Factors affecting urinary continence and sexual potency recovery after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is the most recent surgical technique for localized prostate cancer. The Da Vinci (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) system was first introduced in Brazil in 2008, with a fast growing number of surgeries performed each year. Objective Our primary endpoint is to analyze possible predictors of functional outcomes, related to patient and tumor features. As secondary endpoint, describe functional outcomes (urinary continence and sexual potency) from RARP performed in the Sírio-Libanês Hospital (SLH), a private institution, in São Paulo, from April 2008 to December 2015. Materials and Method Data from 104 consecutive patients operated by two surgeons from the SLH (MA and SA) between 2008 and 2015, with a minimum 12 months follow-up, were collected. Patient features (age, body mass index - BMI, PSA, date of surgery and sexual function), tumor features (tumor stage, Gleason and surgical margins) and follow-up data (time to reach urinary continence and sexual potency) were the variables collected at 1, 3, 6 and 12 month and every 6 months thereafter. Continence was defined as the use of no pad on medical interview and sexual potency defined as the capability for vaginal penetration with or without fosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Results Mean age was 60 years old and mean BMI was 28.45 kg/m2. BMI >30kg/m2 (p<0.001) and age (p=0.011) were significant predictors for worse sexual potency after surgery. After 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, 20.7%, 45.7%, 60.9% and 71.8% from patients were potent, respectively. The urinary continence was reached in 36.5%, 80.3%, 88.6% and 92.8% after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Until the end of the study, only one patient was incontinent and 20.7% were impotent. Conclusion Age was a predictor of urinary and erectile function recovery in 12 months. BMI was significant factor for potency recovery. We obtained in a private hospital good functional results after 12 months of follow-up.

Impact of patient position on the outcomes of percutaneous neprolithotomy for complex kidney stones

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the impact of the patient position on the outcomes of PCNL among patients with complex renal stones. Material and Methods: From July 2011 to July 2014, we collected prospective data of consecutive patients who underwent PCNL. We included all patients with complex stones (Guy's Stone Score 3 or 4 (GSS) based on a CT scan) and divided them based on the position used during PCNL (prone or supine). The variables analyzed were gender, age, body mass index, ASA score, stone diameter, GSS, number of punctures, calyx puncture site, intercostal access and patient positioning. Complications were graded according to the modified-Clavien Classification. Success was considered if fragments ≤ 4mm were observed on the first postoperative day CT scan. Results: We analyzed 240 (46.4%) of 517 PCNL performed during the study period that were classified as GGS 3-4. Regarding patient positions, 21.2% were prone and 79.8% were supine. Both groups were comparable, although intercostal access was more common in prone cases (25.5% vs 10.5%; p=0.01). The success rates, complications, blood transfusions and surgical times were similar for both groups; however, there were significantly more visceral injuries (10.3% vs 2.6%; p=0.046) and sepsis (7.8% vs 2.1%; p=0.042) in prone cases. Conclusion: Supine or prone position were equally suitable for PCNL with complex stones and did not impact the success rates. However, supine position was associated with fewer sepsis cases and visceral injuries.

Use of the Uro Dyna-CT in endourology - the new frontier

ABSTRACT We describe the use of the Uro Dyna-CT, an imaging system used in the operating room that produces real-time three-dimensional (3D) imaging and cross-sectional image reconstructions similar to an intraoperative computerized tomography, during a percutaneous nephrolithotomy and a contralateral flexible ureteroscopy in a complete supine position. A 65 year-old female patient had an incomplete calyceal staghorn stone in the right kidney and a 10mm in the left one. The procedure was uneventful and the intraoperative use of the Uro Dyna-CT identified 2 residual stones that were not found by digital fluoroscopy and flexible nephroscopy at the end of surgery, helping us to render the patient stone-free in one procedure, which was confirmed by a postoperative CT scan. Prospective studies will define the real role of the Uro Dyna-CT for endourological procedures, but its use seems to be a very promising tool for improving stone free rates and decreasing auxiliary procedures, especially for complex cases.

