Role of the NtrC family response regulator in nitrogen metabolism of Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii is an important Gram-negative nosocomial pathogen that causes opportunistic infections and employs different mechanisms to survive in the presence of antibiotics in the host. Nutrient limitation is one of the important defense mechanisms of the mammalian immune system to fight against the colonization of pathogens like A. baumannii. The present study describes an NtrC-type Response Regulator (RR) A1S_1978 involved in modulating the metabolism and cell morphology of A. baumannii via a two-component system. This RR was found to be highly conserved in the Acinetobacter and other important Gram-negative pathogens. Sequence analysis reveals that this RR contains an HTH_8 DNA-binding domain. It is also observed that deletion of this RR resulted in elongated cell phenotype and altered colony morphology of A. baumannii. We showed that the ability of A. baumannii to form biofilm and pellicle is partly abolished upon deletion of this response regulator. We showed that mutant strains lacking RR A1S_1978 have diminished growth in the absence of the nitrogen source. The transcriptome analysis of the A1S_1978 deletion mutant revealed that 253 genes were differentially expressed, including 80 genes that were upregulated by at least 2-fold and 173 genes that were down regulated in the ΔA1S_1978 strain. The transcriptome data showed an association between the A1S_1978 RR and key genes related to various nitrogen and amino acid metabolism processes, which was further confirmed by real time PCR analysis. The deletion of this RR leads to a reduction in persister cell formation against ciprofloxacin antibiotic. Taken together the results of this investigation provide significant evidence that the RR A1S_1978 is a global regulator in A. baumannii.

Genome sequences of bla NDM-1 producing Acinetobacter lactucae isolated from immunocompromised patients in India.

Among the species within Acb-complex, Acinetobacter lactucae has not been frequently isolated from clinical settings, unlike Acinetobacter baumannii, which is an important nosocomial pathogen. We report the genomic sequences of A. lactucae strains (PKAL1732 and 1828C) harboring multiple-resistance determinants including metallo-ß-lactamase (bla NDM-1) isolated from immunocompromised patients admitted to a referral hospital in India.

Multiple mechanisms of linezolid resistance in Staphylococcus haemolyticus detected by whole-genome sequencing.

Introduction. Linezolid is an effective therapeutic option for treating severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-positive organisms. Several mechanisms have been reported to be responsible for resistance to this antibiotic.Hypothesis or Gap Statement. Although several mechanisms of linezolid resistance have been reported in Staphylococcus haemolyticus, the prevalence and potential for horizontal transfer of resistance genes have not been fully characterized, particularly among S. haemolyticus isolates from India.Aim. To perform whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of linezolid-resistant S. haemolyticus isolates to characterize the resistance mechanisms.Methodology. WGS was performed for 16 linezolid-resistant S. haemolyticus isolates to check for the presence of cfr, optrA and poxtA genes and mutations in 23S rRNA and ribosomal proteins (L3, L4 and L22) that are possible mechanisms implicated in linezolid resistance. Sequence types were identified using MLST finder. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of linezolid was determined using the E-test method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out for the detection of the cfr gene.Results. The study documented three different mechanisms of linezolid resistance in S. haemolyticus. Thirteen of the 16 isolates were phenotypically resistant to linezolid, of which 12 were positive for the cfr gene. The G2603T mutation in 23S rRNA was found in the majority of the isolates (n=13). Ten isolates had the R138V mutation in L3 ribosomal protein. Twelve isolates with the cfr gene in combination with either G2603T or R138V mutations displayed extremely high MIC values. Surprisingly, three phenotypically sensitive isolates were found to be positive for the cfr gene but negative for other resistance mechanisms. Importantly, in almost half of the isolates the cfr gene was present on a plasmid. ST3 and ST1 were found to be the predominant sequence types.Conclusion. All phenotypically resistant isolates exhibited two or three linezolid resistance mechanisms. The cfr gene was found on plasmids in many isolates, demonstrating its potential for horizontal transfer to more pathogenic organisms.

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) for upper urinary tract stones in children below 12 years of age: A single centre experience.

