Clinicoradiological parameters predicting operative difficulty in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal tumors.

Introduction: The number of renal tumors amenable to laparoscopic surgery is rising, both, due early detection by improved imaging techniques and due to progressive improvements in minimal access surgery. Conversion to open surgery, which is a significant event, can be minimized by proper case selection. We assessed the pre-operative factors that can predict the operative difficulty and can help in case selection, thus avoiding complications and reducing the chances of conversion to open. Methods: One hundred and sixteen patients (73 males and 43 females) with the mean age of 50.78 ± 14.2 years, meeting the inclusion criteria underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Various clinical, anthropometric, radiological, and pathological parameters were recorded. Intraoperative difficulty was assessed and graded on a scale of 1 (easiest) to 4 (most difficult or open conversion) by an independent observer to calculate the difficulty score, which along with the other parameters of operative difficulty, was used to calculate the difficulty scale. Significant parameters on the univariate analysis, were subjected to a multivariate analysis, to find parameters that can predict the operative difficulty. Results: The mean age was 52 ± 14.29 years, mean size was 4 ± 1.04 cm, male:female ratio was 1.6:1, most of the tumors were exophytic (60%) and anteriorly located (62%) and had a mean perinephric fat surface density (PnFSD) of 6446.026 ± 2244 surface density pixel units (SDPU). On the univariate analysis, age >60 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score >1, presence of perinephric fat stranding, increased PnFSD (>10,000 SDPU), large tumor size (>4 cm), hilar/posterior location, endophytic tumors and higher clinical stage were significantly associated with intraoperative difficulty. However, on the multivariate analysis, no single factor could independently predict intraoperative difficulty in LPN for Renal tumors. Conclusion: It is difficult to predict the intra-operative difficulty during LPN. Feasibility of LPN should be based on multiple factors rather than a single factor.

Rare metastatic sites of renal cell carcinoma: a case series.

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is a lethal cancer with a propensity for wide metastasis. The patterns of metastases are not clearly defined, and patients can present with metastasis to unusual sites at the time of diagnosis of the primary tumor or years after radical nephrectomy. Individual diagnostic and surgical approaches are needed to achieve complete resection with disease-free margins, even in the presence of unusual metastatic sites, multifocality, or history of previous metastasectomy. This provides palliation for symptoms and an opportunity for meaningful disease-free and overall survival. Here we present five cases of RCC with metastasis to unusual sites (scalp, jaw, forearm, parotid, breast, and skeletal muscle). Patients were treated with cytoreductive nephrectomy and/or metastasectomy wherever feasible and/or targeted therapy. In conclusion, a high index of suspicion and accurate diagnosis is important as metastasis to unusual sites presents with atypical manifestations and may masquerade as local pathology, misleading the clinician and directly affecting prognosis and survival.

Expert survey on management of prostate cancer in India: Real-world insights into practice patterns.

To gain insights on the diverse practice patterns and treatment pathways for prostate cancer (PC) in India, the Urological Cancer Foundation convened the first Indian survey to discuss all aspects of PC, with the objective of guiding clinicians on optimizing management in PC. A modified Delphi method was used, wherein a multidisciplinary panel of oncologists treating PC across India developed a questionnaire related to screening, diagnosis and management of early, locally advanced and metastatic PC and participated in a web-based survey (WBS) (n = 62). An expert committee meeting (CM) (n = 48, subset from WBS) reviewed the ambiguous questions for better comprehension and reanalyzed the evidence to establish a revote for specific questions. The threshold for strong agreement and agreement was ≥90% and ≥75% agreement, respectively. Sixty-two questions were answered in the WBS; in the CM 31 questions were revoted and 4 questions were added. The panelists selected answers based on their best opinion and closest to their practice strategy, not considering financial constraints and access challenges. Of the 66 questions, strong agreement was reached for 17 questions and agreement was achieved for 22 questions. There were heterogeneous responses for 27 questions indicative of variegated management approaches. This is one of the first Indian survey, documenting the diverse clinical practice patterns in the management of PC in India. It aims to provide guidance in the face of technological advances, resource constraints and sparse high-level evidence.

