A prospective evaluation of high- and low-power holmium laser settings for transurethral lithotripsy in the management of adults with large bladder calculi.

PURPOSE: To prospectively investigate the efficacy and safety of high-power (100 W) vs low-power (20 W) laser settings for transurethral laser lithotripsy in the management large vesical calculi (> 4 cm). METHODS: All patients with vesical calculi > 4 cm in the maximum dimension and scheduled for transurethral holmium laser lithotripsy were invited to participate in the study. Every alternate patient was treated with either the low- or high-power laser settings. We used a continuous irrigation resectoscope with laser bridge or a laser working element (Karl Storz) for laser lithotripsy of bladder stones. We compared the operative time, intra-operative/post-operative complications (up to 1 year), and stone-free rates between the treatment groups using IBM SPSS Statistics 24 software. Comparisons between treatment groups for continuous variables were assessed using the Welch test, while categorical variables were compared with either the Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Twenty patients with ten in each cohort were recruited. Preoperative data and mean bladder stone size were comparable in both groups. The duration of surgery was significantly reduced from 70.80 ± 25.28 min in low-power cohort to 40.90 ± 15.01 min in the high-power group (p = 0.005). There were no significant intra-operative complications in either group. All patients were stone-free following the procedure. CONCLUSION: High-power laser setting of up to 100 W results in a significant reduction in duration of surgery without any increase in the complication rate for treatment of large bladder stones.

Single-stage Simultaneous Retrograde and Antegrade Endoscopic Treatment of Giant Prostatic and Bladder Urethral Calculi.

INTRODUCTION: Calculi encountered in the lower urinary tract typically reside within the bladder, less often in the urethra. In this video, we present a minimally invasive endoscopic approach for removal of the largest total stone volume in the lower urinary tract reported in the literature to date. METHODS: A 25-year-old male (body mass index 61 kg/m2) with neurogenic bladder presented with urosepsis and acute kidney injury secondary to obstructive uropathy. Computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated bilateral severe hydroureteronephrosis, a 4.2-cm bladder stone, and 3 urethral stones, including a 7.7-cm prostatic urethral stone and 2 membranous urethral stones (Fig. 1). Urgent bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy tubes were placed. The patient elected for endoscopic management. RESULTS: The patient was placed in the supine lithotomy position. His buried penis and narrow urethra only accommodated a 16-French flexible cystoscope. Multiple stones were encountered in the membranous urethra. A 60-W SuperPulse Thulium Fiber laser at 2 J and 30 Hz was utilized to dust the urethral stones efficiently. Simultaneous ultrasound-guided percutaneous access into the bladder was obtained and ultrasonic lithotripsy via shockpulse was used to clear the bladder stone and prostatic stone from above. Total stone treatment time was 240 minutes. Suprapubic and urethral catheters were placed at the conclusion. Postoperative day 1 CT scan confirmed stone-free status and he was discharged postoperative day 2. Outpatient nephrostogram demonstrated patency of bilateral ureters and nephrostomy tubes were removed. CONCLUSION: Higher morbidity procedures including open or laparoscopic approaches have been described for management of large lower urinary tract stones. In this video, we demonstrate a minimally invasive approach of combined simultaneous antegrade and retrograde lithotripsy to achieve a stone-free status in this morbidly obese and complicated patient.

Jackstone Calculus.

Jackstone calculus is a rare bladder stone with a unique appearance, presenting a stippled and spiculated contour. Correct diagnosis is important because it may have therapeutic implications, as this distinctive shape correlates with a specific mineral composition of calcium oxalate dihydrate, which tend to be easily fragmented by lithotripsy, allowing to attempt an endoscopic treatment instead of surgery in larger stones. We present the case of a 77-year-old male where a 2 cm bladder calculus was incidentally found on CT, with features that allowed to make straightforward the diagnosis of a jackstone calculus.

[Tuberculous vesicovaginal fistula complicated by bladder stones: about an exceptional case]. / Calculs vésicaux multiples compliquant une fistule vésico-vaginale d'origine tuberculeuse: à propos d'un cas exceptionnel.

