Surgical Treatment of Lithiasis of the Main Pancreatic Duct: A Challenging Case and a Literature Review.

Pancreaticolithiasis represents a rare phenomenon, being superimposed most of the time on a form of chronic pancreatitis of multifactorial etiology. Pancreaticolithiasis is a late complication of the phenomenon of chronic pancreatitis. The reverberant inflammatory process, followed by the fibrotic degeneration of the pancreatic parenchyma, and pancreatic fluid stasis at the ductal level are factors that contribute to the phenomenon of calcium precipitation. This article describes the case of a patient with a diagnosis of pancreaticolithiasis (Wirsung duct lithiasis), a phenomenon superimposed on chronic pancreatitis of ethanolic cause (Rosemont classification). It was decided to perform surgery via the classical approach with the perfection of corporeo-caudal pancreatectomy and preservation of the splenic vessels (Kimura procedure) with pancreatico-jejunal anastomosis on the Roux-en-Y loop. The aim of this study is to identify the best method of treatment for pancreaticolithiasis. To enhance the case and provide a basis for standardization, a literature review was carried out, which included a total of six articles. The results of this study highlight that, currently, the management of symptomatic pancreaticolithiasis encompasses medical therapy (enzyme replacement therapy), interventional therapy (ESWL (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy) ± ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), ERCP + sphincterotomy + stent insertion, and POP (oral pancreatoscopy)), and surgical treatment. In conclusion, based on the analysis conducted in this study, the size of the calculi present determines which is the suitable therapeutic care. Unlike stones over 0.5 cm, when surgery is explicitly advised for therapeutic purposes in the absence of endoscopic techniques, stones under 0.5 cm should be treated using endoscopic procedures.

Uterine lithiasis, management by hysteroscopy: Case report and literature review.

The presence of calculi inside the uterine cavity is an uncommon finding, with few cases described in the literature. Here, we present a clinical case of a 30-year-old patient with uterine lithiasis. The patient presented with 3 months of evolution, characterized by abdominal pain in the hypogastrium, with a report of transvaginal ultrasound of hematometra with suggestive images of endometrial polyps. For this reason, she was scheduled for hysteroscopy, where three lesions of hard consistency were found, with the largest 1.5 cm. Currently, due to the few cases of uterine lithiasis described, there is no explanation of how the stones are formed in the uterine cavity. The age of the patient in this case report and the absence of predisposing factors for uterine calcifications reported in the literature is striking, which leads us to propose a hypothesis of the origin of uterine lithiasis, which is related to the history of cesarean section and the presence of hematometra, such hematic retention could have predisposed to the development of calculi in this patient. Uterine lithiasis is an extremely rare entity with few published cases; therefore, further studies are necessary.

Biliary Tract Disorders and Associated Acute Complications in Patients With Acromegaly: A Single-Center Study.

Background: Biliary complications are frequent in patients with acromegaly. These complications may be secondary either to acromegaly or to somatostatin analogs (SAs). We aimed in this paper to assess the prevalence of biliary complications in patients with acromegaly at diagnosis and after treatment with SAs. Methods: We conducted an analytical and descriptive retrospective study of 26 patients followed up for acromegaly over 7 years. Biliary complications were screened at diagnosis and follow-up by abdominal ultrasound, biliary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). Data were analyzed using SPSS 21. Results: The mean age of the patients was 49.6 ± 14 years, with a female predominance (53.8%). The evaluation of biliary complications showed vesicular biliary tract lithiasis and/or sludge in seven patients (29%), including two patients at the time of diagnosis of acromegaly and five patients after an average medical treatment duration of 3 years. Six female patients (24%) had dilation of the bile ducts without the presence of obstruction on biliary MRI and EUS and lithiasis/sludge of the common bile duct, tumor or external compression have been excluded. This condition was discovered incidentally at the diagnosis in five patients and during the follow-up in one patient. The preoperative insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, disease duration, and female sex were significantly correlated with biliary tract dilation occurrence. Dyslipidemia, the preoperative IGF-1 level, and lanreotide treatment duration were significantly correlated with the occurrence of biliary lithiasis (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Biliary stones are a frequent biliary adverse effect in patients with acromegaly undergoing SAs treatment. However, primary bile duct dilation has never been reported in acromegaly to the best of our knowledge. This condition could be considered as a complication or a feature of the disease.

