Standard v mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the supine modified lithotomy position: a randomized pilot study on 10-25 mm stones.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the recommended treatment for stones >2 cm in size. The majority of PCNL are still conducted with larger telescopes using tracts up to 30F in size. We have conducted a randomized pilot study comparing mini PCNL with our standard 22F PCNL for renal stones between 10 and 25 mm in diameter. METHODS: Patients were randomized to either PCNL (24F Amplatz sheath/22F nephrosocope) or mini PCNL (18F Amplatz sheath/11F nephroscope). All operations were performed in the modified supine position. Patients were reviewed with imaging to assess stone clearance and complications. RESULTS: Eighteen well matched patients were randomized. All procedures were completed as planned and all were tubeless with no complications. There were no differences in operative time, analgesia requirements or length of stay. Seven of nine (77.75%) standard PCNL were completely stone free at CT review with a 2 mm and a 5 mm fragments in the other patients. Four (44.4%) of the mini PCNL group were stone free, with stone fragments 4-10 mm remaining in the others. 40 patients/arm would be required for an adequately powered study. CONCLUSION: There was no advantage in using mini PCNL compared to our standard 24F PCNL in this pilot study. There may be benefits in using mini PCNL compared to the more widely used 30F PCNL and it may be a more cost-effective alternative to laser pyeloscopic stone procedures.

Perioperative alpha blockers in voiding dysfunction secondary to prostate biopsy: A meta-analysis.

Introduction and Objectives: Voiding dysfunction remains a common side effect postprostate biopsy leading to significant morbidity. Alpha blockers have emerged as a potential therapeutic option to mitigate this risk, with various centres already incorporating its use in practice. Despite this, the literature regarding its efficacy remains inconclusive. Hence, a systematic review was performed to quantify the effect of perioperative alpha blockers on prostate biopsy-related voiding function. Methods: A systematic search in MEDLINE, Embase and PubMed between January 1989 and July 2023 was performed to identify relevant articles. Two independent reviewers independently screened abstracts, full texts and performed data extraction. Data including International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), voiding flow rates (Qmax), postvoid residuals (PVR), rates of acute urinary retention (AUR) and quality of life (QoL) scores were extracted. Results were combined in an inverse variance random effects meta-analysis. Results: A total 808 patients from six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing alpha blockers to controls were included. All articles excluded patients with pre-existing voiding dysfunction. Pooled outcomes demonstrated statistically significant differences favouring alpha blocker usage in all objective and subjective measures including IPSS (mean difference 4.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.58-5.84, p < 0.00001), PVR (mean difference 20.41 mL, 95% CI 3.44-37.39, p = 0.02), Qmax (mean difference 3.07 mL/s, 95% CI 2.55-3.59, p < 0.00001), QoL (weighted-mean difference 0.82, CI 0.17-1.48, p = 0.01) as well as overall risk of AUR (odds ratio 0.22, CI 0.09-0.55, p = 0.001). There was variable heterogeneity (I 2 = 0-86%) between outcomes. Conclusions: This review highlights the potential role of alpha blockers in improving urinary function and reducing adverse voiding outcomes postprostate biopsy. The standard practice of incorporating the usage of perioperative alpha blockers may be considered to reduce the morbidity of voiding complications secondary to prostate biopsy.

The role of localised prostate cancer treatment in renal transplant patients: A systematic review.