OBJECTIVE: Retrograde Intra Renal Surgery (RIRS) is a minimally invasive surgical modality for the treatment of renal stones. We evaluated the efficacy of RIRS in children below aged 12 years of age in the form of stone-free rate (SFR), complications and the feasibility of the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all children ≤ 12 years of age, with upper urinary tract stones single or multiple ≤ 15 mm in size who underwent RIRS between February 2019 to November 2021. RIRS was performed with 7.5 Fr flexible ureterorenoscope over the guidewire, the stones were dusted with Laser and the ureteral stent was left after RIRS. All patients had the post-procedure stent removed within 3 weeks after checking for residual stones with X-ray and ultrasonography of Kidney-Ureter-Bladder (USG-KUB). Follow-up USG KUB was done at 4 months. RESULTS: 15 patients included in our study met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 8.7 ± 2.8 years, the mean stone size was 11.26 ± 2.14 mm and 26.6 % had multiple stones. Retrograde access failure was noted in 36.3 % in non stented patients. The mean operative time was 72.6 ± 20 minutes, fluoroscopy time was 4.4 ± 0.9 minutes and the mean LASER time was 26 ± 3.9 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 2.8 ± 0.9 days. Ureteral access sheath (UAS) was used in one patient. Conversion to mini PCNL was done in one pre stented patient due to access failure and one patient had a second look RIRS for residual stone. No major complications were noted except onr patient who had sepsis. The stone-free rates were 93.3% after primary RIRS and 100% after second look RIRS. CONCLUSIONS: RIRS is a feasible, safe procedure for pediatric upper urinary stones with excellent stone-free rates and a low rate of complications.

Coexistence of blaNDM-1, blaOXA-51, blaOXA-23, and armA in conjunction with novel mutations detected in RND efflux pump regulators in tigecycline resistant clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii.

This study has investigated a total of 51 Acinetobacter baumannii isolates for the prevalence of resistant determinants in tigecycline susceptible and non-susceptible clinical isolates of A. baumannii. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed 74% of isolates were tigecycline resistant. Mutations in RND-efflux pump regulatory genes and the expression of efflux pump genes were measured in tigecycline resistant isolates. There was a strong co-relation between the blaNDM-1 and armA wherein majority of the isolates that are positive for blaNDM-1 have also harbored armA. Compared with TSAB (tigecycline susceptible A. baumannii), TNAB (tigecycline non-susceptible A. baumannii) isolates show increased distribution of blaNDM-1 (P = 0.048), blaIMP-1 (P< 0.0001) and blaOXA-51 (P = 0.0029) carbapenemase genes. The variants of RND-efflux pump regulatory genes due to amino-acid mutations in adeS (F12S, K84E, W61R, N268H and Q299R) and adeL (G21R and Q262R) were identified in tigecycline resistant isolates as well as ISAba1 mediated disruption of adeN were observed causing overexpression of adeIJK efflux pump. Additionally, mutations in adeRS were also associated with increased expression of adeABC efflux pump. Besides, TNAB isolates showed significantly (P< 0.0001) higher ability of biofilm formation as compared to TSAB isolates. The tigecycline resistance due to mutations in contemporary A. baumannii isolates having a higher ability to form biofilm may pose therapeutic difficulties.