Role of 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT for the detection of primary prostate cancer prior to biopsy: a prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (PET-CT) is widely used as a staging tool for patients with prostate cancer (PCa). The objective of the study is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT for PCa, which may help us avoid unnecessary biopsies in patients with intermediate prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 81 patients suspected of PCa, with either raised PSA between 4-20 ng/ml or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) findings were included. 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT was performed for all patients followed by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy. SUVmax (maximum standardized uptake value) was measured and correlated with biopsy results. RESULTS: Out of 81 patients, 31 (38.3%) patients were found to have malignancy on biopsy. Median SUVmax of biopsy positive patients was 10.4 (IQR 6.5-16.1) and biopsy negative patients (n=50) was 3.5 (IQR 1-4.9), (p <0.001). At a cut-off of 6.15, 68GA-PSMA-PET/CT demonstrated sensitivity of 84%, specificity of 80%, positive predictive value of 72.2%, negative predictive value of 88.9% and accuracy of 81.5% with an AUC of 0.876 (95% CI: 0.799-0.953, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT helps to localize suspicious lesions and improving the detection of primary prostate cancer. Our findings indicate a significant correlation of SUVmax values with biopsy results. We were also able to determine a cut-off value of SUVmax below which prostate biopsy can be avoided in selected patients.

Giant virilising adrenal cortical carcinoma.

Androgen secreting adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a very rare disease with a poor prognosis. Approximately 80% of tumors are functional, most commonly secreting glucocorticoids. We herewith report a case of a huge functional ACC of the right adrenal gland in a 33-year-old female who presented with complaints of hirsutism, amenorrhea and an abdominal lump. On abdominal examination a large lump was palpable in the right hypochondrium reaching up to the umbilicus. Contrast-enhance computed tomography (CECT) revealed a mass in the right suprarenal region. The tumor measured 29 cm × 20 cm × 12 cm and weighed 7.8 kg, the largest reported case of ACC in the world to the best of our knowledge.

Critical Analysis of Outcome Between Ventral and Dorsal Onlay Urethroplasty In Female Urethral Stricture.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the 2 surgical approaches of urethral reconstruction for management of refractory female urethral strictures (FUS) in a prospective randomized setting. Early surgical reconstruction is becoming the preferred management strategy for recurrent FUS. Reconstructive techniques have been described as using either dorsal (12-o'clock) or ventral approach (6-o'clock), each with their own advantages. To our best knowledge, a direct comparison between the 2 techniques to prospectively compare outcomes hasn't been made. METHODS: We performed a prospective randomized study in a single tertiary care center on a total of 24 patients, randomizing them into 2 groups of 12 patients each. One group underwent dorsal onlay and other underwent ventral onlay urethroplasty. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were evaluated and compared for the 2 approaches. RESULTS: There was high success rate (91%) with significant but comparable improvements in flow rates, post void residue and symptomatic outcomes without any major complication. There was 1 recurrence of stricture each in both groups. Important technical differences were noted with easier meatus preservation, lesser bleeding and wider operative field in the ventral approach, while the dorsal approach proving better in distal urethral strictures requiring meatal reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Both approaches of urethroplasty present a very promising modality of management of FUS with comparable outcomes but with important technical differences which must be considered to best tailor the approach for each patient.

A hybrid technique of lap perineal pelvic lymphadenectomy after open radical perineal prostatectomy in localized carcinoma prostate: Our initial experience.

OBJECTIVE: The major disadvantage of radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP) is the difficulty to perform pelvic lymphadenectomy via the same incision. Open retropubic, mini laparotomy, and transperitoneal laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy as an adjunct to open RPP have been tried but need change in patient position and separate incision, thereby decreasing the acceptability of this procedure. Open RPP followed by a lap perineal pelvic lymphadenectomy via the same perineal incision is a hybrid technique that is aimed to decrease morbidity of lymphadenectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients of low and intermediate risk localized carcinoma prostate with a Partin score of >5% were taken for this procedure. After completing prostatectomy part of RPP, lap perineal pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed via same incision using single incision laparoscopic surgery port. RESULTS: We performed this new hybrid technique in eight patients. Bilateral lymph node dissection required an additional mean time of 35 minutes. A total of 68 nodes were retrieved from eight patients with a median number of eight nodes (range: 6-12). None of our cases had any complications related to lymphadenectomy. Bilateral lymph node dissection was feasible in seven patients, and in one patient, it could be done on one side only. CONCLUSION: Sandwiching lap perineal pelvic lymphadenectomy between prostatectomy part of RPP and urethra-vesical anastomosis (by open approach) is a safe, reproducible, and feasible approach to pelvic lymphadenectomy compared to lymphadenectomy from other routes with simultaneous reduction in the operative time, patient morbidity, and discomfort. Ease of doing lymphadenectomy from same incision can increase the acceptability of this excellent procedure.