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) continues to be a major public health problem in developing countries. Given the particular association of VVF with stones, the question that arises is whether the fistula is primary or secondary to bladder stone and then whether to use single-stage or two-stage treatment. But what is special about this study is that these rare clinical features are due to tuberculosis. We here report the case of a 62-year old female patient with a history of treated tuberculous spondylodiscitis. The patient had been declared cured 4 years before. For the previous 2 years she had been suffering from continuous urinary incontinence. Clinical examination showed almost complete vaginal synechia. Complementary scannography and cystography showed the presence of 3 stones on the way to the VVF. The largest stone measured 6cm along its longer axis with passage of contrast material into the uterovaginal cavity through the fistula. The patient was admitted to the operating room where she underwent cystolithotomy with ablation of the stones that were on the way to the fistula, biopsy of the fistulous tract and single-stage closure of the VVF in two layers without interposition of the autologous tissue. Anatomopathological results confirmed the presence of active tuberculosis on the way to the fistula, requiring resumption of antibacillary treatment for 9 months. During the follow-up visit at 3, 6 and 9 months the patient showed good clinical status with absence of urinary incontinence. VVF secondary to tuberculosis associated with urinary stones appears very little in literature. Our case demonstrates the feasibility of antibacillar medical treatment associated with single-stage surgical treatment with very satisfactory results despite the history of our patient and the duration of his disease.

[Giant bladder stone]. / Lithiase vésicale géante.

A 67 years old patient has consulted for hypogastric pain, associated with a pollakiuria running for more than 12 months. The medical story reported genital prolapse, some episodes of haematuria and dysuria. Pelvic ultrasound showed a voluminous image of lithiasic appearance with irregular borders. A cystotomy was performed under perimedullary anesthesia allowing the extraction of a giant bladder stone measuring 7.2 cm as major axis and 5.5 cm for small axis.

Effect of Amplatz Sheath on Cystolithotripsy for Women with Large Bladder Stone.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the effect of endourological procedures with or without the Amplatz sheath (AS) on cystolithotripsy. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 18 patients who underwent treatment for bladder stone over 30 mm. This study consisted of two groups, namely, patients who underwent cystolithotripsy with an AS (AS group) and those who underwent standard procedure without an AS (SP group). The stone-free rate, total energy used for operation, operation time, days of admission after operation, and complication of both groups were compared. RESULTS: The number of patients in the AS and SP groups was 10 and 8, respectively. Significant differences were not found between these two groups with regard to age, stone burden, stone volume, number of stones, and history of neurogenic bladder. All patients in both groups achieved a stone-free state. Total energy was significantly increased and operation time was shorter in the AS group. No significant difference was observed in terms of days of admission after operation. Any complications were not increased by the use of AS. Struvite was the most common stone component in both groups. CONCLUSION: Use of an AS can shorten the operation time of cystolithotripsy without increasing perioperative complication.

A giant urinary bladder stone in the mummy of Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Joseph Tyan (1760-1820) and its environmental and nutritional implications.

INTRODUCTION: Historical sources and anthropological investigations, with the indispensable support of radiology, bring to light pathological evidence of the past. CASE PRESENTATION: The purpose of this article is to present the radiological investigation conducted on the mummy of the Maronite Joseph Tyan (1760-1820), a famous patriarch who guided the Lebanese Maronite community during a critical period of its history. The natural mummy of the Patriarch was temporarily removed from its burial site to certify the degree of preservation. Conventional radiography was necessary to determine the state of the internal organs and any physical abnormalities, and to clarify the degree of conservation of the mummy. DISCUSSION: Radiological analysis uncovered an exceptional case of a large urinary bladder stone. This pathological evidence confirms historical documentary sources that in the last years of his life the Patriarch suffered from abdominal pain and urinary problems. We can suppose that the environment and diet of the Maronite community, limited by restricted agricultural resources, was the possible cause of the urinary bladder stone, as today the epidemiology of these diseases demonstrates links with mainly cereal diets in rural areas.

Correlation of benign prostatic obstruction-related complications with clinical outcomes in patients after transurethral resection of the prostate.

