Impact of Testosterone Therapy on Major Cardiovascular Risk in Erectile Dysfunction Patients with Testosterone Deficiency.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate major adverse cardiovascular events in erectile dysfunction (ED) patients who received testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) compared with those who did not. Materials and Methods: From January 2012 to October 2021, we collected the retrospective data of patients with ED at Ramathibodi Hospital. We divided the patients into two groups: those who received TRT (TRT group) and those with normal testosterone levels and therefore not requiring TRT (non-TRT group). The patients' baseline clinicodemographic data were collected. Major adverse cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death, ST- and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, hospitalization from congestive heart failure, transient ischemic attack, and ischemic stroke, were collected and analyzed within 2 years after treatment in all groups. Results: Of the 221 patients, 111 were in the TRT group and 110 were in the non-TRT group. In the non-TRT group, one event each of the following occurred: myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack, and stroke. In the TRT group, no major cardiovascular event occurred during the 2-year follow-up period. However, no significant difference in major cardiovascular events was noted between the two groups (p = 0.314). Conclusion: TRT in ED patients with testosterone deficiency does not increase adverse cardiovascular events when compared with ED patients with normal testosterone level.

Application of the direct in-scope suction technique in antegrade flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy for the removal of a large ureteric calculus in a kidney transplant recipient: A case report.

The occurrence of a large ureteric calculus in a transplanted kidney, originating from a donor, is a rare but significant complication. It poses risks such as urinary obstruction, septicemia, and potential loss of allograft function. In this case, we report our first use of the direct in-scope suction technique during antegrade flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy. This method successfully removed a donor-derived ureteric calculus in a kidney transplant recipient. The procedure resulted in complete stone removal, and the patient experienced a favorable postoperative recovery without additional adverse events.

Mini ECIRS with BotX: our single-case experience.

Minimally invasive endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery has become the gold standard procedure for the treatment of large kidney stones. However, one of the most important critical success factors is the level of precision during renal accession, which requires a long learning curve. Robot-assisted fluoroscopy-guided renal access has been developed to address this difficulty. We report here the case of a 63-year-old woman presenting with a very large renal calculus whose treatment was successful using a robot-assisted fluoroscopy-guided minimally invasive endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery with suction sheath. The entire stone was cleared, and the patient recovered well with an absence of adverse events.

Simultaneously combining a thulium fiber laser and holmium:YAG laser in vacuum-assisted mini-endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery on a complex renal calculus: A case report.

Employing percutaneous nephrolithotomy to manage a complex renal calculus has always been challenging due to the blood transfusion requirement and the frequent necessity of using multiple access tracts. We report a novel treatment modality in the case of a 65-year-old male with a complex, large-volume renal calculus who was successfully treated by vacuum-assisted miniaturized endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery using the combination of a thulium fiber laser in retrograde fashion with a holmium:YAG laser in antegrade fashion. The kidney stone was entirely cleared, and the patient fully recovered with no adverse event.

Retrograde vacuum-assisted MiniPCNL system for large distal ureteric calculus removal: A case report.

Large ureteral calculi are commonly associated with severe colic pain, complex urinary tract infections, severe hematuria, hydronephrosis, and renal deterioration, often requiring immediate surgical intervention. Ureteroscopy is a favored treatment due to its higher stone-free rates; however, it encounters difficulties in cases of a high burden of distal ureteral stones. We present a case where a patient with a significant ureteral calculus was effectively treated with a vacuum-assisted mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy system in retrograde approach. This intervention enabled the complete removal of the stone, leading to the patient's full recovery without complications.

Massive haemothorax from percutaneous nephrolithotomy requiring video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Massive haemothorax can occur following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), which is a significant adverse event and a life-threatening condition. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 65-year-old male who presented with a full right staghorn stone was treated with PCNL. Two days later, he developed massive haemothorax and conservative management with intercostal drainage failed. The patient successfully underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical decortication (VATSD). DISCUSSION: PCNL is the mainstay procedure for complex renal stones. Because it is aggressive, it can also have serious complications. Tube thoracostomy drainage is the initial approach for managing haemothorax. However, retained haemothorax still occurs and can cause additional complications. VATSD is frequently applied in the modern era because of its good visualization and reduced morbidity compared with conventional thoracotomy. CONCLUSION: VATSD is a safe and effective surgical technique that can be easily applied to manage retained haemothorax as a result of PCNL.

Tubeless mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy to remove a staghorn stone concurrent with proximal ureteral calculus in an elderly patient: A case report.

A complex staghorn calculus that is concurrent with an impacted large proximal ureteric calculi is rarely found in elderly patients, and morbidity and mortality rates are much higher if left untreated. We report the case of an 88-year-old female with complex high-volume renal and ureteral calculus who was treated successfully using a tubeless mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The entire stone was retrieved, and the patient fully recovered without any complications.

