Predictors of clinical and surgical characteristics of giant stones of the urinary bladder: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Giant stones of the urinary bladder (GSBs) are rare and usually presented as case reports. We aimed to assess the clinical and surgical characteristics of GSBs and identify their predictors. METHODS: A retrospective study of 74 patients with GSBs who presented between July, 2005 and June, 2020 was performed. Patients' demographics, clinical presentations, and surgical peculiarities were studied. RESULTS: Older age and male gender were risk factors for the occurrence of GSBs. The irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (iLUTS) were the main presenting symptoms (97.3%). Most patients were treated with cystolithotomy (90.1%). Univariate analyses showed that solitary (p < 0.001) and rough surface (P = 0.009) stones were significant factors for occurrence of iLUTS as the presenting symptoms. Also, the severity of symptoms (p = 0.021), rough surface (p = 0.010) and size (p < 0.001) of stones, and farmer occupation (p = 0.009) were significantly associated with adherence of the stone to the bladder mucosa at surgery. In multivariate analysis, the rough surface (p = 0.014) and solitary (p = 0.006) stones, and concomitant ureteral stones (p = 0.020) were independently associated with iLUTS as the main presentation. However, the stone size and severity of iLUTS were the independently associated factors for adherence of GSBs to the bladder mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: Solitary GSB, rough surface and the association with ureteral stones are independent risk factors for the occurrence of long-standing iLUTS. The stone size and severity of iLUTS were the independent predictors of adherence of GSBs to the bladder mucosa. Cystolithotomy is the main treatment, but it may be more difficult when there is bladder mucosa adherence.

Serum creatinine trajectory after drainage of kidneys with bilateral malignant ureteral obstruction: a prospective non-randomized comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Serum creatinine trajectory (SCr-Tr) is a neglected prognostic tool for chronic and acute kidney injury. We aimed to assess the predictors of SCr-Tr during the time-to-nadir and serum creatinine (SCr) normalization rate after drainage, using percutaneous nephrostomy in patients with bilateral malignant ureteral obstruction. METHODS: A prospective non-randomized study was performed on SCr-Tr in patients with bilateral malignant ureteral obstruction from August 2019 to March 2022. The primary outcome was SCr-Tr during the time-to-nadir. RESULTS: This study included 102 patients with a mean age ± SD of 59.6 ± 14.7 years. SCr-Tr was non-linear with a mean ± SD (range) of 0.5 ± 0.4 (0.03-2.3) mg/dl/day. Multivariate analyses revealed that female gender (p = 0.016), body mass index (BMI; p = 0.005), and SCr at presentation (p < 0.001) were predictors of rapid SCr-Tr during the time-to-nadir. However, age (p = 0.008) and low urine output at presentation (p = 0.015) were associated with a lower SCr-Tr. In contrast, laterality of drainage (p = 0.544) and mean parenchymal thickness (p = 0.066) were not associated with mean SCr-Tr. Also, only the mean parenchymal thickness (p = 0.002) was a predictor of rapid SCr-Tr at ≥ 0.5 mg/dl/day. However, low BMI (p = 0.023) was associated with a high SCr normalization rate, while unilateral drainage (p = 0.045) was associated with a lower rate. CONCLUSIONS: Female gender, low BMI, and SCr at presentation were predictors of rapid SCr-Tr during the time-to-nadir. Bilateral drainage was an independent predictor of SCr normalization rate, but not of rapid SCr-Tr. The mean parenchymal thickness was the only independent predictor for rapid SCr-Tr at ≥ 0.5 mg/dl/day.

TEMPORARY REMOVAL: Prevalence of Non-Proteinuric Preeclampsia at Mansoura University Hospitals.

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Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Trachelectomy: A Standard Technique.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe a standard reproducible technique for simple robotic- assisted laparoscopic trachelectomy. DESIGN: Step-by-step demonstration of the technique using videos and pictures (Canadian Task Force classification level 3). SETTING: The incidence of trachelectomy after supracervical hysterectomy has been increasing, given the popularity of supracervical hysterectomy. The most common indication for trachelectomy is symptomatic cyclic bleeding. Trachelectomy can be performed vaginally as well as laparoscopically with or without robotic assistance. This video demonstrates a standard reproducible technique for robotic-assisted trachelectomy in 2 women who underwent previous supracervical hysterectomy with a retained cervix. INTERVENTIONS: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic trachelectomy using a standard technique is demonstrated in 2 different examples. The steps include opening the vesicocervical peritoneum, creating a bladder flap and pushing the bladder down beyond the vaginal cuff, opening the remnant of the broad ligament and delineating the course of cervical branch of the uterine artery and ureter bilaterally, inserting a uterine manipulator with a colpotomizer under vision, performing desiccation of the cervical branches of the uterine artery, and performing colpotomy and closure of the vaginal cuff. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic trachelectomy is a safe and simple procedure that should be part of all general gynecologists' armamentarium. The described technique is reproducible and efficient and can be adopted for all cases requiring simple trachelectomy.