Prognostic Factors for Residual Lithiasis in Patients With Staghorn Calculi Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Maya Region of Yucatan, Mexico: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Yucatan stands out as the state with the highest prevalence of urolithiasis in Mexico, placing significant demands on healthcare services, such as consultation and surgical intervention. Staghorn calculi are related to recurrent urinary tract infections, and their management is always surgical. The stone-free rate is a parameter used to measure the success of surgery, with residual stones considered those persisting four weeks after surgical management. There are understudied prognostic factors that can predict the success of achieving stone-free status, taking into account the number of stones, their location, and the anatomical variations of the patient's collecting system. The study aims to determine the prognostic factors for residual lithiasis in patients with staghorn calculi treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy at the High Specialty Regional Hospital of the Yucatan Peninsula. METHODS: A case-control study was performed including 188 patients, aged 18 years or older, and diagnosed with staghorn calculus from January 2022 to June 2023, grouping the patients according to their stone-free rate evidence on postoperative computed tomography. Data were collected from the records of the Urology Department at a high-specialty hospital in Yucatan. The groups were analyzed, aiming to establish an association between preoperative factors and postoperative outcomes measured in terms of stone-free rate. RESULTS: A total of 188 patients with staghorn calculi were included, with a predominance in females (58.5%) and a mean age of 45.4 ± 11.9 years. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (29.8%), and 27.7% had a history of recurrent urinary tract infections. Regarding the Sampaio classification, B1 was the most prevalent in our population with 66 cases (35.1%), while Type A2 was the least common (13.8%). According to what was obtained through the multivariate logistic regression model, the calyceal anatomy Type A1 and A2 were associated with residual lithiasis (p= 0.016 OR: 2.994 CI: 1.223-7.331), and Grade IV was associated with a higher rate of residual lithiasis (p=0.005 CI: 1.586-13.100). A statistically significant association was found between stone burden and the presence of residual lithiasis (p=< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Guy's Score Grade IV showed a higher incidence of residual lithiasis, seemingly associated with stone burden, leading to the conclusion that both factors were categorized as predictors for the development of post-surgical residual lithiasis. Regarding anatomical variations according to Sampaio, it was observed that types A1 and A2 showed a lower rate of stone-free status. Therefore, we also consider them as variables that may influence the achievement of success in endourological management. Personalized patient assessment allows for more accurate prognostic factors, enabling a more comprehensive surgical planning in the presence of staghorn calculi.

Crossed renal ectopia: A case report and review of the literature.

Rarely occurring at birth, crossed renal ectopia is an abnormality in which both kidneys occupy the same side of the body while one ureter - its length based on kidney location - traverses across midline to graft into opposite-side bladder. McDonald and McClellan classified renal ectopia into 4 types. Solitary crossed renal ectopia (SCRE) is an extremely uncommon abnormality of the urinary system. To date, only 35 instances have been documented in published literature. Typically, these cases are detected by chance during patient assessments for related issues such as genitourinary, cardiovascular, hematological or vertebral abnormalities.

Hydrocele stone: a rare case report.

Hydrocele, characterized by fluid accumulation in the tunica vaginalis, is a common benign scrotal condition. While unusual, hydrocele can lead to rare complications such as infection or lithiasis. A 60-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of left-sided scrotal swelling and discomfort. Physical examination and ultrasound revealed a large, nontransilluminant swelling with hyperechoic images. A provisional diagnosis of scrotal hydrocele with secondary lithiasis was made, and surgical exploration was performed. Intraoperatively, a fluid collection with small, hard stones was found. Cholesterol crystals were identified in the stone. Scrotal lithiasis in hydrocele is rare and is believed to result from stagnant fluid creating an ideal environment for cholesterol crystal formation. Ultrasound is crucial for diagnosis, revealing hyperechoic stones within the fluid collection. Surgical exploration, aspiration of fluid, and stone removal are standard treatments, usually conducted through a small scrotal incision, with a high success rate.

