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INTRODUCTION: To present the outcomes of using Amplatz renal dilators in the management of complex urethral strictures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From September 2011 to August 2015, 34 patients with complex urethral strictures were treated with Amplatz renal dilators assisted with internal urethrotomy. Evaluation included uroflowmetry, IPSS and post-void residual volume measurement. Under spinal anesthesia, sequential dilatations were performed with Amplatz renal dilators measuring from 8 Fr up to 24 Fr. Urethrotomy was sequentially performed. RESULTS: The mean stricture length was 2.6 (1.5-3.5) cm. Preoperative mean Qmax was 4.4( 3.2-9.6) ml/sec. From September 2011 to August 2015, 34 patients with complex urethral strictures were treated with Amplatz renal dilators assisted with internal urethrotomy. Evaluation included uroflowmetry, IPSS and post- void residual volume measurement. Under spinal anesthesia, sequential dilatations with Amplatz renal dilators over an 8 Fr stylet were performed up to 24 Fr. Urethrotomy was sequentially performed. PVR was 155 (75-380) ml. Postoperative mean Qmax at 1 month was 18.4 (14.6-21.8) ml/sec, p <0.001, at 6 months was 16.6 (9.8-18.2) ml/sec, p <0.003 and at 12 months was 12.7 (7.4-17.3) ml/sec, p <0.005. Accordingly, mean PVR was significantly improved postoperatively, at 32 (12-88) ml in 1 month, p <0.001, while at 6 months was 34 (28-101) ml, p <0.005 and at 12 months was 62 (38-115) ml, p <0.005. Only 8 patients (23.5%) had a stricture recurrence in the first nine months and were treated with Amplatz dilatations alone. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Amplatz renal dilators in combination with internal urethrotomy is a safe and effective technique for the endoscopic treatment of complex urethral strictures in patients unfit for reconstructive surgery.
RESUMEN
PURPOSE: Our aim was to compare the different characteristics and outcomes of the Amplatz sheaths and single-step metallic dilators which were used for mini-PCNL procedure in a single institution. METHODS: Retrospective medical records of 236 patients who underwent mini-PCNL were reviewed and divided into Amplatz (n = 151) and metal (n = 85) groups. Perioperative and postoperative data including operative time, fluoroscopy time, hemoglobin decrease, blood transfusion, hospital stay, stone-free rate and any postoperative complication were recorded. RESULTS: The groups were statistically similar in terms of operation time, nephrostomy stay, puncture location and hemoglobin decrease. Compared to the metal sheath group, the fluoroscopy time (3.7 vs 5.9 m, p < 0.001) and the hospital stay (53.5 vs 67 h, p = 0.007) were significantly higher in the Amplatz group. Although final stone-free rate was higher for metal group than Amplatz group, no statistical difference was established (82.1 vs 79.5%, p = 0.285). The rates of complications such as fever, blood transfusion, postoperative DJ insertion were similar in two groups with no significant difference. CONCLUSION: Although different treatment outcomes of various institutions have been published for mini-PCNL procedure, this is the first study that compares Amplatz and metallic sheaths. This study shows that there is no difference between the two groups in terms of final stone-free rate and complication rate. Even though the indications of each dilatation technique were similar, metal sheaths are most cost-effective (6.1 vs 63 Euro per case; p < 0.001).