Transrectal ultrasound-guided aspiration in the management of prostatic abscess: A single-center experience.

OBJECTIVES: The safety and efficacy of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided aspiration of prostatic abscess (PA) is known. The objective of this study is to describe a treatment algorithm for management of PA with TRUS-guided aspiration, emphasizing on indications and factors predicting the treatment outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After the institutional review board approval was obtained, a retrospective study was done of all patients suspected with PA on digital rectal examination (DRE) and confirmed on TRUS. An 18-gauge two-part needle was used for aspiration. The real-time TRUS-guided aspiration of PA was done in the longitudinal axis. The aspiration of pus and the sequential collapse of cavity was seen "real time." A suprapubic catheter was placed, if the patient had urinary retention, persistent dysuria, and/or severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Success was defined as complete resolution of the abscess and/or symptoms. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were studied with PA, with a mean age of 54.6 ± 14.6 (range 26-79) years. The DRE diagnosed PA in 22 (45.83%) patients, while abdominal sonography diagnosed PA in 13 (27.08%) patients. TRUS revealed a hypoechoic area with internal echoes in all 48 (100%) patients. The diagnosis was confirmed in all 48 cases with aspiration. The mean size of the lesion was 3.2 ± 1.2 (range 1.5-8) cm. Mean volume aspirated was 10.2 ml (range 2.5-30 ml). Complete resolution after first aspiration was observed in 20 (41.66%) patients. An average of 4.1 (range 1-7) aspirations was required for complete resolution which was seen in 41 patients (85.42%). Seven (14.58%) patients required transurethral resection (deroofing) of the abscess cavity. We formulated a treatment algorithm based on the above findings. CONCLUSION: The proposed algorithm based on our experience suggests that patients with PA larger than 2 cm with severe LUTS and/or leukocytosis benefit from TRUS-guided aspiration. In addition, these patients are benefitted from urinary drainage (either perurethral or suprapubic). The algorithm also suggests that if two attempts of TRUS aspiration fail, these patients benefit from transurethral drainage.

Balloon dilatation for male urethral strictures "revisited".

AIMS: To analyze the results of balloon dilatation for short segment male urethral strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis was done of 120 patients undergoing urethral balloon dilatation since January 2004 to January 2012. The inclusion criteria for analysis was a short segment (less than 1.5 cm) stricture, exclusion criteria were pediatric, long (more than 1.5 cm), traumatic, malignant strictures. The parameters analyzed included presentation of patients, ascending urethrogram (AUG) and descending urethrogram findings, pre- and postoperative International prostate symptoms score (IPSS), uroflowmetry (Qmax), and post-void residue (PVR). Need for self calibration/ancillary procedures were assessed. Failure was defined as requirement for a subsequent endoscopic or open surgery. A urethral balloon catheter (Cook Urological, Spencer, Indiana) is passed over a guide wire after on table AUG and inflated till 180 psi for 5 minutes under fluoroscopy till waist disappears. Dilatation is followed by insertion of a Foley catheter. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: Mean age was 49.86 years. Mean follow-up was 6 (2-60) months. IPSS improved from 21.6 preoperative to 5.6 postoperatively. Qmax increased from 5.7 to 19.1 and PVR decreased from 90.2 to 28.8 (P < 0.0001*) postoperatively. At 1, 3, and at 6 monthly follow-up, 69.2% (n = 82) patients were asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Balloon dilation is a safe, well-tolerated procedure with minimal complications. Further randomized studies comparing balloon dilatation with direct internal visual urethrotomy are warranted.

Prospective randomized controlled trial comparing laser lithotripsy with pneumatic lithotripsy in miniperc for renal calculi.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The energy source used for stone fragmentation is important in miniperc. In this study, we compared the stone fragmentation characteristics and outcomes of laser lithotripsy and pneumatic lithotripsy in miniperc for renal calculi. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, 60 patients undergoing miniperc for renal calculi of 15 to 30 mm were equally randomized to laser and pneumatic lithotripsy groups. Miniperc was performed using 16.5F Karl Storz miniperc sheath and a 12F nephroscope. Laser lithotripsy was performed using a 550-µm laser fiber and 30 W laser with variable settings according to the need. Pneumatic lithotripsy was performed using the EMS Swiss lithoclast. Patient demographics, stone characteristics, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The baseline patient demographics and stone characteristics were similar in both groups. The total operative time (P = 0.433) and fragmentation time (P=0.101) were similar between the groups. The surgeon assessed that the Likert score (1 to 5) for fragmentation was similar in both groups (2.1 ± 0.8 vs 1.9 ± 0.9, P=0.313). Stone migration was lower with the laser (1.3 ± 0.5 vs 1.7 ± 0.8, P=0.043), and fragment removal was easier with the laser (1.1 ± 0.3 vs 1.7 ± 1.1, P=0.011). The need for fragment retrieval using a basket was significantly more in the pneumatic lithotripsy group (10% vs 37%, P=0.002). The hemoglobin drop, complication rates, auxiliary procedures, postoperative pain, and stone clearance rates were similar between the groups (P>0.2). CONCLUSION: Both laser lithotripsy and pneumatic lithotripsy are equally safe and efficient stone fragmentation modalities in miniperc. Laser lithotripsy is associated with lower stone migration and easier retrieval of the smaller fragments it produces.

Current role of microperc in the management of small renal calculi.

