Micropercutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Management of Bilateral Renal Stones in a 7-Month-Old Infant: The Youngest Case in the Literature.

During infancy, the renal parenchyma and pelvicalyceal system are relatively fragile. Therefore, percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the management of renal stones in this age group is a challenging procedure for urologists. Herein, we present the uneventful management of bilateral renal stones using micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy (microperc) administered to a 7-month-old infant with recurrent urinary tract infections. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of the microperc procedure are discussed. As far as we know, our patient is the youngest case in whom the microperc procedure has been performed.

Ultrasound-guided micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric patients with kidney stones.

OBJECTIVE: To present the outcomes of ultrasound-guided micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy for the treatment of renal stones in pediatric patients. METHODS: Ultrasound-guided micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy was carried out on 25 pediatric patients from June 2012 to October 2014. Micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery was completed without the use of fluoroscopy in 19 patients. Medical records were retrieved from our institutional database and retrospectively reviewed. Percutaneous puncture was carried out by an "all-seeing needle" in seven patients and by a 14-G intravenous cannula in 18 patients. After entering to the collecting system through an "all-seeing needle" or by Microsheath, the calculus was fragmented using a 273-micron holmium yttrium aluminium garnet laser. After the stone was fragmented to the smallest pieces possible, the operation was terminated. RESULTS: Single access was obtained in all patients using ultrasound guidance. The average age of the patients was 4.12 ± 5.33 years. The mean stone size was 13.45 ± 3.11 mm. The mean operative time was 51.45 ± 30.69 min. The mean duration of hospitalization was 3.18 ± 1.77 days. Treatment success was 92%. Two patients had residual fragments after the procedure; these patients were followed conservatively. A total of three minor complications were observed and all of them were managed conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study of ultrasound-guided micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy in the pediatric population. Our findings suggest that micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy can be safely carried out with ultrasound guidance in children by experienced hands, allowing to minimize risks associated with radiation exposure in this patient population.

Investigation of the retrorenal colon frequency using computed tomography in patients with advanced scoliosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of retrorenal colon in patients with advanced scoliosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The existence of retrorenal colon was retrospectively investigated in 550 patients with vertebral scoliosis who had undergone abdominal CT scans at our institution between January 2008 and March 2012. The investigation was also carried out on a control group of 200 patients without scoliosis. RESULTS: Among the 550 patients with scoliosis, 100 patients had advanced scoliosis necessitating treatment. Among these 100 patients with advanced scoliosis, retrorenal colon was detected in a total of 25 patients (25 %). The variation was observed on the right side in eight patients (two males, six females) (8 %), on the left side in 15 patients (five males, ten females) (15 %), and bilaterally in two patients (both females) (2 %). In the control group consisting of 200 individuals, retrorenal colon was detected in seven subjects (3.5 %), among which six were on the left and one was on the right. The difference between the incidence of retrorenal colon observed in the patients with advanced scoliosis and those without scoliosis was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Since the frequency of retrorenal colon in patients with advanced scoliosis is significantly higher than the control group without scoliosis, the risk of experiencing complications during renal interventions including renal biopsy is also higher. Therefore, these patients should undergo a detailed CT examination before these procedures, and renal interventions should be planned according to findings.

The forgotten ureteral stent in children: from diagnosis to treatment.