Seguridad, consejos y límites para el uso del láser en la cirugía retrógrada intrarrenal / Laser safety, warnings, and limits in retrograde intrarenal surgery

Objetivo Analizar la información actual sobre la seguridad del láser en la cirugía retrógrada intrarrenal (CRIR), centrándonos en las dos principales tecnologías láser que utilizamos en urología, el láser de holmio:itrio-aluminio-granate (Ho:YAG) y el láser de fibra de tulio (TFL). Métodos Revisión narrativa de los artículos más relevantes publicados en las bases de datos Medline y Scopus sobre este tema. Resultados Los láseres TFL y Ho:YAG con ajustes similares (0,2 J/40 Hz) tienen un aumento de temperatura promedio por volumen similar y la tasa de calentamiento promedio aumenta proporcionalmente a la potencia del láser, especialmente cuando se utilizan frecuencias altas. Datos preclínicos recientes que comparan ambas tecnologías láser con diferentes ajustes del láser coinciden en que cuando la energía suministrada aumenta a expensas de frecuencias más altas, el daño térmico también aumenta. Las frecuencias más altas, a pesar del aumento de temperatura en el medio de irrigación, pueden causar lesiones térmicas accidentales por láser. Conclusiones El uso de ajustes de baja frecuencia y una irrigación adecuada es fundamental para evitar lesiones térmicas en la litotricia endoscópica con láser (LEL). Además, se recomienda el uso de gafas de seguridad láser en la LEL con Ho:YAG y TFL. (AU)

Objective To analyze the current information about laser safety in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), focusing on the two main laser technologies that we use in urology, the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser, and the thulium fiber laser (TFL). Methods Narrative overview of the most relevant articles published in Medline and Scopus databases about this subject. Results TFL and Ho:YAG laser at similar settings (0.2 J/40 Hz) have similar volume-averaged temperature increase and the average heating rate increase proportionally to laser power, especially when high frequencies are used. Recent preclinical data, comparing both laser technologies at different laser settings, agreed that when the delivered energy increases in expenses of higher frequencies, the thermal damage increases too. Higher frequencies, despite of the rise of temperature in the irrigation medium, can cause accidental thermal lasering lesions. Conclusions The use of low frequency settings and a proper irrigation is critical to avoid thermal injury in endoscopic laser lithotripsy (ELL). In addition, the use of laser safety eyeglasses is recommended in Ho:YAG and TFL ELL. (AU)

Citric Acid Loaded Hydrogel-Coated Stent for Dissolving Pancreatic Duct Calculi.

In recent years, the incidence of chronic pancreatitis has increased significantly. Pancreatic calculi obstruct the pancreatic duct and induce abdominal pain in the patients. Pancreatic duct stenting is the major treatment option for chronic pancreatitis with calculi. In this study, a new kind of drug-eluting stent, a pancreatic stent coated by methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel loaded with citric acid (CA), was designed for the interventional treatment of pancreatic duct calculi. The CA loading capacity reached up to 0.7 g CA/g hydrogel-coated stent. The GelMA hydrogel coating has higher mechanical strength and lower swelling performance after loading with CA. The in vitro experiments of stents exhibited good performance in CA sustained release and the calculi can be dissolved in almost 3 days. The stents also showed good blood compatibility and cell compatibility. This research has important clinical value in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis with pancreatic calculi.

The Anti-urolithiatic effect of the roots of Saussurea costus (falc) Lipsch agonist ethylene glycol and magnesium oxide induced urolithiasis in rats.

