The experience of a tertiary referral center with laparoscopic pyelolithotomy for large renal stones during 18 years.

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, including its efficacy and feasibility in treatment of large renal stones. All patients who underwent laparoscopic pyelolithotomy operations in a referral center were enrolled from 2003 to 2020. The final analysis included 436 patients. The total stone free rate was 88.3% and the stone-free rate for staghorn/multiple stones versus other types of stones was 81% vs. 91% (P = 0.002). Likewise, the total operation duration was 158 ± 50 and the operation duration for staghorn/multiple stones versus other types of stones was 171 ± 51 min vs. 153 ± 49 min (P < 0.001). The operation duration (169 ± 51 vs. 155 ± 58 vs. 155 ± 42 min) and hospitalization (4.5 ± 2.3 vs. 4.0 ± 2.2 vs. 3.6 ± 1.8) decreased with increasing the surgeons' experience over time. The outcomes of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy for children versus adults versus geriatric patients and in patients with normal versus abnormal kidney anatomy did not reveal statistically significant differences. Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy could be employed as an alternative surgical approach for patients with large kidney stones of any age or with kidney abnormalities provided that appropriate expertise is available to carry out the procedure.

Comparison of different urinary diversions after radical cystectomy in Iran: Assessment of health-related quality of life and financial burden in a Middle Eastern country.

OBJECTIVES: To compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL), cost-effectiveness, and survival among different types of urinary diversion (UD) utilized after radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer with consideration of the unique economic and cultural context in Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we examined all patients who underwent RC from May 2017 to December 2021 at two specialized centers by the same surgical team. Patients were grouped based on their UD. Post-surgical HRQOL (obtained from EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQBLM-30), financial burden, surgical complications, and survival were compared. Kruskal-Wallis H test, One-way ANOVA, and Kaplan-Meier analyses were utilized; accordingly. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: In total 187 patients were identified-orthotopic neobladder (ONB) (N = 75), ileal conduit (IC) (N = 57), and cutaneous ureterostomy (CU) (N = 55)-and were followed for a median 17.5 (Interquartile range: 7.0, 47.0) months. ONB was associated with better HRQOL, especially in the domains addressing physical, role and social functioning (p = 0.003, 0.011, 0.045) as well as better body image (p < 0.001), lower short- and long-term financial burden (p = 0.034 and <0.001, respectively), marginally lower complication rate (p = 0.049), and better 5-year overall survival (p < 0.001), in comparison with other UDs. Patients who underwent CU had the lowest HRQOL and worst survival. Limitations were retrospective design and possibility of selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: In this first study that assesses a Middle Eastern collective; ONB seems to be the UD of choice with regard to HRQOL and economic burden when there is no contraindication.

Comparing the Frequency of Lymphoceles Which Needed Intervention in Recipients of Living Donor Versus Deceased Donor Kidney Transplants.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to compare the frequency of lymphoceles that needed intervention in recipients who received kidneys from living versus deceased donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of all patients who underwent kidney transplantation at the Labbafinejad Hospital from 2012 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed to determine the incidence of lymphoceles that needed intervention for management. RESULTS: From March 2012 to April 2021, 1752 patients received kidney transplantation in Labbafinejad Hospital including 975 transplantations from living donors and 777 transplantations from deceased donors. Symptomatic lymphoceles were observed postoperatively in 23 patients. Symptoms included compressive effect on the ureter, hydroureteronephrosis of the transplanted kidney, frequency, urinary retention, infection,  abdominal discomfort, or rise in serum creatinine. Out of 23 patients who needed intervention for symptomatic lymphocele, 15 patients were recipients of living donors and 8 patients were recipients of deceased donors [1.53% versus 1.03%, P=.40]. Intervention consisted of open surgical drainage in 6 patients [4 recipients of living donors and 2 recipients of deceased donors], and nephrostomy insertion in 17 patients. Open operation was necessary in 5 (47%) patients in whom arterial anastomosis was made to the internal iliac artery versus 1 (9%) patient in whom the anastomosis was not made to the internal iliac artery (P=0.15). CONCLUSION: Symptomatic lymphoceles which needed intervention were observed in low frequency (1.31%). Most cases can be managed by endoscopic drainage without relapse. Type of donation had no relationship with the need for open or endoscopic intervention in lymphoceles. A higher proportion of open surgeries to control lymphocele were observed in recipients in whom the internal iliac artery was used for arterial anastomosis however the difference was not statistically significant.

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.

Randomized, Double-blind Pilot Study of Nanocurcumin in Bladder Cancer Patients Receiving Induction Chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and potential efficacy of nanocurcumin supplementation in patients with localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) undergoing induction chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 26 MIBC patients were randomized to receive either nanocurcumin (180 mg/day) or placebo during the course of chemotherapy. All patients were followed up to four weeks after the end of treatment to assess the complete clinical response to the chemotherapy as primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints were the comparisons of chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity, hematologic nadirs, and toxicities between the two groups. Hematologic nadirs and toxicities were assessed during the treatment. RESULTS: Nanocurcumin was well tolerated. The complete clinical response rates were 30.8 and 50% in the placebo and nanocurcumin groups, respectively. Although nanocurcumin was shown to be superior to placebo with respect to complete clinical response rates as the primary endpoint, there was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.417). No significant difference was also found between the two groups with regard to grade 3/4 renal and hematologic toxicities as well as hematologic nadirs. CONCLUSION: These preliminary data indicate the feasibility of nanocurcumin supplementation as a complementary therapy in MIBC patients and support further larger studies. Moreover, a substantial translational insight to fill the gap between the experiment and clinical practice in the field is provided.

