Ureteric Calculus in a Left Complete Duplex System Masquerading as an Impacted Stone: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Ureteric calculi are common urological problems. However, the management of stone disease varies considerably with patient choice and anatomy. There are few reports about ureteral calculi in patients with unilateral complete duplex kidneys managed by ureteroscopy. We hope to increase the awareness of urologists when investigating patients with similar symptoms. We present the case of a 28-year-old man with recurring left flank pain. Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scans of the kidney showed an impacted left vesicoureteric junction stone measuring 6 mm. Intra-operatively, a stone in the left duplex system was discovered. He was managed with ureteroscopy, laser fragmentation, and the insertion of ureteric stents. The case demonstrates the complexity of managing ureteric stones in a complete duplex kidney. We highlighted the diagnostic limitations of non-contrast scans in identifying duplex systems. It is important to consider contrast CT scans in patients with unusually persistent symptoms to outline the anatomy of the kidney and collecting systems.

Tubeless mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal stones larger than 20 mm.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of tubeless mini- percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the treatment of large (>20 mm) renal stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included consecutive patients who underwent single-session tubeless mini-PCNL (tract size 16-20 F) for large (>20 mm) renal stones. Stone-free status meant complete clearance or residual fragments <4 mm. Complications were recorded and classified according to modified Clavien-Dindo classifications. Risk variables for significant residuals were determined with univariate (Chi-square and t-test) and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Between July 2015 and November 2018, 225 patients were included. The mean age was 42.9 years; the mean stone size was 30.2 ± 9.6 mm and 75% of patients were males. A single renal stone was present in 54 patients (24%), multiple stones in 108 (48%), and staghorn stones in 63 (28%). The stone-free rate was 87.6%. The complication rate was 8.4% (Grade I-II in 7.5%, III in 0.9%). Three patients (1.3%) required blood transfusion. Independent risk factor for significant residual fragments was the presence of stones in multiple sites inside the pelvicalyceal system (relative risk: 13.44, 95% confidence interval: 1.78-101.43, P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Mini-PCNL is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with large renal stones (>20 mm). Stones located in multiple sites is the only predictor of significant residual stones.

Role of conservative management of stones.

Urinary tract stone disease is one of the most common pathologies of the modern era with a rising prevalence owing to incidentally detected renal stones from imaging for other reasons. Although there is consensus on active management of symptomatic and asymptomatic stones in high-risk patient groups, conservative management of stones is still controversial. We have reviewed the literature pertaining to conservative management of 3 groups of stones-asymptomatic calyceal stones, staghorn stones, and ureteric stones-and summarized the findings to provide guidance in the conservative management of stones. In the calyceal stone group, our review showed an average spontaneous stone passage rate of 18% (range, 8%-32%) and an average requirement for surgical intervention of 20% (range, 7%-40%), with 62% of patients remaining safely on surveillance over a mean time of 4 years. In the staghorn group, overall disease-specific mortality was noted to be 16% (range, 0%-30%) and chance of renal deterioration was 21% (range, 0%-34.5%), with a mean incidence of infection of 22%. In case of conservatively managed ureteric stones, the rate of spontaneous passage for stones smaller than 5 mm was 75%, compared with 62% for those larger than 5 mm. Based on the position in the ureter, spontaneous passage rates were 49%, 58%, and 68% for proximal, middle, and distal thirds, respectively. Conservative management may be recommended for asymptomatic patients and those who are deemed unfit for any procedures. However, careful patient selection and thorough counseling about the risks of conservative management could make it a suitable option for an appropriate subset of patients.

Safety and efficacy of a single middle calyx access (MCA) in mini-PCNL.

To compare outcomes of a single middle calyx access (MCA) with a single upper or lower calyceal access in mini-PCNL. From May 2015 through August 2018, patients' files who underwent a single renal access mini-PCNL were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent fluoroscopic-guided access (16-20 F) in the prone position. They were categorized into group 1 (MCA) and group 2 (either upper or lower calyceal access). Compared preoperative items included stone location, size, number and complexity (according to Guy's score). The compared outcome parameters were complication and stone-free rates. The study comprised 512 consecutive patients, 374 patients in group 1 and 138 in group 2. A single MCA was utilized to access 95% of proximal ureteral calculi, 89% for ureteropelvic junction stones, and 84% for stones present in the pelvicalyceal system and ureter. MCA was used in 89% of complete staghorn stones and 73% of multiple stones. the Stone-free rates (93% vs 90.6%, P = 0.350) and the complications rates (8% vs 7.2%, P = 0.772) were comparable between group 1 and 2 despite that MCA was used for most cases with complex stones. Complications severity were also comparable (P = 0.579). Mini-PCNL performed through a single MCA is effective and safe. This access can be used for the treatment of renal and upper ureteral calculi of different complexities and locations.

Long-Term Prospective Outcomes of Patients with Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer After Holmium Laser Ablation.

