100% N4-acetyl-sulfamethoxazole stone induced by Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole in an HIV patient being treated for toxoplasmosis.

Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole is a common antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections, as well as a prophylactic agent in HIV patients with low CD4 counts. Exceedingly rare are stones consisting purely of its metabolite, N4-acetyl-sulfamethoxazole, and management strategies are not well documented in the literature. We present a case of a patient with HIV who was found to have obstructing ureteral calculi composed of 100% N4-acetyl-sulfamethoxazole. Our report contributes a unique case of a Bactrim-induced stone in an immunocompromised patient. Similar patients can be prophylactically treated with diuresis and urinary alkalinization, as well as consideration for alternative medication use.

Bilateral Open Ureteroceles with Concomitant Bladder Calculi in an Adult Male.

Background: Bilateral ureteroceles in adult males are a rare occurrence, made even more so with simultaneous presence of bladder calculi. Management strategies for such patients are not well documented in the literature. We present a rare case of bilateral open ureteroceles with large concomitant bladder calculi to contribute to the paucity of literature on management of such patients. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 35-year-old man whose gross hematuria work-up demonstrated right-sided hydroureteronephrosis in the setting of bilateral ureteroceles and multiple large bladder calculi up to 3.8 cm. Conclusion: Bilateral orthotopic single-system ureteroceles in an adult male are a rare finding especially when intraoperatively found to be open secondary to traumatic effects of large calculi. Ultrasonic and pneumatic lithotripsy is a safe, appropriate, and effective option for bilateral ureteroceles contributing to a large bladder stone burden. Our report contributes to the growing body of literature on orthotopic bilateral single-system ureteroceles in the adult population with concomitant significant stone burden.

Therapeutic living donor nephrectomy.

Therapeutic living donor nephrectomy is defined as a nephrectomy that is performed as therapy for an underlying medical condition. The patient directly benefits from having their kidney removed, but the kidney is deemed transplantable. The kidney is subsequently used as an allograft for an individual with advanced renal disease. Therapeutic donor nephrectomy can be successfully utilized for a heterogenous cohort of disease processes as both treatment for the donor and to increase the number of suitable organs available for transplantation. We describe four cases of therapeutic donor nephrectomy that were performed at our institution. Of the four cases, two patients elected to undergo therapeutic donor nephrectomy as treatment for loin pain hematuria syndrome; one after blunt abdominal trauma that resulted in complete proximal ureteral avulsion; and the fourth after being diagnosed with a small renal mass. Based on our data presented to the United Network for Organ Sharing Board of Directors (UNOS) in December 2015, living donor evaluation has been made simpler for patients electing to undergo therapeutic donor nephrectomy. UNOS eliminated the requirement for a psychosocial evaluation for these patients. As the organ shortage continues to limit transplantation, therapeutic donor nephrectomy should be considered when appropriate.

Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery Can Accurately Predict High Stone Clearance Rates on Postoperative CT.

OBJECTIVE: To determine stone clearance rates using endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) and assess the accuracy of intraoperative prediction of stone-free (SF) status compared to postoperative CT scan. METHODS: A single institution, prospectively maintained database of ECIRS was queried for procedures performed 8/2017 to 1/2018. Retrograde access was performed using a ureteral sheath and flexible ureteroscope. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed through a 30fr or 18fr sheath in prone position. Residual stone status was estimated at the end of each procedure and was verified with postoperative CT scan. SF was defined as no single stone >2mm3 on CT. RESULTS: One hundred and ten procedures were reviewed. Average age was 58.9 ± 12.6 years (range 26-87) and 69 (63%) were male. The mean stone size was 33.3 ± 23.5 mm (range 4-140 mm). Ninty-three patients (84.5%) were endoscopically estimated to be SF, of which 84 (90% of predicted SF cohort, 76% of total cohort) were confirmed SF via CT scan. The sensitivity for estimating SF status with ECIRS was 65.4% (95%CI 44.3%-82.8%), specificity was 100% (95%CI 95.7%-100.0%) and accuracy was 91.8% (95%CI 85.0%-96.2%). SF patients had significantly smaller stones than those with residual fragments (28.5 ± 2.1 vs 48.4 ± 5.7mm, P <.0001). On logistic regression, the factors associated with residual stones were preoperative stone burden (OR 1.03 per mm, 95%CI 1.01-1.05, P = .0004) and fluoroscopy time (OR 1.01 per minute, 95%CI 1.0-1.02, P = .0081). CONCLUSION: ECIRS accurately predicts clinical SF status and may obviate the need for additional CT scans. Consistent with prior studies, the primary determinant of residual stone after percutaneous nephrolithotomy is initial stone size.