Factors affecting outcome of adult hypospadias single stage repair: A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: In our part of the world, many patients present with hypospadias in adult age, where results are often poor and associated with increased complications. This study was conducted to assess the factors affecting outcome of single stage hypospadias surgery in adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included patients (>12 years) undergoing hypospadias repair in single stage. Preoperative factors were assessed and outcome parameters including early complications (within 1 month) and late complications (after 1 month) were studied and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 31 patients included (mean age 20.8 6 7.87 years), 38.7% had a history of previous surgery. Mean glans width was 17.54 6 1.78mm. Postoperatively, the median hospital stay was 5 days (range: 4- 10 days), and the median catheter duration was 21 days (range: 7-21 days). Overall complication rate was 54.83% at 6-month follow-up. Early complications comprised of infection, skin necrosis, and dehiscence of suture line. Late complications included urethrocutaneous fistula, glans dehiscence, and urethral stricture. On performing univariate logistic regression, glans width, urethral plate width and shape, and history of previous surgery were significant risk factors of postsurgery complications. On multivariate logistic regression, glans width was an independent significant risk factor (odds ratio: 0.197). CONCLUSION: Several factors are associated with significant complications in adult hypospadias single stage repair. Among the various risk factors, glans width is an independent significant risk factor affecting outcome.

Giant virilising adrenal cortical carcinoma

Androgen secreting adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a very rare disease with a poor prognosis. Approximately 80% of tumors are functional, most commonly secreting glucocorticoids. We herewith report a case of a huge functional ACC of the right adrenal gland in a 33-year-old female who presented with complaints of hirsutism, amenorrhea and an abdominal lump. On abdominal examination a large lump was palpable in the right hypochondrium reaching up to the umbilicus. Contrast-enhance computed tomography (CECT) revealed a mass in the right suprarenal region. The tumor measured 29 cm × 20 cm × 12 cm and weighed 7.8 kg, the largest reported case of ACC in the world to the best of our knowledge.

Dorsal onlay graft urethroplasty for female urethral stricture improves sexual function: Short-term results of a prospective study using vaginal graft.

INTRODUCTION: Both dorsal and ventral approaches are acceptable options for the surgical reconstruction of female urethral strictures (FUS), but damage to the sphincter and the clitoral nerves resulting in sexual dysfunction is the chief argument against the dorsal approach. Most of the reported case series are retrospective and none has evaluated sexual functions. This study prospectively evaluates the early sexual and functional results after dorsal onlay vaginal graft urethroplasty (DVGU) for FUS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All women with a history of obstructive voiding symptoms and previous urethral dilatation were evaluated with urodynamic study, voiding cystourethrography, and cystoscopy for the presence of FUS, which was defined as visual demonstration of anatomical narrowing on urethro-cystoscopy. DVGU was offered as a definitive management for all those identified with FUS. Surgical outcomes were assessed at 3 and 6 months with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry, and postvoid residual (PVR) estimation. For sexually active females, sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) score both preoperatively and at 3 months following surgery. RESULTS: Seventy-one women were evaluated. FUS was identified in 29 women (flimsy in 12 and dense in 17). Thirteen women with dense strictures underwent DVGU. The mean improvement in the IPSS score, Qmax, and PVR was 12.6, 16.64 ml/s, and 103.08 ml at 3 months, respectively. The FSFI score improved with a mean of 6.42 points after urethroplasty. None of the patients developed incontinence. There were three failures after a mean follow-up of 8.5 months. CONCLUSION: The early functional results after DVGU are good without any negative impact on the continence or the sexual functions.