Análise comparativa dos achados clínicos e laboratoriais das infecções não complicadas do trato urinário em mulheres / Comparative analysis of clinical and laboratory findings in uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women

INTRODUÇÃO: As infecções do trato urinário (ITU) feminino são muito prevalentes em mulheres. Em geral, elas dividem-se em cistites e pielonefrites de acordo com seu nível anatômico. Seu tratamento, apesar de simples, depende do conhecimento da flora bacteriana e do padrão de sensibilidade local, principalmente em tempos de aumento de resistência bacteriana. Este estudo avaliou e comparou a flora e o padrão de sensibilidade das bactérias causadoras de infecção não complicada do trato urinário feminino no período de 2007 a 2012. MÉTODOS: Analisamos retrospectivamente os resultados de 493 culturas de urina de pacientes com idade a partir de 14 anos e sintomas clínicos de cistite ou pielonefrite tratadas no Pronto-Socorro ou Ambulatório de Urologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. As pacientes foram separadas em três grupos: 1- pacientes com cistite simples atendidas no Pronto-Socorro; 2- pacientes com cistite simples atendidas no Ambulatório; 3- pacientes com pielonefrite atendidas no Pronto-Socorro. As características demográficas como idade, presença de ITU de repetição, diabetes mellitus (DM) e outras comorbidades, e os resultados de flora bacteriana e padrão de sensibilidade foram analisados e comparados entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: A média de idade das pacientes nos três grupos foi 43,2, 55,0 e 36,0 anos, respectivamente. ITU de repetição esteve presente em 36,0%, 76,1% e 26,5% das pacientes dos grupos 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente, enquanto que 8,5%, 22,7% e 2,2% das pacientes nos grupos 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente, eram diabéticas. Escherichia coli (E. coli) foi a bactéria responsável por 75,1% das infecções no geral e 87,3% das pielonefrites. Staphylococcus saprophyticus foi o segundo agente etiológico mais frequente (6,7%), principalmente no grupo 1 (10,0%), enquanto que nas diabéticas, Enterococcus faecalis foi o segundo agente etiológico (15,6%). Ao avaliarmos todas as pacientes...

INTRODUCTION: Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women are common. Urinary tract infections are usually divided into cystitis or pyelonephritis, according to anatomical level. Although treatment of UTI is simple, it depends on knowledge of the local uropathogens and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns due to increasing antimicrobial resistance. This study analyzed the causative pathogens of UTIs in women and their susceptibility patterns between 2007 and 2012. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 493 urine culture results of female patients aged 14 years and older with clinical diagnosis of cystitis or pyelonephritis who were treated at the urological emergency unit or urological outpatient clinic. Patients were divided into three groups: 1- simple cystitis attended to in the emergency unit; 2- simple cystitis attended to in the urological outpatient clinic; 3- pyelonephritis attended to in the emergency unit. Results of demographic data, such as age, history of recurrent UTI, diabetes mellitus (DM) and comorbidities, and those of the causative pathogens and their susceptibility patterns were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The mean age for groups 1, 2 and 3 was 43.2, 55.0 and 36.0 years, respectively. Recurrent UTI was present in 36.0%, 76.1% and 26.5% of patients in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. DM was present in 8.5%, 22.7% and 2.2% of patients in group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was responsible for 75.1% of all UTIs and 87.3% of pyelonephritis. Staphylococcus saprophyticus was the second most common agent (6.7%), mainly in group 1 (10.0%), while Enterococcus faecalis was the second most common agent in diabetic patients (15.6%). General susceptibility rates to amoxicillin/clavulanate (A/C), ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, norfloxacin and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SMT) were 85.8%, 46.5%, 82.0%, 83.3%, 88.3%, 83.3% and 65.7%, respectively. For pyelonephritis...

