Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in a prospective cohort of COVID-19 survivors.

PURPOSE: To analyze the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients who survived moderate and severe forms of COVID-19 and the risk factors for LUTS six months after hospitalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, patients were evaluated six months after hospitalization due to COVID-19. LUTS were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score. General health was assessed through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the EQ5D-L5 scale, which evaluates mobility, ability to perform daily activities, pain and discomfort and completed a self-perception health evaluation. RESULTS: Of 255 participants, 54.1% were men and the median age was 57.3 [44.3 - 66.6] years. Pre-existing comorbidities included diabetes (35.7%), hypertension (54.5%), obesity (30.2%) and physical inactivity (65.5%). One hundred and twenty-four patients (48.6%) had a hospital stay >15 days, 181 (71.0%) were admitted to an ICU and 124 (48.6%) needed mechanical ventilation. Median IPSS was 6 [3-11] and did not differ between genders. Moderate to severe LUTS affected 108 (42.4%) patients (40.6% men and 44.4% women; p=0.610). Nocturia (58.4%) and frequency (45.9%) were the most prevalent symptoms and urgency was the only symptom that affected men (29.0%) and women (44.4%) differently (p=0.013). LUTS impacted the quality of life of 60 (23.5%) patients with women more severely affected (p=0.004). Diabetes, hypertension, and self-perception of worse general health were associated with LUTS. CONCLUSIONS: LUTS are highly prevalent and bothersome six months after hospitalization due to COVID-19. Assessment of LUTS may help ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment in these patients.

Longitudinal Improvement of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Williams-Beuren Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Williams-Beuren syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by a deletion at region 7q11.23. Lower urinary tract symptoms are highly prevalent and significantly affect quality of life. We assessed the long-term outcomes of lower urinary tract symptoms in children with Williams-Beuren syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2001 to July 2016, 90 patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome were evaluated in our hospital, of whom 31 (20 boys) had at least 5 years of followup. Baseline evaluation included a history of lower urinary tract symptoms, frequency-volume chart and the impact on quality of life measured on a scale of 0 (delighted) to 6 (terrible). Pharmacological therapy with oxybutynin or doxazosin was offered to symptomatic patients. We present the outcome of lower urinary tract symptoms after 5 and 10 years of followup. RESULTS: At baseline 27 (87.1%) patients were symptomatic. Median duration of followup was 10 (range 6-13) years. Pharmacological therapy was started for 25 (92.6%) symptomatic patients at baseline, including oxybutynin for 19 (76.0%), doxazosin for 1 (4.0%) and a combination of the 2 agents for 5 (20.0%). Medical therapy was still in use by 61.2% after 5 years and 52.9% after 10 years (p=0.043). Median duration of pharmacological treatment was 7 (range 6-11) years. A significant improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms was observed over time, with 35.5% and 29.5% patients considered symptomatic after 5 years and 10 years, respectively (p <0.001). Quality of life was also markedly improved over time (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This long-term study showed significant improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms in children and adolescents with Williams-Beuren syndrome over time. Long-term pharmacological treatment was needed in most patients.

Factors affecting urinary continence and sexual potency recovery after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is the most recent surgical technique for localized prostate cancer. The Da Vinci (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) system was first introduced in Brazil in 2008, with a fast growing number of surgeries performed each year. Objective Our primary endpoint is to analyze possible predictors of functional outcomes, related to patient and tumor features. As secondary endpoint, describe functional outcomes (urinary continence and sexual potency) from RARP performed in the Sírio-Libanês Hospital (SLH), a private institution, in São Paulo, from April 2008 to December 2015. Materials and Method Data from 104 consecutive patients operated by two surgeons from the SLH (MA and SA) between 2008 and 2015, with a minimum 12 months follow-up, were collected. Patient features (age, body mass index - BMI, PSA, date of surgery and sexual function), tumor features (tumor stage, Gleason and surgical margins) and follow-up data (time to reach urinary continence and sexual potency) were the variables collected at 1, 3, 6 and 12 month and every 6 months thereafter. Continence was defined as the use of no pad on medical interview and sexual potency defined as the capability for vaginal penetration with or without fosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Results Mean age was 60 years old and mean BMI was 28.45 kg/m2. BMI >30kg/m2 (p<0.001) and age (p=0.011) were significant predictors for worse sexual potency after surgery. After 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, 20.7%, 45.7%, 60.9% and 71.8% from patients were potent, respectively. The urinary continence was reached in 36.5%, 80.3%, 88.6% and 92.8% after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Until the end of the study, only one patient was incontinent and 20.7% were impotent. Conclusion Age was a predictor of urinary and erectile function recovery in 12 months. BMI was significant factor for potency recovery. We obtained in a private hospital good functional results after 12 months of follow-up.

