Intraoperative localization of renal calculi by ultrasound scanning

A total of 30 patients with multiple calyceal or pyelocaliceal calculi undergoing stone surgery were studied from January, 1991 to June 1992. An Ekoline real-time ultrasound machine operating at 5 MHz was used intraoperatively. Twenty-two out of 30 patients were identified to have residual stones. Complete clearance of all calculi as noted in 8/30. There were 2 false positives and 2 false negatives. The overall accuracy rate of the procedure was 86%, 90% sensitivity and 75% specificity rate. Certain limitations were identified contributing to the increased presence of retained stones. However, specific advantages were also noted, i.e. non-invasiveness, precise localization of non-palpable stones, and no irradiation exposure.(Author)

Outpatient bladder stone surgery

From January to September, 1991, a total of 17 patients who underwent cystolithotomy and/or cystolithololapaxy in our institution were studied. In eight of these patients, the procedure was done on out-patient basis. This was compared with the nine patients who were confined for the same procedure. Results showed that out-patient cystolithotomy and cystolitholapaxy is as safe and as efficient as those done on in-patient basis. Moreover, out-patient cystolithotomy and cystolitholapaxy is more economical and is generally accepted by the patients. (Author)

Management of stones, an NKI experience

A restrospective study was conducted comparing open surgery versus endourology for the treatment of urinary tract calculi from 1989 to 1990. Of the 312 patients studied, 60 were treated by endourological methods extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, PUNL, ureterotripsy), while 275 required open surgery to accomplish successful stone removal. Conditions taken into considerations which influence the mode of treatment were the availability of the equipment needed, associated genitourinary and medical anomalies, definite indications, surgeons preference, stone size and location as well as financial capability of the patient. Statistics shows that urinary tract calculi are, in the majority, approached with open surgery, however, with the availability of endouralogical equipments, the know-how and thru time, endourology would be considered a very viable treatment option. (Author)

Obstructive uropathy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

This retrospective study is done in a attempt to determine the role of obstructive hyperplasia as a cause of irreversible reneal failure. The records of 15 men with the diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia and renal failure were reviewed. Patients were classified as either having a serum creatinine level of more or less than 4 mg per 100 ml when they were discharged from the hospital. Characteristics of the patients with apparently permanent renal function were compared with the other group. This included higher admission serum creatinine levels and abnormal ultrasonic findings of small kidneys, increased echogenicity and thinned out cortex. The rates of infection were similar for both groups. (Author)