Factors predicting the need for surgical intervention for hydronephrosis during pregnancy: a systematic review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Symptomatic hydronephrosis in pregnancy can cause both maternal and obstetric complications. In various studies, factors predicting the need for surgical intervention have been evaluated, however these factors have not been systematically assessed yet. This systematic review analyzes published studies about hydronephrosis during pregnancy and determines the predictive factors for the need for surgical intervention for hydronephrosis during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in January 2023 using the Medline, Web of Science and ScienceDirect/Scopus databases according to PRISMA guidelines. We searched these databases with the following search strategy: (intervention OR nephrostomy OR stent insertion) AND (pregnancy hydronephrosis). RESULTS: The literature review revealed 2461 potentially eligible studies. After the screening, six studies were enrolled in this review. High neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, high C-reactive protein level, high white blood cell count, high creatinine levels, fever, persistent pain for more than 4 days, presence of ureteral stones more than 8 mm, high grade hydronephrosis, high fetal body weight and high delta resistive index were reported to be related with the need for surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: The rate of symptomatic hydronephrosis and requirement for surgical intervention is low during pregnancy. However, as symptomatic hydronephrosis may cause serious obstetric complications, it is important to know the parameters that can predict patients who may need surgical intervention. These results will assist gynecologists and urologists to stratify pregnant women for surgical intervention.

The effect of transobturator tape surgery on female sexual function: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to review the literature regarding the effects of trans obturator tape surgery (TOT) on sexual functions in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) to reveal compact data and to reach more consistent and reliable results. METHODS: PRISMA statement was used in the current review. The databases of PubMed (Medline), Science Direct, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were detected independently. We evaluated the studies comparing the preoperative and postoperative sexuality parameters related to the TOT procedure in females. Studies presenting the mean and standard deviation(SD) of global and sub-item Female Sexual Function Index(FSFI) were included in the current study. RESULTS: We identified 783 studies in full publications or abstract forms using the methodology above and the search terms. Finally, eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis of the mean difference demonstrated that the total sexual function scores of the patients improved after TOT surgery. CONCLUSION: The data collected from the current meta-analysis suggest that TOT surgery improves female sexual function.

The heat is on: the impact of excessive temperature increments on complications of laser treatment for ureteral and renal stones.

OBJECTIVE: Technological advancements in the field of urology have led to a paradigm shift in the management of urolithiasis towards minimally invasive endourological interventions, namely ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. However, concerns regarding the potential for thermal injury during laser lithotripsy have arisen, as studies have indicated that the threshold for cellular thermal injury (43 °C) can be exceeded, even with conventional low-power laser settings. This review aims to identify the factors that contribute to temperature increments during laser treatment using current laser systems and evaluate their impact on patient outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To select studies for inclusion, a search was performed on online databases including PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords such as 'temperature' or 'heat' were combined with 'lithotripsy', 'nephrolithotomy', 'ureteroscopy', or 'retrograde intrarenal surgery', both individually and in various combinations. RESULTS: Various strategies have been proposed to mitigate temperature rise, such as reducing laser energy or frequency, shortening the duration of laser activation, increasing the irrigation fluid flow rate, and using room temperature or chilled water for irrigation. It is important to note that higher irrigation fluid flow rates should be approached cautiously due to potential increases in intrarenal pressure and associated infectious complications. The utilization of a ureteral access sheath (UAS) may offer benefits by facilitating irrigation fluid outflow, thereby reducing intrapelvic pressure and intrarenal fluid temperature. CONCLUSION: Achieving a balance between laser power, duration of laser activation, and irrigation fluid rate and temperature appears to be crucial for urologists to minimize excessive temperature rise.

Is day-case surgery feasible for laser endoscopic enucleation of the prostate? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Laser endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) for benign prostatic obstruction has become increasingly prevalent worldwide. Considering the medical cost-savings and concomitantly fewer nosocomial infections, the feasibility of same-day postoperative discharge of patients who have undergone laser EEP in terms of its safety and effectiveness has become a subject matter of growing interest. We aimed to review those studies focussing on day-case surgery (DCS) in patients undergoing laser EEP. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed-MEDLINE and Web of Science databases until October 2022 with the following search terms: "same day discharge AND laser enucleation of the prostate", "day-case AND laser enucleation of the prostate", "same day surgery AND laser enucleation of the prostate" and "one day surgery AND laser enucleation of the prostate" by combining PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) terms. We identified 15 eligible studies. RESULTS: While 14 of the studies focussed on holmium laser EEP, one focused on thulium laser vapoenucleation of the prostate. We observed an improvement in functional parameters in all studies we reviewed, and DCS success and readmission rates ranged between 35.3-100% and 0-17.8%, respectively. The complication rates varied between 0 and 36.7%, most of the complicatons were Clavien-Dindo (CD) I and II. CD ≥ III complications did not significantly differ between same day discharge (SDD) and non-SDD groups in the studies. CONCLUSION: Laser EEP is feasible and promising DCS treatment option delivering improved functional parameters compared to baseline values, and lower perioperative complication and readmission rates in certain patients.