Results of Pediatric Kidney Transplants in an 8-Year Period: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Patient survival and quality of life is better after a kidney transplant compared with dialysis. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the results of pediatric kidney transplants in an 8-year period in our center. METHODS: We reviewed the files of 166 children and adolescents who had undergone kidney transplants between 2008 and 2015 in our center. All the patients were younger than 18 years old and had been followed up for at least 2 years. RESULTS: The transplanted kidneys were taken from live donors in 146 (88%) of the cases and from cadavers in 20 (12%) of the cases. They were procured from unrelated and related donors in 129 (90%) and 17 (10%) of the cases, respectively. Laparoscopic nephrectomy was done on 141 donors. The kidney vessels were anastomosed to the aorta, the common iliac, and the internal iliac in 3.6%, 56%, and 40.4% of cases, respectively. Preemptive kidney transplants were performed on 62 patients. The mean of patient survival was 124 ± 1.37 months. One- and five-year patient survival rates were 99% and 97%, respectively. The mean of graft survival was 118.29 ± 2.47 months. One- and five-year graft survival rates were 94% and 93%, respectively. Preemptive kidney transplants had a higher graft survival rate (P < .02). CONCLUSION: Kidney transplant is a safe and feasible procedure in children and adolescents based on patient and graft survival outcomes. In our center, surgery complications led to kidney loss in very few cases.

Technical Challenges and Innovations in Kidney Transplantation: Experience With Over 5000 Cases.

Kidney transplant has been the standard-of-care treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease for many years. To expand the acceptance and care of complicated situations in patients with end-stage renal disease, transplant teams should be ready to find innovative solutions to prevent and manage pretransplant, intraoperative, and posttransplant problems. In this report, we present our approach for the following scenarios: transplant in patients with urinary diversion and augmentation, polycystic disease in recipients, tumors in transplanted kidney and native kidneys, and the roles of laparoscopy and mini-laparoscopy in kidney transplant.

Comparison of Removing Double-J Stent With and Without Cystoscopy in Kidney Transplant Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: The ureteric stent can be attached to the Foley catheter in kidney transplantation to exclude cystoscopy for its removal. It is rarely practiced in renal transplantation. There has been no randomized trial to evaluate the outcome of this procedure on major urologic complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred sixty-three kidney transplant patients were randomized into an intervention group in which the stent was attached to the Foley catheter and removed together and a control group in which stent was removed by cystoscopy. In both groups, stents were removed around the 8th post-operative day. RESULTS: From March 2016 to June 2017, out of 234 kidney transplants performed in our center, one hundred Sixty-three (69.6%) patients met the study inclusion criteria.  91patients (55.8%) were allocated to the intervention group. Mean days before JJ removal for intervention and control groups ("per-protocol" group) were 8.08 ± 1.52 and 8.57 ± 1.58, respectively (P = .09). There was no difference between groups regarding major urologic complications (P = .679). Visual analog scale pain scores were significantly higher in the control group (p = .001). The procedure reduced 63-120 USD from the cost of operation in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: In selected kidney transplant patients, attaching stent to the Foley catheter and removing both of them early may be a safe maneuver regarding major urological complications, reduces pain, and eliminates the cost of cystoscopy.

Comparison Between Bipolar Lymphatic Vessels Cautery and Suture Ligature in Prevention of Postrenal Transplant Lymphocele Formation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: In this randomized controlled trial, our aim was to compare bipolar cautery of lymphatic vessels with standard silk-tie ligation in renal transplant procedures for prevention of lymphocele formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty end-stage renal disease patients were enrolled in a prospective randomized controlled trial. The mean age of recipients in the suture ligature group was 41.6 years (range, 6-65 years) and 40.9 years in the bipolar cautery group. Patients were assessed by symptoms; however, ultrasonography was also used as the primary diagnostic procedure in all patients to find lymphocele collection within 5 months. RESULTS: Of 60 patients, 25 received living-donor kidney transplant and 35 received deceased-donor kidney transplant. Fifty-threeprocedures were first-time kidney transplants, 6 were retransplants, and 1 was for a third-time transplant. No lymphocele collection (symptomatic or asymptomatic) was diagnosed by ultrasonography at the 5-month follow-up. Postoperative pain was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .245). The time for ligation or cauterization of lymphatic vessels was similar between the 2 groups. Mean duration of operative field drainage was 5.6 days in the suture ligature group and 6.07 days in the bipolar cautery group (not significantly different; P = .547). CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar cautery of lymphatic vessels to prevent lymphocele formation in kidney transplant seems to be an effective, easy, and safe method.

