The cost-effectiveness of reusable flexible ureteroscopes: An institutional audit.

Introduction: A flexible ureteroscope (FU) is an important tool in the urologist's armamentarium. This study aims to check the durability and cost-effectiveness of conventional FU. Methods: The institution registry of damaged FU over the last 7 years was reviewed. A total of 17 flexible scopes were used. The data of 13 scopes (11 Storz fiberoptic and 2 Seesheen digital) are included in this study. A total of 1905 cases were performed. The cost of scope, duration of use, number of cases done by each scope, and nature of damage were evaluated. We compared the cost-effectiveness of conventional scopes with published costs on disposable scopes. Results: The mean number of cases done by fiberoptic scope was 159 (range 25-334). The total cases done by 2 digital scopes were 135 and 25. The mean life of fiberoptic and digital scopes was 17 (range 4-31) and 8 months, respectively. The mean cost of fiberoptic scope was Indian Rupee (INR) 338,951 ($4082.7221) and INR 525,000 ($6323.7138) for digital scope. The cost per case for reusable scope is calculated by dividing the mean cost of FU by the mean number of cases done. The reprocessing cost of INR 527 was then added. Thus, the average cost per procedure for fiberoptic and digital FU was INR 2658.76 and INR 7089.50, respectively. We compared this cost with a projected cost of disposable FUbased on today's market data, which ranged from INR 60,000 to 107,427. Conclusions: The reusable scopes are durable, cost-effective, and an excellent option for high case-load institutions.

Ziphius cavirostris presence relative to the vertical and temporal variability of oceanographic conditions in the Southern California Bight.

The oceanographic conditions of the Southern California Bight (SCB) dictate the distribution and abundance of prey resources and therefore the presence of mobile predators, such as goose-beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris). Goose-beaked whales are deep-diving odontocetes that spend a majority of their time foraging at depth. Due to their cryptic behavior, little is known about how they respond to seasonal and interannual changes in their environment. This study utilizes passive acoustic data recorded from two sites within the SCB to explore the oceanographic conditions that goose-beaked whales appear to favor. Utilizing optimum multiparameter analysis, modeled temperature and salinity data are used to identify and quantify these source waters: Pacific Subarctic Upper Water (PSUW), Pacific Equatorial Water (PEW), and Eastern North Pacific Central Water (ENPCW). The interannual and seasonal variability in goose-beaked whale presence was related to the variability in El Niño Southern Oscillation events and the fraction and vertical distribution of the three source waters. Goose-beaked whale acoustic presence was highest during the winter and spring and decreased during the late summer and early fall. These seasonal increases occurred at times of increased fractions of PEW in the California Undercurrent and decreased fractions of ENPCW in surface waters. Interannual increases in goose-beaked whale presence occurred during El Niño events. These results establish a baseline understanding of the oceanographic characteristics that correlate with goose-beaked whale presence in the SCB. Furthering our knowledge of this elusive species is key to understanding how anthropogenic activities impact goose-beaked whales.

Inferior Vesical Fissure-A Rare Variant of Exstrophy Bladder: Case Report With Literature Review.

Exstrophy variants are uncommon developmental anomalies of the bladder; the variants involving only the bladder neck are extremely rare. There are only three case reports of inferior vesical fissure (IVF) to date, and usually it's uncommonly associated with other malformations. A combination of inferior vesical fistula (IVF) as an exstrophy variant with urethral atresia and anorectal malformation has not been described previously. We report a case of IVF in a 4-year-old male previously operated for anorectal malformation who was managed with fistula closure with bladder neck reconstruction of lay open of stenosed urethra. Recognition of the exstrophy variant is important because the treatment and prognosis are very different.

Deep ocean long range underwater navigation with ocean circulation model corrections.

An underwater navigation algorithm that provides a "cold start" (CSA) geographic position, geo-position, underwater while submerged using travel times measured from a constellation of acoustic sources is described in Mikhalevsky, Sperry, Woolfe, Dzieciuch, and Worcester [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 147(4), 2365 - 2382 (2020)]. The CSA geo-position is used as the receive position in the ocean for acoustic modeling runs using an ocean general circulation model (GCM). A different geo-position is calculated using adjusted ranges from the travel time offsets between the data and modeled arrival times for each source. Because the CSA geo-position is close to the true position, the source to CSA position propagation model path and the source to true vehicle position data path of the acoustic arrivals are nearly coincident, enabling accurate measurement of travel time offsets. The cold start with model (CSAM) processing reduced the CSA geo-position errors from a mean of 58 to 25 m. A simulation is developed to estimate CSA and CSAM performances as a function of group speed variability between the source paths. The CSAM geolocation accuracy can be calculated from and is controlled by the accuracy of the GCM.

