Oncologic Outcomes and Predictors in Patients with Stage PT3aNxM0 Renal Cell Carcinoma Following Radical Nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate oncologic outcomes in patients with PT3aNxM0 renal cell carcinoma following radical nephrectomy and also to investigate these outcomes in each specific subgroup of PT3a renal cell carcinoma and to determine predictive factors of recurrence, metastasis, and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we included 94 patients with stage PT3a renal cell carcinoma who had undergone radical nephrectomy from 2011 to 2016. All patients who had survived had at least 60 months of follow-up. Demographic and clinical data were collected; univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of metastasis, recurrence, and cancer-related mortality. RESULTS: Patients' mean age was 58.07 ± 11.17 years and 62/94 (65.9%) were male. The mean follow-up time was 48.1 ± 25.5 months. Forty-three patients (45.7%) had experienced cancer-related mortality. The mean cancer-specific survival time was 60.94 months and the mean metastasis-free and local recurrence-free survival times were 57.06 and 88.72 months, respectively. Metastasis and local recurrence had occurred in 42 (44.6%) and 4 (4.25%) patients, respectively. After performing multivariate analysis, higher nuclear Fuhrman's grade (P < .001) and simultaneous involvement of the renal vein and perinephric fat (P < .001) were found to be predictive of cancerrelated mortality. Advanced nuclear Fuhrman's grade was the only independent predictor of metastasis (P=.001). CONCLUSION: Based on our results, advanced nuclear Fuhrman's grade and sarcomatoid change can independently predict mortality in patients with stage PT3aNxM0 renal cell carcinoma. Close monitoring during the follow-up period is recommended in patients with the mentioned risk factors.

Comparison of histopathological features, survival, and oncological outcome between patients under and above 55-year-old with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: To compare the disease course, histopathological features and survival rates of prostate cancer (PCa) between patients aged ⩽ 55 and > 55 year old. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 644 patients with organ-confide prostate cancer who had undergone radical prostatectomy from 2005 to 2018. Seventy-six (11.8%) patients were under 55 years of age (group 1) and 568 (88.2%) patients were >55 years old (group 2). RESULTS: Pre-operative hypertension was detected in 4 (5.3%) patients of group 1 and 80 (14.1%) patients of groups 2 (p = 0.029). The mean (±SD) prostate volume was higher in group 2 compared with group 1 (34.1(±8.4) ml vs 54.1(±9.9) ml, p < 0.001). Positive surgery margin was observed in 15 (19.7%) and 58 (10.2%) patients in group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.020). Co-existence of diabetes mellitus, mean pre-operative PSA, Gleason's score, and permanent pathology and pathologic stage were similar between the two groups. Log-rank test failed to show any statistical difference in terms of biochemical-relapse free survival, local recurrence-free survival, and metastasis-free survival between the two groups (p = 0.316, 0.441, 0.654, respectively). After performing multivariate analysis, positive surgical margin was the only factor that was independently predictive of biochemical relapse (p < 0.001) and local recurrence/metastasis (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: No difference was observed in terms of histopathologic features, biochemical relapse, and local recurrence/metastasis-free survival rates between patients younger and older than 55 years of age.

Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Pyelolithotomy versus Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Treating the Patients with Staghorn Kidney Stones: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the performance and outcomes of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LPL) versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the management of staghorn kidney stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a parallel-group randomized clinical trial study carried out on 68 patients with staghorn stones (one single piece or maximally two-piece stones with large extra renal part) over 18 years referred to Labbafinejhad Hospital. Patients were randomly divided on a ratio of 1:1 into two groups of LPL and PCNL using random allocation software. The primary outcome was the stone free rate, which was evaluated with KUB, and ultrasonography. Secondary outcomes were duration of surgery, bleeding, fever, post-operative pain, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The mean±SD age of patients in PCNL and LPL groups were 48.50 ± 13.33 years and 52.17 ± 15.74 years, respectively (P=.303). LPL was associated with a higher duration of surgery (196.55 ± 26.58 minutes versus 110.88 ± 34.82; P=.001). Hemoglobin drop in the PCNL group was higher than the LPL group (2.67 ± 2.61 g/dL versus -0.7912 ± 1.06 g/dL; P=.001). Stone free status was observed in 29 (85.3%) patients in the LPL group, which was significantly higher than the PCNL group (22 patients, 64.7%; P =.050). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that LPL offers a higher stone free rate with less bleeding in patients with single particle or limited particles staghorn stones with extrarenal pelvis but is associated with a higher duration of operation. The application of LPL in patients with multiple stones carries a lower achievement and is not encouraged.

