[Surgical and pathological consequences of preoperative immunotherapy in onco-urology]. / Conséquences chirurgicales et anatomopathologiques de l'immunothérapie préopératoire en onco-urologie.

INTRODUCTION: Patients treated with immunotherapy might need surgical procedures in addition to the medical treatment. The main indications are cytoreductive nephrectomy, cystectomy (as part of clinical trials) and metastasis removal in some oligometastatic patients. This study aims to assess the feasibility of surgery for patients treated by immunotherapy and describes the histological modifications found in the pathological analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, monocentric study. We included all patients operated for a urologic cancer and previously treated with systemic immunotherapy between February 2018 and June 2022. We compared this population with a control group of patients treated with surgery without having previous immunotherapy. Patients were compared according to the cancer type, age and sex. We compared perioperative complications. We performed an analysis for evaluation of the peri-tumoral inflammatory infiltration. RESULTS: We included 50 patients in this study. The two groups were comparable in age (63.7 vs. 63.3years old, P=0.95) and sex (4 and 6 women in the first and second group). The peroperatory complication rate was comparable (20% vs. 16%, P=1). The mean bleeding volume was comparable (664 vs. 629mL; P=0.89). The postoperative complication rate (48% vs. 56%; P=0.78) and their grade (Clavien III-IV 8% vs. 24%; P=0.24) were comparable. The anatomopathological analysis described the same rate and intensity of peri-tumoral inflammatory infiltrate (96% vs. 96%; P=1). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative immunotherapy does not appear to be associated with increased surgical difficulty and perioperative complications. Blind histological analysis of the surgical specimens did not reveal any specific features related to pre operative immunotherapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Grade 3 HAS.

Young urologists and kidney transplantation training: A survey designed by the French Transplantation Committee of the French Association of Urology (CTAFU) and the French Association of Urologists in training (AFUF).

OBJECTIVE: In France, kidney transplantations (KT) are mainly performed by urologist. Young urologists and residents are involved in this activity mostly performed in emergency. How do they feel about KT training? Is KT an attractive part of the urologist activity? METHODS: This survey has been designed in the form of a questionnaire by the French Committee of Kidney Transplantation (CTAFU) and the French Association of Urologists in training (AFUF). It has been sent by e-mail to all the AFUF members. Interest in KT and performance of the training were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 126 members filed the form. Among the residents, 51.5% feel secure to perform KT at the end of their residency. KT is considered as an interesting surgery for 92.1% of the participants: 76.5% are willing to get involved in KT during their residency/fellowship. Among the participants, 44% are willing to continue a long-term involvement. Among the residents, 65.9% consider their practical training insufficient: 56.8% have been supervised for a KT performance during their residency and 86% declare a lack of practical training and had a patient-based learning. Among the residents, 92.1% declare an insufficient theorical training. Among the residents, 33.3% say the schedules of transplantation limit their interest in KT. Among the participants, 34.4% receive a transplant bonus in addition to the usual on-call salary. CONCLUSION: Young urologists wish to continue their involvement in KT activity, but improved theoretical and practical training are essential. In addition, the conditions under which this activity is performed and remunerated are a matter of concern.

Long-Term Oncological and Functional Outcomes after Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy with Hyperselective Embolization of Tumor Vessels in a Hybrid Operating Room.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) after hyperselective embolization of tumor vessels (HETV) in a hybrid operating room (HOR) that combines traditional surgical equipment with advanced imaging technology, is a non-clamping surgical approach to treat localized kidney tumors that has shown promising short-term results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term oncological and functional outcomes of this procedure. All consecutive patients treated for a localized kidney tumor by LPN after HETV between May 2015 and October 2022 in a single academic institution were included in the study. Clinical, pathological and biological data were collected prospectively in the uroCCR database. We evaluated intraoperative data, postoperative complications, surgical margin and modification of renal function after surgery. We included 245 patients. The median tumor size was 3.2 (2.5-4.4) cm. The R.E.N.A.L. complexity was low, medium and high for 104 (43.5%), 109 (45.6%) and 26 (10.9%) patients, respectively. Median LPN time was 75 (65-100) min and median blood loss was 100 (50-300) mL. Surgical postoperative complications occurred in 56 (22.9%) patients with 17 (5.7%) major complications. The median Glomerular Function Rate variation at 6 months was -7.5 (-15--2) mL/min. Malignant tumors were present in 211 (86.1%) patients, and 12 (4.9%) patients had positive surgical margins. After a median follow-up of 27 (8-49) months, 20 (8.2%) patients had a tumor recurrence and 4 (1.6%) died from cancer. At 5 years, disease free survival, cancer specific survival and overall survival rates were 84%, 96.8% and 88.3%, respectively. Performing LPN after HETV in a HOR is a safe and efficient non-clamping approach to treat localized kidney tumors.