Tumor Evolution and Drug Response in Patient-Derived Organoid Models of Bladder Cancer.

Bladder cancer is the fifth most prevalent cancer in the U.S., yet is understudied, and few laboratory models exist that reflect the biology of the human disease. Here, we describe a biobank of patient-derived organoid lines that recapitulates the histopathological and molecular diversity of human bladder cancer. Organoid lines can be established efficiently from patient biopsies acquired before and after disease recurrence and are interconvertible with orthotopic xenografts. Notably, organoid lines often retain parental tumor heterogeneity and exhibit a spectrum of genomic changes that are consistent with tumor evolution in culture. Analyses of drug response using bladder tumor organoids show partial correlations with mutational profiles, as well as changes associated with treatment resistance, and specific responses can be validated using xenografts in vivo. Our studies indicate that patient-derived bladder tumor organoids represent a faithful model system for studying tumor evolution and treatment response in the context of precision cancer medicine.

Innovation in Robotics and Pediatric Urology: Robotic Ureteroureterostomy for Duplex Systems with Ureteral Ectopia.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic technology has been increasingly utilized for complicated reconstructive surgeries in pediatric urology, such as ureteroureterostomy (UU). The literature is limited regarding the performance of minimally invasive UU in children, and the existing published series utilize indwelling ureteral stents. We sought to report on our pediatric experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL)-UU using a temporary ureteral catheter in duplex systems with ureteral ectopia. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of all pediatric patients who underwent RAL-UU at a single institution over a 2-year period. An externalized ureteral catheter was kept overnight and removed with the indwelling catheter on postoperative day 1. Intraoperative as well as postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and analgesia were recorded. Follow-up renal ultrasound (US) and evaluation for symptom resolution were completed 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Twelve patients (four male, eight female) underwent RAL-UU at a mean age of 19.4 months (range 9-48 months) during the study period. The majority of patients (83.3%) presented with hydronephrosis, and all were found to have duplicated systems with ureteral ectopia. No child had ipsilateral vesicoureteral reflux. Two children had bilateral duplicated systems, one of which required bilateral surgery. Median operative time was 138 minutes (IQR 119-180 minutes), and mean estimated blood loss was 1.5 mL. There were no intraoperative complications, and no case required open conversion. Median hospital LOS was 31 hours (IQR 30-39 hours). Median follow-up time was 11 months (range 3-22 months). One patient developed a postoperative febrile upper respiratory infection. All patients had improved hydroureteronephrosis on US at 3 months postoperatively. One patient with preoperative urinary incontinence was dry postoperatively. Therefore, the overall success rate was 100%. CONCLUSION: Our institutional results demonstrate that RAL-UU utilizing a temporary ureteral catheter is a safe and effective technique for managing duplicated, ectopic ureters in children and infants.

A Prospective Randomized Trial of the Effects of Early Enteral Feeding After Radical Cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of early feeding on recovery after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion. Enhanced recovery protocols have helped to standardize postoperative recovery. This is the first study to directly review the impact of early feeding on recovery in a randomized multi-institutional protocol. METHODS: From 2011 to 2014, patients at 2 large hospitals were randomized after radical cystectomy to receive access to liquids and then a regular diet on postoperative days 1 and 2 or conventional care with introduction of a liquid diet after return of bowel activity, typically days 3-5. Early ambulation, use of metoclopramide, and no nasogastric tube were standard for all patients. The study was powered to detect a 50% decrease in 90-day complication rate with secondary end points of length of stay, time to bowel activity, and time to diet tolerance. The study was terminated early due to slow accrual (102 of 328). RESULTS: Overall complications for the early vs standard groups were similar (34 vs 31, P = .86). Immediate inpatient and postdischarge complication rates were also similar (P = .63 and P = .44). Length of stay was not different (8.74 days vs 9.69 days, P = .43). Rates of ileus (27% vs 41%, P = .21) and return of bowel function (4.67 days vs 4.09 days, P = .62) were the same in arms. CONCLUSION: Although this prospective randomized study did not meet the accrual target, early introduction of diet was well tolerated and did not show a negative or positive difference in any outcomes. Enhanced recovery protocols standardize postoperative care and early feeding is a well-tolerated addition.