Objective: To systematically review and critically appraise all treatment options for localised prostate cancer in renal transplant candidates and recipients. Method: A systematic review was conducted adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in the Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, the Transplant Library and Trip database for studies published up to September 2022. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies of Interventions for non-randomised studies tool. Results: A total of 60 studies were identified describing 525 patients. The majority of studies were either retrospective non-randomised comparative or case series/reports of poor quality. The vast majority of studies were focussed on prostate cancer after renal transplantation. Overall, 410 (78%) patients underwent surgery, 93 (18%) patients underwent radiation therapy or brachytherapy, one patient underwent focal therapy (high-intensity frequency ultrasound) and 21 patients were placed on active surveillance. The mean age was 61 years old, the mean PSA level at diagnosis was 9.6 ng/mL and the mean follow-up time was 31 months. The majority of patients had low-risk disease with 261 patients having Gleason 6 prostate cancer (50%), followed by 220 Gleason 7 patients (42%). All prostate cancer mortality cases were in high-risk prostate cancer (≥Gleason 8). The cancer-specific survival results were similar between surgery and radiotherapy at 1 and 3 years. Conclusion: Localised prostate cancer treatment in renal transplant patients should be risk stratified. Surgery and radiation treatment for localised prostate cancer in renal transplant patients appear equally efficacious. Given the limitations of this study, future research should concentrate on developing a multicentre RCT with long-term registry follow-up.

Ureterorenoscopic stone procedures have low success rates and poor post-operative follow-up: results from an Australian tertiary health service.

BACKGROUND: To assess the results of ureterorenoscopy (URS) for upper tract urolithiasis in a contemporary Australian tertiary healthcare setting. METHODS: Hospital records of all URS stone procedures performed between January 2017 and December 2018 in a metropolitan service were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome measures including stone free rates, adherence to postoperative follow-up and complications rates were recorded. RESULTS: 385 patients (387 renal units) with mean age 53.8 (range 18-89) underwent URS for stones measuring between 2 and 27 mm (median 8 mm). 465 URS were performed with 1029 total procedures performed. 48.6% of operations were performed as day cases. Complications were recorded in 9% of the 465 URS cases with 42.9% of these Clavien II or more. The representation rate to our Emergency Departments was 15.4%. Only 49.1% (201) of patients had a follow-up review with imaging to assess stone free rates. Of the 201 patients who underwent imaging, only 38.3% were stone free. Stone analysis was performed in 34.5%. CONCLUSION: Less than half of all patients were reviewed despite undergoing expensive, time consuming surgery for a condition with a high recurrence rate. In agreement with recent publications stone-free rates were low, with significant complications and representation rates. Stone surgery should be given the attention and resources equivalent to cancer surgery to improve results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

Aloe vera for treating acute and chronic wounds.

BACKGROUND: Aloe vera is a cactus-like perennial succulent belonging to the Liliaceae Family that is commonly grown in tropical climates. Animal studies have suggested that Aloe vera may help accelerate the wound healing process. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of Aloe vera-derived products (for example dressings and topical gels) on the healing of acute wounds (for example lacerations, surgical incisions and burns) and chronic wounds (for example infected wounds, arterial and venous ulcers). SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (9 September 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 3), Ovid MEDLINE (2005 to August Week 5 2011), Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations 8 September 2011), Ovid EMBASE (2007 to 2010 Week 35), Ovid AMED (1985 to September 2011) and EBSCO CINAHL (1982 to 9 September 2011). We did not apply date or language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of Aloe vera, aloe-derived products and a combination of Aloe vera and other dressings as a treatment for acute or chronic wounds. There was no restriction in terms of source, date of publication or language. An objective measure of wound healing (either proportion of completely healed wounds or time to complete healing) was the primary endpoint. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently carried out trial selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment, checked by a third review author. MAIN RESULTS: Seven trials were eligible for inclusion, comprising a total of 347 participants. Five trials in people with acute wounds evaluated the effects of Aloe vera on burns, haemorrhoidectomy patients and skin biopsies. Aloe vera mucilage did not increase burn healing compared with silver sulfadiazine (risk ratio (RR) 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70 to 2.85). A reduction in healing time with Aloe vera was noted after haemorrhoidectomy (RR 16.33 days, 95% CI 3.46 to 77.15) and there was no difference in the proportion of patients completely healed at follow up after skin biopsies. In people with chronic wounds, one trial found no statistically significant difference in pressure ulcer healing with Aloe vera (RR 0.10, 95% CI -1.59 to 1.79) and in a trial of surgical wounds healing by secondary intention Aloe vera significantly delayed healing (mean difference 30 days, 95% CI 7.59 to 52.41). Clinical heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. The poor quality of the included trials indicates that the trial results must be viewed with extreme caution as they have a high risk of bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is currently an absence of high quality clinical trial evidence to support the use of Aloe vera topical agents or Aloe vera dressings as treatments for acute and chronic wounds.