Worldwide practice patterns of percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the current practice of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), conducting a worldwide survey among urologists with a special interest in endo-urology. METHODS: A 22-question survey was specifically developed by the European Association of Urology (EAU) young academic urologists (YAU) and uro-technology (ESUT) groups and globally distributed via SurveyMonkey to almost 2000 members of Endourology Society. The questionnaire included questions dedicated to the demographics and general practice of the participating urologists. RESULTS: In total, 441 responses (male/female ratio - 418/23) were received. A comparatively higher percentage of specialists (56.2%) practiced in academic institutions and had specific endo-urological fellowship training (56.7%). The classical prone PCNL remained the most practiced approach among the surveyed specialists, 47.7% stated to always do prone PCNLs, while 51.8% of respondents used multiple positioning options as required. The PCNL tract was mostly performed by urologists (84.3%) and fluoroscopic guidance was still predominantly used by 74.5% of respondents. The most practiced tract dilation method was balloon dilator used by 42% of respondents. Most of the surveyed urologists had ultrasonic, pneumatic or laser lithotripsy devices in their armamentarium. The use of some form of post-procedural drainage was reported in 85.1% of respondents, whereas tubeless PCNL remained a fairly uncommon practice. CONCLUSION: The majority of urologists still use prone positioning, get their own access under fluoroscopy guidance and use a balloon for tract dilation. However, we also identified that when necessary, urologists will deviate from routine practice and change strategy, adopting other approaches for PCNL.

Predicting risk of erectile dysfunction in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED). We aimed to predict the risk of ED in patients with NAFLD. The study included 146 male patients complaining impotence admitted to the urology outpatient clinic aged 24-80 years without a history of alcohol use who underwent abdominal ultrasonography between February 2018 and January 2019. 106 patients with NAFLD and 40 men without NAFLD were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory parameters, ED status according to International Index of Erectile Function-5 were compared between patients with and without NAFLD. The mean age of patients was 51.47 ± 10.34 years. NAFLD was detected in 72.6% of the patients. No statistically significant difference was found regarding mean age, BMI, IIEF-5 scores, DM status, serum glucose levels (p > .05). Fasting insulin levels, hypertension (HT), insulin resistance (IR) and ED status of the patients with NAFLD were significantly higher than patients without NAFLD (p < .05). NAFLD was found to be a significantly independent associated with ED. We also found that patients with NAFLD have risk of ED 2.92 times higher than without NAFLD (OR: 2.92). For the patients presenting with erectile dysfunction, hepatic steatosis should also be considered.

Primary Large-Cell Undifferentiated Carcinoma of the Ureter.

OBJECTIVE: To report the first case in the literature of a primary large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma (LCUC) of the ureter with a very aggressive behavior and dismal prognosis. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 60-year-old woman with a history of intermittent macroscopic hematuria and mild to moderate right flank pain was admitted to the Department of Urology. Tissue biopsies and cytological samples were taken. Pathologic examination was consistent with LCUC. CONCLUSION: LCUC of the ureter is an aggressive tumor with a high proliferation index. Patients might be diagnosed at an advanced stage. LCUC must be considered in the differential diagnosis of urinary tract pathologies.

Renal Autotransplantation with Autologous Saphenous Vein Graft in a Patient with Takayasu Arteritis and Existing Renal Artery Stent in Her Solitary Kidney.

Takayasu arteritis is a disease that results in the granulomatous inflammation of large vessel walls. Takayasu arteritis is generally observed in young females during the second or third decades of life. This disease is treated by the revascularization of the affected organs either by surgery or by endovascular interventions. In this study, we present a case where renal autotransplantation was performed on a lady with an autologous saphenous vein graft subsequent to numerous previous endovascular interventions for her solitary kidney due to Takayasu arteritis-induced renal artery stenosis. The patient was prevented from becoming dialysis dependent through this surgical intervention. Renal autotransplantation is the choice of treatment, especially for those in whom endovascular interventions have failed. Patient management must include the partnership of an experienced vascular surgeon, transplant urologist, rheumatologist, nephrologist and radiologist.

Does neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio demonstrate deterioration in renal function?