Potential protective effects of Aloe vera gel on cardiovascular diseases: A mini-review.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) comprise the most prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality in both men and women worldwide. CVDs are associated with several risk factors such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, tobacco smoking and an unhealthy diet. Currently, in addition to the use of related pharmacological treatments in the management of CVDs, the investigation of other suitable healthcare approaches for these disorders such as the identification of herbal medicines has been considered in the scientific communities. Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. is a perennial medicinal plant. The innermost leaf layer of this plant contains transparent gel, which is used as food. Pre-clinical studies have shown several biological activities of A. vera gel (AVG), including antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. Other pharmacological activities of AVG such as anti-fibrotic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-atherosclerotic effects have been reported. Moreover, several clinical studies have demonstrated the ameliorating effects of AVG on some markers of CVDs risk factors. Thus, this study was conducted to review clinical trials besides in vitro and in vivo studies on the cardiac beneficial effects of AVG. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plant.

Single Umbilical Stoma for Bilateral Ureterostomy after Radical Cystectomy.

PURPOSE: Cutaneous ureterostomy after radical cystectomy is less preferred compared with other permanent urinary diversions due to bilateral stomas. Single umbilical stoma for bilateral ureterostomy (SUSBU) may be a choice, in this study we reviewed the outcomes of SUSBU in seventeen patients who underwent radical cystectomy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This was a case-series study conducted from April 2016 to Dec 2017. Seventeen male patients with confirmed PT2 bladder urothelial carcinoma who were not suitable for performing conduit or orthotopic urinary diversion, including those with high-risk patients underwent single umbilical stoma for bilateral ureterostomy after radical cystectomy. All patients were prospectively followed up for 24 months ± 2 months, this study was done in a teaching center mainly by senior residents. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 68.6 ± 6.41 years. The mean length of operation time was 176.7 ± 15.1 minutes (from intubation to extubation from anesthesia). Sixteen patients were diagnosed with PT2 and one patient had a PT4 diagnosis. The decrease in hemoglobin level after surgery was 1.72 mg/dl ± 0.35 and creatinine increased by 0.15 ± 0.05 mg/dl. None of our patients had oliguria. One case developed constipation and no gas passing, with the suspicion of obstruction, underwent abdominal exploration, however, no obstruction or urine leakage was found and the patient was treated conservatively. One patient developed a fever during admission, in which atelectasis was identified as the cause. One patient underwent a second operation because of fascia dehiscence. CONCLUSION: It seems that this technique is suitable for high-risk patients with acceptable operating time, surgical complications, and fast recovery after the operation and one ureterostomy bag instead of two one's comparing to bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy.

Our Experience with Totally Ultrasonography-Guided Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Children.