Factors affecting urinary continence and sexual potency recovery after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is the most recent surgical technique for localized prostate cancer. The Da Vinci (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) system was first introduced in Brazil in 2008, with a fast growing number of surgeries performed each year. OBJECTIVE: Our primary endpoint is to analyze possible predictors of functional outcomes, related to patient and tumor features. As secondary endpoint, describe functional outcomes (urinary continence and sexual potency) from RARP performed in the Sírio-Libanês Hospital (SLH), a private institution, in São Paulo, from April 2008 to December 2015. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Data from 104 consecutive patients operated by two surgeons from the SLH (MA and SA) between 2008 and 2015, with a minimum 12 months follow-up, were collected. Patient features (age, body mass index - BMI, PSA, date of surgery and sexual function), tumor features (tumor stage, Gleason and surgical margins) and followup data (time to reach urinary continence and sexual potency) were the variables collected at 1, 3, 6 and 12 month and every 6 months thereafter. Continence was defined as the use of no pad on medical interview and sexual potency defined as the capability for vaginal penetration with or without fosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. RESULTS: Mean age was 60 years old and mean BMI was 28.45 kg/m2. BMI >30kg/m2 (p<0.001) and age (p=0.011) were significant predictors for worse sexual potency after surgery. After 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, 20.7%, 45.7%, 60.9% and 71.8% from patients were potent, respectively. The urinary continence was reached in 36.5%, 80.3%, 88.6% and 92.8% after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Until the end of the study, only one patient was incontinent and 20.7% were impotent. CONCLUSION: Age was a predictor of urinary and erectile function recovery in 12 months. BMI was significant factor for potency recovery. We obtained in a private hospital good functional results after 12 months of follow-up.

Impact of patient position on the outcomes of percutaneous neprolithotomy for complex kidney stones

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the impact of the patient position on the outcomes of PCNL among patients with complex renal stones. Material and Methods: From July 2011 to July 2014, we collected prospective data of consecutive patients who underwent PCNL. We included all patients with complex stones (Guy's Stone Score 3 or 4 (GSS) based on a CT scan) and divided them based on the position used during PCNL (prone or supine). The variables analyzed were gender, age, body mass index, ASA score, stone diameter, GSS, number of punctures, calyx puncture site, intercostal access and patient positioning. Complications were graded according to the modified-Clavien Classification. Success was considered if fragments ≤ 4mm were observed on the first postoperative day CT scan. Results: We analyzed 240 (46.4%) of 517 PCNL performed during the study period that were classified as GGS 3-4. Regarding patient positions, 21.2% were prone and 79.8% were supine. Both groups were comparable, although intercostal access was more common in prone cases (25.5% vs 10.5%; p=0.01). The success rates, complications, blood transfusions and surgical times were similar for both groups; however, there were significantly more visceral injuries (10.3% vs 2.6%; p=0.046) and sepsis (7.8% vs 2.1%; p=0.042) in prone cases. Conclusion: Supine or prone position were equally suitable for PCNL with complex stones and did not impact the success rates. However, supine position was associated with fewer sepsis cases and visceral injuries.