Laparoscopic ureteropyeloanastomosis in the treatment of duplex system

PURPOSE: Duplex system is one of the most common anomalies of upper urinary tract. Anatomical and clinical presentation determine its treatment. Usually, the upper moiety has a poor function and requires resection, but when it is not significantly impaired, preservation is recommended. Laparoscopic reconstruction with upper pole preservation is presented as an alternative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four female patients with duplex system, one presenting with recurrent urinary tract infection and the others with urinary incontinence associated to infrasphincteric ectopic ureter, were treated. Surgical procedure envolved a laparoscopic ureteropyeloanastomosis of the upper pole ureter to the pelvis of the lower moiety, with prior insertion of a double J stent. RESULTS: Surgical time varied from 120 to 150 minutes, with minimal blood loss in all cases. Follow-up varied from 15 to 30 months, with resolution of the clinical symptoms and preservation of the upper moiety function. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ureteropyeloanatomosis is a feasible and safe minimally invasive option in the treatment of duplex system.

Cranberries and lower urinary tract infection prevention

Lower urinary tract infections are very common diseases. Recurrent urinary tract infections remain challenging to treat because the main treatment option is long-term antibiotic prophylaxis; however, this poses a risk for the emergence of bacterial resistance. Some options to avoid this risk are available, including the use of cranberry products. This article reviews the key methods in using cranberries as a preventive measure for lower urinary tract infections, including in vitro studies and clinical trials.

Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in pheochromocytoma

Since the first laparoscopic adrenalectomy, the technique has evolved and it has become the standard of care for many adrenal diseases, including pheochromocytoma. Two laparoscopic accesses to the adrenal have been developed: transperitoneal and retroperitoneal. Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy may be recommended for the treatment of pheochromocytoma with the same peri-operative outcomes of the transperitoneal approach because it allows direct access to the adrenal glands without increasing the operative risks. Although technically more demanding than the transperitoneal approach, retroperitoneoscopy can shorten the mean operative time, which is critical for cases with pheochromocytoma where minimizing the potential for intra-operative hemodynamic changes is essential. Blood loss and the convalescence time can be also shortened by this approach. There is no absolute indication for either the transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach; however, the latter procedure may be the best option for patients who have undergone previous abdominal surgery and obese patients. Also, retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy is a good alternative for treating cases with inherited pheochromocytomas, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A, in which the pheochromocytoma is highly prevalent and frequently occurs bilaterally.

Primary reconstruction is a good option in the treatment of urinary fistula after kidney transplantation

OBJECTIVES: urinary fistula is a morbid complication after renal transplantation leading to graft losses and patient death. We review and update our data on urinary fistula after renal transplantation and the outcome after surgical and conservative management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: the charts of 1046 renal transplants were reviewed. Transplants were performed through an extended inguinotomy; vascular anastomoses to the iliac vessels and urinary reconstruction accomplished through the Gregoir technique. Fistulae were diagnosed by urinary leaks through the incision or by the occurrence of a collection in the iliac fossa. Patient was treated surgically or conservatively according to the characteristics of the fistula and patient clinical status. RESULTS: Thirty one fistulae were diagnosed (2.9 percent). Twenty nine leaks due to ureteral necrosis and 2 due to reimplantation fault. The incidence of leaks among cadaver and live donor transplants was 3.22 percent and 2.63 percent, respectively (p = 0.73). Among diabetic and non diabetic patients the incidence of urinary leaks was 6.4 percent and 2.6 percent, respectively (p = 0.049). Treatment consisted in anastomosis of the graft ureter or pelvis with the ureter of the recipient in 17 cases with success in 13 (76.5 percent). Prolonged bladder drainage was employed in 7 cases and the fistula healed in 4 (57 percent). Ureteral reimplantation was performed in 3 cases and did not work in any of them. Ureteral ligature plus nephrostomy was employed in two cases and worked in one (50 percent). Percutaneous nephrostomy and ureteral stenting with double J catheter were employed in one case each and worked in both. CONCLUSIONS: The anastomosis of the graft ureter with the ureter of the recipient is a good method for treating urinary fistulae after renal transplantation when local and systemic conditions are good. Ureteral ligature associated to nephrostomy should be applied in cases of unfavorable local conditions or clinically unstable patients.