Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) for upper urinary tract stones in children below 12 years of age: A single centre experience.

OBJECTIVE: Retrograde Intra Renal Surgery (RIRS) is a minimally invasive surgical modality for the treatment of renal stones. We evaluated the efficacy of RIRS in children below aged 12 years of age in the form of stone-free rate (SFR), complications and the feasibility of the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all children ≤ 12 years of age, with upper urinary tract stones single or multiple ≤ 15 mm in size who underwent RIRS between February 2019 to November 2021. RIRS was performed with 7.5 Fr flexible ureterorenoscope over the guidewire, the stones were dusted with Laser and the ureteral stent was left after RIRS. All patients had the post-procedure stent removed within 3 weeks after checking for residual stones with X-ray and ultrasonography of Kidney-Ureter-Bladder (USG-KUB). Follow-up USG KUB was done at 4 months. RESULTS: 15 patients included in our study met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 8.7 ± 2.8 years, the mean stone size was 11.26 ± 2.14 mm and 26.6 % had multiple stones. Retrograde access failure was noted in 36.3 % in non stented patients. The mean operative time was 72.6 ± 20 minutes, fluoroscopy time was 4.4 ± 0.9 minutes and the mean LASER time was 26 ± 3.9 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 2.8 ± 0.9 days. Ureteral access sheath (UAS) was used in one patient. Conversion to mini PCNL was done in one pre stented patient due to access failure and one patient had a second look RIRS for residual stone. No major complications were noted except onr patient who had sepsis. The stone-free rates were 93.3% after primary RIRS and 100% after second look RIRS. CONCLUSIONS: RIRS is a feasible, safe procedure for pediatric upper urinary stones with excellent stone-free rates and a low rate of complications.

Malakoplakia prostate presenting as urinary retention: a report of two cases and review of the literature.

Malakoplakia is a rare chronic inflammatory condition, which primarily occurs in genitourinary tract, with prostatic malakoplakia being extremely rare. We present two cases of acute urinary retention, with clinically firm nodular prostate and a raised serum prostate-specific antigen. Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostatic biopsy showed features of malakoplakia. There was a significant reduction of size of prostate on transrectal ultrasonography after 4 weeks of antibiotics. However, one patient had failed trial without catheter and was subjected to transurethral resection of prostate. The biopsy of the prostatic chips also showed features of malakoplakia. Other patient improved symptomatically after antibiotics and was managed conservatively. Both the patients are on regular follow-up and are asymptomatic. Prostatic malakoplakia presenting as urinary retention is very uncommon with around 12 cases in the literature. Recognition of prostatic malakoplakia is important because clinically it can masquerade prostatic malignancy. Treatment with antibiotics is necessary before subjecting the patients for surgery in patients with obstructive symptoms.

Predictors for severe hemorrhage requiring angioembolization post percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A single-center experience over 3 years.

CONTEXT AND AIM: About 1% of the patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) have bleeding severe enough to require angioembolization. We identified factors which could predict severe bleeding post-PCNL and reviewed patients who underwent angioembolization for the same. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a single-institutional, retrospective study over a period of 3 years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 583 patients undergoing PCNL at our institute from 2013 to 2016. We analyzed nine patients (three from our institute and six referred patients) who underwent angioembolization for severe bleeding post-PCNL. We analyzed the preoperative characteristics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative course of these patients and compared this with those patients who did not have a severe post-PCNL bleeding. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Fischer's exact test and Chi-square test were used in univariate analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used in multivariate analysis with a value of P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Three of the 583 patients (0.51%) who underwent PCNL at our institute required embolization to control bleeding. Preoperative characteristics that were significant risk factors for severe bleeding were a history of ipsilateral renal surgery (P = 0.0025) and increased stone complexity (P = 0.006), while significant intraoperative factors were injury to the pelvicalyceal system (P = 0.0005) and multiple access tracts (P = 0.022). Angiography revealed arteriovenous fistula in two patients and a pseudoaneurysm in seven patients. All patients underwent successful superselective angioembolization with preserved renal perfusion in six patients on control angiography postembolization. CONCLUSIONS: History of ipsilateral renal surgery, increased stone complexity, multiple access tracts, and injury to the pelvicalyceal system are risk factors predicting severe renal hemorrhage post-PCNL. Early angiography followed by angioembolization should be performed in patients with severe post-PCNL bleeding who fail to respond to conservative measures.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic repair of retrocaval ureter: Our experience and review of literature.