The correlation between erectile dysfunction and metabolic syndrome in an Indian population: A cross-sectional observational study.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED), based on the five-item International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-5), and presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) or its components based on Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. We also explored the impact of increasing insulin resistance (IR), as calculated using the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) equation, on severity of ED. Pathophysiological links between ED and testosterone were re-evaluated. Patients and methods: In all, 357 patients with ED were evaluated; 53 patients with primary, psychogenic, surgical, post-traumatic or drug-induced ED were excluded. The remaining 304 patients were evaluated after obtaining written informed consent. The Institutional Review Board approved the study. We assessed comorbidities, IIEF-5 scores, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) based on International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), blood sugars, lipid and hormonal profiles, and vitamin D3 levels. Further evaluation was done when indicated. Results: In all, 171 patients had MetS and 134 had pre-existing comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, 58; hypertension, 73; coronary artery disease, 13). The mean (SD) age was 44.6 (9.21) years and IIEF-5 score was 13.81 (3.17). ED severity was significantly correlated with presence of MetS. On multivariate analysis, there were significant correlations between ED and waist circumference, serum triglycerides, and fasting blood sugar. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between serum testosterone and IIEF-5 score (r = +0.292). The mean (SD) IR value (using the HOMA-IR formula) was 2.64 (2.87), which was statistically and negatively correlated with IIEF-5 scores (r = - 0.398). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that an IIEF-5 score of <14 predicted MetS and a HOMA-IR value of >2.1778 predicted MetS. Conclusion: MetS or its components were present in 56.25% of the patients. Therefore presence of ED merits further evaluation for presence of MetS. This may help to prevent catastrophic and life-threatening consequences of MetS. Abbreviations: BMI: body mass index; CRP: C-reactive protein; CVD: cardiovascular disease; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; DM: diabetes mellitus; ED: erectile dysfunction; FBS: fasting blood sugar; HDL: high-density lipoprotein; HOMA-IR- Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance; HTN: hypertension; IIEF-5: five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function; IR: insulin resistance; LDL: low-density lipoprotein; LUTS: lower Urinary Tract Symptoms; MetS: metabolic syndrome; NO: nitric oxide; OR: odds ratio; PPBS: post-prandial blood sugar; ROC: receiver operating characteristic; SBP: systolic blood pressure; TG: triglyceride; WC: waist circumference.

Everted saphenous vein graft for long anterior urethral strictures in men with tobacco-exposed oral mucosa: A prospective nonrandomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Oral mucosal graft (OMG) is the gold standard for urethral substitution but has poor results in long anterior urethral strictures and chronic tobacco-exposed oral mucosa. Saphenous vein has been recently described for long-segment anterior urethral stricture with successful initial results. Our objective was to compare the early outcomes of everted saphenous vein graft (eSVG) substitution urethroplasty in patients with tobacco-exposed oral mucosa and OMG urethroplasty in patients with nontobacco-exposed oral mucosa for long anterior urethral strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 patients with long anterior urethral strictures underwent substitution urethroplasty using Dorsolateral onlay approach. Fifteen patients with healthy oral mucosa underwent OMG urethroplasty (Group 1) and 15 patients who had unhealthy oral mucosa due to chronic tobacco exposure underwent eSVG urethroplasty (Group 2). Outcomes were assessed with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS); uroflowmetry; donor and recipient site complications at 1, 3, and 6 months; and symptomatic assessment thereafter. Retrograde urethrogram was done at 3 months in both the groups. Successful urethroplasty was defined as satisfactory voiding (Qmax>15 ml/s) and no need for endoscopic dilatation/direct vision internal urethrotomy in follow-up. RESULTS: Mean stricture and harvested graft length were 10.8 cm and 12.33 cm in Group 1, while in Group 2 were 13.6 cm and 15.73 cm, respectively. Nine of 13 patients in Group 1 (69.2%) and 11 of 14 in Group 2 (78.5%) with a minimum follow-up till 18 months had successful outcome at an average follow-up of 23.13 months. Donor and recipient site complications were comparable in both the groups. At 18 months, mean IPSS and Qmax in successful patients were 7.9 and 25.6 ml/s in Group 1, while in Group 2 were 8.0 and 22.6 ml/s. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of great saphenous vein graft urethroplasty are comparable to OMG, and it is an acceptable option in long-segment anterior urethral stricture patients with chronic tobacco-exposed oral mucosa.