Primary Prostate Lymphoma Managed with Combined Modality Treatment: A Case Report.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men; the main reported pathology is adenocarcinoma while there are few published cases of prostate lymphoma. There isn't enough data regarding the natural history and best management of prostate lymphoma. In this paper, we have described a case of prostate lymphoma that managed with combined modality treatment and have been survived for three years.

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.

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.

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. 

Major vascular injury in laparoscopic urology.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Major vascular injury is the most devastating complication of laparoscopy, occurring most commonly during the laparoscopic entry phase. Our goal is to report our experience with major vascular injury during laparoscopic entry with closed- and open-access techniques in urologic procedures. METHODS: All 5347 patients who underwent laparoscopic urologic procedures from 1996 to 2011 at our hospital were included in the study. Laparoscopic entry was carried out by either the closed Veress needle technique or the modified open Hasson technique. Patients' charts were reviewed retrospectively to investigate for access-related major vascular injuries. RESULTS: The closed technique was used in the first 474 operations and the open technique in the remaining 4873 cases. Three cases of major vascular injury were identified among our patients. They were 3 men scheduled for nephrectomy without any history of surgery. All injuries occurred in the closed-access group during the setup phase with insertion of the first trocar. The injury location was the abdominal aorta in 2 patients and the external iliac vein in 1 patient. Management was performed after conversion to open surgery, control of bleeding, and repair of the injured vessel. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with major vascular injury, its clinically higher incidence in laparoscopic urologic procedures with the closed-access technique leads us to suggest using the open technique for the entry phase of laparoscopy. Using the open-access technique may decrease laparophobia and encourage a higher number of urologists to enter the laparoscopy field.

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.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A in an Iranian family: clinical and genetic studies.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2A, a dominant inherited syndrome caused by germline activating mutations in the RET protooncogene, is characterized by association of medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma and primary hyperparathyroidism. There is limited data on this disease in the Middle East region. In this paper, we present clinical and genetic studies of an Iranian patient and her family members. The patient was a 49-year old Iranian woman who presented with hypertension due to bilateral pheochromocytoma. She had history of a medullary carcinoma of thyroid which had been operated 28 years ago. Analysis of the RET gene in the family revealed a C634R mutation in codon 11 and 3 polymorphisms, G691S, S836S and S904S in codons 11, 14 and 15, respectively, that might have been important in modifying the clinical picture. Due to paucity of information on MEN type 2 in the area, this study can be helpful in portraying the clinical and cytogenetic characteristics of the disease in the region.

Delayed postpercutaneous nephrolithotomy hemorrhage: prevalence, predictive factors and management.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, potential risk factors and management of delayed post-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) bleeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of 2512 patients who had undergone PCNL from April 2008 to April 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. The prevalence of delayed post-PCNL hemorrhage and correlation of different variables such as age, body mass index, stone location and burden, surgical approach, type and number of access ports, type of drainage, comorbidities and previous history of stone surgery with postoperative bleeding were assessed. The efficacy of conservative management and need for angioembolization were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 2304 patients [1562 men (67.8%) and 742 women (32.2%)], with a mean age of 46.4 ± 13.6 years (range 17-86 years), were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of delayed hemorrhage was 2.6% (61 patients) and the mean time to the onset of hemorrhage after PCNL was 5.8 days (range 3-11 days). Of 61 patients presenting with delayed hemorrhage, only 16 patients received a blood transfusion. Eight patients underwent angiography because of uncontrolled bleeding and only three underwent embolization. No significant association was found between other variables and post-PCNL hemorrhage, except for type of drainage, in that tubeless surgery increased the rate of postoperative bleeding. CONCLUSION: Delayed hemorrhage is an uncommon complication following PCNL that can be successfully managed with conservative management; only a few patients will require angiography and then embolization. Tubeless PCNL significantly predicted the occurrence of severe postoperative bleeding.

Evolution of laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: a single-center experience with 1510 cases over 14 years.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the outcomes of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) and proposed modifications for kidney donation surgery. From February 1997 to February 2011, 1510 LDNs were performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Surgical modifications included a modified open access technique for entry into the abdominal cavity, using vascular clips for safe and cost-effective control of the renal pedicle, control of the lumbar veins, and adrenal vein using bipolar cautery instead of clips, and leaving the gonadal vein intact with the ureter. Kidneys were extracted by hand through a Pfannenstiel incision. Heparin was not used after the first 300 cases to prevent potential hemorrhagic complications. RESULTS: Although three major vascular injuries occurred using the closed access method that were managed successfully, no access-related complications occurred using the modified open access technique. Clip failure did not happen in any cases. Patient and graft survival at 1 year post-transplantation were 96.5% and 95.5%, respectively, and at 5 years post-transplantation were 95.3% and 89.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The proposed surgical modifications are based on 14 years of experience and 1510 cases, and make LDN simple, safe, and cost-effective. The excellent recipient and graft outcomes with minimal morbidity obtained further confirm that LDN can be considered as the gold standard for kidney donation surgery.