We aim to investigate the correlation of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO)-related complications with clinical outcomes in patients after transurethral resection of the prostate in China. We reviewed the medical history of all patients who underwent surgery from 1992 to 2013. We assessed the preoperative clinical profile, clinical management, and operative complications. Overall, 2271 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these patients, 1193 (52.5%) had no BPO-related complications and 1078 (46.3%) had BPO-related complications. Compared with patients without BPO-related complications, those with BPO-related complications were older (p = 0.001) and usually had other urologic comorbidities (p = 0.003). Additionally, they tended to have more tissue resected (p < 0.001), a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists grade (p = 0.002), and larger prostates (p < 0.001). Nonetheless, there was no obvious difference in surgical complications between both groups (p > 0.05). Among patients with BPO-related complications, compared with the bladder stone group, only the bladder stone+ group tended to have a greater urinary infection risk after transurethral resection of the prostate. Compared with patients with one or two BPO-related complications, those with three BPO-related complications tended to have a higher risk of pulmonary embolism and acute coronary syndrome (p < 0.05). Despite the widespread use of medication, patients with BPO-related complications were older and had larger prostates; however, transurethral resection of the prostate is still considered a safe and recommended surgical treatment. Nevertheless, those with three or more complications were at a higher risk of severe complication after surgery, and active surgical intervention is needed once BPO-related complications develop.

Proteus mirabilis fimbriae- and urease-dependent clusters assemble in an extracellular niche to initiate bladder stone formation.

The catheter-associated uropathogenProteus mirabilisfrequently causes urinary stones, but little has been known about the initial stages of bladder colonization and stone formation. We found thatP. mirabilisrapidly invades the bladder urothelium, but generally fails to establish an intracellular niche. Instead, it forms extracellular clusters in the bladder lumen, which form foci of mineral deposition consistent with development of urinary stones. These clusters elicit a robust neutrophil response, and we present evidence of neutrophil extracellular trap generation during experimental urinary tract infection. We identified two virulence factors required for cluster development: urease, which is required for urolithiasis, and mannose-resistantProteus-like fimbriae. The extracellular cluster formation byP. mirabilisstands in direct contrast to uropathogenicEscherichia coli, which readily formed intracellular bacterial communities but not luminal clusters or urinary stones. We propose that extracellular clusters are a key mechanism ofP. mirabilissurvival and virulence in the bladder.

INTRAVESICAL MIGRATION OF A HEM-O-LOK CLIP AFTER ROBOT-ASSISTED RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY: A CASE REPORT.

The Hem-o-lok clips (HOLC) is frequently used for hemostasis of the lateral pedicles in robot-assisted prostatectomy (RARP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). We report a rare post-operative complication, the migration of a HOLC into the bladder leading to calculus formation after RARP. A 54 year-old man underwent RARP with nerve- sparing procedure with HOLCs in the left neurovascular bundle. Three months later, he was referred to our hospital for pollakisuria and spontaneous hematuria. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a bladder stone that was 7 mm in diameter. On cystourethroscopy, he was noted to have a yellow-colored stone at 9 o'clock position of vesicourethral anastomosis. A cystolithotripsy for a bladder stone was performed until the surface of it was broken. A HOLC with a calculus was revealed and retrieved by stone forceps through the urethra. Since then, Intravesical migration of a HOLC has not been observed.

A fragment of Foley catheter balloon as a cause of Bladder stone in woman.

Urinary bladder calculi are rarely seen in women and any history of previous pelvic surgery must, therefore, raise suspicion of an iatrogenic etiology. According to the literature, fewer than 2% of all bladder calculi occur in female subjects and, thus, their presence should provoke careful assessment of the etiology. We report one case of a fragment of Foley catheter balloon as a cause of Bladder stone in 28 years old woman. We analyzed the diagnosis, aspect and therapeutic management of this case which is the first described in literature to our knowledge.

Association of Cytochrome-17 (MspA1) Gene Polymorphism with Risk of Gall Bladder Stones and Cancer in North India.