A giant ureteric calculus successfully removed by mini-endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery: A case report.

Giant ureteric calculi are extreme rare and associated with a subsequent decline in the function of the affected kidney. We report the case of a 58-year-old male with a huge opaque ureteral calculus found during a routine medical check-up. Computed tomography revealed an 11 × 12 × 67 mm3 ureteral stone at the right proximal ureter with mild hydronephrosis. The patient was treated successfully by mini-endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery, and the entire stone was retrieved. The patient recovered fully without additional complications.

Endoscopic Combined Intrakidney Surgery to Remove a Large Renal Calculus in a Transplanted Kidney: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Large nephrolithiasis in a transplanted kidney is a rare situation and an associated risk from postoperative allograft dysfunction. We present our first experience with the implementation and successful result of an endoscopic combined intrakidney surgery (ECIKS) performed to remove a large donor-gifted stone after kidney transplant. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old female recipient with end-stage kidney disease with no identifiable cause underwent deceased donor kidney transplant at our center. Immediately after the operation, her kidney function slowly improved, and noncontrast computed tomography illustrated a large nephrolithiasis without hydronephrosis. After 6 weeks, the patient was treated successfully by ECIKS, and the stone was totally removed. The patient recovered well after surgery without additional adverse events. There were no residual fragments assessed by computed tomography as of 3 months after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A large allograft nephrolithiasis can be successfully retrieved using ECIKS. This is technically feasible, safe, and associated with low morbidity.

Prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate effectiveness of virtual reality to decrease anxiety in office-based flexible cystoscopy patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of immersive VR distraction technology in alleviating anxiety and pain during flexible cystoscopy. METHODS: We prospectively recruited 270 study participants who qualified for flexible cystoscopy and randomly assigned them to experimental and control groups. The experimental group consisted of 135 patients who employed a VR set during flexible cystoscopy, and the control group consisted of 135 patients who underwent the procedure without a VR set. Patient anxiety was determined quantitatively according to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. A visual analog scale for assessing pain intensity, satisfaction, and willingness to repeat the procedure was evaluated. In addition, difference in the hemodynamic parameter was also examined. RESULTS: The study findings demonstrated that the use of a VR set during flexible cystoscopy significantly improved the anxiety level over that of the control group (p = 0.001). Furthermore, this intervention led to a significantly increased level of satisfaction and willingness to repeat the procedure and a decrease in hemodynamic variables, specifically, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and heart rate (p = 0.001 in each case). Nonetheless, there were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the basic characteristic data, pain intensity, or oxygen saturation. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the present study, immersive VR can measurably decrease anxiety and increase satisfaction and willingness to repeat the procedure during flexible cystoscopy. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE: 14 September 2019; number: TCTR20190914002.

Chronic urine ascites secondary to proximal migrating of double-J ureteral stent into peritoneal cavity: A case report.

Implanting of a prophylactic double J stent during ureteroneocystostomy has been adopted as routine procedure for preventing anastomotic complications. In extremely rare events, the coiled distal end of the stent migrates upward through ureterovesical anastomosis into the peritoneal cavity. We report below a case that presented with chronic urinary ascites secondary to ureteral stent displacement which was successfully treated by endoscopic intervention.

Efficacy of the Orally Disintegrating Strip Sildenafil for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Prospective, Randomized Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors are the predominant treatment option for erectile dysfunction. AIM: This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of sildenafil orally disintegrating strips for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. METHODS: One hundred twenty erectile dysfunction patients were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, controlled crossover study and allocated into 2 groups of 60 participants. Patients were either treated with sildenafil strips or tablets for 8 weeks after which they crossed over into the alternate treatment formulation for another 8 weeks following a 4-week wash-out period. Each participant was assessed 8 times throughout the study period and their formulation preference registered at the end of the study. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Changes in the abridged International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score and Erection Hardness Score (EHS) resulting from sildenafil orally disintegrating strip or tablet treatments were the primary end points, with differences in onset of action, duration of action, and incidence of adverse events between the 2 formulations included as secondary end points. RESULTS: Both sildenafil formulations were effective in treating patients with erectile dysfunction. There was significant improvement of erectile function in term of IIEF-5 score and EHS from both formulations. The number and type of adverse events were also comparable. Likewise, there were no statistically significant differences between the earliest onset of action times and longest duration of action times. However, the results showed a 7.1-minute earlier onset of action time for orally disintegrating strips that may be considered as clinically meaningful by some patients. CONCLUSION: Sildenafil orally disintegrating strips are a safe and effective alternative to the conventional tablet formulation for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Sangkum P, Sirisopana K, Matang W, et al. Efficacy of the Orally Disintegrating Strip Sildenafil for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Prospective, Randomized Trial. Sex Med 2021;9:100453.