Phytotherapy, which involves the use of plant extracts and natural compounds for medicinal purposes, is indeed a promising alternative for managing urinary lithiasis. Many plants have been studied for their potential to prevent and treat kidney stones, and they may offer a more natural and potentially less harmful approach compared to conventional treatments. Additionally, phytotherapy may be more cost-effective. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antilithic potential of extracts and essential oils of Saussurea costus (Falc) Lipsch in two in vivo models, one on ethylene glycol-induced calcium oxalate crystal formation and the other to assess the effects of these extracts on magnesium oxide-induced struvite crystal formation. The experiment involved the administration of different doses of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of S. costus (200 and 400 mg/kg) and essential oils (25 and 50 mg/kg) to male Wistar rats, followed by the evaluation of various physiological, biochemical and histopathological parameters. The results demonstrated that the administration of S. costus essential oils and extracts had significant effects on the rats, influencing body weight, urine volume, crystal deposition, cytobacteriological examination of urine, and serum biochemical parameters. Histopathological examinations revealed varying impacts on the kidneys and livers of the treated rats. The findings suggest that S. costus extracts and essential oils may hold promise in inhibiting calcium oxalate crystal formation in vivo and influencing various physiological and biochemical parameters in rats. Overall, the 200 mg/kg ethanolic extract of S. costus demonstrated antilithiatic efficacy, did not exhibit signs of toxicity and reduced the number of crystals in the kidneys. Furthermore, the study did not find a significant effect on reducing struvite crystals.

Experts' recommendations in laser use for the treatment of urolithiasis: a comprehensive guide by the European Section of Uro-Technology (ESUT) and Training-Research in Urological Surgery and Technology (T.R.U.S.T.)-Group.

PURPOSE: To identify laser lithotripsy settings used by experts for specific clinical scenarios and to identify preventive measures to reduce complications. METHODS: After literature research to identify relevant questions, a survey was conducted and sent to laser experts. Participants were asked for preferred laser settings during specific clinical lithotripsy scenarios. Different settings were compared for the reported laser types, and common settings and preventive measures were identified. RESULTS: Twenty-six laser experts fully returned the survey. Holmium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) was the primary laser used (88%), followed by thulium fiber laser (TFL) (42%) and pulsed thulium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Tm:YAG) (23%). For most scenarios, we could not identify relevant differences among laser settings. However, the laser power was significantly different for middle-ureteral (p = 0.027), pelvic (p = 0.047), and lower pole stone (p = 0.018) lithotripsy. Fragmentation or a combined fragmentation with dusting was more common for Ho:YAG and pulsed Tm:YAG lasers, whereas dusting or a combination of dusting and fragmentation was more common for TFL lasers. Experts prefer long pulse modes for Ho:YAG lasers to short pulse modes for TFL lasers. Thermal injury due to temperature development during lithotripsy is seriously considered by experts, with preventive measures applied routinely. CONCLUSIONS: Laser settings do not vary significantly between commonly used lasers for lithotripsy. Lithotripsy techniques and settings mainly depend on the generated laser pulse's and generator settings' physical characteristics. Preventive measures such as maximum power limits, intermittent laser activation, and ureteral access sheaths are commonly used by experts to decrease thermal injury-caused complications.

Association between urinary lithiasis, other than struvite by crystallography and non-ureolytic bacteria.

The relationship between urinary tract infection caused by urease-producing bacteria and lithiasis due to struvite stones is well established in the literature. However, there is limited knowledge on whether non-urease producing bacteria can also promote crystallization. In our study, we analyzed the association between urinary lithiasis, other than struvite by crystallography and non-ureolytic bacteria, in 153 patients who underwent surgery for urinary stone. The collected samples were sent for crystallographic analysis and culture. Additionally, preoperatory urine culture was collected for combined evaluation with the previous data. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was the most commonly performed approach (45.8%). Struvite stones were more frequently identified in women (90.3%). Among stones with positive cultures, except struvite, 45.5% were composed of calcium oxalate monohydrate. The difference between urine culture and stone culture was different in 24.8% of the cases. Among stones with positive cultures that did not contain struvite, 86.4% showed non-urease bacteria in their cultures and 47.1% of struvite stones also did not have urease-producing bacteria in their cultures (p < 0.021). Our findings suggest that there is an association between non-ureolytic bacteria and stones that are not composed of struvite.