PURPOSE: We conducted a multicenter pediatric study of ureteral stents unintentionally left in situ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 22 patients with encrusted Double-J® ureteral stents unintentionally left in situ were treated at 4 centers between January 2007 and March 2012. Stone burdens were estimated using plain radiography and computerized tomography. Treatment decision was made based on clinical and radiological findings or stone burden. RESULTS: Nine girls and 13 boys with a mean age of 9.5 years (range 2 to 16) were analyzed. Mean indwelling time of ureteral stent was 21.7 months (range 6 to 60). Stents were inserted for the indication of urolithiasis (17 patients) and reconstructive urological intervention (5). In 2 patients stents had been placed bilaterally. Mean stent stone burden was 184 mm(2) on plain radiography and 247 mm(2) on computerized tomography, a difference that was statistically significant (p = 0.002). Shock wave lithotripsy was done in 6 cases. Endoscopic procedures were performed in all patients, including ureteroscopy in 8, simple stent removal in 7, endoscopic cystolithotripsy in 6, percutaneous nephrolithotomy in 5, retrograde intrarenal surgery in 3 and percutaneous cystolithotripsy in 2. Surgical removal of each stent required a mean of 1.5 interventions and a mean hospital stay of 4.4 days. CONCLUSIONS: At experienced centers combined endourological techniques can achieve successful and safe management of forgotten stents even in the pediatric age group. Thus, routine preprocedural tomography is a must in children with forgotten ureteral stents.

Comparison of retrograde intrarenal surgery, shockwave lithotripsy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for treatment of medium-sized radiolucent renal stones.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the outcomes of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for 10-20 mm radiolucent renal calculi by evaluating stone-free rates and associated complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 437 patients at 7 institutions who underwent SWL (n = 251), PNL (n = 140), or RIRS (n = 46) were enrolled in our study. Clinical success was defined as stone-free status or asymptomatic insignificant residual fragments <3 mm. The success rates, auxiliary procedures, and complications were compared in each group. RESULTS: Success rates were 66.5, 91.4, and 87% for SWL, PNL, and RIRS (p < 0.001). The need for auxiliary procedures was more common after SWL than PNL and RIRS (21.9 vs 5.7 vs 8.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). The overall complication rates for the SWL, PNL, and RIRS were 7.6, 22.1, and 10.9%, respectively (p < 0.001). Thirteen patients in PNL group received blood transfusions, while none of the patients in RIRS and SWL groups transfused. Hospitalization time per patient was 1.3 ± 0.5 days in the RIRS group, while it was 2.6 ± 0.9 days in the PNL group (p < 0.001). Fluoroscopy and operation time were significantly longer in the PNL group compared to RIRS (145.7 ± 101.7 vs 28.7 ± 18.7 s, and 57.5 ± 22.1 vs 43.1 ± 17 min, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: For treatment of moderate-sized radiolucent renal stones, RIRS and PNL provide significantly higher success and lower retreatment rate compared with SWL. Although PNL is effective, its biggest drawback is its invasiveness. Blood loss, radiation exposure, hospital stay, and morbidities of PNL can be significantly reduced with RIRS technique.

Radiation exposure--do urologists take it seriously in Turkey?

PURPOSE: A questionnaire was administered to urologists to evaluate attitudes and behaviors about protection from radiation exposure during fluoroscopy guided endourological procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The questionnaire was e-mailed to 1,482 urologists, including urology residents, specialists and urologists holding all levels of academic degrees, between May and June 2011. The questionnaire administered to study participants was composed of demographic questions, and questions on radiation exposure frequency, and the use of dosimeters and flexible protective clothes. If a respondent reported not using dosimeters or protective clothes, additional questions asked for the reason. RESULTS: Of the 1,482 questionnaires 394 (26.58%) were returned, of which 363 had completed answers. A total of 307 physicians (84.58%) were exposed to ionizing radiation, of whom 79.61% stated that they perform percutaneous nephrolithotomy at the clinic. Fluoroscopy guidance was the initial choice of 96.19% of urologists during percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Despite the common use of lead aprons (75.24%) most urologists did not use dosimeters (73.94%), eyeglasses (76.95%) or gloves (66.67%) while 46.44% always used thyroid shields during fluoroscopy. When asked why they did not use protective clothing, the most common answers were that protective clothes are not ergonomic and not practical. CONCLUSIONS: Results clearly highlight the lack of use of ionizing radiation protection devices and dosimeters during commonly performed fluoroscopy guided endourological procedures among urologists in Turkey.

Treatment of forgotten ureteral stents: how much does it really cost? A cost-effectiveness study in 27 patients.