Bacterial effluxome as a barrier against antimicrobial agents: structural biology aspects and drug targeting.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is fast becoming a medical crisis affecting the entire global population. The bacterial membrane is the first layer of defense for the bacteria against antimicrobial agents (AMA), specifically transporters in the membrane efflux these AMA out of the bacteria and plays a significant role in the AMR development. Understanding the structure and the functions of these efflux transporters is essential to overcome AMR. This review discusses efflux transporters (primary, secondary, and tripartite), their domain architectures, substrate specificities, and efflux pump inhibitors (EPI). Special emphasis on nosocomial ESKAPEE (Enterococcus faecium., Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp. and Escherichia coli) pathogens, their multidrug efflux targets and inhibitors are discussed. Deep knowledge about the functioning of efflux pumps and their structural aspects will open up opportunities for developing new EPI, which could be used along with AMA as combination therapy to overcome the emerging AMR crisis.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on non-COVID patient's management in urology: a public hospital experience in Mumbai.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on non-COVID urological patient's management in tertiary care urology centres. METHODS: This is an observational study in which data of patients visiting the urology department of all the MCGM run tertiary care hospitals were recorded for the duration of 1 April 2020 to 31 July 2020 and were compared to data of pre-COVID-19 period of similar duration. RESULTS: There was a decrease of 93.86% in indoor admissions of urology patients during the COVID-19 lockdown. Indoor admissions for stone disease, haematuria, malignancy accounted for 53.65%, 15.85%, 9.75%, respectively. Elective surgeries had the highest percentage decrease followed by emergency and semi-emergency procedures. There was a reduction of more than 80% in patients attending outpatient clinics. Stone disease and its consequences were the main reasons for visiting outdoor clinics (39%). A substantial number of patients presented with flank and abdominal pain (14.8%) and benign enlargement of the prostate (10.23%). Malignancy accounted for a very small number of patients visiting outdoor clinics (1.58%). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 pandemic has a profound impact on patient care and education in Urology. There was more than ninety percent reduction in indoor admissions, operative procedures, and outpatient clinics attendance. Once the pandemic is controlled, there will be a large number of patients seeking consultation and management for urological conditions and we should be prepared for it. Surgical training of urology residents needs to be compensated in near future. Long-term impact on urological patient outcome remains to be defined.

Malakoplakia prostate presenting as urinary retention: a report of two cases and review of the literature.

Malakoplakia is a rare chronic inflammatory condition, which primarily occurs in genitourinary tract, with prostatic malakoplakia being extremely rare. We present two cases of acute urinary retention, with clinically firm nodular prostate and a raised serum prostate-specific antigen. Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostatic biopsy showed features of malakoplakia. There was a significant reduction of size of prostate on transrectal ultrasonography after 4 weeks of antibiotics. However, one patient had failed trial without catheter and was subjected to transurethral resection of prostate. The biopsy of the prostatic chips also showed features of malakoplakia. Other patient improved symptomatically after antibiotics and was managed conservatively. Both the patients are on regular follow-up and are asymptomatic. Prostatic malakoplakia presenting as urinary retention is very uncommon with around 12 cases in the literature. Recognition of prostatic malakoplakia is important because clinically it can masquerade prostatic malignancy. Treatment with antibiotics is necessary before subjecting the patients for surgery in patients with obstructive symptoms.

Predictors for severe hemorrhage requiring angioembolization post percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A single-center experience over 3 years.

CONTEXT AND AIM: About 1% of the patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) have bleeding severe enough to require angioembolization. We identified factors which could predict severe bleeding post-PCNL and reviewed patients who underwent angioembolization for the same. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a single-institutional, retrospective study over a period of 3 years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 583 patients undergoing PCNL at our institute from 2013 to 2016. We analyzed nine patients (three from our institute and six referred patients) who underwent angioembolization for severe bleeding post-PCNL. We analyzed the preoperative characteristics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative course of these patients and compared this with those patients who did not have a severe post-PCNL bleeding. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Fischer's exact test and Chi-square test were used in univariate analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used in multivariate analysis with a value of P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Three of the 583 patients (0.51%) who underwent PCNL at our institute required embolization to control bleeding. Preoperative characteristics that were significant risk factors for severe bleeding were a history of ipsilateral renal surgery (P = 0.0025) and increased stone complexity (P = 0.006), while significant intraoperative factors were injury to the pelvicalyceal system (P = 0.0005) and multiple access tracts (P = 0.022). Angiography revealed arteriovenous fistula in two patients and a pseudoaneurysm in seven patients. All patients underwent successful superselective angioembolization with preserved renal perfusion in six patients on control angiography postembolization. CONCLUSIONS: History of ipsilateral renal surgery, increased stone complexity, multiple access tracts, and injury to the pelvicalyceal system are risk factors predicting severe renal hemorrhage post-PCNL. Early angiography followed by angioembolization should be performed in patients with severe post-PCNL bleeding who fail to respond to conservative measures.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic repair of retrocaval ureter: Our experience and review of literature.