CONTEXT AND AIM: Retrocaval ureter (RCU), also known as circumcaval ureter, occurs due to anomalous development of inferior vena cava (IVC) and not ureter. The surgical approach for this entity has shifted from open to laparoscopic and robotic surgery. This is a relatively new line of management with very few case reports. Herein, we describe the etiopathology, our experience with six cases of transperitoneal laparoscopic repair of RCU operated at tertiary care center in India and have reviewed different management options. METHODS: From 2013 to 2016, we operated total six cases of transperitoneal laparoscopic repair of RCU. All were male patients with average age of 29.6 years (14-50). Pain was their only complaint with normal renal function and no complications. After diagnosis with CT Urography, they underwent radionuclide scan and were operated on. Postoperative follow-up was done with ultrasonography every 3 months and repeat radionuclide scan at 6 months. The maximum follow-up was for 2.5 years. RESULTS: All cases were completed laparoscopically. Average operating time was 163.2 min. Blood loss varied from 50 to 100 cc. Ureteroureterostomy was done in all patients. None developed urinary leak or recurrent obstruction postoperatively. Maximum time for the requirement of external drainage was for 4 days (2-4 days). Average postoperative time for hospitalization was 3.8 days. Follow-up ultrasound and renal scan showed unobstructed drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach can be considered equivalent as parameters like operative time, results are comparable for these two modalities. We preferred transperitoneal approach as it provides good working space for intracorporeal suturing.

A Case Report of Largest Documented Multilocular Cystic Nephroma Removed by Thoracoabdominal Approach.

Large renal tumours are not uncommon in developing countries. Enhancing renal tumours are considered to be malignant unless proved otherwise and radical surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment of such tumours. A giant renal tumour, especially on right side, poses a big challenge for the operating team and requires a thoracoabdominal approach for successful excision. We report successful removal of the largest documented Multilocular Cystic Nephroma (MLCN, 5.5 kg) from a 28-year-old female who presented with right abdomen lump since two years. The surgery was done through a 9th intercostal thoracoabdominal incision as the mass (31 x 19 x 19.6 cm) extended from right sub-diaphragmatic space up to the dome of the bladder. We discuss here the technique of removing such a huge renal mass and the challenges an operating surgeon may encounter.

Wunderlich Syndrome due to Ruptured Pseudoaneurysm of Angiomyolipoma in First Trimester: A Rare Case Report.

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a rare benign tumour of kidney which demonstrates rapid growth during pregnancy due to hormonal stimulation, leading to rupture. Majority of reported ruptured AMLs are in third trimester. We report a case of ruptured angiomyolipoma at 10th week of gestation, the earliest rupture known in singleton pregnancy. The AML had pseudo-aneurysm formation with extra-tumoural rupture during pregnancy, a finding never reported in literature yet. The patient had active bleeding with expanding peri-nephric haematoma during initial two days of conservative management. Hence, after counselling and taking prior informed written consent for Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP), computed tomography scan of abdomen with angiography followed by emergency coil embolization of the bleeding right upper polar segmental artery was done. After stabilization, MTP was done at 12th week of gestation. Counselling and consent for continuing or aborting the pregnancy is of utmost importance for best possible outcome for patient and foetus.

Predictive factors for fever and sepsis following percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A review of 580 patients.

AIMS: There has been much speculation and discussion about the infective complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). While fever is common after PCNL, the incidence of it progressing to urosepsis is fortunately less. Which patient undergoing PCNL is at risk of developing urosepsis and in whom aggressive treatment of fever postoperatively may prevent the progression to severe sepsis becomes a very important question. This study aims to answer these vital questions. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a single institutional, retrospective study over a period of 3 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of the patients undergoing PCNL from August 2012 to July 2015 was done. A total of 580 patients were included in the study, and the study variables recorded were analyzed statistically. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-square test. RESULTS: Three factors significantly correlated with postoperative severe sepsis, namely, stone size >25 mm, prolonged operative time >120 min, and significant bleeding requiring transfusion. Factors associated with fever after PCNL which did not progress to sepsis were the presence of staghorn calculi and multiple access tracts in addition to the factors listed above for sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Fever after PCNL is not uncommon but it has a low incidence of progressing to life-threatening severe sepsis and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome. Special precautions and monitoring should be taken in patients with bigger stone (>25 mm) and patients with severe intraoperative hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion. It is better to stage the procedure rather than prolong the operative time (120 min). Identifying these factors and minimizing them may decrease the incidence of this life-threatening complication.

