The relationship between Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) and ischemic priapism: a case-control study.

This multicentre retrospective study was conducted in 3 university hospitals in Egypt between April 2020 and June 2022. The aim was to assess the relation between Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) and ischemic priapism. Forty-three ischemic priapism patients were diagnosed and divided into two groups (30 in group I with ischemic priapism only, and 13 in group II with both ischemic priapism and COVID-19). Further sub-classification of COVID-19 patients according to the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection severity was done. Cavernosal aspiration was successful in 25 patients (83.3%) in group I and 12 (92.3%) in group II. Long term follow-up proved moderate to severe erectile dysfunction in 6 patients (20.0%) and 1 (7.7%) in group I and II, respectively. All those with severe erectile dysfunction were managed by distal shunt and prepared for penile prosthesis placement. The median duration of ischemic priapism was significantly longer in patients with severe erectile dysfunction [19 vs. 7 h, P = 0.01]. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding patients' age (p = 0.8), required priapism management (p = 0.4), priapism recurrence (p = 0.1), and erectile dysfunction severity (p = 0.5). Ischemic priapism in COVID-19 patients can occur not only in severe, but also in mild or even asymptomatic cases. COVID-19 did not influence the ischemic priapism treatment protocol and post-treatment erectile function. COVID-19 and ischemic priapism seem to have a coincidence relation rather than a causal.

Effect of bulbospongiosus muscle injection with botulinum-A toxin for treatment of lifelong premature ejaculation; a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed at assessing a new line of treatment for lifelong premature ejaculation which is botulinum-A toxin injection into the bulbospongiosus muscle. Sixty patients with lifelong premature ejaculation were independently randomized into 2 groups; group I, 100 U botulinum-A toxin at 10 U/ml saline was injected with ultrasound guidance into the bulbospongiosus muscle and group II which was injected with similar volume of saline. The primary outcome was to compare both groups for changes in the Premature Ejaculation Profile (PEP), Intravaginal Ejaculatory Latency Time (IELT) and partner's satisfaction at 1, 3 and 6 months after intervention. The second outcome was to compare the adverse events in both groups. Fifty-seven patients completed the study. In group I, the mean PEP increased significantly at 1- (P = 0.02) and 3- months (P = 0.04) with insignificant increase at 6-month (P = 0.6) of follow-up. Also, no significant changes had been noted in IELT or partner's satisfaction scores throughout the study duration (P > 0.05). In group II, no significant changes had been noted in the PEP, IELT and partner's satisfaction scores throughout the study duration (P > 0.05). There were insignificant differences in the changes in the mean PEP (P = 0.7, 0.6 and 0.4), IELT (P = 0.6,0.6 and 0.5) and partner's satisfaction scores (P = 0.5,0.7 and 0.3) in comparison to the baseline values at 1-, 3- and 6- months, respectively between both groups. Adverse events were observed in only 3 patients (5.3%). In group I, mild erectile dysfunction and post micturition dribbling were reported in one patient each. Where in group II, one patient reported bleeding per urethra (P = 0.5). To conclude, injection of botulinum-A toxin into bulbospongiosus seems to be safe but failed to prove clinical efficacy for treatment of lifelong premature ejaculation when compared to placebo.

Bilaterality of varicocele: The overlooked culprit in male infertility. Case series study.

OBJECTIVES: Varicocele is the most common correctable cause of male infertility that always has been a debatable subject as regards how it affects fertility and the best way to treat it. Proper assessment of the disease bilaterality is crucial not to miss one side and not to jeopardize treatment outcome. This study aimed to objectively assess varicocele bilaterality in infertile men aiming to improve treatment outcome in this cohort of patients. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted between January 2019 and January 2022 including infertile males with varicoceles. Assessment of missed concomitant contralateral varicocele done pre-operatively by Color Doppler Ultrasound and intraoperatively by intraoperative Doppler device and measurement of maximal vein diameter of contralateral side. RESULTS: A total of 329 cases completed the study. A hundred cases (30.4%) were initially referred as unilateral varicoceles and 229 (69.6%) as bilateral varicoceles. After reassessment of the study population, bilaterality of varicocele was found to be as high as 98.5% (324/329). Repeat CDUS strongly correlated with the intraoperative measured varicocele diameter (r = 0.9, p < 0.001). Moreover, sperm parameters showed significant improvement 3 and 6 months post varicocelectomy. Normal pregnancy after 1 year of surgery occurred in 118 cases (35.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Varicocele bilaterality in infertile men is underreported. Thorough assessment by expert radiologists and andrologists is of paramount importance not to miss significant pathology or hazard treatment outcome.