'Microperc' is a recently described technique in which percutaneous renal access and lithotripsy are performed in a single step using a 16 G micropuncture needle. 'Mini-microperc' is a further technical modification in which an 8 Fr sheath is used to allow insertion of ultrasonic or pneumatic lithoclast probe with suction. The available evidence indicates that microperc is safe and efficient in the management of small renal calculi in adult and pediatric population. It can also be used for renal calculi in ectopic kidneys and bladder calculi. The high stone clearance rate and lower complication rate associated with microperc make it a viable alternative to retrograde intrarenal surgery.

Management of urolithiasis in live-related kidney donors.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze our experience in management of urolithiasis in renal donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The stones were treated either pretransplant or posttransplant. The Amsterdam forum criteria for acceptance of living donors were used for donor selection. The donors underwent the following procedures: pretransplant extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) (n=5), pretransplant retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) (n=1), ex-vivo ureteroscopy (ex-vivo URS) (n=1), and ex-vivo pyelolithotomy (ex-vivo Pyl) (n=2); intraoperative Double-J stent; and observation (n=3). Data were analyzed for technical feasibility, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and stone clearance. RESULTS: The male and female ratio was 4:8 and average age was 52.3 years (38-71). In the pretransplant ESWL group, average of 740 shocks (600-1500) was given; the power was not ramped up beyond 12 kV. Ex-vivo URS was performed on bench with 6F pediatric cystoscope, while in the ex-vivo Pyl, a 12F nephroscope was introduced via a pyelotomy and stones were retrieved intact with a dormia basket. A postoperative ultrasound at one month revealed complete clearance of stones in all except one donor. At a mean follow-up of 36 months (10-58), there was no stone recurrence in donor or recipient. CONCLUSIONS: This report shows the feasibility and safety of ex-vivo URS and ex-vivo Pyl in living donors, in select cases with subcentimeter calculi, an option of conservative management with Double-J stent is safe. ESWL/RIRS can be performed safely in the pretransplant setting. Proper donor selection and follow-up are crucial to success. We propose a treatment selection algorithm for management of these donors.

Laparoscopic en bloc kidney transplantation.

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is well establish procedure and having advantages over open donor nephrectomy in terms of having less pain, early ambulation and rapid post operative recovery. To extend the advantages of laparoscopic surgery to the recipient, recently we have performed laparoscopic kidney transplantations when kidney was procured from deceased donors. As a further extension of the procedure, here we present a case of laparoscopic en bloc kidney transplantation in obese diabetic recipient who received kidneys from 70 year old non-heart beating donor.

Role of active mentoring during flexible ureteroscopy training.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of flexible ureteroscopy training with or without an active mentor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six flexible ureteroscopy naive practicing urologists and urology residents, after an initial introductory refreshment course, underwent training under a mentor for 15 minutes each in a high-fidelity nonvirtual reality Endo-Urologie-Modell (Karl Storz). The trainees were then randomized into two equal groups for training: One under a mentor and the other without. These two groups completed the training for 2 hours. Global rating scale (GRS) for the performance of flexible ureteroscopy was measured by a blinded expert at the beginning and end of the training. A specific task completion time (TCT) was noted at the end of the training. The trainees noted their own global rating scale at the end of the training. RESULTS: The GRS by the expert at the end of the training was significantly higher in the mentor group. TCT was significantly lower in the mentor group. TCT correlated well with the GRS as measured by the expert rather than the trainee. CONCLUSION: Mentorship during flexible ureteroscopy training results in higher GRS and lower TCT at the end of the training. Self-assessment GRS by trainee does not correlate well with the skills acquired.

Small incision basilic vein transposition technique: a good alternative to standard method.

End-stage renal disease is a significant health problem. The primary use of the autogenous arteriovenous access is recommended by NKF-DOQI (National Kidney Foundation-Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative) guidelines. Though basilic vein transposition is well established in multiple failed fistulae's and obese patients, it requires large incision and morbidities like edema and infection. To avoid such compilations we, at our institution, adopted a small incision technique using two small 3-4 cm incisions. This method is inspired by videoendoscopic minimally invasive method used to dissect the basilic vein, thus avoiding extensive dissection and related morbidities.

Management of non-neoplastic renal hemorrhage by transarterial embolization.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the role of transarterial embolization (TAE) and critically appraise its feasibility and efficacy in the management of non-neoplastic renal hemorrhage. Percutaneous TAE is an effective method for the control of hemorrhage, irrespective of the cause. Injury to the renal artery or its branch, after trauma or during open or percutaneous urologic procedures, can be accurately diagnosed using angiography and treated by percutaneous embolization techniques. Because the technique and technology have evolved, it is now possible to perform highly selective embolization of the injured vessel while preserving vascularity of the rest of the renal parenchyma. METHODS: The medical records of all patients who underwent angioembolization for hemorrhagic urologic emergencies at our institute from January 1996 to December 2007 were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients, aged 7-72 years, underwent TAE because of hemorrhage after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (n = 27), open pyelolithotomy (n = 3), renal biopsy (n = 8), and spontaneous occurrence (n = 3). All patients had a normal coagulation profile before surgery. A total of 35 patients (85.3%) underwent successful embolization and none required a postprocedural blood transfusion. Of those with postpercutaneous nephrolithotomy bleeding, angioembolization failed in 6 patients. Of these, only 2 required nephrectomy to save the patient's life. No serious procedure-related complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: TAE is a minimally invasive, safe, simple, and highly effective modality, in expert hands, for the management of postprocedural renal bleeding. This option should be considered early in the management of these cases because it is not only a life-saving, but ultimately a kidney-sparing, procedure.