Laser safety, warnings, and limits in retrograde intrarenal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the current information about laser safety in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), focusing on the two main laser technologies that we use in urology, the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser, and the thulium fiber laser (TFL). METHODS: Narrative overview of the most relevant articles published in MEDLINE and Scopus databases about this subject. RESULTS: TFL and Ho:YAG laser at similar settings (0.2 J/40 Hz) have similar volume-averaged temperature increase and the average heating rate increase proportionally to laser power, especially when high frequencies are used. Recent preclinical data, comparing both laser technologies at different laser settings, agreed that when the delivered energy increases in expenses of higher frequencies, the thermal damage increases too. Higher frequencies, despite of the rise of temperature in the irrigation medium, can cause accidental thermal lasering lesions. CONCLUSION: The use of low frequency settings and a proper irrigation is critical to avoid thermal injury in endoscopic laser lithotripsy. In addition, the use of laser safety eyeglasses is recommended in Ho:YAG and TFL ELL.

Is systematic histological examination of the cholecystectomy specimen always necessary?

INTRODUCTION: The histological examination (HE) of all cholecystectomy specimens removed for cholelithiasis is a widespread practice to rule out unrecognized gallbladder cancer. (GBC). But this dogmatic practice has been called into question by recent published data. The aim of this literature review was to answer two questions: (1) can HE be omitted in specific cases; (2) under what conditions is a selective strategy indicated? METHODS: A review of the literature was carried out that included selected multicenter studies, registry studies, or meta-analyses. A reliable technique for the surgeon's macroscopic examination of the specimen would allow the selection of dubious cases for HE. The cost-effectiveness of selective HE was discussed. The PICO methodology (population, intervention, comparator, outcome) was used in the selection of articles that compared routine and selective histological examination. RESULTS: If cases from countries with a high prevalence of gallbladder cancer are excluded and in the absence of high-risk situations (advanced age, female gender, calcified or porcelain gallbladder, acute cholecystitis, polyps, abnormalities noted intra-operatively), the macroscopic examination of the gallbladder in the operating room has a reliability approaching 100% in the majority of published studies. This would make it possible to omit systematic HE without compromising the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with unsuspected GBC and with a very favorable cost-effectiveness ratio. CONCLUSION: Through a selection of patients at very low risk of incidentally-discovered cancer and a routine macroscopic examination of the opened gallbladder, the strategy of selective HE could prove useful in both clinical and economic terms.

Combined semirigid and flexible ureterorenoscopy for the treatment of large renal stones.

Ureteroscopy is recognized as a minimally invasive and readily accessible method with low morbidity, favorable outcomes, and rapid post-interventional recovery. Recent advancements in rigid and flexible ureteroscopes have enhanced their efficiency, durability, and capability to accommodate accessory instruments. In this retrospective analysis, we evaluated 75 consecutive patients with large renal stones (stone burden between 2 and 4 cm) treated using a combination of semirigid and flexible ureteroscopy between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. Stone properties and anatomical information were collected from the image archives derived from computed tomography (CT) and/or KUD radiography. Multiple ureteroscopy sessions were required for bigger stones. The length of the hospital stay, operation time, stone-free rate, preoperative and postoperative complications, and complication rates were examined. The average age of the patients was 52.7 years, with a mean stone burden of 31.45 mm. Most stones were in the renal pelvis, followed by the upper calyx. The average operative time was 56.2 minutes. After the initial ureteroscopy session, the stone clearance rate was 76%, which increased to 92% after two ureteroscopy sessions. Complication rates were evaluated using the Clavien-Dindo modified system, with an overall complication rate of 18.4%. Most of the complications were Clavien Grades I and II, with no grade V complication encountered. Large renal stones can be treated by combining semirigid and flexible ureteroscopy to reduce the operative time and protect the flexible ureteroscope.