The role of pregabalin in relieving ureteral stent-related symptoms: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of pregabalin in relieving USRS in patients with an indwelling double-J (DJ) stents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 500 adult patients with a unilateral single ureteral stone who underwent ureteroscopic stone management and required DJ stent insertion were prospectively included in our study. Patients were blindly assigned into four groups A, B, C and D. Those in group A were managed with combination of solifenacin 5-mg tablets and pregabalin 75-mg capsules bid. Patients in group B were managed with solifenacin 5-mg tablets. Those in group C were managed with pregabalin 75-mg capsules bid. Those in group D were control group. All patients were evaluated on day 15 postoperatively for stent-related symptoms using the Arabic translated and validated ureteral stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ). RESULTS: The total USSQ score as well as general health index was significantly lower in group A as compared to other groups. In addition, urinary symptom index was significantly improved in both groups A and B as compared to group C and group D. Pain symptom index was significantly improved in both groups A and C as compared to groups B and D. No statistically significant difference was reported regarding sexual index and work performance index among the whole study groups. CONCLUSION: Pregabalin appears to be a well-tolerated, safe and effective drug in reducing most of USRS, especially relief of pain with subsequent improvement of patient's quality of life. Its combination with solifenacin should be considered to manage patients with USRS as it shows a significant improvement in total USSQ score and general health index when compared to each drug alone.

Goserelin acetate before transurethral resection of moderately enlarged benign prostatic hyperplasia: Prospective randomised-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist, goserelin acetate (GA), on surgical blood loss during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), as well as its histopathological effect on prostatic microvessel density (MVD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent TURP due to benign prostatic enlargement (60-100 mL) were randomly subdivided into two equal groups according to whether they received preoperative GA administration (3.6 mg; group A) or not (group B). Evaluation parameters were operative time, weight of resected prostatic tissue, perioperative haematocrit (HCT) changes, estimation of intraoperative blood loss, and suburethral and stromal prostatic MVD. Effects of GA on prostate weight and any possible side-effects were also monitored. RESULTS: In all, 35 and 33 patients were included in groups A and B, respectively. Operative time and HCT values' changes were significantly less in group A (P < 0.05). Also, operative blood loss (both total and adjusted per weight of resected tissue) was lower in group A, at a mean (SD) of 178.13 (77.71) mL and 3.74 (1.52) mL/g vs 371.75 (91.09) mL and 8.59 (2.42) mL/g (P < 0.001). The median MVD in both suburethral [8 vs 11 vessels/high-power field (HPF)] and stromal tissues (9 vs 17 vessels/HPF) were significantly lower in group A (P < 0.001). Side-effects were minimal. CONCLUSION: A single dose of GA, a LHRH agonist, before TURP is safe and effective in reducing surgical blood loss. It significantly reduced MVD in both suburethral and stromal nodular prostatic tissues without regional discrepancy.

Evaluation of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Refractory Painful Bladder Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of intermittent percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) as a treatment modality for patients with refractory interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty female patients with IC/BPS (mean symptom duration of 4.5 ± 2.4 years) each had a 30-minute session of PTNS per week for 12 successive weeks and the symptoms were assessed before, during, and after the treatment sessions by voiding diary, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, interstitial cystitis symptom and problem indices (ICSI and ICPI), and global response assessment (GRA) scale. The scores of the previous questionnaires were evaluated at weeks 0, 6, and 12. RESULTS: At week 0, the VAS, day time frequency, nocturia, and average voiding volume were 5.6 ± 1.1, 14.5 ± 4.0, 3.0 ± 0.9, and 131.8 ± 35.3 mL, respectively, meanwhile at week 12 these scores were 5.2 ± 1.5, 12.15 ± 3.7, 2.6 ± 0.7, and 141.0 ± 36.2, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the scores of the ICPI between weeks 0, 6, and 12 (P = .937). As regards the GRA score after the 12th session, 17 patients (85%) reported having no effect, 1 patient (5%) reported as having worse symptoms, and 2 patients (10%) reported having a mild good response. CONCLUSION: Intermittent PTNS is not a satisfactory treatment for refractory IC/BPS. However, it is recommended to perform more studies with other treatment protocol (maybe closer sessions) to confirm these results.