Complex circumferential obstetric fistula-a urologist's worst nightmare.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Circumferential vesicourethrovaginal fistula is a severe form of obstetric injury that is challenging to repair and carries a poor prognosis related to eventual continence. Here, we report the successful repair of a circumferential vesicovaginal fistula associated with near total loss of the urethra. The use the anterior bladder flap technique along with an autologous rectus sheath sling resulted in the creation of an effective continence unit. METHODS: A 31-year-old woman had a history of obstructed labor resulting in intrauterine death followed by trans-abdominal hysterectomy for postpartum hemorrhage. Since then she had had total urinary incontinence. She had an attempted repair through the vaginal route, which had failed. Physical examination and endoscopic evaluation revealed a large vesicourethrovaginal fistula with near total loss of the urethra leaving only the meatus. Intraoperatively, we found that it was a large circumferential defect in the infratrigonal region with no anterior bladder wall left at the site of the fistula. RESULTS: We performed an anterior bladder flap procedure as described by Tanagho along with an autologous rectus sheath sling for additional support. Postoperatively, the patient was completely continent. CONCLUSIONS: The anterior bladder onlay flap technique, which has been used extensively for female urethral reconstruction in developed countries, along with an autologous rectus sheath sling is an effective technique for management of circumferential fistulas allowing good continence. Incorporation of this technique into the armamentarium of surgeons managing fistulas in developing countries will go a long way toward helping this unfortunate group of women with this morbid complication of obstructed labor.

An Unusual Cause of Female Urinary Incontinence Following Obstetric Trauma.

Urethral coitus is a rarely reported cause of female urinary incontinence and has been most commonly described in women with vaginal and hymenal anomalies. Herein, we report a 41-year-old woman with a complex obstetric history, who presented with continuous urinary incontinence. On evaluation, she was found to have an abnormally dilated urethral orifice and vaginal stenosis suggestive of chronic urethral coitus. She underwent a reduction urethroplasty with autologous sling insertion and a vaginoplasty using vaginal flaps. This case highlights the fact that urethral coitus, though rare, should be considered as a cause of urinary incontinence in women with history of obstetric vaginal trauma.

Outcome following renal autotransplantation in renal artery stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: With significant advances in the area of interventional radiology, angioplasty and stenting have become preferred first-line treatment in patients with significant renal artery stenosis. However, not all patients have favorable anatomy to undergo minimally invasive treatments, and reconstruction of the renal artery is an option. In select cases, either improved renal function or maintenance of existing function and sometimes resolution of hypertension can follow surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study conducted from August 2010 to June 2016. Patients <45 years of age with uncontrolled hypertension secondary to renovascular hypertension (RVH) and refractory to medical management and renal arterial disease unfavorable for percutaneous intervention were included in the study. All patients were evaluated thoroughly using computed tomography angiography and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid renal scan. Patients underwent autotransplantation either into the right or left iliac fossa. Some kidneys required bench reconstruction of the renal artery and/or its branches before being implanted into either iliac fossa. RESULTS: Nine patients were included in the study. The mean age was 27 years. Seven were males and two were females. Five patients had bilateral renal artery stenosis. After autotransplantation, initially five patients became free of antihypertensive medicines, but on the follow-up, two patients showed rising trend of blood pressure. The evaluation revealed narrowing at anastomosis site in both patients with salvageable kidney function in one patient. Angioplasty with stenting was done in this patient while the second patient underwent secondary nephrectomy. At 2 years of follow-up, four patients required no antihypertensive medicines. CONCLUSION: Autotransplantation can be a successful treatment of severe RVH and should be considered in patients with renal arterial disease unfavorable for percutaneous intervention.

Late occurrence of pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in renal allograft and live-related kidney donor.

Pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction is an enigmatic condition. While in a reasonable majority it is clear cut, the diagnosis and the need for intervention in the remainder is still a challenge. We would like to share the details of two cases, one in a transplant recipient and the other in a living kidney donor, and propose an explanation as to why PUJ obstruction becomes manifest after such a long period of time. In this presentation, we would like to propose that forced drinking of fluids by patients who have an equivocal PUJ and a single kidney could tilt the balance resulting in overt PUJ obstruction.

Nocturia - Symptom or a Disease?

Waking at night to void is known as nocturia and it is a common condition experienced by both men and women with profound impact on patient's health, quality of life, and economic condition. It is often perceived as a symptom of an organic disease, but the pathophysiology of nocturia is now well-understood, and it is considered as a disease itself. It is classified based on four different pathophysiologic mechanisms (24-hour polyuria, nocturnal polyuria, reduced bladder capacity, and sleep disorders). The association of nocturia with impaired quality of life, cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality is well established. Various pharmacological agents are available, of which desmopressin is considered safe and effective in both short- and long-term studies for the treatment of nocturia in men and women, including the elderly. Combining desmopressin with other agents provides an effective treatment option for nocturia in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms, benign prostatic hypertrophy or overactive bladder syndrome. This review covers the various aspects of pathophysiology and impact of nocturia, as well as the treatment of nocturia. We present the novel concept of a "nocturia clinic", which is a comprehensive diagnostic and management center for patients with nocturia. This set-up may help bring about a positive change in the underreported and undertreated status of nocturia, and bring relief to sufferers of nocturia. Therefore nocturia though perceived as a symptom of many disorders; it itself has a defined pathophysiology and needs treatment.

Urinary Tuberculosis with Renal Failure: Challenges in Management.

INTRODUCTION: India is the country with the highest burden of TB, an estimated incidence figure of 2.1 million cases of TB for India out of a global incidence of 9 million according to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics for 2013. Renal impairment in these patients is slow and due to continuous infection causing destruction of renal mass. Reconstruction of urinary tract which is frequently required for patients with Urinary TB poses significant challenges. This paper analyses these challenges. AIM: To analyse challenges in reconstruction of urinary tract in patients with urinary tuberculosis and renal failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with renal tuber-culosis were seen from August 2011 to August 2013. We faced major problem in outcomes of surgery in patients with multifocal disease. RESULTS: Out of 31 patients 18 patients were males and 13 were females. Total 11 patients had serum creatinine more than 2mg/dl (1.5 mg/dl being upper normal range of our laboratory) at the time of presentation. These patients had simultaneous kidney, ureter and bladder involvement or with bilateral disease. Four of these patients underwent uretero-calicostomy, five patients underwent augmentation cystoplasty with bilateral ureteric reimplantation and two patients underwent ileal conduit as they were having serum creatinine of more than 2.5 mg/dl. All patients who underwent ureterocalicostomy had re stricture and failure of surgery and augmentation cystoplasty had raised creatinine requiring second procedure in the form of percutaneous nephrostomy. Patients with ileal conduit remained stable with overnight bladder drainage at bed time. CONCLUSION: Though renal failure is not considered contrain-dication for augmentation cystoplasty, reconstruction using large segment of bowel predisposes them to metabolic complications and sepsis. Use of short segment of ileal conduit with continued drainage at night in creatinine above 2.5 mg% is reasonable option for augmentation to avoid further metabolic complications.

Role of transurethral resection of the prostate simulators for training in transurethral surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Transurethral surgery is an art unique to urologists; mastering the craft is essential for day-to-day practice. Medical treatment along with minimally invasive treatments have significantly reduced the number of transurethral resection of prostates. Decrease in resident's training hours, expanding subspecialties and the emergence of newer technologies have burdened the trainees who are trying to digest the ever-expanding medical literature. Moreover, expectations from patients and insurance companies with a stress on cutting costs and raising litigations have brought changes in apprentice-based to simulator-based training. We studied the role of transurethral resection of prostate simulators in training of transurethral surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: TURP simulators from bench to virtual reality computer models are available. Most of them have undergone face, content and construct validity. Nontechnical skills training is also important hence simulation to simulator training. Simulation programmes incorporating communication, team building, minimizing errors caused by distraction and managing complex situations can turn a novice into an expert with adequate practice in a stress-free environment. Work is also done to define learning curve, and factors affecting the path to reach the desired goal. Concepts are emerging to integrate simulators and simulation into the existing training programmes. SUMMARY: TURP simulators are essential for training in transurethral surgery. Low or high-fidelity simulators do not matter, but having a well structured simulation programme, under the scrutiny of a dedicated trained faculty, will address most of the issues related to training in transurethral surgery, an art essential for urologists irrespective of the subspecialty one pursues in the future.

