Direct Comparison of Pneumatic and Ho:YAG Laser Lithotripsy in the Management of Lower Ureteric Stones.

INTRODUCTION: Besides extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, semi-rigid ureteroscopy (URS) has become an equal therapy of choice for the treatment of most distal ureteric stones. Before the wide availability of laser lithotripsy as a tool for stone fragmentation, pneumatic lithotripsy was, and still is, widely used. In a country like Iraq, availability and affordability are the huge questions asked. Besides the capital investment for a laser machine, the pneumatic device is reusable, whereas the laser fibers are limited in their reusability. This makes pneumatic lithotripsy a more cost-effective option, at least in our setting. The question remains whether both options, compared in our setting with our limited resources, are equally effective and beneficial to our patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients were included in our prospective study who underwent URS for the treatment of a distal ureteric stone. Half each (n = 25) underwent pneumatic (group A) or laser lithotripsy (group B). Inclusion criteria were a single distal ureteric stone measuring 7-20 mm in largest diameter, no anatomical abnormality, age >18 years, and an unsuccessful attempt of medical expulsion therapy. Patients with signs of urinary infection and pregnant women were excluded. All patients were operated upon under spinal anesthesia. Data recorded included operation time, stone size, type of scope and lithotripter, complications, hospital stay, and stone-free rate. RESULTS: Both groups did not show statistically significant differences in patient demography, stone size, operation time, complications, and stone-free rates (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both pneumatic and Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy are equally effective and safe in treating distal ureteric stones in our setting. If the cost and availability of laser treatment is an issue, pneumatic lithotripsy is a viable and more cost-effective option.

Penile calciphylaxis with penoscrotal necrosis: A case report with literature review.

Penile calciphylaxis, also known as calcific uremic arteriolopathy is an uncommon condition of the penile vessels due to its extensive vascular network. The aim of this report is to report a very rare case of penile calciphylaxis with penoscrotal necrosis. A 54-year-old male patient presented with progressive penoscrotal necrosis within a duration of one month. He had a history of diabetes mellitus and stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Under spinal anesthesia, partial penectomy and excision of the necrotic scrotum were performed. Histopathological examination was consistent with calciphylaxis. Despite it is a rare occurrence, penile calciphylaxis should be included in the different diagnosis of any diabetic and end stage kidney disease patients who presented with penile pain.

Synchronous ipsilateral papillary renal cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma: A case report.

Concurrence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and urothelial carcinoma (UC) in the same kidney is a rare phenomenon. It is critical to define this unusual disease to avoid a delay in diagnosis and improve the prognosis. The present study describes a case of a 71-year-old patient with synchronous ipsilateral RCC and UC of the renal pelvis and ureter. The patient presented with intermittent attacks of left loin pain with frank hematuria for 3 months and a weight loss of 5 kg over the same period of time. The patient had been a chronic heavy smoker for >45 years. Physical examination revealed stable vital signs; however, a mobile, non-tender mass was palpated in the left upper abdomen. A left nephroureterectomy with the removal of a bladder cuff was performed. Histopathological examination revealed a papillary RCC with a pathological stage of pT1N0Mx and a high-grade UC of the renal pelvis and ureter with a pathological stage of pT3-pN1-pMx. The postoperative recovery was good, and the patient was referred to an oncology center for further management. Previous reports have failed to identify definitive risk factors for the concurrence of RCC and UC. However, 24% of the patients in the various case reports in the literature were smokers. The most common presenting complaints included weight loss and painless hematuria. The concurrence of RCC and UC in the same kidney is a rare entity, and it frequently leads to a worse prognosis than the occurrence of RCC alone. Radical nephroureterectomy is the main line of treatment for patients with upper tract UC.

Pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma of the prostate: A case report and mini­review of the literature.

Pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma (PGCC) is an exceptionally uncommon form of prostate adenocarcinoma. It consists of unusually large and irregular cells with varied nuclei. The present study describes a rare case of prostatic PGCC. A 65-year-old male patient presented to the urology clinic with severe dysuria, nocturia, and frequent, urgent, and difficult urination for a period of 3 months. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large pelvic mass. A prostate biopsy was performed, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed positivity for the pan-epithelial markers, AE1/AE3, alpha-methyl acyl-CoA racemase, and focally for sphingolipid activator protein-2. While waiting for his pathology report, the patient's condition deteriorated, and he was diagnosed with intestinal obstruction. The patient underwent laparotomy and end colostomy. Later, he developed severe sepsis and wound dehiscence. After 2 weeks, the patient succumbed due to multiorgan failure. Prostatic PGCC cases are frequently associated with previous chemo-, hormone, or radiation therapy. Prior to the diagnosis of PGCC, it is critical to rule out urothelial carcinoma. Early recognition of this rare condition can lead to more effective therapy. Prostatic PGCC is extremely rare. Immunohistochemistry for prostatic markers, such as prostate-specific membrane antigen, prostate-specific antigen, NK3 homeobox 1 and androgen receptor, can be used to confirm its origin.

Evaluation of mini-PCNL and RIRS for renal stones 1-2 cm in an economically challenged setting: A prospective cohort study.

