Robot-assisted vesicovaginal fistula repair: a safe and feasible technique.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Open transabdominal repair of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) requires a long cystotomy incision, suprapubic drainage and delayed recovery. Laparoscopic repair is limited by difficult suturing in pelvic procedures. Therefore, the utility of robotic assistance is being increasingly explored. We share our initial experience of robot-assisted laparoscopic VVF repair. METHODS: The data from patients who underwent robot-assisted VVF repair from December 2014 to August 2016 were recorded and analyzed. Patients underwent standard preoperative evaluation. After cystovaginoscopy and placement of an access catheter across the fistula, a four-port transperitoneal approach was used. Following adhesiolysis, limited posterior cystotomy was performed. The vaginal and bladder flaps were separated and repaired in the transverse and vertical directions, respectively. V-Loc sutures were used for bladder closure. Omental/sigmoid colon epiploicae or a peritoneal flap was interposed. A pelvic drain was placed. RESULTS: During the study period, 30 patients underwent surgery, of whom 11 (36.7 %) had complex VVF (9 with failure of a previous repair, 1 following radiotherapy, and 1 with a large defect following obstructed labor), and 27 had supratrigonal VVF. The mean age of the patients was 43.5 ± 8.6 years. The mean operative time was 133 ± 48 min. Median blood loss was 50 ml (IQR 50 ml). No suprapubic catheter was placed. The median durations of drain placement and hospital stay were 3 days (IQR 2 days) and 7.5 days (IQR 4.5 days), respectively. The median duration of follow up was 38 weeks (IQR 46 weeks). No recurrence was seen in 28 patients (93.3 %). CONCLUSIONS: Current data suggest that robot-assisted VVF repair is safe and feasible and probides the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.

Organ Preservation in a Case of Retroperitoneal Ganglioneuroma: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

The retroperitoneum is a closed space harbouring vital organs including the great vessels, kidneys and adrenal glands, ureters, and the ascending and descending colon. Surgical management of retroperitoneal pathologies may need multiorgan resection in order to achieve complete surgical resection while preservation of surrounding organs should be attempted, especially in case of benign tumors. We present a case of 15-year-old girl with an 11 × 6 × 5 cm retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma displacing the right kidney, renal vein, and ureter and abutting the IVC which was excised in toto preserving the right kidney and ureter with careful dissection around the great vessels. We also attempt to review the various surgical options available while dealing with these benign retroperitoneal tumors which are often detected incidentally and usually surround important retroperitoneal organs and vessels.

Day care PNL using 'Santosh-PGI hemostatic seal' versus standard PNL: A randomized controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: To compare the outcomes of tubeless day care PNL using hemostatic seal in the access tract versus standard PNL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was a prospective randomized controlled study. Cases were randomized to either the day care group with hemostatic seal (DCS) or the control group where patients were admitted and a nephrostomy tube was placed at the conclusion of surgery. RESULTS: A total of 180 cases were screened and out of these, 113 were included in the final analysis. The stone clearance rates were comparable in both the groups. The mean drop in hemoglobin was significantly lower in DCS group than the control group (1.05 ±0.68 vs. 1.30 ±0.58 gm/dl, p = 0.038).Mean postoperative pain score, analgesic requirement (paracetamol) and duration of hospital stay were also significantly lower in the DCS group (3.79 ±1.23 vs. 6.12 ±0.96, 1.48 ±0.50 vs. 4.09 ±1.11 grams and 0.48 ±0.26 vs. 4.74 ±1.53 days respectively; p <0.05). The incidence of urine leakage through the access tract site was significantly lower in the DCS subgroup when compared to the controls (3.6% vs. 21.1%, p <0.05). Cases in the DCS group resumed their normal activities in a significantly shorter time (8.05 ±3.05 vs.18.42 ±4.42 days; p <0.05). Higher proportion of cases in the DCS group got re-admitted, although it was not a statistically significant number (7.1% vs. 1.8%; p = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: Tubeless day care PNL with composite hemostatic tract seal is considered safe. It resulted in a significant reduction of blood loss and analgesic requirement with significantly reduced hospital stay, nephrostomy tube site morbidity and time required to resume normal activity when compared to the standard PNL. However, patients must be compliant with the given instructions and should have access to a health care facility, as few of them may need re-admission.

Instrument malfunction during robotic surgery: A case report.