Ovis: A Framework for Visual Analysis of Ocean Forecast Ensembles.

We present a novel integrated visualization system that enables interactive visual analysis of ensemble simulations of the sea surface height that is used in ocean forecasting. The position of eddies can be derived directly from the sea surface height and our visualization approach enables their interactive exploration and analysis.The behavior of eddies is important in different application settings of which we present two in this paper. First, we show an application for interactive planning of placement as well as operation of off-shore structures using real-world ensemble simulation data of the Gulf of Mexico. Off-shore structures, such as those used for oil exploration, are vulnerable to hazards caused by eddies, and the oil and gas industry relies on ocean forecasts for efficient operations. We enable analysis of the spatial domain, as well as the temporal evolution, for planning the placement and operation of structures.Eddies are also important for marine life. They transport water over large distances and with it also heat and other physical properties as well as biological organisms. In the second application we present the usefulness of our tool, which could be used for planning the paths of autonomous underwater vehicles, so called gliders, for marine scientists to study simulation data of the largely unexplored Red Sea.

Warty carcinoma of the penis: A clinicopathological study from South India.

AIMS: There are few studies on the pathology of warty carcinoma (WC) of the penis and these have been from South America. Penile cancers are not uncommon in India. We reviewed the frequency of subtypes of penile squamous carcinoma (SC) and the pathological features and outcome of WC when compared to squamous carcinoma-not otherwise specified (SC-NOS). We also compared the clinicopathological features of WC in our series with those published earlier. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 103 cases of penile cancers over 6 years. Cases were classified into different subtypes according to established histologic criteria. Clinicopathologic features were studied in detail and compared among the different subtypes, especially between WC and SC-NOS. The patients were followed-up and disease free survival in months was noted. RESULTS: SC-NOS constituted 75.7% of all penile cancer cases in our series. The frequency of other subtypes was WC: 9.7%, verrucous: 3.9%, basaloid type and papillary type: 0.97% each, and mixed types 8.7%. The average tumor size and depth of invasion did not differ significantly between the two subtypes. Frequency of lymphovascular emboli and percentage of lymph node metastasis in WC (30 and 10%) were lesser than in SC-NOS (49.37 and 26.58%), respectively. There were no recurrences after partial penectomy in the WC subtype. In the SC-NOS type, three cases had recurrence after partial/total penectomy. CONCLUSION: Warty carcinoma constitutes nearly 10% of all penile squamous cell cancers. These patients seem to have a less aggressive behavior than SC-NOS.

Technology: an aid to clinical judgement.

Complete removal of renal cell tumor with thrombus which extends above the diaphragm often necessitates use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can play an important role in delineating the extent of tumor growth. We describe a patient with renal cell carcinoma with thrombosis invading into the right ventricle and its complete removal with the aid of TEE.

Residual amoebic liver abscess in a prospective renal transplant recipient.

Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is by far the most common extraintestinal manifestation of invasive amoebiasis. The vast majority of these resolve with treatment; however, a small percentage of the treated ALAs are known to persist asymptomatically. Herein, we present a prospective renal allograft recipient with a residual liver abscess who had a successful renal transplant after treatment. In our opinion, persistence of a radiological finding of residual abscess in the absence of clinical disease does not appear to be a contraindication to renal transplantation.

Impacted calculus within a urethral stent: A rare cause of urinary retention.

An elderly male presented to the emergency department with acute urinary retention. He had poor flow of urine associated with serosanguinous discharge per urethra for 3 days duration. Earlier he underwent permanent metallic urethral stenting for post TURP bulbar urethral stricture. Plain X-ray of Pelvis showed an impacted calculus within the urethral stent in bulbar urethra. Urethrolitholapaxy was done with semirigid ureteroscope. Urethral stent was patent and well covered. Subsequently he had an uneventful recovery. We describe a unique case of acute urinary retention due to calculus impaction within a urethral stent.