups hyperoxaluria was the most common abnormality, followed by hypercalciuria. The incidence of hyperoxaluria decreased at 1 month compared to baseline in both KMgCit (77.5% vs 37.5%, p = 0.0006) and O. formigenes preparation (82.5% vs 15%, p < 0.0001) groups, while other urinary metabolic abnormalities were similar at baseline and 1 month in both groups. Three patients in the KMgCit had mild self-limiting secondary symptoms. CONCLUSION: Compared with KMgCit, O. formigenes preparation is more effective in decreasing the incidence of hyperoxaluria, opening the door to probiotic therapy as a potential new weapon against hyperoxaluria.

Can CT Virtual Cystoscopy Replace Conventional Cystoscopy in Early Detection of Bladder Cancer?

Aim. To correlate findings of conventional cystoscopy with CT virtual cystoscopy (CTVC) in detecting bladder tumors and to evaluate accuracy of virtual cystoscopy in early detection of bladder cancer. Material and Method. From June 2013 to June 2014, 50 patients (46 males, four females) with history and investigations suggestive of urothelial cancer, with mean age 62.76 ± 10.45 years, underwent CTVC by a radiologist as per protocol and subsequently underwent conventional cystoscopy (CPE) the same day or the next day. One urologist and one radiologist, blinded to the findings of conventional cystoscopy, independently interpreted the images, and any discrepant readings were resolved with consensus. Result. CTVC detected 23 out of 25 patients with bladder tumor(s) correctly. Two patients were falsely detected as negative while two were falsely labeled as positive in CTVC. Virtual and conventional cystoscopy were comparable in detection of tumor growth in urinary bladder. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of virtual cystoscopy were 92% each. Conclusion. CTVC correlates closely with the findings of conventional cystoscopy. Bladder should be adequately distended and devoid of urine at the time of procedure. However, more studies are required to define the role of virtual cystoscopy in routine clinical practice.

Management Protocol for Chylous Ascites After Laparoscopic Nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To devise a management protocol for chylous ascites after laparoscopic nephrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of the patients that underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy between January 2010 and January 2014 in our institution for different indications and were diagnosed with chylous ascites. We also analyzed a different management protocol that was used. RESULTS: The overall incident rate of chylous ascites was 0.77%. It was more commonly seen on left side and with simple nephrectomy rather than radical. Three out of 9 patients were managed by surgical intervention, rest were successfully managed on conservative treatment in the form of dietary modification, total parenteral nutrition, or octreotide. CONCLUSION: Chylous ascites is a rare but morbid condition following laparoscopic nephrectomy. To manage this complication, we propose preventive and treatment strategies based on symptoms and amount of chylous ascites using our experience and review of the literature.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in pelvic kidneys: is the ultrasound-guided puncture safe?

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate our experience with the use of ultrasound (USG) for puncture guidance while performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy in ectopic pelvic kidneys. METHODS: From January 1990 to December 2013, we have performed percutaneous nephrolithotomy in 26 patients with USG-guided punctures. The stones were solitary in 15 patients (58%) and multiple in 11 patients (42%). The mean stone size was 22 mm (range, 10-50 mm), including 3 staghorn calculi. All procedures were performed in an oblique-supine position, and the intraoperative complications as the postoperative outcome were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 93 minutes, achieving complete stone clearance in 22 (88%) of the patients. One of the patients had urine leakage after removing nephrostomy, needing postoperative double J stenting. One patient had significant intraoperative bleeding requiring staging of the procedure and blood transfusion. No bowel injuries were identified. Mean hospitalization time was 5.6 days. CONCLUSION: USG-guided puncture is a safe and effective approach to the collecting system even in renal anomalies like in pelvic ectopic kidneys when performed in experienced hands.

Robotic repair of vesicovaginal fistula - initial experience

ABSTRACT Objective The most common acquired fistula of the urinary tract is Vesicovaginal fistulae (VVF) (1) posing social stigmata for the patient as well as a surgical challenge for the urologist. Here we present our initial experience with Robotic assisted laparoscopic repair of VVF, its safety and efficacy. Materials and Methods Seven out of eight fistulas were post hysterectomy; five had undergone abdominal while two had laparoscopic hysterectomy while one was due to prolonged labour. Two had associated ureteric injury. All underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic trans abdominal extravesical approach. Three 8 mm ports for robotic arms, one 12 mm port for camera and another 12 mm for assistant were used in a fan shaped manner. All had preoperative ureteric catheter placed. Bladder was closed in two layers and vagina in one layer. Omental flap placed in all cases except two where it was not possible. Drain and per urethral catheter placed in all cases. Double J stents were placed in two cases requiring ureteric implantation additionally. Results The mean age of presentation was 39.25 years (26-47 range) with mean BMI being 26.25 kg/m2 (21-32 range). Mean duration between insult and repair was 9.37 months (3-24 months). Only in single case there was history of previous repair attempt. On cystoscopy four had supratrigonal VVF and four were trigonal with mean size of 13.37 mm (7-20 mm). Mean operative time was 117.5 minutes (90-150). There were no intraoperative/postoperative complications or need for open conversion. Mean haemoglobin drop was 1.4 gm/dL (0.3-2 gm). Drain was removed once 24-48 hours output is negligible. One patient had post-operative urinary leak at 2 weeks which ceased with continuation of catheterisation for another 2 weeks. Catheter was removed after voiding cystourethrogram showed no leak at 2-3 weeks postoperatively. Mean duration of drain was 3.75 days (3-5) and per urethral catheterisation (which was removed after voiding cystourethrography) was 15.75 days (9-28). Mean hospital stay was 6.62 days (4-14). Post-operative bladder capacity was 324.28 cc (280-350) on voiding diary. Follow up ranged from 3-9 months. At 3 months of follow-up, these patients continued to void normally and there was no evidence of recurrence of VVF. Conclusion Robotic repair of VVF is safe and feasible and has additional advantages in the form of precise suturing under 3D vision and certainly a more striking and effective option especially in complex VVF repair associated with ureteric injuries (2).