Comparison of the Conventional PNL with Ecirs in the Treatment of Complete Staghorn Kidney Stones.

OBJECTIVE:  To analyse the results of conventional percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) and endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) in treating complete staghorn kidney calculi. STUDY DESIGN:  A comparative study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Urology, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, between January 2007 and January 2022. METHODOLOGY:  Clinical data and surgical outcomes of the adult patients who underwent conventional PNL or ECIRS were retrospectively reviewed. Two patient groups were compared regarding the fluoroscopy time, the number of access, surgical time, duration of hospitalisation, haemoglobin (Hb) reduction, complication, and stone-free rates.  Results: There were 132 renal units in the conventional PNL (Group 1) and 45 renal units in the ECIRS group (Group 2). The comparative analysis revealed that fluoroscopy time, surgical time, duration of hospital stay, number of access, and the Hb drop were significantly lower in the ECIRS group compared to the conventional PNL group. Although stone-free rates were 48.5% in Group 1 and 64.4% in Group 2, p=0.064 and p>0.05 respectively). The median value of the complication grade was 1 (1-7) in Group 1 and 1 (1-5) in Group 2, (U=2446.5, p=0.026).  Conclusion: The ECIRS is a successful and more secure surgical method for treating complete staghorn stones than PNL. KEY WORDS:  PNL, ECIRS, Staghorn, Kidney, Stone.

Do the etiological factors in artificial urinary sphincter reimplantation cases affect success and complications?

Background/aim: The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is still one of the best options for incontinence treatment. It may also have an advantage for revision or reimplantation in the management of complications. In this study we aimed to discuss the etiological factors for AUS reimplantation and effects of these etiological factors on success rates, patient satisfaction rates, time to reimplantation surgery, and complications Materials and methods: Data from 30 patients for whom AUS reimplantation was performed were analyzed retrospectively. Incontinence due to fluid loss from the cuff or reservoir balloon, inability of the cuff to adequately compress the urethra, and devices that were thought to have completed their lifespans were defined as mechanical reasons while incontinence caused by conditions such as cuff erosion and infection were defined as nonmechanical reasons. Patients who went through reimplantation due to mechanical and nonmechanical causes were included in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Success rates, patient satisfaction rates, time between the implantation of the first and second AUS, and complications were compared between the groups. Results: The mean follow-up period was 79 (3­308) months for patients who went through primary AUS implantation due to postprostatectomy incontinence. Our success rates were found as 75% and 66% in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. The differences between the groups in terms of success and patient satisfaction rates were not statistically significant, while the time to reimplantation was longer in Group 1 and statistically significant. Conclusion: Reasons for AUS reimplantation may affect the success and patient satisfaction rates. Our success rates of AUS performed for nonmechanical reasons were slightly lower, but not statistically significantly so. AUS reimplantation may take a longer time if mechanical failure is detected.

Comparison of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Methods in Treatment of Upper Calyceal Stones of 10-20 mm.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the success and complication rates and advantages and disadvantages of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) methods for the upper calyceal renal stones between 10 and 20 mm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The files of 124 patients who had upper calyceal renal stones in diameter 10-20 mm were analyzed retrospectively. Sixty-one patients were randomized as Group 1 and 63 as Group 2. The parameters as success and complication rates, fluoroscopy and operation times, preoperative and postoperative hemogram (Hb) levels, and need of blood transfusion were saved and then groups compared. Complication rates and need of second procedure numbers between groups were evaluated according to modified Clavien classification. RESULTS: Demographic features and success and complication rates between groups were similar. Hospitalization time was 1.0 ± 0.1 day for Group 1 and 2.3 ± 1.4 days for Group 2. When preoperative and postoperative Hb difference was evaluated, 0.1 ± 0.3 mg/dL decrease was noticed for Group 1 and 1.6 ± 0.8 mg/dL decrease for Group 2. Mean operation time for Group 1 was 53.6 ± 15.1 minutes and mean fluoroscopy time was 20.1 ± 8.9 seconds for Group 1; for Group 2, these values were 67.8 ± 16.2 minutes and 53 ± 15.0 seconds, respectively. As a result, mean operation time and fluoroscopy time, hospitalization time, and Hb decrease levels were found less and as statistically significant for Group 1. CONCLUSION: RIRS and PNL methods both have the same success and complication rates for upper calyceal renal stones between 10 and 20 mm. However, we think that RIRS method should be preferred for suitable patients because it is a more noninvasive method and has advantages of some operation parameters over PNL.

Alpha adrenergic receptors in renal pelvis and calyces: can rat models be used?