Robotic assistance is the new dimension of minimally invasive surgery. Despite being the state-of-the-art technology, newer technical problems still occur during robotic surgeries which are not addressed in the trouble shooting manual. We report one such problem being encountered with the tip cover accessory of monopolar scissors. In the current report, we discuss the technical fault and its correction. We feel that this problem needs to be registered into the trouble-shooting manual to prevent such incidents in future.

Robot-assisted "Santosh-Post Graduate Institute tubularized flap pyelovesicostomy" in a solitary functioning kidney with giant hydronephrosis: A minimally invasive salvage procedure.

We describe a case of a solitary functioning kidney with giant hydronephrosis secondary to ureteropelvic junction obstruction in a young girl who underwent successful robot-assisted tubularized flap pyelovesicostomy. The aim of this report was to highlight the feasibility and efficacy of this technique in salvaging such renal moieties and to present a brief review of the surgical options available for the management of giant hydronephrosis.

Robot-assisted heminephrectomy for chromophobe renal cell carcinoma in L-shaped fused crossed ectopia: Surgical challenge.

Renal cell carcinoma associated with fused ectopic kidneys has rarely been reported in the literature. Here we report the first case of robot-assisted heminephrectomy for chromophobe renal cell carcinoma in an L-shaped fused ectopic kidney. The present case report highlights the importance of three-dimensional vision and enhanced maneuverability with the EndoWrist technology of the robotic surgical system for precise dissection. This report also highlights the importance of preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography with three-dimensional arterial reconstruction for surgical planning.

Right sided double inferior vena cava with obstructed retrocaval ureter: Managed with single incision multiple port laparoscopic technique using "Santosh Postgraduate Institute tacking ureteric fixation technique".

Right double inferior vena cava with obstructed retrocaval ureter is an extremely rare anomaly with only a few reported cases in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing ureteric repair by use of a single-incision laparoscopic technique. In addition, this report addresses the underlying surgical challenges of this repair and provides a brief review of the embryology of this anomaly. The "Santosh Postgraduate Institute ureteric tacking fixation technique" provides ease of end-to-end uretero-ureteric anastomosis in a single-incision laparoscopic surgery.

A Novel Technique for Laparoscopic Salvage of CAPD Catheter Malfunction and Migration: The Santosh-PGI Hanging Loop Technique.

CAPD catheter malfunction is a common problem. Obstruction due to wrapping by appendices epiploicae of sigmoid colon has been rarely reported in literature. We report a case of CAPD catheter malfunction caused by catheter tip migration and obstruction by appendices epiploicae that was successfully managed by laparoscopic hanging loop technique. This case report highlights the ease with which epiplopexy can be performed and catheter tip migration can be prevented by this innovative laparoscopic procedure.

Giant abdominoperineal malignant schwannoma: an unusual presentation and surgical challenge.

Schwannoma is a benign tumor arising from the Schwann cells of peripheral nerves. These are usually benign but malignant transformation can occur in larger lesions. The definitive diagnosis of malignancy can only be made after final histopathological report. The literature reports large pelvic and perineal schwannomas with few being malignant. We report the first case of such giant malignant abdominoperineal schwannoma which was benign on initial biopsy but final histopathology revealed it to be malignant. In view of proximity of perineal and pelvic tumors to urogenital organs and pelvic nerves, such cases represent a challenge to surgical excision. This case brings to highlight another atypical presentation of such tumors.

Isolated asymptomatic metastasis in the myocardium: a rare scenario in case of carcinoma penis.

Penile cancer is a common malignancy in developing countries. It commonly metastasizes to the lymph nodes, lung, liver, and bones. Myocardial metastasis is rare. A 40-year-old male patient presented with ulcerative growth over glans penis. Histologic evaluation of the biopsy sample diagnosed the lesion as squamous cell cancer. Assessment of the stage of the disease revealed cardiac metastasis. Patient received six cycles of chemotherapy. He partially responded, but later succumbed to cardiac failure due to pericardial and pleural effusion.

Spectrum of retroperitoneal and genitourinary paraganglioma: Experience at a North Indian tertiary care center.