Aim of study was to present costs of forgotten ureteral stents extraction so as to distract attentions of the urologists on this issue. Medical files of 27 accessible patients who referred to our clinics between 2001 and 2010 because of forgotten ureteral stent were retrospectively analyzed. The indwelling time of double-j stents (DJS) was calculated from the time of its insertion. Costs related to radiological investigations, all invasive, and noninvasive interventions, duration of hospital stay, and medical treatments used were calculated. These estimations were based on 2010 prices determined by Turkey Ministry of Health. Mean age of the patients was 31.2 (8-86 years) years. Mean indwelling time of ureteral DJSs was 36.7 months (14-84 months). Seventy-one [extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), n = 26; invasive/noninvasive interventions, n = 32] procedures were applied for 27 patients. In six patients without incrustation, after a single session of ESWL DJSs could be removed cystoscopically. A various combination of a multimodal therapy was used for other 21 patients. Total financial burden of 27 patients was US $ 34,300. Cost of treatment was estimated to be 6.9-fold (1.8- to 21-fold) higher than an average timely stent extraction. Financial burden of the treatments increased in parallel with the duration of the stent retention (p = 0.001). Management of forgotten DJS is time consuming, difficult, complicated, risky, and costly. Therefore; financial burden, increased labour loss, and impaired quality of life brought by the application of these modalities must not be forgotten.

A solution for medical and legal problems arising from forgotten ureteral stents: initial results from a reminder short message service (SMS).

The objective of this study was to describe and present the initial results of a computer-based system that tracks ureteral stents and automatically sends a reminder through a short message service (SMS) to both the patient's and the urologist's mobile phones Using an integrated stent register program (SRP) and a stent extraction reminder program (SERP) with an electronic patient record program (EPRP) located within our hospital's computer network. In this system, the demographic data of all of the patients are recorded into the password-protected EPRP. After a stent is inserted, the surgeon enters the details of the operation into the EPRP. The SRP automatically asks the user to define the "optimal stent life (OSL)". The SERP checks the recorded patients daily and sends an SMS reminder to staff and patient when the OSL is reached. The SERP continues to send reminders via the SMS until stent is removed. We analyzed the success of the SMS recall system. A total of 186 patients received stents over an 11-month period. The patients in group-2 (n = 108) were recalled by the SERP, and the remainder of the patients (n = 78, group-1) were not included in the project. The mean delay from the designated OSL to the time of stent removal was 307 ± 118.6 (72-1,344) and 14.6 ± 2.06 (5-36) h in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.0001). Our initial results showed that the SRP and SERP prevent stent removal from being forgotten, thus preventing related medical and legal problems.

The efficacy and safety of ureteroscopy for ureteral calculi in pregnancy: our experience in 32 patients.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of ureteroscopy (URS) in pregnant women. A retrospective analysis was performed on 32 pregnant patients referred to our center between April 2005 and November 2010 with hydronephrosis requiring surgical intervention. A semirigid URS of 9.5 F was used in all patients. The mean age of patients was 27.8 years (range 20-39), and the mean gestation duration was 24 weeks (15-34). The ultrasound findings were diagnostic of obstructive ureteral calculi in 16 (50%) patients and the mean stone diameter was 8 mm. Spinal anaesthesia was performed in 22 (68.8%) patients, while general anaesthesia was performed in 7 (21.8%) patients. Ureteric stones were found in 27 (84.3%) patients during endoscopy, 10 being distal, 9 middle and 8 proximal. There were no stones in five patients. The stones were fragmented with pneumatic lithotripsy in 8 patients and with holmium laser in 17 patients and the fragments were retracted with forceps. Of the 32 patients, 19 (59.4%) required JJ stent insertion peroperatively. There was no serious complication intraoperatively, while urinary tract infection developed in four and renal colic in two patients postoperatively. In one patient, sepsis developed postoperatively, and improved with appropriate treatment. All babies were born normally. Semirigid ureteroscopy for diagnosing and treating ureteral calculi by intracorporeal pneumatic or holmium laser lithotripsy is a safe and reasonable treatment option for pregnant patients.