Is peri-operative urethral catheter drainage enough? The case for stentless pediatric robotic pyeloplasty.

BACKGROUND: The necessity for urinary diversion with trans-anastomotic ureteral stenting during pyeloplasty is currently under debate. Performing a stentless repair could eliminate stent-related morbidity, including: stent migration, urinary tract infection, flank pain, and bladder spasms. In addition, there would be no need for a second procedure and associated anesthesia required for stent removal. This study describes the outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty without use of a ureteral stent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An IRB-approved prospective database of all pediatric patients undergoing robotic pyeloplasty from July 2012 to July 2014 at a single institution was reviewed. The 'bypass pyeloplasty' or Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty (DP) technique was performed. In both groups, neither a ureteral stent nor an abdominal drainage catheter was utilized. Complications were recorded, including: postoperative pain, bladder spasms, fever, and urinary tract infections. Follow-up renal ultrasound was reviewed for hydronephrosis. RESULTS: Twenty-seven children (17 male, 10 female) with a mean age of 25 months (range 6-157 months) underwent robotic ureteral stentless pyeloplasty during the study time period. The bypass pyeloplasty technique was performed on 19 children (70%). Mean length of stay was 20.2 hours (range 11-46). No fever, urinary tract infections, or hematuria requiring intervention were experienced. Additionally, there were no reports of bladder spasms or pain requiring pharmacotherapy. The mean follow-up was 8 months (range 4-21). Pre-operative Society of Fetal Urology grading was 3.5 and 3.4 for the dismembered and bypass cohort, respectively, with improvements to 1.1 for both groups at 3 months. Postoperative renal ultrasound hydronephrosis resolved in eight children (29.6%), improved in 14 (51.9%), and was stable in five (18.5%). The overall success rate was 100%. DISCUSSION: This study was limited by its small cohort and short follow-up, which may not thoroughly describe the efficacy of the stentless repair as it has been shown that stricture and re-obstruction can occur several years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic stentless pyeloplasty is a feasible alternative to conventional methods, with excellent success rates and minimal complications. Importantly, this technique circumvents the need for a second procedure and the associated risks of anesthesia.

Serum cystatin C as a novel marker to differentiate pseudoazotemia in the setting of intraperitoneal urine extravasation.

Urinary ascites results in pseudoazotemia due to urinary creatinine reabsorption across the peritoneum. We report a case of a pyeloplasty complicated by urine extravasation, in which the diagnosis was aided by discrepant findings of an elevated serum creatinine level but a stable cystatin C level. Cystatin C is a marker of renal function but is not typically excreted into the urine and therefore can be used to differentiate pseudoazotemia from true azotemia and is a better marker of renal function in the setting of known urinary ascites. These findings are relevant for patients with potential traumatic or nontraumatic sources of urine extravasation.

Robot-assisted nephroureterectomy and bladder cuff excision without patient or robot repositioning: description of modified port placement and technique.

INTRODUCTION: Nephroureterectomy (NUx) with full bladder cuff excision is the gold-standard treatment for upper urinary tract urothelial cancer. Although minimally invasive techniques for NUx have demonstrated comparable outcomes to those of the open technique, the robotic technique is limited by the need for intraoperative patient repositioning and robot redocking to manage the distal ureter and bladder cuff. We describe our novel technique of robotic NUx that allows for complete access to the kidney and full bladder cuff excision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This modified technique was performed on a consecutive series of patients undergoing robotic NUx for upper urinary tract urothelial cancer from August 2012 to January 2014. Operative parameters and pathologic data were recorded, and patients were followed up for surveillance. After insufflation, the robotic trocars are placed in a standardized fashion, allowing for a one-time switch of instruments to facilitate distal ureteral dissection and a wide bladder cuff excision without patient repositioning or robot redocking. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients have undergone NUx using our modified technique. Mean blood loss and operative time were 66 mL and 230 minutes, respectively. There were no intraoperative complications or open conversions, and there were no positive surgical margins. The average follow-up time was 7.8 months (range, 2-17 months), and 4 cases of cancer recurrence in the bladder were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This novel technique for robotic NUx offers a standardized and easy-to-implement approach for NUx that requires a minimal learning curve for an experienced robotic surgeon, while affording a comparable oncologic control without the need for patient repositioning or additional port placement.