Compliance with follow-up for patients with stage 1 testicular germ cell tumour.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the compliance and loss-to-follow-up (LTFU) rate in patients with stage 1 testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs) on active surveillance protocol at a metropolitan health service in Melbourne, Australia. METHODS: Patients with stage 1 testicular GCTs diagnosed between 30 June 2012 and 30 June 2018 were identified. Compliance of surveillance programme was classified into three groups: 'adequate', 'missed appointment(s)' or 'LTFU'. The LTFU rate was assessed using Kaplan-Meier methodology. Log-rank test was used for univariate analyses. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients had stage 1 testicular GCTs during the 6-year period. Twenty-two (46%) of them were managed with active surveillance and 26 (54%) of them were given adjuvant therapy. Compliance with active surveillance was assessed as adequate in 12 (55%), missed appointment(s) in six (27%) and LFTU in four (18%). The LTFU rates in patients with active surveillance at 12, 24 and 36 months were 9%, 9% and 19%, respectively. The LTFU rate in patients with active surveillance was not significantly different from patients who received adjuvant therapy (hazard ratio 0.71 (95% confidence intervals 0.22, 2.30), P = 0.56). Three (14%) of the 22 patients managed with active surveillance had recurrence of disease, all of which occurred in the first 12 months, compared to two (8%) of the 26 patients who had adjuvant therapy. CONCLUSION: Active surveillance is a commonly utilized management option for stage 1 testicular GCTs, but has a LTFU rate of almost 20% that may limit its effectiveness. The recurrence rate was comparable to published literature.

Free-flap salvage: muscle only versus skin paddle - an Australian experience.

BACKGROUND: Free-tissue transfer flaps are an effective reconstructive option for complex wounds; however, flap failure is a dreaded complication requiring timely re-exploration and salvage. The aim of this study was to determine whether salvage rates were higher in skin flaps, as opposed to muscle flaps, due to the durability of the overlying skin paddle allowing for better visual post-operative monitoring and more timely recognition of the threatened flap. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent a free flap at an Australian tertiary centre between 2004 and 2014. Data were collected on patient demographics, indication, flap type, time of recognition of the threatened flap and re-exploration outcome. Data were analysed using Stata version 13 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA). Student's t-test, analysis of variance and Pearson's chi-squared test were used to compare groups. RESULTS: There were 560 patients who underwent 573 free flaps. The most common indication was trauma. There were 58 re-explorations with a successful salvage rate of 79.3% (46/58). Overall complete flap loss rate was 2.1% (12/573). In flaps requiring re-exploration, there was a higher complete flap loss rate for muscle only flaps versus those with a skin paddle (P-value = 0.041). CONCLUSION: While timely recognition and re-exploration of the compromised free flap in the early postoperative setting is important in determining the flap salvage success, it is demonstrated that salvage rates are poorer for muscle only flaps compared with flaps with a skin paddle.

Botulinum toxin therapy for chronic anal fissures: where are we at currently?