CONTEXT AND AIM: Retrocaval ureter (RCU), also known as circumcaval ureter, occurs due to anomalous development of inferior vena cava (IVC) and not ureter. The surgical approach for this entity has shifted from open to laparoscopic and robotic surgery. This is a relatively new line of management with very few case reports. Herein, we describe the etiopathology, our experience with six cases of transperitoneal laparoscopic repair of RCU operated at tertiary care center in India and have reviewed different management options. METHODS: From 2013 to 2016, we operated total six cases of transperitoneal laparoscopic repair of RCU. All were male patients with average age of 29.6 years (14-50). Pain was their only complaint with normal renal function and no complications. After diagnosis with CT Urography, they underwent radionuclide scan and were operated on. Postoperative follow-up was done with ultrasonography every 3 months and repeat radionuclide scan at 6 months. The maximum follow-up was for 2.5 years. RESULTS: All cases were completed laparoscopically. Average operating time was 163.2 min. Blood loss varied from 50 to 100 cc. Ureteroureterostomy was done in all patients. None developed urinary leak or recurrent obstruction postoperatively. Maximum time for the requirement of external drainage was for 4 days (2-4 days). Average postoperative time for hospitalization was 3.8 days. Follow-up ultrasound and renal scan showed unobstructed drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach can be considered equivalent as parameters like operative time, results are comparable for these two modalities. We preferred transperitoneal approach as it provides good working space for intracorporeal suturing.

A Case Report of Largest Documented Multilocular Cystic Nephroma Removed by Thoracoabdominal Approach.

Large renal tumours are not uncommon in developing countries. Enhancing renal tumours are considered to be malignant unless proved otherwise and radical surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment of such tumours. A giant renal tumour, especially on right side, poses a big challenge for the operating team and requires a thoracoabdominal approach for successful excision. We report successful removal of the largest documented Multilocular Cystic Nephroma (MLCN, 5.5 kg) from a 28-year-old female who presented with right abdomen lump since two years. The surgery was done through a 9th intercostal thoracoabdominal incision as the mass (31 x 19 x 19.6 cm) extended from right sub-diaphragmatic space up to the dome of the bladder. We discuss here the technique of removing such a huge renal mass and the challenges an operating surgeon may encounter.

Wunderlich Syndrome due to Ruptured Pseudoaneurysm of Angiomyolipoma in First Trimester: A Rare Case Report.

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a rare benign tumour of kidney which demonstrates rapid growth during pregnancy due to hormonal stimulation, leading to rupture. Majority of reported ruptured AMLs are in third trimester. We report a case of ruptured angiomyolipoma at 10th week of gestation, the earliest rupture known in singleton pregnancy. The AML had pseudo-aneurysm formation with extra-tumoural rupture during pregnancy, a finding never reported in literature yet. The patient had active bleeding with expanding peri-nephric haematoma during initial two days of conservative management. Hence, after counselling and taking prior informed written consent for Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP), computed tomography scan of abdomen with angiography followed by emergency coil embolization of the bleeding right upper polar segmental artery was done. After stabilization, MTP was done at 12th week of gestation. Counselling and consent for continuing or aborting the pregnancy is of utmost importance for best possible outcome for patient and foetus.

Predictive factors for fever and sepsis following percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A review of 580 patients.

AIMS: There has been much speculation and discussion about the infective complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). While fever is common after PCNL, the incidence of it progressing to urosepsis is fortunately less. Which patient undergoing PCNL is at risk of developing urosepsis and in whom aggressive treatment of fever postoperatively may prevent the progression to severe sepsis becomes a very important question. This study aims to answer these vital questions. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a single institutional, retrospective study over a period of 3 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of the patients undergoing PCNL from August 2012 to July 2015 was done. A total of 580 patients were included in the study, and the study variables recorded were analyzed statistically. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-square test. RESULTS: Three factors significantly correlated with postoperative severe sepsis, namely, stone size >25 mm, prolonged operative time >120 min, and significant bleeding requiring transfusion. Factors associated with fever after PCNL which did not progress to sepsis were the presence of staghorn calculi and multiple access tracts in addition to the factors listed above for sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Fever after PCNL is not uncommon but it has a low incidence of progressing to life-threatening severe sepsis and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome. Special precautions and monitoring should be taken in patients with bigger stone (>25 mm) and patients with severe intraoperative hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion. It is better to stage the procedure rather than prolong the operative time (120 min). Identifying these factors and minimizing them may decrease the incidence of this life-threatening complication.