INTRODUCTION: Genitourinary and retroperitoneal paragangliomas are infrequent tumors with bizarre presentation. A high index of suspicion is required to make a diagnosis in young hypertensive individuals. Our aim is to study the varied clinical presentations and management of these paragangliomas. Herein, we share our experience of clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of these paragangliomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventeen consecutive patients who underwent surgery for paraganglioma at our institute from August 2009 to July 2014 were included. Demographic, peri-operative, surgical, and follow up data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age of presentation was 34.8 years with female predominance. The majority of the tumors were located in the retroperitoneum and urinary bladder. Most of them presented with classical symptoms of catecholamine excess and hypertension. Complete surgical resection could be performed in 13 cases. At a median follow up of two years, cases with R0 resection (no microscopic malignant cells) did not show recurrence. Among patients on chemotherapy, one died, another had partial response, and yet another had progressive disease. CONCLUSIONS: Genitourinary and retroperitoneal paragangliomas are a disease of a young age group with variable clinical features at presentation. Appropriate pre-operative optimization and complete surgical resection provide the best chance of cure.

Recurrent clot anuria following laparoscopic pyeloplasty in a solitary functioning kidney: managing with double guide wire technique.

Clot anuria in a solitary functioning kidney is an emergency situation. Haematuria with clot anuria in an early postoperative period represents a challenge, as treatment options are limited. Manipulation of the anastomotic site may lead to anastomotic disruption and urinoma while use of thrombolytic therapy poses the danger of increasing haematuria. We report a case of anuria due to clot retention in the upper tract following laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in a solitary functioning kidney, managed successfully with double guide wire technique.

A case of ureteric injury postappendectomy presenting as ureterocutaneous fistula.

Ureteric injuries, although uncommon, are a potential complication in pelvic and gynaecological surgeries and can have serious implications. The risk is mainly related to the complexity of the surgical procedure and the presence of eventual periureteric pathology. Ureteric injury during appendectomy is rare. The ureter may be damaged by laceration, being crushed, or thermal or ischaemic injury. The retrocaecal appendix, due to its proximity to the ureter, may also get accidentally injured. The most effective measure to prevent iatrogenic injury is to have a sound knowledge of abdominal and pelvic anatomy, meticulous surgical technique and an identification of factors that increase the likelihood of developing such complications.

Pelvic pheochromocytoma mimicking as urinary bladder pheochromocytoma: looking beyond the obvious.

Pheochromocytomas located outside the adrenal glands are called paragangliomas. A pelvic location is rare, the most common location for a paraganglioma being the retroperitoneal space. Paragangliomas arise from neural crest cells. Pelvic pheochromocytomas may mimic urinary bladder pheochromocytomas on imaging studies. Patients may present with hypertensive crisis during micturition. We present a 26-year-old female who presented to us with accelerated hypertension with episodes of severe headache and palpitation during micturition. Based on imaging studies, she was diagnosed to have a urinary bladder pheochromocytoma. However, on exploration, the patient was found to have an extravesical pheochromocytoma arising from the left posterolateral pelvic wall, which was excised while preserving the bladder. We present this case report as pelvic pheochromocytomas can mimic bladder pheochromocytomas and are difficult to differentiate on radiological imaging and can lead to inadvertent cystectomy.

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: Surgeon's Prospective.

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are fulminant infections of any layer of the soft tissue compartment associated with widespread necrosis and systemic toxicity. Delay in diagnosing and treating these infections increases the risk of mortality. Early and aggressive surgical debridement with support for the failing organs significantly improves the survival. Although there are different forms of NSTIs like Fournier's gangrene or clostridial myonecrosis, the most important fact is that they share common pathophysiology and principles of treatment. The current paper summarizes the pathophysiology, clinical features, the diagnostic workup required and the treatment principles to manage these cases.

Postthrombotic syndrome: surgical possibilities.

Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a late outcome of deep vein thrombosis characterized by cramping pain, swelling, hyperpigmentation, eczema, lipodermatosclerosis, and ulceration in the leg due to increased venous outflow resistance and reflux venous flow. Newer surgical and endovascular interventions have a promising result in the management of postthrombotic syndrome. Early surgical or endovascular interventions in appropriately selected patients may decrease the incidence of recurrent ulceration and skin changes and provide a better quality of life. Duplex and IVUS (intravenous ultrasound) along with venography serve as cornerstone investigative tools for assessment of reflux and obstruction. Venous obstruction, if present, should be addressed earlier than reflux. It requires endovenous stenting, endophlebectomy, or open bypass procedures. Venous stripping, foam sclerotherapy, radiofrequency, or laser ablation are used to abolish superficial venous reflux. Valvuloplasty procedures are useful for incompetent but intact deep venous valves, while transposition or axillary vein autotransplantation is done for completely destroyed valves.