Technique for the Laparoscopic Management of a Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for the laparoscopic management of a cornual ectopic pregnancy. DESIGN: Step-by-step explanation of the procedure using video (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: Cornual pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy, accounting for up to 2% to 4% of all ectopic pregnancies, with a mortality range of 2.0% to 2.5%, and this accounts for 20% of all deaths caused by ectopic pregnancies. Both medical and surgical treatments have been reported. Although laparotomy hysterectomy and cornuectomy used to be the preferred surgical approaches, more cornual ectopic pregnancies are being managed with the laparoscopic approach through cornuostomy or cornuectomy in recent years. The main concern with surgical treatment is hemorrhage and the need for cornual reconstruction, which necessitate advanced laparoscopic skills and technique. INTERVENTIONS: In this video, we describe our technique for the treatment of a cornual ectopic pregnancy. We present the case of a 21-year-old G3P2002 (gravida 3 para 2002) with the finding of a right live cornual ectopic pregnancy with gestational age of 6 weeks on pelvic ultrasound along with an elevated human chorionic gonadotropin level at 7,192 and right pelvic pain. After counseling regarding treatment options, the patient agreed with proceeding with surgery and underwent a laparoscopic right cornuectomy. Her surgery was uneventful, and she was discharged home a few hours after surgery. She was completely recovered at her postoperative follow-up visit. Her serial serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels were followed until complete resolution a few weeks later. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cornuectomy is a safe and effective procedure for the management of cornual ectopic pregnancy. The use of hemostatic agents and suturing can help prevent hemorrhage and allows a safe removal of the ectopic pregnancy and repair of the uterine defect created.

Technique for the Laparoscopic Removal of Essure Microinserts.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe our technique for the laparoscopic removal of Essure microinserts (Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc., Whippany, NJ). DESIGN: Step-by-step explanation of the procedure using video (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: Hysteroscopic sterilization using tubal microinsert devices has generally been reported to be well tolerated in terms of procedure-related pain. Persistent pelvic pain requiring microinsert removal has been described in a few case reports and series and was estimated at 0.16% of cases (7 cases [49/4,274]) in a large retrospective study. Removal is usually performed at the patient's request and/or because of persistent pelvic pain unresponsive to other treatments with no other etiologies found. In general, the pain starts at the initial insertion and persists thereafter. Both laparoscopic and hysteroscopic removal approaches have been described in the few cases reported. INTERVENTIONS: In this video, we describe our technique for the surgical management of pelvic pain resulting from Essure microinserts. We performed laparoscopic removal of bilateral Essure microinserts in a 30-year-old G3P3 (Gravida 3 Para 3) with bilateral Essure devices placed 2 years before the procedure; hysterosalpingogram confirmed appropriate placement. The patient was suffering from bilateral sharp pelvic pain since insertion that was related to positional change and movements but unrelated to periods along with menorrhagia. A pelvic ultrasound showed a small intramural uterine leiomyoma. She failed a trial of treatment of her symptoms with a levonorgestrel intrauterine device. The patient requested removal of her Essure microinserts and endometrial ablation. She underwent laparoscopic bilateral Essure microinsert removal and bilateral salpingectomy along with hysteroscopic removal of the levonorgestrel intrauterine device and endometrial ablation. Her surgery was uneventful, and she was discharged the day of the surgery. Her symptoms resolved completely after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic removal of Essure microinserts in the context of persistent pelvic pain after insertion is a feasible and effective procedure and allows the avoidance of performing a hysterectomy when the patient declines this procedure. Sound knowledge of the Essure components and meticulous surgical technique are paramount for successful results.

Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Repair of a Cesarean Section Scar Defect.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe our technique for the repair of a cesarean section uterine scar defect after removal of an ectopic pregnancy from the scar in a patient desiring future pregnancies. DESIGN: Step-by-step explanation of the procedure using video (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: Uterine scar dehiscence/defect is a known complications of multiple cesarean deliveries that can result in abnormal bleeding, infertility, and cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy. With the increasing number of cesarean sections performed in the United States, the prevalence of this complication is rising. Nonetheless, there currently are no standardized surgical treatment guidelines available to manage this pathology through a minimally invasive approach. INTERVENTIONS: In this video, we describe our technique for the surgical management of a symptomatic cesarean section scar defect. We performed a robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair of this defect in a 40-year-old G4P3013 with a recent cesarean section scar ectopic pregnancy managed by endometrial curettage, with subsequent persistent abnormal vaginal bleeding. A repeat ultrasound revealed a low uterine segment defect consistent with dehiscence. She was referred to us because she desired a conservative treatment given her desire for future pregnancies. The defect was localized by hysteroscopy and laparoscopy after developing the bladder flap. The scar tissue around the defect was resected, and the freshened edges of the defect were closed using delayed absorbable suture. Chromopertubation confirmed the watertightness of the repair. Postoperatively, the patient had regular normal periods, and her hysterosalpingogram didn't show any uterine defect. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair of cesarean section scar defect is a feasible and safe procedure when done with respect to anatomy and following sound surgical technique. With the increasing number of cesarean sections, gynecologists will be dealing with this pathology more frequently, and need to become more familiar with different techniques that can be helpful in performing such a repair.

Leiomyomas beyond the uterus; benign metastasizing leiomyomatosis with paraaortic metastasizing endometriosis and intravenous leiomyomatosis: a case series and review of the literature.

Uterine leiomyomas affect 20-30 % of women 35 years and older. Extrauterine leiomyomas are rare and present a greater diagnostic challenge. Those unusual growth patterns occur more often in women of reproductive age with a history of hysterectomy or surgery for uterine leiomyomas. They have been reported in the literature in case reports and small case series and include benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML), disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis, intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL), parasitic leiomyomas, and retroperitoneal growth. In this case series we present a case of BML with a first report of concomitant endometriosis metastasis to paraaortic lymphnodes, and a case of IVL. The findings and surgical management of those cases, as well as a review of the literature pertinent to those entities, are also presented.

Maldescended ovary associated with Müllerian and kidney dysgenesis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Maldescended ovary is a rare entity which has been associated with Müllerian and kidney dysgenesis. It can be discovered incidentally during a workup for pelvic or abdominal pain or an infertility workup. While MRI is the best diagnostic tool for the discovery of this entity, it can also be discovered using pelvic or abdominal ultrasound or hysterosalpingogram or by diagnostic laparoscopy. CASE: We present a case of maldescended ovary associated with a unicornuate uterus, normal left ovary and fallopian tube, elongated right fallopian tube and utero-ovarian ligament, and right pelvic kidney, discovered incidentally during a workup for chronic pelvic and abdominal pain. CONCLUSION: It is important to consider looking for a maldescended ovary whenever a patient has a Müllerian and/or kidney anomaly with absence of one or both ovaries on pelvic imaging.

Combined on-demand sildenafil citrate and tramadol hydrochloride is an effective and safe treatment for premature ejaculation: A randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial.

Background: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual dysfunction that harms both sex partners. Aim: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and impact on sexual satisfaction scores of the combined use of tramadol HCl and sildenafil citrate for the treatment of PE. Methods: One hundred and sixty otherwise healthy males complaining of PE (primary/secondary) were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Only 155 patients (age range 22-48 years) completed the study. Of them, 81 patients had primary PE, and 74 had secondary PE. The comparative groups included the placebo group (n = 34), sildenafil citrate 50 mg group (n = 39), tramadol HCl 100 mg group (n = 40), and the combination therapy group (n = 42). The treatment duration for all groups was 10 weeks. Outcomes: This combination is safe and effective. Results: Five patients discontinued the study, all from the placebo group, due to a lack of improvement over the treatment course. No significant differences were reported between groups before treatment as regards Intravaginal ejaculatory Latency Time (p = 0.8), satisfaction score (p = 0.7), age (p = 0.9), or duration of marriage (p = 0.9). There was a significant improvement in IELT after treatment with a placebo (p = 0.0001), associated with an insignificant improvement in satisfaction score (p = 1.0). In the other three groups, there was a significant improvement in IELT after treatment (p = 0.0001 for all), which coincided with a significant improvement in satisfaction scores in all three groups (p = 0.0001 for all). Clinical Implications: We recommend this combination in the treatment of premature ejaculation. Strengths: It is a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Limitations: Limited number of participants. Conclusion: Combined therapy of PE, whether primary or secondary, with sildenafil citrate 50 mg and tramadol HCl 100 mg is safe and effective; and its therapeutic effect is superior to the utilization of either agent alone.