Purpose: To present the safety and efficacy of totally ultrasonography-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for managing urinary stones in pediatric patients. Patients and Methods: Ten children with a mean age of 5.4 (3-11) years underwent totally ultrasonography-guided PCNL from March 2013 to November 2013. The pyelocaliceal system was punctured with the patient in the prone position by using ultrasonographic guidance, and the tract was dilated using a single-shot dilation technique. All steps of renal access were performed by using ultrasonography; no fluoroscopy was used. PCNL in all cases was performed by using adult instruments. Results: The mean stone size was 28.9±6.7 mm (range 17-35 mm). The mean access time to stone was 4.45±2.25 minutes (range 3-10 min). The mean nephroscopic time was 45.9±17 minutes (range 20-80 min). The stone-free rate was 83%. Mean hospital stay of patients was 3 days (range 2-5 days). No major complications were happened. Only one patient needed ureteral stent insertion because of urinary leakage from the nephrostomy tract. Conclusion: Our experience with totally ultrasonography-guided PCNL using adult size instruments in children revealed proper results and acceptable complications compared with the standard technique of PCNL. Likewise, this alternative method has the advantage of preventing radiation hazard.

Symptom Resolution and Recurrence Outcomes after Partial Versus Total Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: 13 years of Experience with Medium-Long Term Follow up.

PURPOSE: Partial adrenalectomy (PA) is an emerging modality typically performed for the treatment of hereditary and sporadic bilateral tumors, to reduce the risk of adrenal failure. In this study, we evaluated the recurrence and functional outcomes after partial and total adrenalectomy (TA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2005 to July 2018, 284 patients with functional tumor or > 5 cm adrenal mass underwent clipless and sutureless laparoscopic partial or total adrenalectomy (PLA and TLA). Patients with a pathological diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, Cushing or Conn's disease and more than two year follow up were included in this study. Pre-operative and operative variables were collected retrospectively and functional outcomes and recurrence were gathered prospectively. RESULTS: One hundred forty patients (mean age: 43±5.1years) were included in the study. PLA and TLA were performed for pheochromocytoma (total n=78; PLA=12 (15%), TLA=66 (85%)), Cushing syndrome (toal n=17; PLA = 4 (24%), TLA = 13 (76%)), and Conn's disease (total n=45; PLA=7 (16%), TLA=38 (84%)). In pheochromocytoma patients, improvement of hypertension, palpitation, and headache was not different between patients who underwent PLA versus TLA (all P > 0.05). Two recurrences were observed in patients with pheochromocytoma who had undergone TLA. In patients with Cushing disease, central obesity, fascial plethora, and hypertension were improved in all patients six months after treatment, muscle weakness was improved one year after surgery, and acne and hyperpigmentation only improved two years after surgery. The length of time for resolution of symptoms was not different in patients who underwent PLA versus TLA. In Conn's disease hypertension was resolved in all patients and no patient required potassium supplements post-operatively. In follow up no recurrence was observed in patients with a pathological diagnosis of Cushing or Conn's disease. CONCLUSION: In our experience, PLA can provide excellent control of the symptoms parallel with TLA and with no statistically significant difference in recurrence making PLA an attractive option in patients with an adrenal mass.

Laparoscopic Pyelolithotomy for Management of Complete Staghorn Stone of An Ectopic Pelvic Kidney.

A 40-year-old man was referred to our urology clinic due to vague abdominal pain and hematuria. Computed tomography (CT) without contrast material visualized an ectopic kidney in the left iliac fossa with a complete staghorn stone. Under general anesthesia, operation was done in supine position with a gentle lateral elevation on the right side. The surgeon stands on the right side of the patient. First, a 12 mm port was inserted at the umbilicus using the Hasson technique. After creation of pneumoperitoneum, operation was done by three 5 mm trocars were arranges as paraumbilical, the point between umbilicus and inguinal canal at left and right side.A vertical pyelotomy incision was made over the anterior pelvic wall and then extended to a cross figure. The stone extracted intact with a laparoscopic stone grasper and placed in endobag. A short double J stent was placed via the pyelotomy incision and renal pelvis was closed using continuous 4.0 vicryl sutures. He was discharged from hospital after 3 days without any complication.