Fractured Penis: Not So Rare!

INTRODUCTION: Penile fracture is a relatively common phenomenon. The main problem associated with this condition is the lack of patients' awareness on the urgency of the situation. This study reports the different modes of presentations and treatment results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 21 cases of penile fracture over 5 years. Parameters were mode of injury, age group, time interval before presentation, management, site of injury, urethral involvement, results, complications and erectile function at follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 34 years, the mean time interval until presentation was 26 h. Cases involving the right corpus cavernosum comprised 57.14% and 42.85% were cases involving the left corpus cavernosum. Two patients had full circumferential urethral tear. Two patients developed wound infections and 2 patients developed mild penile curvature (<30°). These 4 patients had all presented late for treatment (>40 h). CONCLUSION: Urologists need to consider penile fracture a urological emergency and atypical presentations need to be considered when deciding on management.

TRUS Biopsy Yield in Indian Population: A Retrospective Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The reported cancer detection rate of Trans-Rectal Ultrasonography (TRUS) biopsies (TRUS biopsy yield) has been around 30 percent in western countries. However it is much lower in Asian countries, including India. Hence a larger proportion of patients in India undergo unnecessary biopsies. AIMS: To find out the cancer detection rate of TRUS biopsy (TRUS biopsy yield) in contemporary Indian population. Also, to study the positive predictive values at different serum Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)/PSA Density (PSAD) cut off levels and suspicious Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care institute. All symptomatic patients who underwent TRUS guided biopsy for indication of raised serum PSA level (>4 ng/ml) or suspicious DRE findings (nodule, irregularity, hard consistency, immobile rectal mucosa) from January 2012 to December 2014 were included. For serum PSA range (4-10) ng/ml, TRUS guided biopsy was done in patients with percent free/total PSA < 25. Statistical analysis used were Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Spearman's rank correlation analysis and Receiver-Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Out of the 235 patients included, 60 patients had malignancy (overall cancer detection rate= 25.53%). The cancer detection rate for PSA ranges of (4-10) and (10-20) ng/ml was as low as 5.95% and 13.16% respectively. Patients with malignant disease had significantly smaller prostate gland size than patients with benign disease (53.89 vs 63.06; p-value <0.05). On the other hand, cancer detection rate was 100% for PSA greater than 50ng/ml. The cancer detection rates were only upto 10% for PSA density ranges upto 0.25 ng/ml/cm3. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) for PSA and PSAD was 0.876 and 0.884 respectively. Only one patient (0.43%) had post-biopsy complication (acute bacterial prostatitis) requiring hospital admission. CONCLUSION: The current serum PSA and PSAD cut offs of 4 ng/ml and 0.15 ng/ml/cm3 need to be raised for Indian population to increase its positive predictive value. Prospective study validation of this finding is lacking.

Paediatric Post-Traumatic Bladder Neck Distraction Injury: Case Series.

The bladder neck distraction is a rare posterior urethral injury in paediatric age group. It mostly occurs secondary to road traffic accidents. We report three cases of paediatric bladder neck distraction injury. Three paediatric patients aged between 4 to 7 years (mean 5 year), who presented with post traumatic bladder neck distraction injury but no other major injury, they were treated with early urethro-vesical anastomosis. Postoperatively all patients were continent and with good urine flow rates. In paediatric bladder neck distraction injury, immediate urethro-vesical anastomosis gives good results.

Role of calculated glomerular filtration rate using percutaneous nephrostomy creatinine clearance in the era of radionuclide scintigraphy.

CONTEXT: Gates method tends to over-estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in borderline functioning kidneys. We study the role of calculated GFR in these cases in decision-making regarding performing kidney-sparing surgery or nephrectomy. AIMS: The aim of this study is to find the correlation between GFR calculated by percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) urine creatinine clearance in obstructed kidneys and GFR by radionuclide scintigraphy. It also studies the role of this calculated GFR in borderline functioning kidneys. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Single tertiary care center; retrospective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 46 patients in whom PCN was inserted as an emergency measure in an obstructed kidney and for whom diethylene-triamine-penta-acetic acid/ethylene-di-cysteine (DTPA/EC) scan was also done (Gates method) were analyzed retrospectively. PCN creatinine clearance was calculated for 3 consecutive days, and the mean value was used. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Pearson's correlational analysis; Chi-square test. RESULTS: Overall strong correlation was found between the two GFR values (Pearson's r = 0.540692, P < 0.001). Totally 26 patients (56.52%) had comparable GFR values (P > 0.05). Among the 36 patients with borderline functioning kidneys, DTPA/EC scan significantly over-estimated GFR in one-third of the patients. The management plan was changed in 7 out of those patients (46.67%), with nephrectomy performed in all instead of kidney-sparing procedure. When the highest value of calculated GFR was compared, 28 patients had comparable GFRs (60.87%). CONCLUSIONS: GFR based on radionuclide scintigraphy may be insufficient for evaluation of residual renal function to determine the management of obstructed kidney with borderline function. For adequate decision-making, other factors including creatinine clearance via PCN should also be considered. Gates method tends to overestimate GFR as compared to calculated creatinine clearance at low GFR levels.