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin (Botox) injection for chronic anal fissure (CAF) is commonly performed, yet there remains no consensus on optimal dosage or frequency of injections required to achieve complete resolution of anal fissure. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Botox and side-effect profile in the management of CAF. METHODS: A retrospective clinical study of patients between 2010 and 2014 who underwent a Botox injection for CAF at a tertiary centre was performed. The effectiveness of Botox was measured using standardized outcomes including overall healing rate, presence of anal pain, recurrence and need for repeat botulinum injection. Binary outcomes were assessed using logistic regression model. The analysis was performed using Stata version 13 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA). RESULTS: One hundred and one patients underwent 126 Botox injections within the study period. The mean first post-operative visit was at 1 month. The overall recurrence rate was 32%. The majority of patients were given 33 U. No statistically significant relationship between dose and recurrence was identified. The presence of pain at the first post-operative visit was a predictor of future recurrence (odds ratio 3.92, confidence interval 1.58-9.74, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Botox is an effective strategy for CAF. Low doses can be given with good efficacy as highlighted by our audit and has the potential for great cost saving. The best predictor of recurrence is the presence of pain at the first post-procedure visit.

Beware of the 'Ascites' Patient: Delayed Presentation of Traumatic Intraperitoneal Bladder Rupture.

Delayed diagnosis of an intraperitoneal bladder rupture is rare in the post CT era. We present a case of a middle aged male with a delayed presentation of a traumatic intraperitoneal bladder rupture. He initially presented with an acute distended abdomen and acute kidney injury after an alleged assault. He was initially admitted for investigation of his 'ascites.' This case to our knowledge is the longest delay to diagnosis (>2 weeks) for an intraperitoneal bladder rupture in the post computed tomography era and should serve as a learning point in the workup of the patient with suspected blunt bladder injury.

Duodenal perforation by an inferior vena cava filter in a polyarteritis nodosa sufferer.

INTRODUCTION: Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are currently used in the management of pulmonary embolism (PE) and lower limb venous thromboembolism (VTE). Despite their widespread use, associated complications including duodenal perforation have been reported. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe a unique case of duodenal perforation 2 years post IVC filter insertion in a patient with polyarteritis nodosa (steroid dependent) and thrombocytopenia secondary to chronic cyclophosphamide use. DISCUSSION: IVC filters are commonly employed in the management of VTE. Associated complications have been reported including filter migration, fracture and adjacent organ perforation. There is growing consensus that temporary IVC filters should be retrieved as soon as possible with dedicated IVC filter registries to ensure patients are not lost to follow-up post insertion. CONCLUSION: Duodenal perforation is a rare complication of IVC filter insertion. This case however illustrates the potentially catastrophic consequences of a relatively common endovascular procedure. Caution should be taken when considering the insertion of IVC filters in patients with longstanding vasculopathies who are on immunosuppressants.

Aloe vera for treating acute and chronic wounds

BACKGROUND: Aloe vera is a cactus-like perennial succulent belonging to the Liliaceae Family that is commonly grown in tropical climates. Animal studies have suggested that Aloe vera may help accelerate the wound healing process. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of Aloe vera-derived products (for example dressings and topical gels) on the healing of acute wounds (for example lacerations, surgical incisions and burns) and chronic wounds (for example infected wounds, arterial and venous ulcers). METHODS: Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (9 September 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 3), Ovid MEDLINE (2005 to August Week 5 2011), Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations 8 September 2011), Ovid EMBASE (2007 to 2010 Week 35), Ovid AMED (1985 to September 2011) and EBSCO CINAHL (1982 to 9 September 2011). We did not apply date or language restrictions. Selection criteria: We included all randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of Aloe vera, aloe-derived products and a combination of Aloe vera and other dressings as a treatment for acute or chronic wounds. There was no restriction in terms of source, date of publication or language. An objective measure of wound healing (either proportion of completely healed wounds or time to complete healing) was the primary endpoint. Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently carried out trial selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment, checked by a third review author. MAIN RESULTS: Seven trials were eligible for inclusion, comprising a total of 347 participants. Five trials in people with acute wounds evaluated the effects of Aloe vera on burns, haemorrhoidectomy patients and skin biopsies. Aloe vera mucilage did not increase burn healing compared with silver sulfadiazine (risk ratio (RR) 1.41, 95% confidence ...