Fluoroscopy-free ultrasonography-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric patients: a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVES: To present the safety and efficacy of fluoroscopy-free ultrasound-guided PCNL for the treatment of renal calculi in pediatric patients of all ages. METHODS: 30 children with mean age of 5 years (6 months-12 years) underwent totally ultrasound-guided PCNL from March 2013 to August 2016. The pyelocalyceal system was punctured in prone position using only ultrasonography guidance, and the tract was dilated using a single shot dilation technique. No fluoroscopy was used during any of the stages of renal access. The procedure was performed using adult-sized instruments. RESULTS: The mean stone size was 27.1 ± 8.7 mm. Mean access time was 4.3 ± 2 min. Mean nephroscopic time was 34.6 ± 15.2 min. Mean hospital stay of patients was 3 days (range 2-5). 21 patients were stone-free after the procedure (70% success rate). Only four patients out of 30 experienced postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that fluoroscopic-free ultrasound-guided PCNL in pediatric patients of all ages is safe, highly efficient, and minimizes potential radiation exposure risks associated with the procedure.

Stented Versus Stentless Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review and meta-analysis were designed to evaluated the efficacy and safety of stented versus stentless laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LU). METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that included six trials that investigated the outcomes, including the rate of prolonged urine leakage, operative time, time to drain removal, and estimated blood loss, between stented versus stentless LU. RESULTS: Four studies with 289 participants were included in the study. There was no significant difference between two groups in rate of prolonged urine leakage (odds ratios [OR] 0.35, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.09-1.46, p = 0.15). Significant longer operative time was detected in patients who underwent stented LU compared with stentless group (mean difference 11.36, 95% CI 7.53-15.20, P < .00001). There was no significant difference between two groups in day of drain removal (mean difference -1.09, 95% CI -2.33-0.15, P = .08). No significant difference in blood loss in patients who underwent stented LU compared with stentless group was detected (mean difference 7.67, 95% CI -0.29-15.64, P = .06). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that the rate of prolonged urine leakage, time to drain removal, and estimated blood loss were not significantly different between stented and stentless LU.

Impact of Kidney Graft Weight-to-Recipient Body Weight Ratio on Long-Term Graft Function in Living Donor Kidney Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to evaluate the effect of kidney graft weight-to-recipient body weight ratio as a nonimmune factor that may affect long-term graft function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from 2531 living donor kidney transplant procedures performed between 1994 and 2010 at Shahid Labbafinejad Medical Center; 635 patients were included in this study. Each kidney was weighed after cold wash. The kidney weight-to-recipient body weight ratio was calculated. As an indicator of graft function, we used the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study Group equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate. For statistical analyses, we used simple linear regression analysis and the mixed model test using SPSS version 17.0 software (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: Mean age of recipients and median follow-up duration were 37.5 years (range, 6-77 y) and 36 months (range, 25-84 mo). Long-term graft function showed a positive correlation with kidney graft-to-recipient body weight ratio but not with the graft weight alone. The magnitude of this correlation was higher early after surgery (day 7) and decreased with long-term follow-up but was still statistically significant (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: From our results, we conclude that kidney graft-to-recipient body weight ratio is correlated with the kidney graft function; graft size matching may be considered for kidney donor selection.

Laparoscopic Pyelolithotomy in Children Less Than Two Years Old with Large Renal Stones: Initial Series.

PURPOSE: Treatment of pediatric urolithiasis is still on debate. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy in five children less than two years old. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five children (less than two years old) with large kidney stones underwent laparoscopic pyelolithotomy. All patients underwent laparoscopic pyelolithotomy via a transperitoneal approach. After medial mobilization of colon and once renal pelvis and ureteropelvic junction were exposed, a longitudinal or circular incision was made on the renal pelvis, depending on the location and shape of the stone. Stones were extracted using an Endobag. Demographic data, size of stones, operation time, duration of hospital stay and stone free rate were assessed. RESULTS: Four boys and a one girl were included in this study. The mean age of patients was 17.6 (range: 13-22) months and the mean duration of operation was 130 (range: 115-145) minutes. The mean size of stone was 24.6 (range: 22-27) mm and the mean duration of hospital stay was 4.4 (range: 4-5) days. Stone free rate was 100%. There was no major complication. CONCLUSION: Even with a small number of patients, our results seem to show that laparoscopic pyelolithotomy could be a treatment option for selected cases of young pediatric cases with large renal stones. We believe that transperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy is feasible and it introduces a novel approach for managing kidney stones in pediatric population. .