Role of posterior tibial nerve stimulation in the treatment of refractory monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the early clinical and urodynamic results of posterior tibial nerve stimulation in patients with refractory monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We randomly assigned 28 patients with refractory monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis to 2 equal groups. Group 1 received a weekly session of posterior tibial nerve stimulation for 12 weeks and group 2 was the placebo group. Evaluation was performed in each group at baseline and after posterior tibial nerve stimulation to compare clinical and urodynamic findings. Another clinical assessment was done 3 months after the first followup. RESULTS: The 2 groups were comparable in baseline clinical and urodynamic data. Overall, 13 patients (46.4%) had detrusor overactivity and 14 (50%) had decreased bladder capacity. After treatment 11 group 1 patients (78.6%) had a partial or full response to posterior tibial nerve stimulation but only 2 (14.3%) in group 2 had a partial response (p = 0.002). Also, the average number of wet nights in group 1 was significantly lower than at baseline (p = 0.002). All urodynamic parameters significantly improved in group 1. In contrast, the number of wet nights and urodynamic parameters did not change significantly in group 2. At 3-month followup the number of patients with a partial or full response in group 1 had decreased from 11 (78.6%) to 6 (42.9%). No change was evident in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior tibial nerve stimulation can be a viable treatment option in some patients with refractory monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. However, deterioration in some responders with time suggests the need for maintenance protocols.

Role of combined use of potassium citrate and tamsulosin in the management of uric acid distal ureteral calculi.

In this article, we investigated the effect of the combined use of tamsulosin and potassium citrate (Uralyt-U(®)) for the treatment of uric acid stones in the distal ureter. The study was designed as a prospective, double blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 191 adult patients with radiolucent distal ureteral calculi were recruited. We included patients with solitary stones ≥5 mm with mild or moderate hydronephrosis and a normal contralateral tract. The patients were randomized into four equal groups (the placebo, tamsulosin, Uralyt-U(®), and the combined treatment groups). The patients were treated for a maximum duration of 4 weeks or until stone expulsion. The stone size in all groups ranged from 5 to 11 mm (7.69 ± 1.7 mm). The total expulsion rate of the stones was significantly lower in the control group (26.1%) compared with that of any of the other three groups (68.8, 58.7, and 84.8% respectively) (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the difference between the Uralyt-U(®) group and the combined treatment group was also statistically significant (P < 0.05). When we studied the patients with stones >8 mm as a separate subgroup to find the effect of the used drugs on the relatively large stones, we detected that the expulsion rate of these stones was significantly higher in the patients who received the combined treatment in comparison with any of the other three groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of urinary alkalization with tamsulosin can increase the frequency of spontaneous passage of distal ureteral uric acid stones especially those of 8-11 mm.

Idiopathic Parkinson's disease patients at the urologic clinic.