Impact of newly diagnosed prostate cancer at time of evaluation for renal transplantation.

Systematic screening for prostate cancer is widely recommended in candidates for renal transplant at the time of listing. There are concerns that overdiagnosis of low-risk prostate cancer may result in reducing access to transplant without demonstrated oncological benefits. The objective of the study was to assess the outcome of newly diagnosed prostate cancer in candidates for transplant at the time of listing, and its impact on transplant access and transplant outcomes according to treatment options. This retrospective study was conducted over 10 years in 12 French transplant centers. Patients included were candidates for renal transplant at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis. Demographical and clinical data regarding renal disease, prostate cancer, and transplant surgery were collected. The primary outcome of the study was the interval between prostate cancer diagnosis and active listing according to treatment options. Overall median time from prostate cancer diagnosis to active listing was 25.0 months [16.4-40.2], with statistically significant differences in median time between the radiotherapy and the active surveillance groups (p = .03). Prostate cancer treatment modalities had limited impact on access and outcome of renal transplantation. Active surveillance in low-risk patients does not seem to compromise access to renal transplantation, nor does it impact oncological outcomes.

Updated National Study of Functional Graft Renal Cell Carcinomas: Are They a Different Entity?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze de novo graft carcinoma characteristics from our updated national multicentric retrospective cohort. METHODS: Thirty-two transplant centers have retrospectively completed the database. This database concerns all kidney graft tumors including urothelial, and others type but excludes renal lymphomas over 31 years. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty twokidney graft carcinomas were diagnosed in functional grafts. Among them 130 tumors were Renal Cell Carcinomas. The calculated incidence was 0.18%. Median age of the allograft at diagnosis was 45.4 years old. The median time between transplantation and diagnosis was 147.1 months. 60 tumors were papillary carcinomas and 64 were clear cell carcinomas. Median tumor size was 25 mm. 18, 64, 21 and 1 tumors were respectively Fuhrman grade 1, 2, 3 and 4. Nephron sparing surgery (NSS) was performed on 68 (52.3%) recipients. Ablative therapy was performed in 23 cases (17.7%). Specific survival rate was 96.8%. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that renal graft carcinomas are a different entity: with a younger age of diagnosis; a lower stage at diagnosis; a higher incidence of papillary subtypes.

[Impact of delay before partial nephrectomy of a localized kidney tumor]. / Impact du délai avant prise en charge par néphrectomie partielle d'une tumeur du rein localisée.

INTRODUCTION: Partial nephrectomy is the treatment of choice for small localized renal tumors. In case of doubt, a biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a delayed time to partial nephrectomy on cancer development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our single center study enrolled localized renal tumor patients who underwent a partial nephrectomy between 2015 and 2020; the collected data were included in the uroCCR prospective database. The histopathological stage of the tumors and the recurrence rate in patients treated with surgery >90 days after diagnosis were investigated. The impact a preoperative biopsy on was also explored. Statistical significance was tested using Student's t-test and Chi-squared test (SPSS software). RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 179 patients, among which 41 (23 %) received a preoperative biopsy. 89 patients (50 %) were treated surgically >3 months after diagnosis. The median time to nephrectomy was 86 days (13-1 037). A delayed time to surgery did not lead to significantly higher recurrence rates (P=0.66). Preoperative biopsy led to a doubling time to surgery (P<0.001) but was neither correlated to a more severe tumor stage (P=0.944) nor to a higher recurrence rate (P=0.08). Tumor growth was not significantly different with or without the presence of a biopsy (P=0.122). CONCLUSION: Our data evidence that a substantial delayed time to partial nephrectomy does not result in a negative impact on cancer prognosis in localized renal tumor patients.