Solo Sonographically Guided PCNL under Spinal Anesthesia: Defining Predictors of Success.

Aim. Sonography has been brought in percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) as an adjunct to or substitute for X-ray to restrict radiation exposure. This study was designed to investigate the possible predictors for the success of the solo sonographically guided PCNL. Methods. 148 consecutive cases were prospectively enrolled. All steps of PCNL were performed solely with sonography guidance under spinal anesthesia. Residual stones were evaluated the day after surgery using sonography and plain radiography. Results. The mean age was 46 ± 15 years; 40% of kidneys had hydronephrosis. The mean stone burden was 504 ± 350 mm(2). The mean duration of surgery was 43 ± 21 minutes. The early stone-free rate was 92% in inferior or middle calyceal stones, 89.5% in single pelvic stones, 81.5% in partial staghorn stones, and 61.9% in staghorn stones. The mean residual stone size was 13 ± 8 mm. Logistic regression showed that a lower age and a larger stone burden significantly predicted positive residual stones. Fifteen percent of patients presented with grade I or II and six percent showed grade III complication based on Clavien classification. There was no cases of organ injury or death. Conclusion. Solo ultrasonographically guided PCNL under spinal anesthesia is feasible with an acceptable stone-free rate and complication rate.

Long-Term Follow-up After Right Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy and Inverted Kidney Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of inverted kidney transplant, an alternative easy and safe technique to overcome difficulties associated with short right renal vein anastomosis after laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-nine laparoscopic donor nephrectomies and intentionally inverted renal transplants were performed between 2004 and 2009. For these transplants, the renal artery was ligated by Hem-o-lok (Weck Surgical Instruments, Teleflex Medical, Durham, NC, USA) and titanium clips, and the vein was closed with 2 Hem-o-lok clips, resulting in a short renal vein. By inverting the recovered kidney to the ipsilateral pelvic side of he recipient, the short renal vein is placed posterior and adjacent to the external iliac vein; this made an easy and safe short renal vein anastomosis possible. RESULTS: All donor nephrectomies were completed laparoscopically, and no conversion to open surgery was required. The mean warm and cold ischemic times were 7.3 minutes (range, 3.2-17.5 min) and 37.5 minutes (range, 14.2-88 min). Only 6 patients (7.6%) had delayed graft function. At 5 years after transplant, patients showed excellent graft function, with mean serum creatinine level of 1.46 mg/dL and graft survival of 93.7%. There were no occurrences of vascular thrombosis or acute rejection. However, 5 years after transplant, 4 patients had died, with 3 patients still having functional transplanted kidneys and 1 patient experiencing graft rejection 1 month before death. CONCLUSIONS: Inverted kidney transplant is an easy and safe method to overcome the complications associated with short right renal vein anastomosis after laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. This simple modification might obviate the need to elongate a short renal vein.