AIMS: To quantitatively evaluate the urinary symptoms at different stages of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) severity and its relation to urodynamic parameters. METHODS: This study was conducted on 49 patients with probable IPD to quantitatively evaluate their urinary symptoms using International Prostate Symptom Score and urodynamic tests. Four, 10, 29, 5, and 1 cases were classified as stages 1-5, respectively, according to Hoehn and Yahr staging of IPD severity. RESULTS: The most prevailing urinary symptom in IPD was nocturia (77.5%) followed by urgency (36.7%) and frequency (32.6%). Urodynamic tests revealed neurogenic detrusor overactivity in 33 patients (67.3%), detrusor underactivity in 6 patients (12.2%), and 10 (20.4%) patients with normal detrusor function. Irritative symptom index score correlated significantly with disease severity as well as the volume at initial desire to void and maximum bladder capacity meanwhile obstructive symptom index score had no significant correlation with any of the urodynamic parameters or disease severity. Total IPSS symptoms score significantly correlated with quality of life score. The mean of urodynamic parameters did not differ in IPD patients who did or did not receive anticholinergic or dopaminergic drugs. CONCLUSION: The irritative urinary symptoms manifested urodynamically as neurogenic detrusor overactivity are more common in IPD patients than obstructive symptoms. These irritative symptoms deteriorate progressively with the disease severity and significantly affect the quality of life of these patients. The International Prostate Symptom Score is a valuable tool in evaluating the urinary dysfunction in such patients.

Determination of cell viability after laparoscopic tissue stapling in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Surgical stapling devices are often used to secure the distal ureter along with a cuff of bladder during laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. As the viability of cells within the stapled tissue would be important in patients with upper urinary-tract transitional-cell carcinoma, we determined the viability of cells within the lines of various commercially available staplers in a porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four laparoscopic stapling devices were used: two vascular and two tissue designs (US Surgical, Norwalk, CT, and Ethicon, Cincinnati, OH). The devices were deployed across a portion of the bladder, much as they would be during a nephroureterectomy to create a bladder cuff while excising the distal ureter. The animals were sacrificed 6 weeks later, and the stapled sites were harvested for histopathologic examination by an experienced genitourinary pathologist (PH). RESULTS: Grossly, there were no visible staples at harvest of the stapled bladder and the ureterovesical junction, with a completely healed bladder being seen in all four animals. On histologic examination with hematoxylin and eosin staining, there were distinctly viable cells within the staple lines of the ureterovesical junction and the bladder wall, similar to the unstapled control tissue. There were viable cells in all samples of tissues stapled by either vascular or tissue staplers. CONCLUSIONS: Deployment of both vascular and tissue staplers resulted in viable cells within the staple lines at the ureterovesical junction and bladder wall in this porcine model. There is a potential risk of tumor recurrence at the stapled site in patients who have the ureter and bladder cuff secured with these devices during laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper-tract transitional-cell carcinoma. Despite this concern, to date, over a period of 13 years, clinical experience has not revealed a single case of tumor recurrence within the stapled cuff of bladder. Careful endoscopic evaluation of the stapled bladder-cuff site after laparoscopic nephroureterectomy should minimize the potential for local tumor recurrence.