Study of Post-Kidney Transplantation Parietal Complications and Presarcopenia.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is defined as a loss of muscle mass and strength. Its effects on postoperative outcomes in oncology and geriatrics have already been shown. Approximately 40% of patients in end-stage renal failure are affected with sarcopenia. A recent study suggests that sarcopenia could predict surgical complications after renal transplantation in obese patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sarcopenia on parietal complications (eg, wound healing, lymphocele, hematoma). METHODS: Two indices of muscle fat infiltration (intra-muscular adipose content [IMAC], Hounsfield unit average calculation [HUAC]) and 3 of muscle mass index (total psoas index [TPI], visceral fat area/total abdominal muscle area [VFA/TAMA], and skeletal muscle mass index [SMMI]) were retrospectively measured on pretransplant computed tomography scans for patients undergoing kidney transplantation between 2007 and 2017. Patients were considered sarcopenic when the index was above the third quartile for muscle fat infiltration (IMAC, HUAC) and VFA/TAMA, and under the first quartile for muscle mass (TPI, SMMI). The occurrence of wound healing, collection (hematoma and lymphocele), and acute rejection were compared between sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic patients. RESULTS: Of 484 transplanted patients, 117 patients had a computed tomography scan before transplantation. Patients with a high HUAC had significantly more collections (P = .02) and total parietal complications (P = .09). Patients with a high IMAC had significantly more acute rejection (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Muscle fat infiltration appears to influence the outcome of renal transplantation. The management of sarcopenia in pretransplantation should be a subject of further research.

Antibiotic therapy impact on intravesical BCG therapy efficacy for high-risk localized bladder cancer treatment.

Intravesical Bacillus Calmettes-Guerin (BCG) instillations is the gold standard adjuvant treatment for high and very high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Antibiotics may be required to treat asymptomatic bacteriuria before instillations or to prevent side effects. By modifying the bladder microbiota and through its bactericidal action, it could modify the efficacy of BCG. This study evaluates the impact of antibiotics received during BCG-induction treatment on the oncological outcomes for high and very high risk NMIBC. We retrospectively included all patients who received a full induction regimen of BCG therapy between January 2017 and June 2022. Clinical and tumor characteristics as well as tolerability were collected. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared according to the prescription of antibiotics, its type and duration. A total of 126 patients were included, 86.5% of the tumors were high risk and 13.5% very high risk. The median follow-up was 31 months (7-60). 36% of the patients received antibiotics during BCG-induction treatment (among which 44% received fluoroquinolones). 21.4% of patients had tumor recurrence. There was no difference in RFS (p=0.902) or PFS (p=0.88) according to the duration or the type of antibiotics received. The use of a prolonged antibiotic treatment (> 7 days) significantly increased the duration of the BCG-induction treatment from 35 to 41,5 days (p=0,049) and the median number of delayed treatments by 1,5 [0-4]. Neither the use of antibiotics nor their duration modified the risk of recurrence or the intensity of side effects in multivariate analysis. Antibiotics received during BCG-induction immunotherapy did not influence oncological short-term outcomes or intensity of side effects.

Renal function after partial nephrectomy following intra-arterial embolization of renal tumors.

Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy (LPN) after intra-arterial Embolization of renal tumors (LPNE) in a hybrid operating room allows renal tumor enucleation without dissection and clamping of the renal pedicle. The purpose was to assess the potential negative impact of embolization on the renal function. This prospective monocentric study included all patients treated with LPNE between May 2015 and June 2019. Clinical data was collected and incorporated into the UroCCR database (NCT03293563). Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) and Computed Tomography Renal Volume (CTRV) were compared before and after 6 months following LPNE. The mean post-operative GFR was 86.6 mL/min (SD 22.9). The mean GFR loss was 9.4% (SD 15.1) and the median renal parenchyma loss was 21 mL (SD 20.6). Using a threshold of 25% GFR loss, age was the only significant predictive factor of renal function impairment according to bivariate (59.5 vs 69.3 years, p = 0.017) and multivariable analysis (OR 1.075, CI 1-1.2], p = 0.05). Significant renal function impairment was not correlated with the renal parenchymal volume loss (OR 0.987, CI [0.95-1.02], p = 0.435). Renal function impairment after LPNE seems to be comparable to other techniques of partial nephrectomy.