Large Dumbbell Shaped Vesicovaginal Calculus Managed with Holmium Laser Cystolithotripsy Followed by Staged Repair of Vesicovaginal Fistula.

Complicated Vesicovaginal Fistulae (VVF) is prevalent in developing countries following obstetric injury. We report a rare case of a large dumbbell shaped vesicovaginal calculus measuring 7x 4.6cm in a patient with recurrent, complicated VVF managed successfully in two stages 6 weeks apart. Holmium laser (30 Watt) cystolithotripsy was used to break the vesical portion of the stone at the waist of the dumbbell, followed by delivery of vaginal part of the stone. Trans-abdominal VVF repair (O'Connor method) with omental interposition flap with right side ureteric reimplant was done after six weeks. Our case was unique because of occurrence of a larger sized fistula after a gynaecological surgery. She had developed larger stone (weight more than190gm- vaginal component) into the fistula tract. Also she had undergone multiple failed VVF repair attempts before. Use of holmium laser energy to break the stone was unique which minimized the morbidity of the first procedure leading to early recovery followed by staged repair of fistula after six weeks.

Reconstruction of Female Urethra with Tubularized Anterior Vaginal Flap.

INTRODUCTION: Female urethral injury is a rare disease. Causes of urethral injuries are prolonged obstructed labour, gynaecological surgeries like vaginoplasty and post traumatic urethral injuries. The present study was conducted to evaluate outcome of female urethral reconstruction using tubularized anterior vaginal wall flap covered with fibroadipose martius flap and autologous fascia sling in patients with urethral loss. AIM: Aim of study was to evaluate outcome of reconstruction of female urethra with tubularized anterior vaginal flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all the patients with complete urethral loss was done from August 2008 to July 2015. Total seven patients were included in study. All patients presenting with total urethral loss were included. These patients were treated with tubularized anterior vaginal flap. Neourethra was covered with Martius labial flap and autologous fascia lata or rectus abdominis fascia sling. Most common cause of urethral loss was obstructed labour (57.1%). Postoperatively patients were assessed for continence, urine flow rate, ultrasound for upper urinary tract and post void residue. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 180 minutes (160-200 minutes) and Intraoperative blood loss was 220ml (170-260 ml). Mean postoperative hospital stay was eight days (seven to nine days) Mean post surgery maximum urine flow rate was more than 15ml/sec (6.7-18.2ml/sec) and mean post void residual urine was 22.5ml (10-50ml). Median follow-up time was 35 months. All patients were catheter free and continent post three weeks of surgery except one patient who developed mild stress urinary incontinence. One patient developed urethral stenosis which was managed by intermittent serial urethral dilatation. CONCLUSION: Female neourethral reconstruction with tabularized anterior vaginal flap and autologous pubovaginal sling is feasible in patients of total urethral loss with success rate of approximately 86%. It should be considered in patients of complete urethral loss with adequate healthy vaginal tissue.

Early metastasis to anterior abdominal wall following radical cystectomy: A rare presentation.

Abdominal wall metastasis from urothelial cancer is extremely rare and very few such cases have been reported in the literature. As such the treatment protocols are not so well defined. We present an interesting case of a 65-year-old male patient, known case of chronic kidney disease, who presented with a large, fungating infraumbilical mass 8 months postradical cystectomy. The mass involved full thickness anterior abdominal wall and small bowel including the ileal conduit. Wide excision of the mass along with adhered bowel loops and partial excision of the ileal conduit with right ureteric reimplant was performed. The large defect in the anterior abdominal wall was closed using a mesh (permanent with a bioresorbable coating inside) and myocutaneous thigh flap. The histopathological examination of the excised mass was consistent with secondary from the urothelial tumor.