Implementation of Supine Percutaneous Nephroscopic Surgery to Remove an Upward Migration of Ureteral Catheter in Infancy: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Double-J stents are favorably utilized after pyeloplasty. In rare situations, the stent may migrate upward. Here, we demonstrate the implementation and result of a supine percutaneous nephroscopic surgery (PNS) to retrieve a proximately migrated ureteral catheter in a pediatric patient. PATIENT AND METHODS: A 1-year-old boy was suffering from an upward migration of a ureteric catheter into the right ureter after an open Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty. The child was placed in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia (GMSV) position and a PNS procedure was performed. The calyceal access was carefully punctured by ultrasonographic guidance. The nephrostomy tract was dilated with a metal dilator using a one-step technique. An exploratory nephroscopy of the renal pelvis was conducted with a 12Fr miniature nephroscope and the migrated ureteral catheter was removed. A hybrid guidewire was retrogradely inserted into the ureteric orifice using a rigid ureteroscope. An antegrade double J stent was inserted in the proper position and a percutaneous nephrostomy was performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This is the first report of a successfully removed upwardly migrated ureteral catheter with concurrent insertion of an antegrade double J stent by supine PNS in the GMSV position in an infant. The patient recovered well after surgery with no adverse event, demonstrating that this operation can be carried out safely on pediatric patients.

External Validation of the S.T.O.N.E. Score in Predicting Stone-Free Status After Rigid Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy.

BACKGROUND: The Size, Topography, Obstruction, Number, and Evaluation of Hounsfield units (S.T.O.N.E.) scoring system has been proposed as a novel prognostic surgical classification for urolithiasis in predicting success rate and complications. OBJECTIVE: We carried out an externally validated S.T.O.N.E. score on rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy (rURS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of patients who had undergone rURS between 2012 and 2019 at a tertiary referral center were audited retrospectively. The S.T.O.N.E. score was calculated based on factors determined through preoperative computed tomography images and was analyzed in association with stone-free rate (SFR), operating time, surgical complications, and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: A total of 155 patients were included in the study with a median stone size of 10 mm (7-12) and a median S.T.O.N.E. score of 9 (8-10). The overall SFR was 89.68%. SFRs were 100.0%, 97.83%, and 77.42% in low (5), moderate (6-9), and high (10-13) score groups, respectively. The S.T.O.N.E. score (p = 0.002) and stone size (p = 0.037) were predictive factors for SFR in multivariate analysis. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between the S.T.O.N.E. score and operative time, LOS, and presence of complications (r = 0.22, p = 0.006; r = 0.30, p < 0.001; and r = 0.27, p < 0.001, respectively). The area under the curve of the receiving operator characteristics' curve for the S.T.O.N.E. score was 0.815. CONCLUSION: The S.T.O.N.E. scoring system is simple and effective in predicting postoperative outcomes; therefore, this score would be a valuable tool in clinical planning for every patient who undergoes rURS.

Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Watching Movies to Decrease Anxiety During Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the only non-invasive treatment for urolithiasis; however, it can cause anxiety and pain for patients. Several new nonpharmacological adjuvant approaches have been developed to reduce adverse events. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of watching movies during ESWL to relieve anxiety and pain. METHODS: A total of 84 patients were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group consisted of 42 patients who watched their own selected movies during the ESWL session, while the control group included 42 patients who did not watch movies. Basic characteristics, hemodynamic parameters, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Visual Analog Scale for pain, willingness to repeat the procedure, and patient satisfaction rates were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: After watching movies during ESWL, patients had a significantly lower anxiety level (p = 0.001) and a higher satisfaction rate (p = 0.021). No statistically significant differences were found in terms of demographic data, hemodynamic parameters, pain scores, or willingness to repeat the procedure. CONCLUSION: Watching self-selected movies during an ESWL can effectively reduce anxiety and improve satisfaction.

Peri-Operative Factors Affecting Blood Transfusion Requirements During PCNL: A Retrospective Non-Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is accepted as the gold standard of care for the treatment of large renal calculi. Kidney hemorrhage, which requires blood transfusion, is one of the most common complications after percutaneous kidney stone surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perioperative factors associated with transfusion requirements during PCNL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 226 patients with kidney calculi undergoing PCNL between January 2011 and December 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. We analyzed the impact of perioperative clinical factors on the necessity of blood transfusion during PCNL. RESULTS: The overall blood transfusion rate was 9.29%. Multiple perioperative determinants were significantly correlated with the application of packed red blood cells (PRCs), including larger stone size (p = 0.006), multiple tract punctures (p = 0.029), presence of staghorn calculi (p = 0.026), and long operative time (OT; p = 0.017). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only multiple tract punctures independently affected blood transfusion requirements during PCNL (p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: In accordance with the present study, only the multiple tract punctures were associated with blood transfusion requirements in PCNL.