Minilaparoscopy vs. standard laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: comparison of safety, efficacy and cosmetic outcomes in a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to compare safety, efficacy and cosmetic outcome between standard laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (sLDN) and mini-laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (mLDN) in a randomized clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2012 to June 2013, 100 consecutive kidney donors were randomly assigned to two equal groups for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. mLDN: Six to eight centimeters Pfannenstiel incision was made slightly above pubis symphysis and 11 millimeters trocar was fixed through exposed fascia using open technique. Five mm port was placed under direct vision at the umbilicus for camera insertion and two 3.5 mm ports were placed in subxiphoid and paraumbilical area. sLDN: Ten mm port was placed at umbilicus using open access technique for camera insertion. Five mm trocar for grasping and 11 mm trocar for vascular clipping were placed at subxiphoid and paraumbilical areas under direct vision, respectively. The second 5 mm trocar was placed in suprapubic area. Cosmetic appearance was assessed three months after surgery by using the Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ). RESULTS: Demographic data of the patients was not significantly different between two groups. Total operative time and ischemic time was nearly similar in both groups (104 ± 21 vs. 114 ± 24 min; P = .327 and 4.03 vs. 4.07 min; P = .592). There were no cases of conversion to open surgery. Mean hospital stay was similar between the two groups [2.1 (2-5) vs. 2.4 (2-5) days; P = .346]. Kidney graft function assessed by serum creatinine val­ues (mg/dL) of recipients, was equivalent in both groups (1.58 vs. 1.86: P = .206). Mean appearance score (34 vs. 29) and consciousness score (22 vs. 18) in PSAQ showed significantly better results in the mLDN group. CONCLUSION: Our experience in this study revealed that peri- and post-operative findings were comparable between sLDN and mLDN, but mLDN has significant better cosmetic appearance than standard laparoscopic approach.

THE IMPACT OF ANESTHETIC TECHNIQUES ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS AFTER UROLOGICAL SURGERY.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a well-recognized complication of cardiac and noncardiac surgery. However, contradictory results concerning postoperative mental function have been reported. The aim is to determine the effect of anesthetic techniques (general or spinal) on cognitive functions using more sensitive neuropsychological tests in patients undergoing urological surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of thirty patients were enrolled in the study and assigned to receive either general (n = 15) or spinal (n = 15) anesthesia. A battery of neuropsychological tests including Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Iowa Gambling Task, Stroop Color-Word Test, N-back Task and Continuous Performance Test was performed preoperatively and three days later. RESULTS: The two experimental groups were similar at baseline assessment of cognitive function. Although there were no statistically significant differences between general and spinal anesthetic groups with respect to Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Iowa Gambling Task, a significant intergroup difference between pre-and postoperative N-back scores was detected in the general anesthesia group (p = 0.001 & p = 0.004). In addition, patients within this group had significantly higher error rates on the Stroop Color-Word (p = 0.019) and Continuous Performance Tests (p = 0.045). In contrast, patients receiving spinal anesthesia exhibited little change or marginal improvement on all subscales of the battery. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate significant decline in specific aspects of mental function among patients who were administered general anesthesia compared with the other technique. It seems that spinal anesthesia contributes to lower disturbance after surgery.

Concomitant anterior and posterior urethral valves in pediatrics: A single center experience over 12 years and long-term follow up after endoscopic treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To report our 12-year experience with endoscopic management of patients with concomitant anterior and posterior urethral valves. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients referred to us for management of urethral valves from 2000 to 2012 to find cases with concomitant anterior and posterior valves. The diagnosis of valves was first suspected on voiding cystourethrography and confirmed by urethrocystoscopy. We collected available data on patients' age at diagnosis, clinical presentations, ultrasound and urodynamic findings, and surgical treatments. The final outcome at last follow up was also recorded. RESULTS: From 38 cases with anterior urethral valve, six (15.8%) presented concomitant anterior and posterior valves. The age at diagnosis in these patients ranged from antenatal diagnosis to 13 years. Initial presenting symptoms were recurrent urinary tract infection, incontinence, urosepsis and poor urinary stream. All valves were ablated by transurethral fulguration/resection using small-sized urethrocystoscopes. Among those with concomitant anterior and posterior valves, four patients had vesicoureteral reflux at presentation that resolved in two patients after valve ablation. One patient progressed to renal failure and required dialysis. Bladder hypercontractility and detrusor overactivity were the main urodynamic patterns in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant anterior and posterior valves seem to be more prevalent than previously assumed, and might be missed on initial assessment. Oblique view voiding cystourethrography with full-length delineation of the urethra is of paramount diagnostic importance when obstruction is suspected. A meticulous urethrocystoscopy should follow for confirming the diagnosis and endoscopic ablation/resection of the valves.