Stopping or maintaining oral anticoagulation in patients undergoing photoselective vaporization of the prostate (SOAP) surgery for benign prostate obstruction: study protocol for a multicentre randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) are frequent in men aged > 50 years. Based on the use of innovative medical devices, a number of transurethral ablative techniques have recently been developed for the surgical treatment of BPO. In recent years, GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) has been considered as a non-inferior alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate. The GreenLight PVP is usually considered as an interesting surgical option for patients treated via oral anticoagulants (OACs) with regard to its haemostatic properties. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of maintaining OAC treatment in patients undergoing PVP. METHODS: This study is a multicentre, open-label, randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to show the non-inferiority of PVP surgery in patients with BPO treated with OACs. This study is designed to enrol 386 OAC-treated patients (treated with vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants) who are undergoing PVP for BPO. Patients will be randomized (1:1) to either maintain or stop OAC treatment during the perioperative course. The intervention group will maintain OAC treatment until the day before surgery and resume OAC treatment the day after surgery, whereas the control group will stop OAC treatment (with or without low-molecular-weight heparin bridging therapy) according to the anaesthesia guidelines. The primary outcome of interest to be assessed is the 30-day complications rate according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The secondary endpoint will examine the 30-day rate of haemorrhagic and thrombotic events. This study will provide 80% power to show non-inferiority, defined as not worse than a 10% (non-inferiority margin) inferior change in the proportion of patients with good outcomes (Clavien-Dindo score < 2), using two-tailed 95% confidence intervals. DISCUSSION: This first multicentre RCT in the field is underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PVP in patients with ongoing OAC therapy. The study results could influence the perioperative management of OACs in BPO surgery with a high level of evidence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03297281 . Registered on 29 September 2017.

Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy After Selective Embolization and Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: A Comparison of Short-Term Oncological and Functional Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Partial nephrectomy (PN) is the standard treatment for localized renal tumors. Laparoscopic PN (LPN) after selective embolization of tumor (LPNE) in a hybrid operating room has been developed to make LPN easier and safer. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of LPNE and robot-assisted PN (RAPN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent an LPNE at Angers University Hospital between May 2015 and April 2017, and a RAPN at Diaconesses Croix Saint Simon hospital between October 2014 and April 2017 were prospectively included. The functional outcomes were evaluated using the change of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 1 month, and the oncological outcomes were evaluated using the positive surgical margin (PSM) rate. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients underwent LPNE and 48 underwent RAPN. There was no difference between oncological and functional outcomes, with 2 PSM (4.4%) in the LPNE group and 4 PSM (10.3%) in the RAPN group (P = .32), and a mean change in eGFR at 1 month of -5.5% for LPNE and -8.3% for RAPN (P = .17). The mean surgical time was shorter in the LPNE group (150 vs. 195 minutes; P < .001), and mean estimated blood loss was less in the LPNE group (185 vs. 345 mL; P = .04). CONCLUSION: The short-term oncological and functional outcomes for LPNE were comparable with those for RAPN. A longer follow-up and a larger cohort of patients would be necessary to verify the benefits of LPNE, which appears to be a very interesting alternative to RAPN.

Mesalazine: A Novel Etiology For Drug-Induced Urinary Calculi.

We report the case of a 23-year-old woman treated by mesalazine for ulcerative colitis and who subsequently presented recurrent renal colic due to mesalazine urinary stones. This is the second case described in the literature.Mesalazine stones are soft, friable and have an orange-beige color. They are not visible on non-contrast computed tomography (CT). Their diagnosis is based on morpho-constitutional analysis and CT-urography. Patients treatedby mesalazine who present renal colic should undergo CT-urography in order to make the diagnosis.

Geriatric Assessment Can Predict Outcomes of Endoscopic Surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Elderly Patients.

Ojectives: Surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in elderly patients is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rate. This raises the question of benefice and risk balance. We conducted a prospective observational study to evaluate the results of endoscopic surgery for BPH in elderly patients, according to geriatric assessment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included prospectively 60 patients older than 75 years, with an indwelling catheter for acute or chronic retention, who were candidates to endoscopic surgery for BPH. Patients underwent the brief geriatric assessment (BGA) and the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) to classify them into three groups: "vigorous," "vulnerable," and "sick." Success was defined by the bladder catheter withdrawal after surgery. RESULTS: After geriatric assessment, 33 patients were classified in the "vigorous" group (55%), 25 in the "vulnerable" group (42%), and 2 in the "sick" group (3%). The success rate immediately after surgery was 85% and 41% in the "vigorous patient" group and the "vulnerable and sick" patient group, respectively (p < 0.05). The success rate at 3 months after surgery was 94% and 55% (p < 0.05). The morbidity was higher for the "vulnerable and sick" group (44%) compared with the "vigorous" group (15%) (p < 0.05). The BGA also allowed predicting a higher risk of failure in patients with a score ≥3 immediately after surgery (odds ratio 5.9, confidence interval [95% CI] 1.61, 29.9) and 3 months after surgery (odds ratio 6.9, 95% CI 1.31, 70.8). CONCLUSION: Geriatric assessment can predict the outcome of endoscopic surgery for BPH for patients in retention older than 75 years. "Vulnerable and sick" patients had a higher risk to keep their indwelling catheter after the surgery compared with "vigorous" patients. The complication rate is also higher. The BGA can although predict a poor result of surgery when its score is equal or above 3/6.