Stress level assessment among health care workers involved in the management of critically ill COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Intensive care health care workers (HCWs) are frontlines of this crisis as they deal with critically ill COVID-19 patients which can potentially affect their mental well-being and causes different levels of stress. AIM: To determine the prevalence of stress among HCWs involved in the management of critically ill COVID-19 patient, identify the factors associated with stress, and highlight the availability of psychological support provided to HCWs. METHODS: A cross-sectional multicenter, international study using a web-based questionnaire of 27 questions including the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) for assessment of stress level. Questions to identify factors associated with stress, the psychological support provided, and the sociodemographic characteristics were included. RESULTS: We received a total 1649 responses from 59 countries: 550 (34%) were from Europe, 525 (32.36%) from Asia, 283 (17.44%) from Africa, 177 (11%) from America, and 88 (5.42%) from Australia. The average stress level was 22 points on the PSS denoting moderate stress in 1327 (81.8%) respondents, while 239 (14.73%) respondents had a severe level of stress. Female gender, working in high capacity units and remote areas in addition to lack of psychological support, was significantly associated with stress in our study. CONCLUSION: Stress level was moderate to severe among intensive care HCWs during this pandemic, and many factors were associated with stress emphasizing the importance of psychological support during that unprecedented pandemic.

Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: a reappraisal for the clinician.

Bladder pain syndrome--formally known as interstitial cystitis--is a chronic bladder disorder characterized by pelvic pain and urinary irritability symptoms. The physiopathology is still unclear but is thought to involve bladder mucosal injury, inflammation and neurologic dysfunction. It is hard to diagnose this entity due to symptoms that are common to several other pathologies such as chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, overactive bladder, urinary tract infection, and vulvodynia, and due to the lack of specific findings. A combination of history, physical examination, and diagnostic tools helps the establishment of the diagnosis by ruling out other similar pathologies. Treatment is multimodal and combines behavioral changes, drugs administered orally or intravesically and even surgery for refractory cases.

Metanil yellow promotes oxidative stress, astrogliosis, and apoptosis in the cerebellar cortex of adult male rat with possible protective effect of scutellarin: A histological and immunohistochemical study.

Metanil yellow is a food dye that has harmful impacts on different body systems. Scutellarin has antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of the current research was to study the effect of chronic administration of metanil yellow on the cerebellar cortex of rats and to evaluate the protective effect of scutellarin. Forty adult male rats were allocated into four groups: group I acted as control, group II was administrated scutellarin (100 mg/kg/day), group III was administrated metanil yellow (200 mg/kg/day), and group IV was administrated scutellarin and metanil yellow as in group II and group III. The agents were administered via oral gavage for 8 weeks. Metanil yellow induced a significant rise in the malondialdehyde coupled with a significant reduction in the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The Purkinje cells were irregular and shrunken with condensed nuclei. A significant elevation in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and cleaved caspase-3 as well as a significant reduction of synaptophysin expression were revealed in comparison with the control group. Interestingly, few changes were noticed in rats given metanil yellow concomitant with scutellarin. In conclusion, scutellarin could protect against metanil yellow-induced alterations in the cerebellar cortex by reducing oxidative stress and minimizing gliosis.

Migraine and tension-type headache among undergraduate medical, dental and pharmaceutical students of University of Aleppo: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Headache disorders are among the most common 10 causes of disability worldwide according to the global burden of disease survey 2010. Headache is also wildly common among universities students when compared with other populations. The purpose of this study is to assess headache prevalence among Aleppo University medical, dental and pharmaceutical undergraduate students. METHODS: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among medical, dental and pharmaceutical students at Aleppo University, Syria. We determined the type of headache according to the International Classification of Headache Disorder-III. The total number of participants was 2068. A χ2 test was used to evaluate the association between the categorical outcomes. P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Out of 2068 participants, 1604 (77.6%) were medical students, 205 (9.9%) were dental students and 259 (12.5%) were pharmaceutical students. The effect on daily activities was higher in chronic tension headache (96.7%) and migraine without aura (94.6%) than migraine with aura (91.3) and episodic tension headache (85.1%). Out of 1191 who had a headache, only 188 (15.9%) had a medical consultation. CONCLUSIONS: There was no a statistically significant difference in prevalence of tension headache and migraine according to faculties. There was a statistically significant difference in patients with migraine according to academic year, living with family and smoking. The effect on daily activities was higher in chronic tension-type headache and migraine without aura. There is a significant lack of medical consultation among students and most of them took over the counter analgesics depending on personal choice.

Computed tomography-assisted laparoscopic removal of intraabdominally migrated levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems.