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health issue worldwide, which leads to end-stage renal failure and cardiovascular events. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a surrogate marker of inflammation and has been widely studied in malignancies, hypertension, heart diseases, and vascular diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate if NLR represents renal reserve and function after partial or radical nephrectomy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study consists of patients who had undergone radical/partial nephrectomy in our hospital and/or who admitted to urology and nephrology clinics as an outpatient. Patients were divided into four groups: Group 1 (n = 46): Healthy controls; Group 2 (n = 50): Patients who had undergone unilateral partial nephrectomy; Group 3 (n = 46): Patients who had gone unilateral nephrectomy; Group 4 (n = 82): Patients who had CKD. RESULTS: The mean NLR of each group was as follows: Group 1: 2.14 ± 0.73; Group 2: 3.52 ± 3.74; Group 3: 3.64 ± 3.52, and Group 4: 3.53 ± 2.30. NLR was lower in Group 1 compared to other groups but statistically significant difference was observed only between Group 1 (control) and Group 4 (CKD), 2.14 ± 0.73 versus 3.53 ± 2.30 (p = .005). In non-parametric correlation analysis NLR was found negatively correlated with GFR and positively correlated CKD stage (p = .028 for both correlations). CONCLUSIONS: The NLR may constitute a practical predictor of CKD besides Cr in patients who had undergone partial or radical nephrectomy.

Intraparenchymal hematoma as a late complication of retrograde intrarenal surgery.

A 34 year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with left flank pain. A non-contrast enhanced computerized tomography (NCCT) revealed a 1.5x2cm left proximal ureter stone. Patient was scheduled for ureterorenoscopy (URS) and stone removal. She was submitted to retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). At the postoperative 1st day, the patient began to suffer from left flank pain. A NCCT was taken, which revealed a subcapsular hematoma and perirenal fluid. The patient was managed conservatively with intravenous fluid, antibiotic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy and was discharged at the postoperative 6th day. Two weeks after the discharge the patient was admitted to emergency department with severe left flank pain, palpitation and malaise. KUB (kidney-ureter-bladder) radiography showed double-J stent (DJS) to be repositioned to the proximal ureter. Patient was evaluated with contrast enhanced CT which revealed an 8cm intraparenchymal hematoma/abscess in the middle part of the kidney. A percutaneous drainage catheter was inserted into the collection. The percutaneous drainage catheter and the DJS were removed at the 10th day of second hospitalization. RIRS surgery is an effective and feasible choice for renal stones with high success and acceptable complication rates. However, clinician should be alert to possible complications.

The Pathologic Point of View of Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy in the Era of Radiologic Imaging: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION/AIM: This study aimed to determine if laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is feasible for the treatment of adrenal malignancies and metastasis, and to review the final pathology findings in order to clarify the indications for surgery. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The medical records of all patients that underwent LA at 3 university hospitals between January 1, 2008, and May 1, 2015, were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: In total, 189 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were completed successfully. Mean duration of surgery was 79.3 ± 38.6 min and mean estimated intraoperative blood loss was 39.9 ml. Intraoperatively, 4 patients had major complications: spleen injury (n = 1), renal vein injury (n = 2) and diaphragm injury (n = 2). Histopathological examination showed that there were 20 different types of lesions. Surgical margins (SMs) were tumor free in 95.2% of the patients. Moreover, SMs were tumor free in all patients with adrenocortical carcinomas; however, positive margins were noted in 7 of 23 patients (30.4%) with malignant adrenal tumors. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings support the use of laparoscopy for metastatic adrenal masses, despite a high positive margin rate. LA is a safe, feasible and cost-effective procedure for the management of benign and malignant adrenal masses.

Renal Autotransplantation at Three Academic Institutions in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to present the experience of 3 institutions performing renal autotransplantation (RAT) and to discuss surgical techniques employed and the results in the light of the medical literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 14 patients (11 male and 3 female) with a mean age of 47 ± 8 years (35-61 years), who underwent RAT procedure at 3 different institutions between October 2006 and November 2014, in Turkey, were evaluated retrospectively. Indications for RAT procedure are ureteral avulsion, renal artery aneurysm and intimal dissection caused by percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty (PTRA). Twelve patients with ureteral avulsion, 1 patient with renal artery aneurysm and 1 patient with intimal dissection caused by PTRA were followed-up for 103 months. Seven (50%) open and 7 (50%) laparoscopic nephrectomies were performed. Nine patients (64.3%) were right-sided and 5 patients (35.7%) were left-sided. Complications of grade III and above as per Clavien-Dindo classification were assessed. RESULTS: Mean time from injury to RAT was 21.2 ± 40.1 days. However, 5 (35.7%) patients were treated on the same day of the injury. As per Clavien-Dindo classification, 2 (14.2%) grade IVa and 1 (7.1%) grade IIIa complications were reported. However, no significant correlation was observed between the complications and graft loss regarding type and side of the nephrectomy performed (p = 0.462 and p = 0.505, respectively) and timing of the intervention (p = 0.692). CONCLUSION: RAT is a safe procedure in combination with minimally invasive laparoscopic technique in carefully selected patients; however, it requires expertise and proficiency in laparoscopy, reconstructive urology and transplantation. Nevertheless RAT should be considered as the last resort, when other modalities fail.