Impact of retrograde flexible ureteroscopy and intracorporeal lithotripsy on kidney functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate renal function and to identify factors associated with renal function deterioration after retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with renal stones treated by RIRS between January 2010 and June 2013 at a single institute. We used the National Kidney Foundation classification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to classify Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) in 5 groups. The baseline creatinine level was systematically pre-operatively and post-operatively evaluated. All patients had a creatinine blood measurement in June 2013. A change toward a less or a more favorable GFR group following RIRS was considered significant. RESULTS: We included 163 patients. There were 86 males (52.8%) and 77 females (47.3%) with a mean age of 52.8±17 years. After a mean follow-up of 15.5±11.5 months, median GFR was not significantly changed from 84.3±26.2 to 84.9±24.5 mL/min (p=0.675). Significant renal function deterioration occurred in 8 cases (4.9%) and significant renal function amelioration occurred in 23 cases (14.1%). In univariate analysis, multiple procedures (p=0.023; HR: 5.4) and preoperative CKD (p=0.011; HR: 6.8) were associated with decreased renal function. In multivariate analysis these factors did not remain as predictive factors. CONCLUSION: Stone management with RIRS seems to have favorable outcomes on kidney function; however, special attention should be given to patients with multiple procedures and preoperative chronic kidney disease.

Impact of retrograde flexible ureteroscopy and intracorporeal lithotripsy on kidney functional outcomes

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate renal function and to identify factors associated with renal function deterioration after retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney stones. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with renal stones treated by RIRS between January 2010 and June 2013 at a single institute. We used the National Kidney Foundation classification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to classify Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) in 5 groups. The baseline creatinine level was systematically pre-operatively and post-operatively evaluated. All patients had a creatinine blood measurement in June 2013. A change toward a less or a more favorable GFR group following RIRS was considered significant. Results: We included 163 patients. There were 86 males (52.8%) and 77 females (47.3%) with a mean age of 52.8±17 years. After a mean follow-up of 15.5±11.5 months, median GFR was not significantly changed from 84.3±26.2 to 84.9±24.5 mL/min (p=0.675). Significant renal function deterioration occurred in 8 cases (4.9%) and significant renal function amelioration occurred in 23 cases (14.1%). In univariate analysis, multiple procedures (p=0.023; HR: 5.4) and preoperative CKD (p=0.011; HR: 6.8) were associated with decreased renal function. In multivariate analysis these factors did not remain as predictive factors. Conclusion: Stone management with RIRS seems to have favorable outcomes on kidney function; however, special attention should be given to patients with multiple procedures and preoperative chronic kidney disease.

Transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation: evaluation of a therapeutic option in the management of anticholinergic refractory overactive bladder.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (TPTNS) in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) after failure of a first-line anticholinergic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study and included all patients treated in a single center for OAB persisting after first-line anticholinergic treatment from November 2010 to May 2013. The protocol consisted of daily stimulation at home. The efficacy end point was defined as improvement on the Urinary Symptom Profile (USP) and the French-validated urinary symptom score Mesure du Handicap Urinaire (MHU). RESULTS: We assessed 43 consecutive patients. TPTNS was successful following 1 month of treatment in 23 (53%) patients. Bladder capacity was the only predictive factor for treatment success (p = 0.044). For patients who showed improved symptoms (n = 23; 53%), mean MHU and USP decreased significantly, from 11.8 ± 2.8 to 5.6 ± 3 (p < 0.001) and from 14 ± 3.3 to 6.9 ± 3.2 (p < 0.001), respectively. After a mean follow-up of 10.8 ± 1.6 months, 21 (49%) patients continued the TPTNS. Mean MHU and USP scores were 4.4 ± 2.8 and 5.4 ± 3.5, respectively, and stayed lower than baseline (p < 0.001). Patients reported no adverse events. CONCLUSION: TPTNS is well tolerated and is effective in one half of the patients studied after they failed anticholinergic treatment. TPTNS could become a second therapeutic option before surgical treatment in the management strategy of OAB.