Impact of a double-pigtail stent on ureteral peristalsis in the porcine model: initial studies using a novel implantable magnetic sensor.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The effect of stents on ureteral peristalsis in vivo is not entirely clear. We sought to develop a minimally invasive method for its study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In female domestic pigs, electrical potentials from the ureter were measured by bipolar steel-wire electromyography electrodes delivered laparoscopically. Mechanical movement was measured by giant magneto resistive sensors mounted on custom-made aluminum strips. After baseline values were obtained, the animals were randomized to receive silicone or polyurethane stents, and ureteral peristalsis was measured for 8 hours acutely and for 4 hours 1 week later. RESULTS: Implantation of the devices took an average of 30 minutes. A consistent correlation was found between laparoscopically observed peristaltic waves and the peristalsis detected by the two measuring devices. The devices themselves did not affect peristalsis. Stent insertion increased peristaltic activity initially but later reduced or stopped it. There was no difference in the effects of the two types of stents. CONCLUSIONS: The new technique permits close monitoring of ureteral peristalsis in vivo. Smaller stents appear to have less immediate effect than larger ones, but all type of stents tested eventually caused aperistalsis.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Washington University initial experience and prospective evaluation of quality of life.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The laparoscopic approach to radical prostatectomy offers an alternative to the open surgical procedure with less morbidity. We prospectively collected data including a validated quality-of-life questionnaires on our first 38 laparoscopic radical prostatectomies (LRPs). The first 10 patients (group 1), second 10 patients (group II), and the most recent 18 patients (group III) were examined separately to study the learning curve for this procedure. In addition, we determined the pattern of recovery of urinary continence, potency, and quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1999 and July 2002, 38 consecutive transperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomies were performed for clinically localized prostate carcinoma. Patients completed quality-of-life questionnaires (Rand 36 Health Survey) before surgery as well as at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and every 6 months thereafter. The patients were also interviewed by an individual not directly involved in patient care. RESULTS: One patient (the second in our experience) was converted to the open approach because of failure to progress. The average operating time for the whole series was 423 +/- 137.6 minutes (range 215-825 minutes), the last 10 procedures taking 305 +/- 63 minutes (range 215-420 minutes). Complications consisted of one case each of intraoperative bladder injury, transient superficial peroneal nerve palsy, pulmonary embolism, and bladder neck obstruction. The bladder injury was closed laparoscopically without further complication. Bladder neck obstruction was secondary to a bladder wall fold that was treated with transurethral resection 14 months after surgery with good results. Four patients in group 1 had minor anastomotic leaks, while only one patient after that had a leak (group III). Four patients required transfusion, two intraoperatively and two postoperatively. In group III, the urethral catheter remained in place for an average of 8 days (range 6-10 days). With a mean follow-up of 22.8 months (range 9-43 months), 84.8% of the patients had perfect urinary control. Postoperatively, 9 patients (27%) were fully continent on removal of the Foley catheter. At 1, 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively, diurnal urinary control was reported by 30.3%, 48%, 72.7%, and 84.8% of the patients, respectively. One patient needed an artificial urinary sphincter. Among the incontinent patients, 24.2% had urinary urgency, and one third of these patients reported urge incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic prostatectomy is a reproducible technique with a steep learning curve. Operating times and the incidence of anastomotic leaks and urinary incontinence decrease significantly after the initial 10 patients.

Smooth-muscle regeneration after electrosurgical endopyelotomy in a porcine model as confirmed by electron microscopy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endopyelotomy is the preferred treatment for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction because of its short operating time, limited morbidity, fast recovery, and reasonable efficacy. We used tissue and immunohistochemistry staining and electron microscopy to look at the muscle regeneration following an endopyelotomy incision in a porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bilateral electrosurgical endopyelotomy was performed in six domestic pigs with placement of 7F 20-cm Percuflex double-J stents for up to 4 weeks, and urinary tracts were harvested at 3 or 5 months. Specimen evaluation included tissue staining with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome, and Verhoeff's iodine and Van Gieson solution; histochemical staining for smooth-muscle actin, desmin and myosin staining, and electron microscopy. Each specimen was assigned a "healing" score of 0 (normal) 1 (slight changes), 2 (mild changes), or 3 (severe changes). The fibrosis score was based on six factors: muscle layer fibrosis, lamina propria fibrosis, amount of granulation tissue present, new deposits of collagen, fibrosis in the periureteral fat, and presence of myofibroblasts. The muscles were characterized with immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. RESULTS: At both 3 and 5 months, the urothelium was healed, and the lamina propria was healed with focal loss. By 3 months, smooth-muscle bundles bridged the defect, and by 5 months, the whole defect was covered. Smooth muscle cells were evident by electron microscopy by 3 months, and actin and myosin could be detected by immunohistochemistry. Desmin-positive cells accounted for 50% of the population at 3 months and 40% at 5 months. The regenerated smooth-muscle bundles were oriented in different directions and intermingled with fibrous tissue. They could be distinguished easily from normal ureter under the microscope. CONCLUSION: Verifiable, functional smooth-muscle bundles bridge the endopyelotomy defect by 3 months, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry staining and electron microscopy.