Pediatric renal lithiasis in Spain: research, diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, and perspectives.

Incidence and prevalence of urolithiasis is apparently increasing worldwide, also among children and adolescents. Nevertheless, robust data have only been obtained in a few countries. In Spain, a voluntary Registry for Pediatric Renal Lithiasis has been active since 2015. Irregular participation limits its applicability, as well as its limitation to patients with a stone available for morphocompositional study, to obtain data about incidence and prevalence. On the other hand, findings about typology of stones and clinical and analytical characteristics of these subjects have been communicated in several meetings. Other valuable efforts in this field are the elaboration of guidelines for the collection and processing of urine samples for the study of urolithiasis in pediatric patients with the consensus of the Spanish Society for Pediatric Nephrology (AENP) as well as the Spanish Society for Laboratory Medicine (SEQC), the collaborative network RenalTube for the diagnosis of primary tubulopathies and the registry of patients with Primary Hyperoxaluria (OxalSpain). In many hospitals from the public healthcare system, pediatric nephrologists are the specialists in charge of the management of children with kidney stones, but there is no formal regulation on this competence. Other specialists, such as urologists, pediatric surgeons or pediatric urologists, in many cases do not offer a complete insight into the etiopathogenic mechanisms and the consequent medical treatment. Access to medication according to standards of treatment is warranted, provided a correct diagnosis is achieved, but criteria for the reimbursement of certain therapies, such as RNAi drugs for primary hyperoxaluria, are arguable.

Minimally-invasive definitive treatment of recurrent sialadenitis due to obstructive sialolithiasis - a case report.

Introduction: Salivary gland lithiasis is one of the most frequent causes of sialadenitis. We report the case of a patient who presented multiple episodes of subangulomandibular tumefaction, until salivary lithiasis was finally identified as the underlying condition and resolved through a minimally invasive approach. Case report: A 43-year-old male patient presented with a history of 12 episodes of recurring one-sided subangulomandibular tumefaction over the course of the past 3 years. A computed tomography of the head and neck revealed a large calculus on Wharton's duct and right lithiasic submaxillitis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment and antibiotic treatment was administered, and after the complete resolution of the acute process, we performed a sialendoscopically-assisted sialolithotomy with complete removal of the calculus. Following the procedure, the patient was discharged on the same day, clinically well, and displayed no further recurrences over a follow-up duration of 12 months. Conclusions: The case we have reported highlights the importance of performing a correct differential diagnosis and of determining the underlying cause of recurrent sialadenitis, in order to ensure the most adequate therapeutic and, when warranted, minimally-invasive surgical management for definitive treatment.

Ureteral obstruction may activate kidney latent tuberculosis. A qualitative study.

Objectives: To analyze the hypothesis that ureteral obstruction may activate kidney latent tuberculous though qualitative study of Urogenital Tuberculosis patients. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interviews in eight patients with Urogenital Tuberculosis. The progression of the disease from the initial symptoms was characterized through the analysis of the clinical and radiological data. The presence of ureteral obstruction prior to the onset of renal tuberculosis was observed in three patients. Results: Patient 1: A 58-year-old female had five episodes of acute left ureteral lithiasis in two years prior to left kidney tuberculosis. Patient 2: A 55-year-old male patient had a 1.2 cm proximal left ureteral stone and in the following six months, the diagnosis of tuberculosis was made in a nonfunctioning left kidney with ureteral thickening and stenosis. Patient 3: A 47-year-old male patient had a 1.2 cm stone in the proximal right ureter and developed urinary tuberculosis with a nonfunctioning right kidney and a contracted bladder. Conclusion: Kidney tuberculosis may appear in the same kidney that had previously suffered stone ureteral obstruction, which may have created local conditions for the activation of latent foci of renal tuberculosis.