Impact of patient position on the outcomes of percutaneous neprolithotomy for complex kidney stones.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of the patient position on the outcomes of PCNL among patients with complex renal stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From July 2011 to July 2014, we collected prospective data of consecutive patients who underwent PCNL. We included all patients with complex stones (Guy's Stone Score 3 or 4 (GSS) based on a CT scan) and divided them based on the position used during PCNL (prone or supine). The variables analyzed were gender, age, body mass index, ASA score, stone diameter, GSS, number of punctures, calyx puncture site, intercostal access and patient positioning. Complications were graded according to the modified-Clavien Classification. Success was considered if fragments ≤ 4mm were observed on the first postoperative day CT scan. RESULTS: We analyzed 240 (46.4%) of 517 PCNL performed during the study period that were classified as GGS 3-4. Regarding patient positions, 21.2% were prone and 79.8% were supine. Both groups were comparable, although intercostal access was more common in prone cases (25.5% vs 10.5%; p=0.01). The success rates, complications, blood transfusions and surgical times were similar for both groups; however, there were significantly more visceral injuries (10.3% vs 2.6%; p=0.046) and sepsis (7.8% vs 2.1%; p=0.042) in prone cases. CONCLUSION: Supine or prone position were equally suitable for PCNL with complex stones and did not impact the success rates. However, supine position was associated with fewer sepsis cases and visceral injuries.

Outcomes of more than 1 000 percutaneous nephrolithotomies and validation of Guy's stone score.

OBJECTIVE: To present the experience with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) at a high-volume Brazilian centre and to evaluate Guy's stone score (GSS) as a predictor of success and complications in PCNL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated patients who underwent PCNL between June 2011 and October 2016. Indications for PCNL included renal stones >2 cm in size and stones <2 cm in size in which first-line techniques had failed. All patients underwent a complete preoperative evaluation, including non-contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT). Stone complexity was assessed using GSS. Success was defined as the absence of fragments >2 mm on CT on postoperative day 1. Complications were classified according to the Clavien grade. RESULTS: A total of 1 066 PCNLs were performed on 891 patients. In all, 20.2% were classified as GSS1, 27.4% as GSS2, 35.0% as GSS3, and 17.4% as GSS4. The mean operating time was 108.44 min, and the mean fluoroscopy time was 13.57 min. The overall immediate success rate based on postoperative day 1 CT was 43.8%. Complications occurred in 14.9% of cases, and the mean length of hospital stay was 54.55 h. Stratifying patients according to GSS, success rate was inversely proportional to the calculus complexity: GSS1: 87.9%; GSS2: 62.1%; GSS3: 44.0%; and GSS4: 24.3% (P < 0.001). Higher GSS categories were significantly correlated with the number of puncture tracts (P < 0.001), operating time (P < 0.001), fluoroscopy time (P < 0.001), blood transfusion rate (P < 0.001), complications (P < 0.001) and length of stay (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In a high-volume centre, PCNL was a reliable surgical technique, with low morbidity and short hospital stay. GSS was confirmed to be a very useful tool for predicting the outcomes of PCNL, and its use should be encouraged.

Use of the Uro Dyna-CT in endourology - the new frontier

ABSTRACT We describe the use of the Uro Dyna-CT, an imaging system used in the operating room that produces real-time three-dimensional (3D) imaging and cross-sectional image reconstructions similar to an intraoperative computerized tomography, during a percutaneous nephrolithotomy and a contralateral flexible ureteroscopy in a complete supine position. A 65 year-old female patient had an incomplete calyceal staghorn stone in the right kidney and a 10mm in the left one. The procedure was uneventful and the intraoperative use of the Uro Dyna-CT identified 2 residual stones that were not found by digital fluoroscopy and flexible nephroscopy at the end of surgery, helping us to render the patient stone-free in one procedure, which was confirmed by a postoperative CT scan. Prospective studies will define the real role of the Uro Dyna-CT for endourological procedures, but its use seems to be a very promising tool for improving stone free rates and decreasing auxiliary procedures, especially for complex cases.

Use of the Uro Dyna-CT in endourology - the new frontier.