Introduction: Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) are viable options for the treatment of renal calculi 1-2 cm. Both have their pros and cons, but also vary in costs. We aimed to evaluate them in an economically challenged setting. Methods: Two-hundred-seventy-one patients who underwent mPCNL (120) or RIRS (151) for renal calculi 1-2 cm were recruited in the study. Cases were comparatively statistically analyzed for differences in patient and stone parameters, duration of operation and hospital stay, and clinical outcomes such as stone free rate and complications. Local costs were calculated compared. Results: Patient and stone parameters did not differ for both procedures. Stone free rate was slightly higher for mPCNL, and significantly higher in the lower pole. Hospitalization was shorter for RIRS, but operation times did not differ significantly. Neither did the complication rates. There was a significantly higher Hb drop for mPCNL, but that did not translate in a significantly higher transfusion rate. Conclusion: Given the fact that all parameters were very similar or not statistically significant, choosing and the option comes down to other factors, such as availability of methodology and infrastructure, availability of surgical competence, surgeon's preference, and patient's preference. Both mPCNL and RIRS, are viable, safe, and efficient options for the treatment of renal stones 1-2 cm in size. mPCNL is the more cost-effective option and therefore should be considered if minimally invasive treatment is endeavored in economically challenged countries.

Mullerianosis of the urinary bladder; A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Mullerianosis is a sporadic condition of the urinary bladder. The study aims to present a case of mullerianosis with a brief literature review. CASE PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old lady presented with hematuria for one-year duration. A general urine examination showed microscopic hematuria. Abdominal and transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a soft tissue mass (13 * 10 mm) within the base of the urinary bladder. Cystoscopy showed 1.0 * 1.3 cm benign-looking mass bulging into the posterior bladder wall covered by a normal bladder mucosa. Transurethral resection was done. The histopathological examination was consistent with mullerianosis. DISCUSSION: Two hypotheses have been proposed; the first one (implantation theory) believing that at the time of pelvic surgery and caesarian delivery Mullerian tissues become implanted inside the bladder. The second theory (metaplastic theory) holds the probability of differentiation of Mullerian epithelium to endometrial, endocervical, and tubal components and proliferation in the bladder. CONCLUSION: mullerianosis is a very infrequent entity that mainly affects the urinary bladder and is mainly reported in females during the reproductive period, medical and surgical treatment are both regarded as the management options.

Typical leiomyoma of the scrotum: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION: Scrotal leiomyomas are benign tumors arising from the dartos layer of the scrotal wall. The exact cause of this tumor is not yet clear. Malignant transformation to leiomyosarcomas has been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old male who complained of a painless lump on the right side of the scrotum that lasted 12 years. Physical examination revealed a single, firm, and non-tender, mobile lump on the anterior aspect of the right scrotum. Both testes were normal and no inguinal lymph nodes could be palpated. Ultrasound scan of the scrotum showed a 40 mm × 20 mm hypoechoic, poorly vascular lesion in the scrotum. Under spinal anesthesia, the mass has been excised. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with the diagnosis of scrotal leiomyoma. DISCUSSION: Leiomyomas may originate from any location in the genitourinary system where there is smooth muscle. Scrotal smooth muscle tumors can be categorized into Leiomyomas, atypical or symplastic leiomyomas, which are not hypercellular and lack mitotic activity, and leiomyosarcomas. Ultrasound is the first-line imaging investigation in patients with suspected scrotal masses. Typical leiomyomas and atypical ones behave similarly. Therefore, they are managed only with surgical excision, while leiomyosarcomas need a wide 3-5 cm margin resection. Both recurrence and malignancy have been described. Close follow-up is required to detect recurrence. CONCLUSION: Scrotal leiomyoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor of the middle-aged men. The current report describes the clinical and histopathological characteristics to help reduce erroneous diagnoses of this rare tumor.

Mini- versus standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy for treatment of pediatric renal stones: is smaller enough?

INTRODUCTION: Miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has gained increased popularity owing to efforts in recent years to lower peri-operative morbidity while maintaining a high stone-free rate (SFR). OBJECTIVE: The outcomes of pediatric renal stones treated by mini-PCNL (MPCNL) versus standard PCNL (SPCNL) were retrospectively assessed. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective data analysis of 134 consecutive patients younger than 17 years who underwent PCNL between January 2014 and July 2018 was performed. The patients were categorized into two treatment groups depending on the tract size and instruments used. Seventy-five patients were treated by SPCNL using adult instruments via a 22-26 Fr tract, and 59 patients were treated by MPCNL using pediatric instruments via a 16-20 Fr tract. RESULTS: A total of 134 children (SPCNL = 75; MPCNL = 59) underwent PCNL and subsequent evaluation. Patient demographics and stone characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The mean stone size ranged from 1.9 ± 1.162 cm in the MPCNL group to 2.2 ± 1.424 cm in the SPCNL group, and the overall SFR was 89.5% in the MPCNL group and 94.7% in the SPCNL group. When comparing the common characteristics, no significant difference was found between the two surgical access regarding the mean operative duration, SFR, incidence of peri-operative complications, and the rate of bleeding requiring a blood transfusion. Conversely, the mean postoperative hemoglobin decrease was significantly lower in the MPCNL group relative to the SPCNL group, at 0.354 ± 0.299 g versus 0.568 ± 0.332 g, respectively (P = 0.001). In addition, the mean duration of hospitalization was significantly lower in the MPCNL group than in the SPCNL group, at 1.91 ± 1.154 days compared with 2.41 ± 1.14 days, respectively (P = 0.014). DISCUSSION: Herein, the authors report the first systematic review of the first center in the locality treating this cross section of patients. This review reveals that the use of these smaller instruments can deliver a strong safety profile while achieving good stone clearance. As an alternative to decreasing the peri-operative morbidity associated with SPCNL, MPCNL can be conveniently used without affecting the outcomes of the procedure. It is a safe and feasible procedure for maximal clearance of stones and should comprise the treatment of choice-regardless of age-for experienced endourologists. CONCLUSION: MPCNL represents a valuable way of treating simple and complex renal stones in children, with an operative time, SFR, and overall complication rate comparable with those of SPCNL. Mini-PCNL resulted in shorter hospitalization and fewer hemoglobin drops.