Comparison of safety and efficacy of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with renal pelvic stones: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: A randomized clinical trial was designed to compare the efficacy, success rate and surgical complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with renal pelvic stones larger than 2 cm were randomly divided into two groups of LP and PCNL. All patients were followed up to three months after surgery using renal diethylenetriamine­pentaaceticacid (DTPA) scan and determining the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). RESULTS: Mean operation time (149 ± 31 vs. 107 ± 26 min) and mean hospital stay (3.4 vs. 2.16 days) were significantly higher in LP, but mean hemoglobin drop (0.85 vs. 1.88 g/dL) and the rate of blood transfusion were significantly lower. Stone free rate was 90% and 86.6% for LP and PCNL, respectively (P =.59), while the changes in GFR were not statistically significant 3 days after surgery between two groups. Those in LP group showed better improvement in GFR at three months postoperatively. Improvement of the affected split kidney function was significantly higher in LP group (P =.04). No major complications were observed in both groups according to Clavien grading system. CONCLUSION: PCNL remains the gold standard treatment for most large kidney stones, nevertheless, laparoscopic pyelolithotomy can be considered for selected cases especially in whom maximal preservation of renal function is  necessary. 

Pediatric kidney transplant with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate outcomes and complications with pediatric living-donor kidney transplant, mostly performed with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the 25 years between February 1987 and December 2012, there were 493 children aged ≤ 17 years who received a kidney transplant. Demographic characteristics, graft and patient survival, rejection episodes, and complications were recorded. Analysis was performed for 3 sequential periods (1987-1994, 1995-2002, and 2003-2012). RESULTS: The mean patient age was 13 ± 4 years (age range, 2.5-17 y). There were 290 males (59%). Glomerulonephritis was the most common cause of end-stage renal disease. Preemptive kidney transplant was performed in 412 patients (84%). Donor nephrectomy was performed laparoscopically in 445 patients (90%). The 5-year graft and patient survival were improved from 1987-1994 to 2003-2012. The overall death-censored graft survival was 96% at 1 year, 78% at 5 years, and 66% at 10 years after transplant. The overall patient survival was 96% at 1 year, 83% at 5 years, and 75% at 10 years after transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney transplant is available for most pediatric patients and has acceptable graft and patient survivals. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy improves donor satisfaction and morbidity, and may provide excellent graft outcomes in children.

Does sildenafil enhance the effect of tamsulosin in relieving acute urinary retention?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of combined therapy using sildenafil and tamsulosin for management of acute urinary retention (AUR) with tamsulosin alone in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 101 patients were enrolled in a randomized placebo-controlled study from June 2009 to April 2012. Patients presenting with an initial episode of spontaneous AUR underwent urethral catheterization and then prospectively randomized to receive tamsulosin 0.4 mg plus sildenafil 50mg in group A and tamsulosin 0.4 mg plus placebo in group B for three days. Urethral catheter was removed three days after medical treatment and patient's ability to void assessed at the day after catheter removal and seven days later. Patients who voided successfully were followed at least for three months. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 59.64 ± 3.84 years in group A and 60.56 ± 4.12 years in group B (p value = 0.92). Mean prostate volume and mean residual urine were comparable between both groups (p value = 0.74 and 0.42, respectively). Fifteen patients in group A (success rate: 70%) and nineteen patients in group B (success rate: 62.7%) had failed trial without catheter (TWOC) at 7th day following AUR (p value = 0.3). No significant difference was noted between both groups regarding the rate of repeated AUR at one month and three month follow-up period (p = 0.07 and p = 0.45, respectively). CONCLUSION: It seems that combination therapy by using 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitor and tamsulosin has no significant advantages to improve urinary retention versus tamsulosin alone.