Objectives: To evaluate the long-term tumor recurrence, progression, and cancer-specific mortality (CSM) of patients after holmium laser ablation of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) under topical anesthesia. To identify variables that help to predict risk of tumor recurrence, progression, and CSM. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 251 consecutive patients with 399 recurrent NMIBC who underwent outpatient Holmium yttrium aluminium garnet laser ablation under topical anesthesia was carried out between September 2006 and September 2018. All patients underwent primary transurethral resection of bladder tumor to obtain histology. All patients completed a patient satisfaction questionnaire and visual analogue scale (VAS) for procedure-related pain. Results: All 251 patients were analyzed with an average age of 75.2 years and follow-up of 69.8 months. The majority of patients had multiple comorbidities with an American Society of Anesthesiologists of 3 or 4. The proportion of tumor grade 1, 2, and 3 disease and tumor stage Ta and T1 was 43.4%, 41.5%, 15.1%, 78.5%, and 21.5%, respectively. Overall, 57.8% of patients had at least one tumor recurrence with an average time of 16.3 months. Risk factors were tumor grade, number of tumors at time of first laser ablation, and tumor stage. Overall, 19.1% of patients demonstrated tumor progression with an average time of 51 months. Only 5.6% of patients had progression to muscle invasive bladder cancer, and the CSM rate was 5.2% with an average time to death of 71.2 months. Risk factors for CSM were tumor grade, stage, and the patient's age. The average VAS for pain was 0.6 out of 10, with all patients willing to have the procedure repeated if required. Conclusion: Laser ablation of NMIBC is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated long-term option for patients, particular in those who have moderate-to-severe co-morbidities. The long-term cancer outcomes are best for younger patients with primary low-grade and low-stage disease.

The natural history of asymptomatic calyceal stones.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcomes of patients with incidentally detected asymptomatic calyceal stones on active surveillance, and to identify risk factors for stone-related adverse events (AEs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case series, we identified all renal units with non-contrast computed tomography diagnosed asymptomatic calyceal stones in a single reference centre between August 2005 and August 2016. Primary endpoints were spontaneous stone passage and need for stone-related surgical intervention. The secondary endpoints were stone-related symptoms and AEs. Cox proportional hazards models were used. RESULTS: We identified 301 renal units from 238 adult patients. The median average age of the study group was 56 years, with two-thirds consisting of males. The mean average cumulative stone size was 10.8 mm. At the end of the study, 58.8% of renal units with stones remained on surveillance with a median follow-up of 63 months. Overall, 26.6% of patients proceeded to surgical intervention with the majority secondary to pain with no stone relocation (30%) or stone relocation to the ureter with or without pain (25%). Over the 5-year period, 14.6% of stones passed spontaneously. On analysis of the secondary endpoints, 39.5% had a stone-related AE (either symptoms and/or need for surgical intervention). Younger patients (aged <50 years), and those with stone growth >1 mm annually were significantly more likely to have an AE (P = 0.012 and P = 0.006, respectively). The risk of an AE during surveillance at 1, 3, and 5 years was 3.4%, 18.9%, and 30.7% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term conservative approaches for asymptomatic renal stones are an effective management option with ~60% of renal units remaining on active surveillance in >5 years of follow-up. Appropriate counselling with careful patient selection is advocated, as younger patients and those with evidence of stone growth were found to be at greatest risk of an adverse outcome.

Synchronous and metachronous ureteric metastases from adenocarcinoma of the colon.

Primary adenocarcinoma of the ureter occurs in only <1%. Furthermore, metastatic carcinoma to the ureter is very rare and has been described to occur from breast, lung, stomach and prostate cancers. However, metastases to the ureter from colon cancers are extremely rare, and have been largely reported as incidental post-mortem cases. We describe two cases of asymptomatic ureteric metastases secondary to adenocarcinoma of the colon; one is synchronous, whilst the other is a metachronous ureteric metastasis. With the increasing use of radiological imaging modalities such as CT and MRI (Clin Imaging 2001;25:197-202, 2001), together with increasing survival rates of primary cancers, asymptomatic ureteric metastases are more likely to be diagnosed. In summary, metastatic ureteric carcinoma of colonic origin must be considered as a differential diagnosis when there is a radiological abnormality of the ureter in patients with a history of adenocarcinoma of the colon. This should be considered even in patients with colon adenocarcinoma who have previously undergone adjuvant chemotherapy with curative intent.

Atrophy of the tongue as the presenting feature of metastatic prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed solid organ cancer in men and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United Kingdom. Commonly, it metastasizes to bones and lymph nodes, however, in advanced hormonerefractory disease it may involve the skull base leading to associated cranial nerve palsies. Cranial nerve palsy as the presenting feature of advanced hormone-sensitive prostate cancer is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of solitary hypoglossal nerve palsy as the presenting feature of advanced prostate cancer. Neurologists, neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists may be the first clinicians to see such a patient; therefore, prostate cancer should be amongst the differential diagnoses considered in middle-aged and elderly men presenting with a cranial neuropathy and evidence of skull metastasis.