Complex Intrahepatic Lithiasis: A Case Report of Combined Treatment With Surgical Exploration of the Bilioenteric Anastomosis and Laser Lithotripsy by Cholangioscopy.

Intrahepatic lithiasis, or hepatolithiasis, is an endemic disease in southeast Asia, although, with immigration from Eastern countries, the incidence of this pathology is rising worldwide. The Latin American experience demonstrates morbidity and mortality compatible with other Western countries, but minimally invasive procedures are lacking. We demonstrate a case of a combined surgical and endoscopic approach for stone clearance. We present a case of a 47-year-old female patient with biliary enteric anastomosis to treat recurrent pyogenic cholangitis resulting from intrahepatic lithiasis. The patient was admitted to the emergency room, presented with a new episode of cholangitis, and submitted to transcutaneous hepatobiliary drainage. The multidisciplinary approach, including the endoscopic and surgical teams, successfully performed the stone clearance with laser lithotripsy and stone removal by open access. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient did not present any sign of recurrence after one year. A combined surgical and endoscopic approach achieved short-term clinical and technical success in this novel case. Moreover, individualizing cases requiring open surgical access is feasible, which allows a combined endoscopic approach with safety.

Autosomal dominant distal renal tubular acidosis in two pediatric patients with mutations in the SLC4A1 gene. Can the maximum urinary pCO2 test be normal?

Primary distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is a rare tubulopathy characterised by the presence of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. It is caused by the existence of a defect in the function of the H+ -ATPase located on the luminal side of the α-intercalated cells or the Cl - HCO3- (AE1) anion exchanger located on the basolateral side. Patients do not acidify the urine after acid overload (NH4Cl) or after stimulating H+ secretion by obtaining a high intratubular concentration of an anion such as chlorine (pH is measured) or HCO3- (urinary pCO2 is measured). We present a family with autosomal dominant dRTA produced by a heterozygous mutation in the SLC4A1 gene in which the two paediatric members showed a test of normal maximum urinary pCO2. Our hypothesis is that since the H + -ATPase is intact, at least initially, the stimulation induced by intratubular electronegativity to secrete H + could be effective, which would allow the maximum urinary pCO2 to be paradoxically normal, which could explain the onset, moderate presentation of symptoms and late diagnosis in patients with this mutation. This is the first documented case of a dominant dRTA in Mexico.

Experience of high polymer gel pad assisted ultrasound monitoring in the treatment of infant urolithiasis during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

In the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for infants, we used a medical polymer gel pad to assist ultrasonic positioning, so that the ultrasonic probe could be far away from the shock wave energy field. Although not affecting the ultrasonic positioning and monitoring effect, we discussed the protective effect of this method on the ultrasonic probe. A retrospective analysis was made on 21 infants (0-3 years old) who received ESWL in our hospital from June 2021 to February 2023. After the stones were accurately located by B-ultrasound before surgery, a 4 * 5 * 10 cm medical polymer gel pad was placed between the skin and the ultrasonic probe to keep the ultrasonic probe away from the shock wave energy field. The B-ultrasonic wave source locked the target stone through the gel pad, and the lithotripter Dornier Compact Delta II was used for lithotripsy. The extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was completed under the whole process of B-ultrasonic monitoring. All patients completed the surgery under ultrasound monitoring, and there were no abnormalities in the ultrasound probe during the surgery. The average stone size was 0.60 ± 0.21 cm, the surgical time was 39.8 ± 13.8 min, and the total energy of lithotripsy was 7.41 ± 4.35 J. There were no obvious complications in all patients after the surgery. After 2 weeks of ultrasound examination, the success rate of lithotripsy in 21 patients reached 85.7%. We believe that the use of the gel pad increases the distance between the ultrasonic probe and the skin, leaving the probe away from the shock wave energy field, avoiding the damage of the shock wave source to the ultrasonic probe, and does not affect the monitoring effect of ultrasound on stones and the success rate of lithotripsy, which is worthy of further promotion in the field of children's urinary stones.