Prognostic factors for the safety and efficacy of retrograde laser lithotripsy: Data from a contemporary series of 155 consecutive patients with single and multiple lithiasis of the urinary tract.

Treatment of large and multiple stones located in the ureter and/or the kidney may be challenging. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the results and complications of retrograde endoscopic lithotripsy for stones located in the urinary tract and to determine prognostic factors for treatment outcome. From April 2017 to March 2020, eligible patients for the active treatment of ureterolithiasis with or without concomitant nephrolithiasis <20 mm were enrolled in the study. The prognostic factors for the stone free rate (SFR) after the 1st and subsequent sessions and overall complications were assessed. Patients were divided into single or multiple lithiasis groups (groups A and B respectively). A comparison between these two groups was then conducted. Overall, 237 stones were detected in 155 patients, representing a mean burden of 1.53 stone per patient. The mean total stone size was 14.7 mm, the initial SFR was 80% and the final SFR (after a mean of 1.23 session per patient) was 94.2%. The rate of complications was 26.4%. Multivariative analysis revealed that preoperative stenting and total stone size were independent prognostic factors of initial SFR, while no independent factors were determined for final SFR. Age, total size and stones in the lower calyx were independent factors for complications. In group A and B, 114 and 41 cases with solitary and multiple stones were included, respectively. Excluding operation time (P=0.002), no significant differences were recorded in terms of initial (P=0.255) and final SFR (P=0.056), hospital stay (P=0.308), mean number of treatments (P=0.757) and the rate of complications (P=0.218) between the two groups. In conclusion, retrograde endoscopic management of multiple lithiasis has a favorable outcome irrespective of stone location. Older patients with higher burdens and stones in the lower calyx should be treated with caution.

Combined Dorsal and Ventral Onlay Buccal Graft Technique for Large and Complex Penile Strictures.

PURPOSE: To present a modified technique of managing extensive penile urethral strictures with dorsal and ventral onlay buccal mucosa grafts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From October 2014 to January 2016, a total of 12 patients underwent urethroplasty for penile urethral strictures, using dorsal and ventral onlay grafts from buccal mucosa. The mean age was 42.75 (17-71). All patients completed the IPSS and QoL questionnaire, and uroflowmetry was done preoperatively. After surgery, the follow-up included completion of IPSS and QoL questionnaire and measuring of uroflow at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Postoperative urethrography was performed in complex cases or in the event of deterioration of voiding symptoms. RESULTS: The mean length of the strictures was 5.45 (2, 2-16) cm. Mean Qmax changed from 3.45 ml/sec preoperatively to 18.33 postoperatively, and mean IPS score significantly decreased from 20.1 preoperatively to 8.98 postoperatively. All values were statistically significant (p < 0.001). No intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications were recorded. Overall, at 12 months, 11 out of 12 patients (91.6%) had a marked improvement in quality of life and uroflowmetry parameters. CONCLUSIONS: In the properly selected patient, the combined use of double graft for penile urethral strictures can be successful with minimal morbidity, at short-term follow-up.

A Prospective Study of Bipolar Transurethral Resection of Prostate Comparing the Efficiency and Safety of the Method in Large and Small Adenomas.

Bipolar technology offers a new perspective in the treatment of BPH. Purpose. To present our experience with the TURis system (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan). Materials and Methods. From February 2011 till December 2013 in a prospective study, 93 patients were treated for BPH. They were evaluated with IPSS, QoL, uroflow (Q max), and residual urine (RU), preoperatively as well as 6 and 9 months postoperatively. Based on the prostate volume, the patients were divided into two groups: group A (n = 48) with prostates ≥ 75 cc and group B (n = 45) with smaller prostate glands. All patients underwent bipolar TURP or/and plasma vaporization. Results. The postoperative improvement for IPSS, QoL, Q max, and RU was statistically significant. The operation time was longer in group A in comparison with group B (P < 0.001). The former group also had higher infection and stricture formation rates; however, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. Conclusions. Treatment with the TURis constitutes an effective technique and can be offered to large prostates with results equivalent to those in small ones. Regarding safety, large adenomas treated with TURis are not at a higher risk for urethral stricture but their odds to develop urogenital infections are relatively higher compared to the smaller adenomas.

Inverted papilloma of the ureter: study of a rare case with emphasis on clinicopathologic implications.

A 62-year old male patient presented complaining of intermittent macroscopic hematuria. The ultrasonographic investigation revealed a hydronephrosis of remarkable degree with indiscrete renal parenchyma. The abdominal computed tomography scan identified a ureteral lesion with proximal dilatation, hydronephrosis and a functionless ipsilateral renal unit. The retrograde urography showed a 4-cm lesion with multiple filling defects and a smooth contour. The endoscopic examination showed an exophytic lesion, highly suspicious for malignancy. Urine cytology revealed atypia. Right nephroureterectomy was performed and the pathology revealed a ureteral inverted papilloma (UIP). Polymerase chain reaction examination for the presence of human papilloma virus, using GP5+/6+ consensus primers, was negative. The presence UIP should be considered in patients with urotheleal lesions in the ureter when the diagnostic workup for malignancy is inconclusive. The clinical course of the disease seems to be favorable.