BACKGROUND: Cholelithiasis is associated in 54%-98% of patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder, and a high incidence among females suggests a role of female hormones in the etiology of the disease. Cytochrome P450C17α (CYP-17) is a key enzyme involved in estrogen metabolism and polymorphisms in CYP-17 are associated with altered serum levels of estrogens. Thus, we investigated whether the CYP-17 MspA1 gene polymorphism might impact on risk of gall bladder cancers or gallstones, as well as to determine if this gene polymorphism might be linked with estrogen serum levels and lipid profile among the North Indian gall bladder cancer or gallstone patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CYP-17 gene polymorphisms (MspA1) were genotyped with PCR-RFLP in cancer patients (n=96), stone patients (n=102), cancer+stone patients (n=52) and age/sex matched control subjects (n=256). Lipid profile was estimated using a commercial kit and serum estrogen was measured using ELISA. RESULTS: The majority of the patients in all groups were females. The lipid profile and estrogen level were significantly higher among the study as compared to control groups. The frequency of mutant allele A2 of CYP17 MspA1 gene polymorphism was higher among cancer (OR=5.13, 95% CI+3.10-8.51, p=0.0001), stone (OR=5.69, 95%CI=3.46-9.37, p=0.0001) and cancer+stone (OR=3.54, 95%CI=1.90-6.60, p=0.0001) when compared with the control group. However there was no significant association between genotypes of CYP17 MspA1 gene polymorphism and circulating serum level of estrogen and lipid profile. CONCLUSIONS: A higher frequency of mutant genotype A1A2 as well as mutant allele A2 of CYP-17 gene polymorphism is significantly associated with risk of gallbladder cancer and stones. Elevated levels of estrogen and an altered lipid profile can be used as predictors ofgall bladder stones and cancer in post menopausal females in India.

Post-renal acute renal failure due to a huge bladder stone.

A 63-year old male was referred to our emergency unit due to acute renal failure. The level of serum renal function tests levels, blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine, were 63 mmol/L/848 µmol/L. CT (Computarised Tomography) scan showed a huge bladder stone (5 cm x 6 cm x 5 cm) with increased bladder wall thickness. Post-renal acute renal failure due to bilateral ureterohydronephrosis was diagnosed. The huge bladder stone was considered to be the cause of ureterohydronephrosis and renal failure. The patient was catheterised and received haemodialysis immediately. He received haemodialysis four times during ten days of hospitalization and the level of serum renal function tests levels (BUN/ creatinine) decreased 18 mmol/L/123 µmol/L. After improvement of renal function, we performed cystoscopy that demonstrated normal prostatic urethra and bladder neck and bilaterally normal ureteral orifices. Bladder wall was roughly trabeculated and Bladder outlet was completely obstructed by a huge bladder stone. After cystoscopy open, cystolithotomy was performed to remove calcium phosphate and magnesium ammonium phosphate stone weighing 200 g removed. Four days after operation the patient was discharged uneventfully and urethral catheter was removed on the seventh day. Post-renal acute renal failure due to large bladder stones is rare in literature. According to the our knowledge; early diagnosis of the stone avoid growth to large size and prevent renal failure.

[Rare cases of bladder stones]. / Rari casi di calcolosi vescicale.

We present here two special cases of urolithiasis. The first one shows a giant bladder lithiasis resulting in severe renal insufficiency in a 63-year-old patient, who had previously had nicturia (2-3 times), occasional episodes of urinary frequency and burning micturition, in the absence of renal colic, hematuria or interrupted urination. The second case referes to an 85-year-old man suffering from prostatic enlargement and bladder stones, hospitalized to undergo intervention of trans-vesical prostatic adenomectomy, during which two star-shaped stones were found without obvious symptoms.

[THE BLADDER STONE OF CARDINAL PIETRO BASADONNA (1617-1684) IN THE WORDS OF HIS PHYSICIAN ROMOLO SPEZIOLI (1642-1723)]. / DURA LA SORTE, S'ELLA É DI PIETRA: LA CALCOLOSI VESCICALE DEL CARDINALE PIETRO BASADONNA (1617-1684) NELLE PAROLE DI ROMOLO SPEZIOLI (1642-1723), SUO MEDICO CURANTE.

At the death of Cardinal Pietro Basadonna in 1684, his personal physician Romolo Spezioli wrote a report describing the disease, circumstances of death and autopsy findings of the illustrious prelate. This document, kept in the Biblioteca Civica at Jesi, is a significant attestation of the medical terminology and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of the time. Even with the constraints that interpretation of a clinical account dating back over 300 years inevitably imposes, perusal of this report suggests that Cardinal Basadonna's demise could have been due to septic shock, consequent to a urinary infection caused by a bulky bladder stone.