We aimed, in this study, to determine the distribution of α-1 AR subtypes in rat and human pelvis and calyces, and to evaluate, by comparing these two species, the possibility of rats to be used as models for humans. Twenty patients with renal carcinoma were included into the study. The patients underwent radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). After nephrectomy, specimens were evaluated and excisional biopsies from healthy pelvis and calyces tissues were performed. When pathology confirmed the non-invasion of RCC, specimen was included into the study. A total of 7 adult Wistar Albino (250-300 g) female rats were used in this study. Specimens included renal pelvis and calyces. All specimens were evaluated under light microscope histopathologically. The concentrations of the receptor densities did not differ between the two groups. With the demonstration of the α receptors in rat kidneys and calyces, many receptor-based studies concerning both humans and rats can take place. Novel medication targeting these subtypes -in this matter α1A and α1D for renal pelvis and calyces- may be helpful for expulsive therapy and/or pain relief. With the demonstration of similar receptor densities between human and rat tissues, rat model may be useful for α-receptor trials for renal pelvis and calyces.

Alpha adrenergic receptors in renal pelvis and calyces: can rat models be used?

We aimed, in this study, to determine the distribution of α-1 AR subtypes in rat and human pelvis and calyces, and to evaluate, by comparing these two species, the possibility of rats to be used as models for humans. Twenty patients with renal carcinoma were included into the study. The patients underwent radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). After nephrectomy, specimens were evaluated and excisional biopsies from healthy pelvis and calyces tissues were performed. When pathology confirmed the non-invasion of RCC, specimen was included into the study. A total of 7 adult Wistar Albino (250-300 g) female rats were used in this study. Specimens included renal pelvis and calyces. All specimens were evaluated under light microscope histopathologically. The concentrations of the receptor densities did not differ between the two groups. With the demonstration of the α receptors in rat kidneys and calyces, many receptor-based studies concerning both humans and rats can take place. Novel medication targeting these subtypes -in this matter α1A and α1D for renal pelvis and calyces- may be helpful for expulsive therapy and/or pain relief. With the demonstration of similar receptor densities between human and rat tissues, rat model may be useful for α-receptor trials for renal pelvis and calyces.

Do lubricants with 2% lidocaine gel have an effect on patient comfort in diagnostic cystoscopy?

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing both rigid and flexible cystoscopic evaluation suffer from a great deal of pain and discomfort. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of lidocaine gel anestesia on patient comfort on diagnostic rigid cystoscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 11 mL of lubricant gel applied to each patient via the external meatus in 10 s. Patients were randomized into three groups. In group 1, liquid glycerine was applied and cystoscopy was immediately performed, in group 2 lidocaine gel (Aqua Touch™: Istem Tibbi Cihaz Ve Sanayi Ltd.Sti, Ostim, Ankara, Türkiye) was applied and the procedure undergone immediately and in group 3, lidocaine gel was applied and penis was clemped for 10 minutes before the procedure. VAS forms were filled to determine the discomfort and pain during cystoscopy and the first micturation after. RESULTS: After the evaluation between groups, VAS scores were significantly lower in Group II and III than Group I and in Group III than in Group II (p < 0.05). When post micturation VAS scores were evaluated, VAS scores were significantly lower in Group II than Group I and in Group III than in Group II (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The application of local anesthetic lidocaine gel in rigid cystoscopy, is a practical, safe and efficient method to improve patient comfort when applied in appropriate dose and waiting duration.

Evaluation of frozen section results in patients who have suspected testicular masses: a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: To report our experience with patients who have suspected testicular masses (STM) managed by ex vivo technique of testicular sparing surgery (TSS) after radical orchiectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2007-2011 years, 10 patients with STM were evaluated by history, physical examination, testicular ultrasound and serum tumor markers. STM were defined as; no paratesticular lesions, size of the lesion smaller than 20 mm, and no known presence of elevated tumor markers or metastatic disease. The principles of TSS followed by radical orchiectomy were applied to the removed surgical specimen. Excised mass, multiple biopsies of the adjacent parenchyma and the remaining testis were sent for frozen-section analysis (FSA). Histopathologic sections were re-reviewed for definitive pathologic diagnosis. RESULTS: The mean patient age, mean size and mean length of history of STM were 37 years (25-64), 17.5 mm (10-20) and 6 months (2-12). All STM were palpable and painless. Tumor markers were negative in all patients. Six tumors were benign (2 adenomatoid tumor, 1 epididymitis nodosa, 1 leydig cell tumor, 1 sertoli cell tumor, 1 fibrous pseudotumor) and 4 tumors were malignant (3 seminoma, 1 embryonal carcinoma) on definitive pathologic diagnosis. Excluding one benign lesion, FSA correctly determined 9 lesions and all malignant lesions. Three patients had testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (ones seminoma, ones embryonal carcinoma, ones adenomatoid tumor). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary report reveals that STM tend to be benign rather than malignant in nature. Also, a careful patient selection and an accurate FSA are crucial points for TSS and it has the potential to become the primary option in selected patients who have testicular lesions instead of the traditional method.

Totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: selecting for success in children.

BACKGROUND: The placement of a nephrostomy tube or internal ureteral stent after PCNL has been considered standard practice. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the inclusion criteria for totally tubeless PCNL in pediatric cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 27 children who underwent PCNL included in the study: Twelve of the 27 patients who underwent totally tubeless PCNL (group 1; tubeless and stentless), and the remaining 15 patients underwent Standard PCNL (group 2; tube with or without stent). Whether or not to perform totally tubeless technique was decided intraoperatively. The length of hospitalization, drop in hemoglobin level, the operation time, stone burden and the fluoroscopy time of group 1 and 2 were compared statistically. Also stone free and complication rates were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: The mean age was 5 years and 9.5 years in group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.01). The mean operative time was 15.83 min in group 1, and 48.6 min in group 2 (p = 0.0001). The mean change in hemoglobin levels between preoperative and postoperative measurements was -1.83 mg/dl for group 1, and -5.2 mg/dl for group 2 (p = 0.0001). No blood transfusion was needed during or after the operation in any cases for group 1. The mean length of hospital stay was 1.83 day in group 1 and 5.53 day in group 2 (p = 0.001). Stone free rate for group 1 was 100% (12/12) and 93.3% (14/15) for group 2. There were no major operative or postoperative complications in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Provided an optimal patient selection, the success and safety rates of PCNL's performed via totally tubeless technique are similar to those.

Previous open renal surgery increased vascular complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) compared with primary and secondary PCNL and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy patients: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the vascular complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) patients who have undergone previous open surgery, PCNL and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 360 patients who underwent a PCNL procedure were included into the study. The patients were divided into 4 groups: group 1: primary PCNL (n = 232); group 2: previous open nephrolithotomy (n = 42); group 3: previous PCNL (n = 33); group 4: previous ESWL (n = 63). The periods of operation and fluoroscopy use of the groups were compared in terms of residual stones, with haematuria, pre-operation and post-operation first-day haemoglobin values. Patients with persistent haematuria were assessed through ultrasonography (US), Doppler US, computed tomography and angiography. RESULTS: Upon comparison of the patients' pre- and post-operative haemoglobin changes, haemoglobin was statistically higher in the previous open operation group than the others (p = 0.02). Permanent and intermittent haematuria were detected in 12 (3%) and 7 patients (1%), respectively. Angiography was done in 7 (1.94%) patients. This rate was 9.5% for group 2 and 3% for group 3. These rates were found to be statistically higher than compared to the other groups. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) was detected in 4 of these patients and pseudoaneurysm in 1. While 1 of the patients with AVF improved spontaneously, embolisation was applied to 4 patients. Four of the patients had had a previous open operation, while 1 had had a PCNL treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular complication is a rare complication of PCNL that can be successfully managed with angioembolisation. Our results indicate that previous open surgery significantly predicted the occurrence of these lesions.

Prediction of morbidity and mortality after percutaneous nephrolithotomy by using the Charlson Comorbidity Index.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) predicts postoperative medical complications and death in patients treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: A total of 1406 PCNL procedures were performed at 4-stone referral centers between September 2004 and March 2011 were reviewed in this multicenter study. Variables included patient and stone characteristics, preoperative comorbidities, intraoperative data, and postoperative complications, including mortality. RESULTS: The present study included 868 (61.7%) men and 538 (38.3%) women. Mean patient age was 44.1 years (range 1-81). CCI score was calculated as "0" for 993 patients (70.6%, called group I), "1" for 316 patients (22.5%, called group II) and"≥2" for 97 patients (6.9%, called group III). The incidence of comorbidities increased with age (P=.001). The overall postoperative complication rate was 29.3%. Life-threatening medical complications developed in 2.9% of patients in group I, 7.6% of patients in group II, and 21.6% of patients in group III, (P=.001). There were 3 deaths for an overall 0.2% mortality rate. Perioperative bleeding requiring blood transfusion was observed in 9.5% of patients, and we found an increased risk of hemorrhage associated with CCI score (P=.049). High CCI score, patient age, hemorrhage, and operative time were significantly related to higher medical complication rates after PCNL. CONCLUSIONS: CCI is a quick, simple, and reproducible scoring system that accurately predicts the morbidity and mortality of PCNL.