Comparison of a 4.5 F semi-rigid ureteroscope with a 7.5 F rigid ureteroscope in the treatment of ureteral stones in preschool-age children.

The aim of this study was to compare the success and complication rates of a 4.5 F ureteroscope with a 7.5 F ureteroscope in the treatment of urolithiasis in preschool-age children. We retrospectively reviewed 69 ureteroscopy (URS) procedures in a pediatric population (40 boys, 29 girls). We divided the patients into two groups according to the type of ureteroscope used: group 1 (n = 42, Storz 7.5 F) and group 2 (n = 27, Wolf 4.5 F). We statistically compared all the procedures performed in both groups regarding patient age, complication rates, whether the procedure was therapeutic, and whether we used a guidewire. Additionally, in cases with ureteral stones, we also compared the stone clearance rate and the necessity of X-ray imaging between the two groups. The mean patient age was 56.04 months in group 1 and 47.48 months in group 2 (p = 0.057). The stone-free rate was 78.6 % in group 1 and 92.6 % in group 2 (p > 0.05). However, when we compared the stone-free rates for patients younger than 3 years, the rate was 66.7 % in group 1 and 93.8 % in group 2 (p < 0.05). The difference was not statistically significant for patients between the ages of 4 and 7 years. The success and failure rates revealed better outcomes for treatment of ureteral stones with a 4.5 F ureteroscope. We recommend the use of the mini-ureteroscope, especially in infants and preschool-age children.

Severe phimosis leading to obstructive uropathy in a boy with lichen sclerosus.

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, inflammatory condition which commonly involves the anogenital skin. This condition may affect the foreskin, glans, frenulum, meatus and urethra in males. It manifests itself with voiding symptoms. Obstructive uropathy is an extremely rare clinical presentation in childhood. This study reports the case of a 13-year-old boy presenting with obstructive uropathy due to LS and reviews the published data on the diagnosis, management and follow-up of this condition.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester protects kidneys against acetylsalicylic acid toxicity in rats.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-induced renal damage in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 rats were randomly divided into five groups, with eight rats in each group-group 1: control, not receiving any medication; group 2: ASA (50 mg/kg/day); group 3: ASA (50 mg/kg/day) + CAPE (20 µg/kg/day); group 4: ASA (100 mg/kg/day); and group 5: ASA (100 mg/kg/day) + CAPE (20 µg/kg/day). ASA and CAPE were given via orogastric gavage for 5 days. The total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity of the blood samples and kidney tissues were determined. Histopathological examinations of the kidneys were performed using light microscopic methods. RESULTS: The TOS level in the serum of rats and kidney tissues given ASA (groups 2 and 4) significantly increased, but the levels of TAC and PON-1 in these tissues significantly decreased in group 4 when compared with the control rats (p < 0.05). The levels of TAC and PON-1 in the kidney tissues increased and the levels of TOS decreased in the CAPE treatment groups (groups 3 and 5) when compared with the rats in the no CAPE treatment groups (groups 2 and 4). The PON-1, TAC, and TOS values reverted to normal levels in group 5 when compared to group 4 (p < 0.05). These results were supported by histopathological observation. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress plays an important role in ASA-induced nephrotoxicity, and CAPE may protect against ASA-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Comparison of laparoscopic and microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy in terms of postoperative scrotal pain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In this study, 2 different varicocelectomy methods were compared with regard to postoperative scrotal pain, length of operation, and complications. METHODS: Forty varicocele patients, who visited our clinic because of infertility or scrotal pain between 2008 and 2009, were enrolled in this clinical study. Microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy was performed on 20 patients in Group I, and laparoscopic varicocelectomy was performed on 20 patients in Group II. Following surgery, the patients were assessed for postoperative requirements for analgesia; return to normal activity; varicocele recurrence; hydrocele formation; scrotal pain at postoperative days 1, 3, and 7; and other complications. RESULTS: Mean age was 24.2 +/- 3.4 years in Group I and 25.1 +/- 2.1 years in Group II. Mean pain scores at postoperative 1, 3, and 7 days in Group I were (5.20 +/- 1.14, 4.60 +/- 0.97, and 3.50 +/- 0.97, respectively) significantly higher than those of Group II (0.70 +/- 0.82, 0.60 +/- 0.84, and 0.10 +/- 0.32, respectively). Time to return to normal activity was significantly shorter in Group II (3.7 +/- 2.1 days) compared with Group I (6.8 +/- 3.4 days) (p = 0.028). However, the number of recurrences and hydroceles, as a complication of varicocelectomy, was 2 times higher in Group II (10%) than in Group I (5%). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that laparoscopic varicocelectomy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure. Furthermore, reduced postoperative discomfort and earlier return to normal activity are additional advantages of this method.