Is segmental epidural anaesthesia an optimal technique for patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Neuraxial anaesthesia has recently become popular for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We conducted a study comparing general anaesthesia (GA) with segmental (T6-T12) epidural anaesthesia (SEA) for PCNL with respect to anaesthesia and surgical characteristics. METHODS: Ninety American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status-I and II patients undergoing PCNL randomly received either GA or SEA. Overall patient satisfaction was the primary end point. Intraoperative haemodynamics, epidural block characteristics, post-operative pain, time to rescue analgesic, total analgesic consumption, discharge times from post-anaesthesia care unit, surgeon satisfaction scores and stone clearance were secondary end points. Parametric data were analysed by Student's t-test while non-parametric data were compared with Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Group SEA reported better patient satisfaction (P = 0.005). Patients in group GA had significantly higher heart rates (P = 0.0001) and comparable mean arterial pressures (P = 0.24). Postoperatively, time to first rescue analgesic and total tramadol consumption was higher in Group GA (P = 0.001). Group SEA had lower pain scores (P = 0.001). Time to reach Aldrete's score of 9 was shorter in group SEA (P = 0.0001). The incidence of nausea was higher in group GA (P = 0.001); vomiting rates were comparable (P = 0.15). One patient in group SEA developed bradycardia which was successfully treated. Eight patients (18%) had hypertensive episodes in group GA versus none in group SEA (P = 0.0001). One patient in GA group had pleural injury and was managed with intercostal drain. Stone clearance and post-operative haemoglobin levels were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION: PCNL under SEA has a role in selected patients, for short duration surgery and in expert hands.

Fractured Penis: Not So Rare!

INTRODUCTION: Penile fracture is a relatively common phenomenon. The main problem associated with this condition is the lack of patients' awareness on the urgency of the situation. This study reports the different modes of presentations and treatment results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 21 cases of penile fracture over 5 years. Parameters were mode of injury, age group, time interval before presentation, management, site of injury, urethral involvement, results, complications and erectile function at follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 34 years, the mean time interval until presentation was 26 h. Cases involving the right corpus cavernosum comprised 57.14% and 42.85% were cases involving the left corpus cavernosum. Two patients had full circumferential urethral tear. Two patients developed wound infections and 2 patients developed mild penile curvature (<30°). These 4 patients had all presented late for treatment (>40 h). CONCLUSION: Urologists need to consider penile fracture a urological emergency and atypical presentations need to be considered when deciding on management.

TRUS Biopsy Yield in Indian Population: A Retrospective Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The reported cancer detection rate of Trans-Rectal Ultrasonography (TRUS) biopsies (TRUS biopsy yield) has been around 30 percent in western countries. However it is much lower in Asian countries, including India. Hence a larger proportion of patients in India undergo unnecessary biopsies. AIMS: To find out the cancer detection rate of TRUS biopsy (TRUS biopsy yield) in contemporary Indian population. Also, to study the positive predictive values at different serum Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)/PSA Density (PSAD) cut off levels and suspicious Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care institute. All symptomatic patients who underwent TRUS guided biopsy for indication of raised serum PSA level (>4 ng/ml) or suspicious DRE findings (nodule, irregularity, hard consistency, immobile rectal mucosa) from January 2012 to December 2014 were included. For serum PSA range (4-10) ng/ml, TRUS guided biopsy was done in patients with percent free/total PSA < 25. Statistical analysis used were Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Spearman's rank correlation analysis and Receiver-Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Out of the 235 patients included, 60 patients had malignancy (overall cancer detection rate= 25.53%). The cancer detection rate for PSA ranges of (4-10) and (10-20) ng/ml was as low as 5.95% and 13.16% respectively. Patients with malignant disease had significantly smaller prostate gland size than patients with benign disease (53.89 vs 63.06; p-value <0.05). On the other hand, cancer detection rate was 100% for PSA greater than 50ng/ml. The cancer detection rates were only upto 10% for PSA density ranges upto 0.25 ng/ml/cm3. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) for PSA and PSAD was 0.876 and 0.884 respectively. Only one patient (0.43%) had post-biopsy complication (acute bacterial prostatitis) requiring hospital admission. CONCLUSION: The current serum PSA and PSAD cut offs of 4 ng/ml and 0.15 ng/ml/cm3 need to be raised for Indian population to increase its positive predictive value. Prospective study validation of this finding is lacking.

