Characterising endourologist learning curve during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: implications on occupational dose and patients.

In this study we have characterised the learning curve for percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures over 301 cases for six years. Different surrogate parameters of clinical expertise have been used, such as dose area product, total procedure time, fluoroscopy time and personal equivalent doses. In addition, two different endourologists have been monitored; one of whom had specific Radiation Protection training (ICRP 85). Eye lens dose was estimated from thermoluminescent dosimeters. Significant differences were observed between both endourologists, especially in the fluoroscopy time. Finally, both entrance skin dose and effective doses of patients have been determined.

Predictive analysis of factors associated with percutaneous stone surgery outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to identify surgical, patient- and stone-related factors predictive of clinical success and complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively studied 100 consecutive PCNL procedures. Univariate and multiple regression models were used in order to identify which variables could act as independent predictors of PCNL outcomes. Success was defined as complete absence of fragments in a non-contrast CT. The Clavien-modified grading system was used to classify the complications. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that patients rendered stone-free had a significantly lower stone burden, shorter operating times, single stones and non-struvite composed calculi. Patient age, nephrostomy tract dilation with high pressure balloon and a stone composition different to struvite behaved as significant protective factors for complications. Logistic regression models revealed that the main independent prognostic factor for success was stone surface (OR = 0.997 per mm2, p = 0.000), followed by multiple stones (OR = 0.203, p = 0.050). On the other hand, struvite composition (OR = 5.911, p = 0.028) was an independent predictor for the development of complications, whilst age (OR = 0.936, p = 0.012) and high pressure balloon dilation (OR = 0.041, p = 0.007) were rendered independent protective variables. CONCLUSIONS: Stone burden and multiple calculi in the kidney affect the immediate stone-free rate, whilst Amplatz dilation, struvite stones and young patients lead to a higher incidence of postoperative complications. This information can be very useful for patient counseling, regarding percutaneous kidney stone management.

Bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy as treatment for severe hemorrhagic cystitis.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of severe hemorrhagic cystitis successfully treated by bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy. METHODS: The case of a 67-year-old female patient who had monosymptomatic gross hematuria with clots is reported. RESULTS: Standard conservative treatments failed and the patient developed a clot-retention plugged bladder. Endoscopic evacuation and electrocoagulation of bleeding areas was unsuccessful. Due to persistent hematuria and development of renal failure and hemodynamic instability, bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy was performed. At 24 hours, hematuria ceased, patient recovered hemodynamic stability, and no additional blood transfusions were required. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy may be a valuable option for the treatment of hemorrhagic cystitis when standard conservative measures have failed and as a prior step to performance of other more invasive procedures.

[Appendiceal mucocele misdiagnosed with infected urachal cyst: a differential diagnosis to keep in mind]. / Mucocele apendicular confundido con quiste de uraco infectado: un diagnóstico diferencial a tener en cuenta.

OBJECTIVE: To report one case of appendiceal mucocele misdiagnosed with an infected urachal cyst and to review their differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. PATIENT: We report the case of a 74-year-old-male with abdominal pain, fever and dysuria. Hypogastric abscess image in ultrasonography and CT. Percutaneous drainage and antibiotic therapy. Opaque enema, colonoscopy and cystoscopy were normal. RESULTS: Exploratory laparotomy and resection of a large cecum-fixed mass, independent to the bladder. Appendectomy and cecectomy. Pathology showed an appendiceal mucinous cystoadenoma (mucocele). CONCLUSIONS: Appendiceal mucoceles and urachal cysts are uncommon, mostly asymptomatic. Cystoadenoma or cystoadenocarcinoma mucoceles are large and can reach the midline, confounding with urachal cysts. Diagnosis by ultrasonography and/or CT. Surgical treatment in both, keeping the mucocele intact during operation to avoid the risk of pseudomyxoma peritonei.

Mucocele apendicular confundido con quiste de uraco infectado: un diagnóstico diferencial a tener en cuenta / Appendiceal mucocele misdiagnosed with infected urachal cyst: a differential diagnosis to keep in mind

Objetivo: Presentar un caso de mucocele apendicular confundido con un quiste de uraco infectado. Revisar su diagnóstico diferencial, tratamiento y pronóstico. Paciente: Presentamos el caso de un varón de 74 años, con dolor abdominal, fiebre y disuria. Imagen compatible con absceso hipogástrico en ecografía y TC. Drenaje percutáneo y tratamiento antibiótico. Enema opaco, colonoscopia y cistoscopia normales. Resultados: Laparotomía exploradora y exéresis de gran masa adherida a ciego, independiente de vejiga. Resección segmentaria apéndice-cecal. Diagnóstico anátomo-patológico de cistoadenoma mucinoso (mucocele) apendicular. Conclusiones: Mucocele apendicular y quiste de uraco son patologías poco frecuentes, asintomáticas en la mayoría de los casos. Los mucoceles secundarios a cistoadenoma o cistoadenocarcinoma suelen ser de gran tamaño, llegando hasta la línea media, confundiéndose con quistes de uraco. Diagnóstico mediante ecografía y/o TC. Tratamiento final quirúrgico en ambos, evitando en el caso del mucocele su apertura, debido al riesgo de pseudomixoma peritoneal (AU)

Objective: To report one case of appendiceal mucocele misdiagnosed with an infected urachal cyst and to review their differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Patient: We report the case of a 74 year-old-male with abdominal pain, fever and dysuria. Hypogastric abscess image in ultrasonography and CT. Percutaneous drainage and antibiotic therapy. Opaque enema, colonoscopy and cystoscopy were normal. Results: Exploratory laparotomy and resection of a large cecum-fixed mass, independent to the bladder. Appendectomy and cecectomy. Pathology showed an appendiceal mucinous cystoadenoma (mucocele). Conclusions: Appendiceal mucoceles and urachal cysts are uncommon, mostly asymptomatic. Cystoadenoma or cystoadenocarcinoma mucoceles are large and can reach the midline, confounding with urachal cysts. Diagnosis by ultrasonography and/or CT. Surgical treatment in both, keeping the mucocele intact during operation to avoid the risk of pseudomyxoma peritonei (AU)