PURPOSE: To report three cases of migrated levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUS) into the pelvic/abdominal cavity removed laparoscopically with the aid of preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan imaging. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three patients presenting with a missing LNG-IUS on examination and pelvic ultrasound are presented. A preoperative CT scan was performed, what helped in a successful removal of the LNG-IUS. The patients were discharged home the same day of the procedure. CONCLUSION: Our cases reinforce, besides the diagnosis of a migrated LNG-IUS by ultrasound, the fact that preoperative CT scan imaging assists in the diagnosis of the precise location of a migrated LNG-IUS into the pelvic/abdominal cavity and helps the physician in the prediction of the difficulty of the laparoscopic removal.

Effect of Pegylation and Targeting Moieties on the Ultrasound-Mediated Drug Release from Liposomes.

The use of targeted liposomes encapsulating chemotherapy drugs enhances the specific targeting of cancer cells, thus reducing the side effects of these drugs and providing patient-friendly chemotherapy treatment. Targeted pegylated (stealth) liposomes have the ability to safely deliver their loaded drugs to the cancer cells by targeting specific receptors overly expressed on the surface of these cells. Applying ultrasound as an external stimulus will safely trigger drug release from these liposomes in a controlled manner. In this study, we investigated the release kinetics of the model drug "calcein" from targeted liposomes sonicated with low-frequency ultrasound (20 kHz). Our results showed that pegylated liposomes were more sonosensitive compared to nonpegylated liposomes. A comparison of the effect of three targeting moieties conjugated to the surface of pegylated liposomes, namely human serum albumin (HSA), transferrin (Tf) and arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD), on calcein release kinetics was conducted. The fluorescent results showed that HSA-PEG and Tf-PEG liposomes were more sonosensitive (showing higher calcein release following the exposure to pulsed LFUS) compared to the control pegylated liposomes, thus adding more acoustic benefits to their targeting efficacy.

MR arthrography versus conventional MRI and diagnostic arthroscope in patients with chronic wrist pain.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of direct wrist MR arthrography (MRA) compared to conventional MRI in diagnosis of different pathologic entities causing chronic wrist pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 37 consecutive patients 22 males and 15 females, with age range from 16 to 49 years "mean age 28 years" complaining of unexplained chronic wrist pain were prospectively examined by using MRI and MRA with arthroscopic correlation in 25 of them. Findings were divided into 5 main groups of lesions including triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions, ligamentous injuries, osseous lesions, tendon pathology and ganglion. RESULTS: MRA picked up more ligamentous injuries and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions that couldn`t be detected on MRI study while both were equal in detection of other types of lesions. TFCC lesions were the most common pathologic findings in both MRI and MRA. Arthroscopic correlation in 25 suspected TFCC lesions (clinically, radiologically or both) revealed that the sensitivity / specificity / accuracy of MRI and MRA were 87.5% / 100% / 96% and 100% / 100% / 100% respectively for central lesions while were 71.4% / 81.3% / 76% and 100% / 90.9% / 96% respectively For peripheral lesions. Extra-capsular lesions, like tenosynovitis and fracture hook of hamate couldn`t be confirmed arthroscopically. CONCLUSION: MRA can replace both MRI and diagnostic arthroscopy in detecting causes of chronic wrist pain.

Complete hydatidiform mole with a surviving coexistent twin in a woman with sickle cell disease: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Twin pregnancy with an apparently healthy fetus and complete hydatidiform mole (CHMTF) is a rare condition. We present the first reported case in a woman with sickle cell disease. CASE: An 18-year-old woman, para 1, gravida 0, with sickle cell disease was diagnosed at 19 weeks as having a complete molar pregnancy with a coexistent live fetus. The patient presented with abdominal pain, nausea, headaches, body aches, joint pain and chest pain on 2 different occasions. She denied having vaginal bleeding. Whether the patient was having a sickle cell crisis or molar pregnancy symptoms (i.e., thyrotoxicosis) was not clear. She was given intravenous hydration and pain management. All her symptoms resolved, confirming sickle cell crisis as the final diagnosis. The pregnancy was uneventful until 35 weeks, when oligohydramnios prompted induction of labor. Suction curettage was performed after delivery for removal of the molar pregnancy. The patient did not show any evidence of persistent trophoblastic disease 2 months after delivery. CONCLUSION: CHMTF in sickle cell disease patients is challenging. Adequate intravenous hydration and pain management should be started when one suspects a crisis. If the symptoms resolved, thyrotoxicosis due to the molar pregnancy is unlikely. In addition to proper medical management, proper counseling of the patient and close monitoring of both fetus and mother should be undertaken.