Endoscopic management of intraluminal ureteral endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To present the largest experience on the ureteroscopic management of ureteral obstruction secondary to intraluminal endometrial implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent ureteroscopic management of intraluminal endometriosis from 1996 to 2012. All patients were diagnosed with ureteroscopic biopsy and underwent at least 1 ureteroscopic ablation with a holmium YAG (Ho:Yag) laser. Patients were monitored for evidence of disease persistence, recurrence, or progression with computed tomography, sonography, renal scan, ureteroscopy, and retrograde urography. Success was defined as the complete eradication of ureteral endometriosis, resolution of symptoms, and maintenance of renal function. RESULTS: Five patients were identified. Mean age was 37.5 years. All patients had hydroureteronephrosis at presentation whereas 2 had severely impaired renal function. Three patients were successfully treated with a single ablative procedure, whereas 2 had persistent symptomatic hydroureteronephrosis and underwent repeat ablation. Of those requiring repeat ablation, 1 became disease-free after the second ablation, whereas the other had persistence of disease, requiring nephroureterectomy. Three patients developed ureteral strictures, requiring balloon dilation and serial stent exchanges. At a median follow-up of 35 months (16-84), overall success rate was observed in 4 of 5 patients (80%). CONCLUSION: Endometriosis affects approximately 15% of premenopausal women and can present anywhere along the urinary tract including the ureters, which might result in urinary obstruction and impaired renal function. Although surgical resection is the conventional treatment option for intraluminal endometriosis, ureteroscopic management is a viable nephron-sparing alternative. Follow-up imaging, including ureteroscopic surveillance and retrograde urography is recommended to detect disease recurrence or progression, or both.

Diagnostic radiation exposure risk in a contemporary cohort of male patients with germ cell tumor.

PURPOSE: We determined the total amount of diagnostic radiation that a patient with testicular cancer receives during the course of treatment and the associated risk of secondary malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At a single institution 119 men with seminomatous and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis were retrospectively identified. Annual and lifetime exposure to radiation was determined for each histological subtype. Values were assessed for compliance with International Commission of Radiological Protection guidelines. RESULTS: The cohorts included 55 patients with seminomatous and 64 with nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. Between the groups no difference was found in the lifetime (215.5 and 214.1 mSV, p = 0.96) or the annual (104.6 and 104.6 mSV, respectively, p = 1.0) radiation dose. Of the 41 patients with more than 5-year followup 32 (78%) were in violation of guidelines by exceeding 20 mSV per year of radiation. Also, 74 patients (61.7%) received 50 mSV or greater of radiation during a 1-year period. Using the previously calculated excess relative risk for solid cancer and leukemia, excluding chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the RR was 1.06 and 1.33, [corrected] respectively, with a 2.1% lifetime risk of fatal cancer over the baseline risk. CONCLUSIONS: At a tertiary care center with experience with managing testicular cancer 78% of patients with more than 5 years of followup exceeded current national and standard safety limits for radiation exposure. Imaging should be done judiciously in this population at high risk for radiation overexposure.

Bis(amino acid) derivatives of 1,4-diamino-2-butyne that adopt a C2-symmetric turn conformation.

1,4-Diamino-2-butyne was prepared from 1,4-dichloro-2-butyne via 1,4-diazido-2-butyne. Bis(amino acid) derivatives of 1,4-diamino-2-butyne having the general structure (Boc-Xxx-NHCH2C[triple bond])2 (Xxx = Ala, Phe and Met) were prepared and examined by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Using chemical shift, coupling constant and DMSO titration data it is found that these compounds adopt a C2-symmetric turn conformation featuring two intramolecular hydrogen bonds.