Laparoscopic cyst decortication in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: impact on pain, hypertension, and renal function.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), laparoscopic cyst decortication (LCD) has been proposed as a means to relieve chronic cyst-related pain. We present our 7-year experience with LCD for ADPKD with regard to pain relief, hypertension, and renal function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between August 1994 and February 2001, 29 ADPKD patients with chronic pain (N=29), hypertension (N=21), and renal insufficiency (N=10) underwent 35 LCD procedures. Every detectable cyst within 2 mm of the renal surface was treated. Pain relief was assessed using a pain analog scale; relative pain relief (RPR) equaled (preoperative pain score) - (postoperative pain score)/(preoperative pain score). Hypertension was evaluated using the antihypertensive therapeutic index (ATI): [(dose of blood pressure medication 1/max dose 1) + (dose med 2/max dose 2) + etc.] x 10. Renal function was assessed using the Cockcroft and Gault formula for creatinine clearance. RESULTS: The mean operating room time was 4.9 hours (range 2.6-6.6 hours) with no conversions to open surgery. An average of 220 cysts (range 4-692) were treated per patient. The mean follow-up was 32.3 months (range 6-72 months). The RPR was 58%, 47%, and 63% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. At 12, 24, and 36 months, 73%, 52%, and 81% of patients, respectively, noted >50% improvement in their pain compared with the preoperative situation. Five patients became normotensive, and patients improved their ATI by an average of 49% (range 11%-93%). However, six patients had worsening hypertension, with an ATI increase averaging 53% (range 11%-122%), and one patient who was not hypertensive preoperatively has since developed hypertension. The creatinine clearance changed +4%, +7%, and -2% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Only one patient had a >20% increase in creatinine clearance. The only patients with a >20% decrease in creatinine clearance were those who had a creatinine clearance <30 mg/dL preoperatively (average decrease 34% [range 20%-51%]). CONCLUSIONS: For ADPKD patients with debilitating pain, extensive LCD can provide durable relief. In the majority of patients with pain and hypertension, a marked improvement in blood pressure also occurs. Cyst decortication was not associated with worsening renal function; indeed, renal function remained largely unchanged over the 3-year follow-up period.

Combined percutaneous and retrograde approach to staghorn calculi with application of the ureteral access sheath to facilitate percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: We describe our technique and clinical experience with application of the ureteral access sheath for single access ablation of staghorn and partial staghorn calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our experience with 9 patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy for staghorn (6) or partial staghorn (3) renal calculi using a combined antegrade and retrograde approach. Patient data, operative parameters, efficacy of stone ablation and convalescence parameters were reviewed. RESULTS: Mean operative time for the primary procedure was 3.1 hours with a mean estimated blood loss of 290 ml. Postoperatively, the mean analgesic requirement was 33.2 mg. MSO(4) equivalents. Hospital stay was 3.2 days. There were no major and 4 minor (44%) complications. No patient required transfusion. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 7 of the 9 cases (78%) using a single percutaneous nephrostomy tract. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary clinical experience using the ureteral access sheath during percutaneous nephrolithotomy for simultaneous antegrade and retrograde stone treatment has been favorable. A large renal stone burden can be successfully managed with a single percutaneous access and limited blood loss.

Comparison of intrarenal pressure and irrigant flow during percutaneous nephroscopy with an indwelling ureteral catheter, ureteral occlusion balloon, and ureteral access sheath.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the differential effects on renal pressures and irrigation flow associated with the application of different ureteral catheters during percutaneous nephrolithotomy. METHODS: Using ex vivo fresh cadaveric tissue, we established a percutaneous nephrolithotomy model. After obtaining lower pole percutaneous access, we recorded the pressure and irrigant flow measurements. Measurements were made with an empty ureter, 6F ureteral catheter, occlusion balloon catheter, and ureteral access sheaths (10/12F and 12/14F). Three 1-minute trials for each condition were recorded in each of four kidneys. RESULTS: Ureteral catheterization with both the 10/12F and the 12/14F ureteral access sheaths resulted in significantly decreased intrarenal pressures in the pressure range tested compared with an empty ureter, a ureteral catheter, or an occlusion balloon application. Total irrigant flow for the 12/14F ureteral access sheath was significantly higher than for the empty ureter, ureteral catheter, or occlusion balloon in the entire pressure range evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: In this in vitro cadaveric model, application of the ureteral access sheath during percutaneous nephrolithotomy resulted in decreased intrarenal pressures and increased irrigant flow.