Role of clinical and radiological parameters in predicting the outcome of shockwave lithotripsy for ureteric stones.

INTRODUCTION: Shockwave-lithotripsy (SWL) provides a noninvasive and effective option for the management of ureteric calculi. Several factors may affect the success of SWL. Identification of these predictive factors will both increase the efficacy and decrease the cost. This study was designed to identify factors affecting the outcome of SWL for ureteral stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted from March 2012 to November 2014 in patients with solitary ureteric calculi who were managed with SWL. Data were analyzed to identify clinical and radiological factors associated with treatment outcome. Success after SWL was described as complete stone clearance or clinically insignificant residual fragments <3 mm at 3 months after SWL. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients with ureteric calculi were divided into two groups depending on the outcome of SWL, Group A (successful - 76%) and Group B (failed - 24%). Stone size, Skin to stone distance (SSD), secondary signs of obstruction, and presence of double J (DJ) Stent, all were significantly associated with the outcome of SWL on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, stone size, hounsfield unit, SSD, and DJ stent were the independent factors affecting the outcome of SWL. On Receptor-Operator Characteristic curve analysis, a cutoff value of 8.2 mm for the stone size was found which best predicts a successful outcome, with a sensitivity of 54% and specificity of 96%. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that Stone size, SSD, the presence of DJ stent, and stone attenuation values are the significant factors that influence the outcome of SWL in patients with ureteral stones.

Management of female congenital short patulous urethra with urethral tapering and pubovaginal sling: A report of two cases.

Congenital short patulous urethra is a rare entity and may be associated with developmental anomalies of mullerian ducts or urogenital sinus. We report the management of two cases of congenital short patulous urethra with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Both the patients presented with SUI; one was diagnosed with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome and the other had uterus didelphys with longitudinally septated vagina. Both patients were successfully managed by excisional tapering of the urethra and pubovaginal sling placement. SUI with congenital short patulous urethra can be managed with excisional tapering of urethra and pubovaginal sling placement.

Day care bipolar transurethral resection vs photoselective vaporisation under sedoanalgesia: A prospective, randomised study of the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a prospective randomised study comparing the safety, effectiveness and treatment outcomes in patients undergoing bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (bTURP) and photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) under sedoanalgesia, as sedoanalgesia is a safe and effective technique suitable for minimally invasive endourological procedures and although studies have confirmed that both TURP and PVP are feasible under sedoanalgesia there are none comparing the two. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 2014 and April 2016, all patients satisfying the eligibility criteria underwent either bTURP or PVP under sedoanalgesia after randomisation. The groups were compared for functional outcomes, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores (range 0-10), perioperative variables and complications, with a follow-up of 3 months. RESULTS: In all, 42 and 36 patients underwent bTURP and PVP under sedoanalgesia, respectively. The mean VAS pain score was <2 at any time during the procedure, with no conversions to general anaesthesia. PVP patients had a shorter operating time [mean (SD) 55.64 (12.8) vs 61.79 (14.2) min, P = 0.035], shorter duration of hospitalisation [mean (SD) 14.58 (2.81) vs 19.21 (2.82) h, P < 0.001] and a higher dysuria rate when compared to bTURP patients. However, the catheterisation time was similar and both intraoperative and postoperative complications were minimal and comparable. Improvements in the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, prostate volume, maximum urinary flow rate and post-void residual urine volume at 3 months were similar in both groups. None of our patients required re-admission or re-operation. CONCLUSION: Both PVP and bTURP can be carried out safely under sedoanalgesia with excellent treatment outcomes.