Spontaneous large renal pelvis hematoma in ureteropelvic junction obstruction presenting as an acute abdomen: Rare case report.

Patients with ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction can present with flank pain or hematuria. We present 20-year-old male presenting with acute pain in lumbar and right fossa with tenderness and guarding, this case was clinically mimicking general surgical emergency. On computed tomography with urography and angiography, there was 15 cm × 11 cm × 10 cm size non-enhancing hyperdense lesion (average Hounsfield units - +64) in right renal pelvis suggestive of hematoma. Patient's diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid diuretic renography was suggestive of right kidney glomerular function rate of 48.4 ml/min with the relative function of 43%, Peak to half peak was not achieved. The patient was managed by retrograde ureteropyelography and double J stenting. After 1 month, clot size decreased to 4 cm × 3 cm × 2 cm. The patient had undergone open reduction Anderson hynes dismembered pyeloplasty with the removal of pelvis clot after 6 weeks. We report the first case of UPJ obstruction presenting as an acute abdomen and spontaneous hematuria with large pelvis clot without rupture of the renal pelvis.

Vesicovaginal fistula presenting as a large abdominal pseudocyst: A rare case.

We present a rare case of indirect vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) in a patient with small capacity bladder. The fistula was between abdominal pseudocyst (APC) arising from bladder and vagina - and hence, an indirect VVF. A 35-year-old female had a history of emergency obstetric hysterectomy with iatrogenic bladder injury. Postoperatively, the patient developed VVF and large APC. Patient's micturating cystourethrogram was suggestive of small capacity bladder with bilateral Grade IV vesicoureteral reflux with a well-defined APC arising from superior surface of bladder to L4-L5 lumbar vertebrae. Large APC arising from bladder and associated with an indirect VVF is very rare, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported in literature. The patient was successfully managed with exploratory laparotomy and excision of fistula tract and pseudocyst, adhesiolysis, and ileal augmentation cystoplasty. Multiple intraoperative adhesions should be suspected in APC. We would like to conclude that ileal augmentation cystoplasty is a safe procedure in a case of VVF with APC and small capacity bladder.

Alpha thalassaemia in tribal communities of coastal Maharashtra, India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: In a routine community health survey conducted in adult Adivasis of the costal Maharashtra, microcytosis and hyprochromia were observed in more than 80 per cent of both males and females having normal haemoglobin levels suggesting the possibility of α-thalassaemia in these communities. We conducted a study in Adivasi students in the same region to find out the magnitude of α-thalessaemia. METHODS: The participants (28 girls and 23 boys) were 14-17 yr old studying in a tribal school. Fasting venous blood samples (5 ml) were subjected to complete blood count (CBC), Hb-HPLC and DNA analysis using gap-PCR for deletion of -α3.7 and -α4.2, the two most common molecular lesions observed in α-thalassaemia in India. RESULTS: Microcytic hypochromic anaemia was observed 50 and 35 per cent girls and boys, respectively. Iron supplementation improved Hb levels but did not correct microcytois and hypochromia. m0 ore than 80 per cent non-anaemic students of both sexes showed microcytois and hypochromia. DNA analysis confirmed that the haematological alterations were due to α-thalassaemia trait characterized by deletion of -α3.7. Majority (>60%) of the affected students had two deletions (-α3.7/-α3.7 genotype α+ thalassaemia. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: This is perhaps the first report on the occurrence of α-thalassaemia in tribal communities of coastal Maharashtra. Very high (78.4%) haplotype frequency of -α3.7 suggests that the condition is almost genetically fixed. These preliminary observations should stimulate well planned large scale epidemiological studies on α-thalassaemia in the region.

Students' perceptions of their education on graduation from a dental school in India.

This study was conducted with the purpose of assessing students' perceived learning experience at the time of graduation from a dental school in India. The domains appraised were undergraduate curriculum, student motivation and support services, institutional infrastructure, administrative services, components of teaching-learning programs, confidence level in carrying out specific clinical procedures, career choice, and postgraduate specialty preference after graduation. The authors surveyed forty-five dental interns at the end of their undergraduate course, a 100 percent response rate from the class. The results showed that over 95 percent of the graduates were satisfied with the curriculum and 60 to 95 percent reported that the various components of the teaching-learning process were adequate. Only 42 percent of the students were confident about setting up a practice; 65 percent wished to take a course on general dentistry; and 86 percent wanted to pursue postgraduate study. The principal conclusions were that although the program was satisfactory to the majority of participants, some areas of concern were identified that need improvement.