We describe the use of the Uro Dyna-CT, an imaging system used in the operating room that produces real-time three-dimensional (3D) imaging and cross-sectional image reconstructions similar to an intraoperative computerized tomography, during a percutaneous nephrolithotomy and a contralateral flexible ureteroscopy in a complete supine position. A 65 year-old female patient had an incomplete calyceal staghorn stone in the right kidney and a 10mm in the left one. The procedure was uneventful and the intraoperative use of the Uro Dyna-CT identified 2 residual stones that were not found by digital fluoroscopy and flexible nephroscopy at the end of surgery, helping us to render the patient stone-free in one procedure, which was confirmed by a postoperative CT scan. Prospective studies will define the real role of the Uro Dyna-CT for endourological procedures, but its use seems to be a very promising tool for improving stone free rates and decreasing auxiliary procedures, especially for complex cases.

The Bacterial Spectrum and Antimicrobial Susceptibility in Female Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection: How Different They Are From Sporadic Single Episodes?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the etiological uropathogens and the susceptibility profile findings on urine culture between sporadic cases of community-acquired, uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) and recurrent UTI cases in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 1629 women with uncomplicated UTI evaluated at our hospital between January 2007 and December 2012. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) no recurrent UTI and (2) recurrent UTI. We analyzed the microbiological findings and compared susceptibility profiles between groups. RESULTS: A total of 420 women were included. Group 1 had 233 (55.5%) patients and group 2 had 187 (44.5%). Escherichia coli was the most common agent in both groups (76.4% and 74.3%, respectively; P = .625), whereas Staphylococcus saprophyticus (8.2%) was the second most common in group 1, and Enterococcus faecalis was the second most common in group 2 (8.0%). Nitrofurantoin was the only oral agent that maintained the susceptibility profile in both groups (87.1% and 88.7%, respectively; P = .883). For E coli infections, only nitrofurantoin and amoxicillin/clavulanate maintained susceptibility rates more than 90% in both groups. CONCLUSION: UTI episodes in patients with recurrent UTI had similar bacterial spectra, but different susceptibility profiles compared with those from patients with nonrecurrent infections. The susceptibility rate for nitrofurantoin in patients with recurrent UTI remained high and comparable to the observed in patients with sporadic UTI, reinforcing its indication for empirical treatment while waiting for urine culture results.

Congenital genitourinary abnormalities in children with Williams-Beuren syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a gene deletion on chromosome 7q11.23. Patients with WBS usually show a group of features such as developmental delay, cardiovascular anomalies, mental retardation, and characteristic facial appearance. Abdominal wall defects, external genitalia anomalies, and structural abnormalities of the urinary tract have been scarcely evaluated and were the focus of our study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 41 boys and 38 girls with WBS, with a mean age of 8.8 ± 4.1 (range 3-19 years). All patients were examined for the evaluation of inguinal and umbilical hernias and genital anomalies. All patients were offered a radiological evaluation, including urinary tract ultrasound, voiding cystourethrogram, and dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy (DMSA scan). RESULTS: Of the 41 boys, 30 (73.1%) had abnormalities on physical examination, including bilateral undescended testis in 13 (31.7%), retractile testis in four (9.7%), hypospadias in four (9.7%), and unilateral cryptorchidism in three (7.3%) patients. Of the 38 female subjects, 17 (44.7%) had at least one abnormality, including umbilical hernia in 11 (28.9%), unilateral inguinal hernia in four (10.5%), and bilateral inguinal hernia in three (7.8%) patients. Uroradiological abnormalities were found in 41 patients (51.9%). On sonography, six (7.6%) patients had unilateral hydronephrosis, three (3.8%) had a duplicated collecting system, and two (2.5%) had kidney stones. On DMSA, performed in 36 patients, four (11.1%) had unilateral renal scarring and two (5.5%) had bilateral renal scarring. Cystourethrography was obtained from 56 patients, of whom 27 (48.2%) had bladder diverticulum, 18 (32.1%) had bladder wall trabeculation, and three (5.3%) had vesicoureteral reflux. We found no association of urological abnormalities with cardiovascular defects. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with WBS have a high prevalence of abdominal wall, external genitalia, and urological abnormalities, emphasizing the importance of proper physical examination and radiological investigation in this population.

Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Women in a Sao Paulo Quaternary Care Hospital: Bacterial Spectrum and Susceptibility Patterns.

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) in women are very common. Regular analysis of bacterial flora is important to formulate updated guidelines. The objective of this study is to determine and compare the microbiology of UTIs and their susceptibility patterns in a quaternary care hospital. In a seven-year review, the urine culture results of 480 female patients with uncomplicated UTIs were analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups according to their diagnosis and treatment characteristics: Group 1, cystitis at outpatient basis; group 2, cystitis at the Emergency Unit; and group 3, pyelonephritis. Group 1 included older patients, with a higher incidence of concomitant diabetes mellitus and recurrent UTIs. E. coli was the most common pathogen, responsible for 75.1% of cases, mainly for pyelonephritis (87.3%). Of the oral antimicrobials tested for cystitis, amoxicillin/clavulanate and nitrofurantoin had the highest susceptibility profiles (84.4% and 87.3%, respectively). For E. coli only, their susceptibility profiles were as high as 90.8% and 97.4%, respectively. For pyelonephritis treatment, fluoroquinoles had a susceptibility profile <90%, while ceftriaxone and gentamicin had susceptibility >90%. Uncomplicated UTI treatment is becoming more challenging because the susceptibility profiles of oral antimicrobials are increasingly resistant. In our environment, cystitis can still be managed with nitrofurantoin. Uncomplicated pyelonephritis should be managed with ceftriaxone or gentamicin.

Análise comparativa dos achados clínicos e laboratoriais das infecções não complicadas do trato urinário em mulheres / Comparative analysis of clinical and laboratory findings in uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women

INTRODUÇÃO: As infecções do trato urinário (ITU) feminino são muito prevalentes em mulheres. Em geral, elas dividem-se em cistites e pielonefrites de acordo com seu nível anatômico. Seu tratamento, apesar de simples, depende do conhecimento da flora bacteriana e do padrão de sensibilidade local, principalmente em tempos de aumento de resistência bacteriana. Este estudo avaliou e comparou a flora e o padrão de sensibilidade das bactérias causadoras de infecção não complicada do trato urinário feminino no período de 2007 a 2012. MÉTODOS: Analisamos retrospectivamente os resultados de 493 culturas de urina de pacientes com idade a partir de 14 anos e sintomas clínicos de cistite ou pielonefrite tratadas no Pronto-Socorro ou Ambulatório de Urologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. As pacientes foram separadas em três grupos: 1- pacientes com cistite simples atendidas no Pronto-Socorro; 2- pacientes com cistite simples atendidas no Ambulatório; 3- pacientes com pielonefrite atendidas no Pronto-Socorro. As características demográficas como idade, presença de ITU de repetição, diabetes mellitus (DM) e outras comorbidades, e os resultados de flora bacteriana e padrão de sensibilidade foram analisados e comparados entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: A média de idade das pacientes nos três grupos foi 43,2, 55,0 e 36,0 anos, respectivamente. ITU de repetição esteve presente em 36,0%, 76,1% e 26,5% das pacientes dos grupos 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente, enquanto que 8,5%, 22,7% e 2,2% das pacientes nos grupos 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente, eram diabéticas. Escherichia coli (E. coli) foi a bactéria responsável por 75,1% das infecções no geral e 87,3% das pielonefrites. Staphylococcus saprophyticus foi o segundo agente etiológico mais frequente (6,7%), principalmente no grupo 1 (10,0%), enquanto que nas diabéticas, Enterococcus faecalis foi o segundo agente etiológico (15,6%). Ao avaliarmos todas as pacientes...