Can androgen-deprivation therapy obviate the need of channel transurethral resection of the prostate in advanced prostate cancer with urinary retention? A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) in relieving urinary retention in patients with advanced prostate cancer presenting with urinary retention or a high post-void residual urine volume (PVR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with advanced prostate cancer with an indwelling catheter for acute/chronic urinary retention, or with a high PVR (>200 mL) who had not received any previous treatment were included in the study. Patients with localised prostate cancer eligible for receiving any therapy aimed at cure were excluded. All enrolled patients were managed by ADT (LHRH antagonist/agonist or orchidectomy) combined with α-adrenoceptor antagonist/combined therapy for at least 1 month to a maximum of 3 months; they were given their first trial of voiding without catheter after 1 month, and monthly thereafter. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients received ADT of which 97 were able to void successfully at the end of 3 months. In all, 27 patients could void in the first month, followed by 50 in the second month, and an additional 20 in the third month. There was a significant decrease in prostate volume, PVR, and International Prostate Symptom Score, and maximum urinary flow rates improved with normalisation of renal functions and resolution of upper tract changes noted on ultrasonography. CONCLUSION: ADT can relieve retention and decrease PVR over a period of time obviating the need for channel transurethral resection of the prostate.

Looking beyond oral mucosa: Initial results of everted saphenous vein graft urethroplasty (eSVGU) in long anterior urethral strictures.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the feasibility and initial results of an everted saphenous vein graft (eSVG) as a dorsolateral onlay, in patients with long anterior urethral strictures and/or chronic tobacco users. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 20 patients with long anterior urethral strictures (>7 cm) and/or chronic tobacco exposed oral mucosa were included in the study. The harvested SVG was hydro-distended, detubularised, and everted. Substitution urethroplasty using an eSVG was performed using a dorsolateral onlay technique. Symptoms were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and uroflowmetry at 1, 3 and 6 months; and voiding and retrograde urethrograms, and urethroscopy were done at 3 months. Failure was defined as failure to void, need for interventions in form of direct-vision internal urethrotomy or endodilatation. RESULTS: Three patients were excluded because they underwent a staged urethroplasty. In all, 17 patients underwent eSVG substitution urethroplasty. The mean (SD, range) follow-up of our patients was 17.64 (5.23, 10-26) months. The mean (SD, range) length of the strictured segment was 14 (2.5, 10-18) cm and the length of the harvested SVG was 16.3 (2.7, 12-20) cm. The mean (SD) IPSS at 1, 3 and 6 months after catheter removal was 10 (2.8), 10 (3.4) and 10 (1.4) and the quality-of-life score was 1.76 (0.5), 2.05 (1.0) and 2.05 (1.0), respectively. Postoperatively, endodilatation was required in two patients. Complete failure occurred in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: An eSVG, as a dorsolateral onlay graft, is a promising and prudent option for long anterior urethral strictures, especially in patients with poor oral hygiene and chronic tobacco use.

How practical is the application of percutaneous nephrolithotomy scoring systems? Prospective study comparing Guy's Stone Score, S.T.O.N.E. score and the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) nomogram.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively compare the Guy's Stone Score (GSS), S.T.O.N.E. [stone size (S), tract length (T), obstruction (O), number of involved calices (N), and essence or stone density (E)] score and the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) nephrolithometric nomogram to predict percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) success rate and assess the correlation with perioperative complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated all consecutive PCNL patients at our institute between 1 November 2013 and 31 May 2015. The above scoring systems were applied to preoperative non-contrast computed tomography and the practical difficulties in such applications were noted. Perioperative complications and the stone-free rate (SFR) were also recorded. Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn and the areas under curves were compared and appropriate statistical analysis done. RESULTS: In all, 48 renal units were included in the study. The overall SFR was 62.2%. The presence of staghorn stones (ß = 27.285, 95% confidence interval 1.19-625.35; P = 0.039) was the only significant variable associated with the residual stones on multivariate analysis. Stone-free patients had significantly lower median GSS (2 vs 4) and S.T.O.N.E. scores (6 vs 10) and higher median CROES scores (83% vs 63%) (all P < 0.001) compared to residual-stone patients. All scoring systems were significantly associated with SFR (all P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the areas under curves of the scoring systems (0.858, 0.923, and 0.931, respectively). Furthermore, all scoring systems had weak correlations with Clavien-Dindo classified complications (r = 0.29, P = 0.045; r = 0.40, P = 0.005 and r = -0.295, P = 0.04, respectively). We found no standardisation for the measurement of stone dimensions, tract length, Hounsfield units, and staghorn definition. CONCLUSIONS: All scoring systems equally predicted SFR and had a weak correlation with Clavien-Dindo complications. Standardisation is needed for the variables in which they have been found deficient.