Double-J ureteral stent under local anesthesia for women.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteral stent placement is a key urologic procedure used to manage ureteral obstructions. It is usually performed under general anesthesia (GA) with its inherent risks. The objective was to evaluate safety, feasibility and tolerance of ureteral stent placement under local anesthesia (LA) in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to January 2013, we prospectively and consecutively reviewed all female patients who had an urgent retrograde ureteral stent placement under LA. Only primary stent placements were included in the study. Pain was assessed after surgery by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and pain and comfort assessment during stent placement were reported. We compared outcomes and tolerance with patients under general anesthesia (GA) matched by age and operatives indications during the same period. RESULTS: We included 36 patients (18 under LA and 18 under GA) with a mean age of 59.4 +/- 22.4 years. The mean operative time was 24.4 +/- 12.9 min and 18.8 +/- 6.5 min in LA group and GA group (p = 0.110), respectively. One patient needed GA due to a poor tolerance. The mean perioperative VAS scores under LA and GA were 5.89 +/-2.95 and 2.06 +/- 2.67 (p < 0.0001), respectively. There were no intraoperative complications in either group. The procedure was painful for 16 (88.8%) patients from the LA group and 9 (50%) patients would not accept to undergo this intervention under LA again. CONCLUSION: Ureteral stent placement under LA in women can be performed safely and effectively. However, this procedure is painful and should be proposed only to selected cases.

Impact of lower pole calculi in patients undergoing retrograde intrarenal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess if the presence of a lower pole stone (LPS) decreases the stone-free (SF) rate following retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). The second purpose was to assess the result of RIRS for LPS and to identify predictors of SF status. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 205 procedures in 162 patients with renal stones treated by RIRS between January 2010 and January 2013 at a single institute. The SF status was defined as no residual fragments. Independent-sample t-tests and Chi-square tests were used for comparisons of means and proportions, respectively, between patients with or without LPS. Logistic regression models were used to assess prognostic factors influencing SF status in cases of LPS. RESULTS: LPS were present in 89 (54.9%) patients. There were no differences between patients with or without LPS regarding the mean operative time (p=0.77), the surgeon's experience (p=0.522), the length of hospital stay (p=0.269), and the SF rate (p=0.224). SF status after RIRS in patients with or without LPS was 74.1% and 78% (p=0.224), respectively. In the case of LPS, the presence of multiple stones and a history of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) were predictive factors for occurrence of residual fragments in univariate analysis (p=0.037 and p=0.015). In multivariable analysis, only the presence of multiple stones remained as a predictive factor (p=0.027; HR=3.2), whereas a trend was observed when there was a history of PCNL (p=0.07; HR=3). CONCLUSION: The presence of a LPS does not alter the SF rate of RIRS even in cases of early experience. RIRS for LPS appears to be an effective technique, but special attention should be given to patients with multiple stones and/or a history of PCNL.

Successful medical treatment of glans ischemia after voluntary buprenorphine injection.

INTRODUCTION: The diverted use of synthetic opioid buprenorphine by drug addicts can be responsible for serious ischemic and infectious complications, particularly in the case of intravenous injection. AIM: We present a case of serious glans ischemia after buprenorphine injection directly into the deep dorsal vein of the penis. Analysis using new medical imaging techniques and treatments is detailed below. METHODS: A 26-year-old male drug addict presented with glans pain 4 days after self-injection of buprenorphine into the deep dorsal vein of the penis. The patient was apyretic and presented a urethral discharge. His glans was blue without discoloration on digital pressure. Additionally, his biologic and serologic tests were normal while bacteriology showed the presence of Enterobacter cloacae urethritis. RESULTS: After 48 hours of intravenous antibiotic treatment without improvement, a specific medical treatment using enoxaparin and ilomedin was initiated, with the assumption that there was an ischemic complication. Laser speckle contrast imaging allowed confirmation of the presence of distal penis ischemia and provided an accurate mapping of the ischemic zone. A 28-day treatment combining antibiotics, subcutaneous heparin at curative dose, antiplatelet drug, ilomedin, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy resulted in clinical improvement of the lesions with no functional complications. CONCLUSIONS: To date, no consensus exists on the proper diagnostic and treatment approach to severe glans ischemia due to buprenorphine injection into the deep dorsal vein of the penis. The results of laser speckle contrast imaging were of real interest during the process of diagnosis. In addition, the combination of ilomedin with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs appeared to be an effective therapy.