INTRODUCTION: Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women are common. Urinary tract infections are usually divided into cystitis or pyelonephritis, according to anatomical level. Although treatment of UTI is simple, it depends on knowledge of the local uropathogens and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns due to increasing antimicrobial resistance. This study analyzed the causative pathogens of UTIs in women and their susceptibility patterns between 2007 and 2012. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 493 urine culture results of female patients aged 14 years and older with clinical diagnosis of cystitis or pyelonephritis who were treated at the urological emergency unit or urological outpatient clinic. Patients were divided into three groups: 1- simple cystitis attended to in the emergency unit; 2- simple cystitis attended to in the urological outpatient clinic; 3- pyelonephritis attended to in the emergency unit. Results of demographic data, such as age, history of recurrent UTI, diabetes mellitus (DM) and comorbidities, and those of the causative pathogens and their susceptibility patterns were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The mean age for groups 1, 2 and 3 was 43.2, 55.0 and 36.0 years, respectively. Recurrent UTI was present in 36.0%, 76.1% and 26.5% of patients in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. DM was present in 8.5%, 22.7% and 2.2% of patients in group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was responsible for 75.1% of all UTIs and 87.3% of pyelonephritis. Staphylococcus saprophyticus was the second most common agent (6.7%), mainly in group 1 (10.0%), while Enterococcus faecalis was the second most common agent in diabetic patients (15.6%). General susceptibility rates to amoxicillin/clavulanate (A/C), ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, norfloxacin and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SMT) were 85.8%, 46.5%, 82.0%, 83.3%, 88.3%, 83.3% and 65.7%, respectively. For pyelonephritis...

Secondary hypertension caused by massive renal lymphangiomatosis.

Renal lymphangiomatosis is a rare disease characterized by lymphatic vessel proliferation. We present a case of an adult patient with chronic flank pain, hypertension, and a right kidney mass. The magnetic resonance imaging findings were consistent with unilateral renal lymphangiomatosis. Technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintilography revealed decreased ipsilateral renal function. From these findings, the patient underwent right nephrectomy, which resulted in complete remission of his hypertension and pain.

Modified complete supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy: solving some problems.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard treatment for patients with renal stones larger than 2 cm. In this article, we aim to describe our modified technique with the patient in a complete supine position for PCNL (csPCNL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 117 patients (120 renal units) who underwent csPCNL for large stones from November 2008 to November 2011 were prospectively evaluated. One surgeon worked in two different institutions and performed all operations. All patients underwent CT preoperatively, and the stones were classified according to the Guy score. Patients were placed in the supine decubitus position with the posterior axillary line located just outside the border of the surgical table, and the flank was extended to increase the space between the last rib and the iliac crest. The csPCNL was performed without a rolled towel under the flank, and the patients remained in the same position during the entire procedure. Success was evaluated based on CT findings at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: There was no failure of access. The median operative time was 100 (20-240) minutes. The immediate and final success rates were 72.5% and 90.4%, respectively. The complication rate was 16.8% (12.7% of Clavien I or II and 4.1% of Clavien III or IV). There were no colon injuries or deaths. The median hospital stay was 48 (24-840) hours. CONCLUSION: Modified csPCNL is a safe and effective procedure with excellent outcomes and a low rate of major complications. It provides a good area for renal puncture and surgical instrumentation.

Is there a model to teach and practice retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy?

INTRODUCTION: Although the retroperitoneal approach has been the preferred choice for open urological procedures, retroperitoneoscopy is not the preferred approach for laparoscopy. This study aims to develop a training model for retroperitoneoscopy and to establish an experimental learning curve. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen piglets were operated on to develop a standard retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy (RPN) training model. All procedures were performed with three ports. Intraoperative data (side, operative time, blood loss, peritoneal opening) were recorded. Animals were divided into groups A, the first eight, and B, the last seven cases. Data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: We performed fifteen RPNs. The operative time varied from 15 to 50 minutes (median 30 minutes). Blood loss varied from 5 to 100 mL (median 20 mL). We experienced five peritoneal openings; we had two surgical vascular complications managed laparoscopically. There was statistical difference between groups A and B for peritoneal opening (p = 0.025), operative time (p = 0.0037), and blood loss (p = 0.026). DISCUSSION: RPN in a porcine model could simulate the whole procedure, from creating the space to nephrectomy completion. Experimental learning curve was eight cases, after statistical data analysis. CONCLUSION: RPN in a porcine model is feasible and could be very useful for teaching and practicing retroperitoneoscopy.