Paediatric Post-Traumatic Bladder Neck Distraction Injury: Case Series.

The bladder neck distraction is a rare posterior urethral injury in paediatric age group. It mostly occurs secondary to road traffic accidents. We report three cases of paediatric bladder neck distraction injury. Three paediatric patients aged between 4 to 7 years (mean 5 year), who presented with post traumatic bladder neck distraction injury but no other major injury, they were treated with early urethro-vesical anastomosis. Postoperatively all patients were continent and with good urine flow rates. In paediatric bladder neck distraction injury, immediate urethro-vesical anastomosis gives good results.

Disruption of tetR type regulator adeN by mobile genetic element confers elevated virulence in Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii is an important human pathogen and considered as a major threat due to its extreme drug resistance. In this study, the genome of a hyper-virulent MDR strain PKAB07 of A. baumannii isolated from an Indian patient was sequenced and analyzed to understand its mechanisms of virulence, resistance and evolution. Comparative genome analysis of PKAB07 revealed virulence and resistance related genes scattered throughout the genome, instead of being organized as an island, indicating the highly mosaic nature of the genome. Many intermittent horizontal gene transfer events, insertion sequence (IS) element insertions identified were augmenting resistance machinery and elevating the SNP densities in A. baumannii eventually aiding in their swift evolution. ISAba1, the most widely distributed insertion sequence in A. baumannii was found in multiple sites in PKAB07. Out of many ISAba1 insertions, we identified novel insertions in 9 different genes wherein insertional inactivation of adeN (tetR type regulator) was significant. To assess the significance of this disruption in A. baumannii, adeN mutant and complement strains were constructed in A. baumannii ATCC 17978 strain and studied. Biofilm levels were abrogated in the adeN knockout when compared with the wild type and complemented strain of adeN knockout. Virulence of the adeN knockout mutant strain was observed to be high, which was validated by in vitro experiments and Galleria mellonella infection model. The overexpression of adeJ, a major component of AdeIJK efflux pump observed in adeN knockout strain could be the possible reason for the elevated virulence in adeN mutant and PKB07 strain. Knocking out of adeN in ATCC strain led to increased resistance and virulence at par with the PKAB07. Disruption of tetR type regulator adeN by ISAba1 consequently has led to elevated virulence in this pathogen.

Cyanoacrylate injection in management of recurrent vesicovaginal fistula: Our experience.

Treating recurrent vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a major clinical problem. We present a technique and special precautions taken during treatment of a small recurrent VVF with the help of combined cystoscopic and/or transvaginal injection of cyanoacrylate in two patients. Except for frequency of micturition in the first patient, postoperative follow-up was uneventful. Endoscopic management with cyanoacrylate is a simple and effective alternative to major reconstructive surgery.

Large Dumbbell Shaped Vesicovaginal Calculus Managed with Holmium Laser Cystolithotripsy Followed by Staged Repair of Vesicovaginal Fistula.

Complicated Vesicovaginal Fistulae (VVF) is prevalent in developing countries following obstetric injury. We report a rare case of a large dumbbell shaped vesicovaginal calculus measuring 7x 4.6cm in a patient with recurrent, complicated VVF managed successfully in two stages 6 weeks apart. Holmium laser (30 Watt) cystolithotripsy was used to break the vesical portion of the stone at the waist of the dumbbell, followed by delivery of vaginal part of the stone. Trans-abdominal VVF repair (O'Connor method) with omental interposition flap with right side ureteric reimplant was done after six weeks. Our case was unique because of occurrence of a larger sized fistula after a gynaecological surgery. She had developed larger stone (weight more than190gm- vaginal component) into the fistula tract. Also she had undergone multiple failed VVF repair attempts before. Use of holmium laser energy to break the stone was unique which minimized the morbidity of the first procedure leading to early recovery followed by staged repair of fistula after six weeks.