A cheap minimally painful and widely usable alternative for retrieving ureteral stents.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a cheap, minimally painful and widely usable method for retrieving ureteral stents by using an ureteroscope. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with ureteral stents were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomized into a cystoscopic (35 patients) and a ureteroscopic (32 patients) group. All stents were retrieved by a flexible cystoscope in the first group and by a ureteroscope in the second group under local anesthesia. Patients in each group were assessed for stented time, stent side, cause of stent placement, operative time, peroperative pain, postoperative pain, irritative voiding symptoms and hematuria. Also costs of instruments were calculated. RESULTS: Stents were successfully retrieved in 67 patients. There were no statistical differences in the two groups regarding patient gender and age or stent side, operative time, stented time, mean operative pain score, irritative voiding symptom scores and hematuria. Total selling price was USD 20.399 for flexible instruments and USD 10.516 for rigid ones. Total maintenance price was higher in flexible instruments than in the rigid ones (USD 197.8 and 51.7 per use, respectively). CONCLUSION: Ureteroscopic stent retrieval is a minimally painful, safe and highly tolerable method under local anesthesia as well as flexible cystoscopic retrieval. Also, it is a cheap and widely usable method.

Who, where, and why are patients lost to follow-up? A 20-year study of bladder exstrophy patients at a single institution.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals with bladder and cloacal exstrophy are at increased risk for kidney disease, renal failure, and bladder complications. Given the social implications and sensitive nature of the disease, these patients are also at risk for psychosocial problems. Lack of regular medical follow-up visits may pose serious risks to their long-term health status. The aim of this study is determine what factors place an affected individual at risk for limited long term follow up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified all patients with bladder or cloacal exstrophy seen by the pediatric urology department at the Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) between January 1996 and August 2016. Patient data included demographics, insurance coverage, distance from patient's home to the clinic, medical and surgical history, and the date of their last clinic visit. Two groups for comparison were (1) those that had been seen within the last 2 years, and (2) those that were counted as failing to maintain follow-up because 2 or more years had passed since their last clinic visit. These groups were compared using the Student t-test, the chi-square test, or the Fisher exact test and p < 0.05 was treated as significant for the purposes of discussion. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Ninety-one patients with bladder or cloacal exstrophy were seen by the pediatric urology department between January 1996 and August 2016. Of the 91 patients, 24 left the clinic for known reasons thus leaving 67 patients that were considered for analyses: 51 had been seen within the last 2 years while 16 were counted as lost to follow-up. These two groups (active and lost to follow-up) did not differ significantly for age at last clinic visit, distance between family's home and clinic, history of bladder reconstruction, sex, or insurance status. There was a significant difference between the two groups in the medical complexity of their condition. The group active in urological care had more patients with cloacal exstrophy and additional anomalies than the group lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with bladder exstrophy and cloacal exstrophy are less likely to maintain annual follow-up visits with their urologist if they have a simpler diagnosis requiring fewer surgical interventions. For patients with exstrophy, regular clinic visits prioritizing education and psychosocial support may prevent hospitalizations, emergency interventions, and poor overall health outcomes. To maintain contact with the medical team and promote optimal health outcomes, a social worker or care coordinator/educator may play an integral part in addressing the unique needs of this population.