Flexible ureterorenoscopy for upper urinary tract treatment using new 7.5 F 270 degree deflectable ureteroscope: Siriraj Hospital early experience.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and report our experience of using a flexible ureterorenoscopy in the diagnosis and therapy for upper urinary tract disease. Methods: Between September 2005 and June 2008, 21 upper urinary tract procedures were performed with 7.5 F actively deflectable, flexible ureteroscope. Of these 13 were for diagnostic reasons and eight for therapeutic purposes. A retrospective data of these procedures was collected. The indication, diagnostic or therapeutic procedure, operative time, success rate and postoperative course were analyzed. Results: The procedures were performed in 21 patients (mean age 66.71 years; range, 47-85 years; 11 procedures in males and 10 procedures in females). The indications were lateralizing essential hematuria (2), hematuria with upper tract radiolucent lesions (11), upper tract lesions without hematuria (3) and stones (5). In the diagnostic group, the mean operative time was 50 min (range 15-120). The procedure was completed successfully in all patients. The most common endoscopic finding was urothelial carcinoma in hematuria with upper tract lesions (9/11). In the therapeutic group (stone removal five, tumor fulguration three), the mean operative time was 83.12 min (range 30-160). The success rate of these therapeutic procedures was 62.5% (5/8). There was no intra and postoperative major complication. With an average follow up of 14 months (range 1-33), no patient had a late complication, such as ureteral stricture. The flexible ureteroscope did not need repair during this study. Conclusion: Flexible ureterorenoscopy is an effective and minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic tool for upper urinary tract disease.

Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy in dialysis dependent patients and comparison with open surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical outcomes and morbidity of retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy compared with open nephrectomy for dialysis dependent patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between November 2002 and August 2007, 14 hemo or peritoneal dialysis patients underwent nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy at Siriraj Hospital. Of the 14 patients, seven were treated with retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy and seven with open nephrectomy. A retrospective review and data were carried out. The patient factors, type of surgery, perioperative outcomes and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no conversion rate in the retroperitoneoscopic group. The mean estimated blood loss, analgesic requirement and time before starting oral intake were lower in the retroperitoneoscopic group (141.4 +/- 95 versus 292.8 +/- 226 ml, 5.0 +/- 4.5 versus 7.6 +/- 1.9 mg and 14.5 +/- 16.1 versus 23.1 +/- 23.3 hours, respectively). On the other hand, the mean operative time in the retroperitoneoscopic group was longer than the open group but with no significant difference (177.14 +/- 51 versus 160.71 +/- 84 min, p = 0.521). Two patients in the open group required intraoperative blood transfusion. There were two complications. One patient developed a large retroperitoneal hematoma after retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy. Another had a perivesical collection in the open nephrectomy group. No mortality related to the procedures occurred. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy should be considered as the procedure of choice for dialysis dependent patients. This has all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery such as reduced blood loss, minimal post operative pain leading to faster convalescence.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: transperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy versus extraperitoneal endoscopic radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the perioperative results between Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (T-LRP) and Extraperitoneal Endoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (E-LRP). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective reviews of 125 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by single surgeon (C.N) for stage T2-T3 adenocarcinoma of the prostate between May 2001 and July 2006 at Siriraj Hospital. Fifty-six cases had T-LRP and 69 cases had E-LRP The preoperative data (age, presenting PSA, and Gleason score), perioperative data (prostatic weight, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, the day of full oral diet, length of drain, and catheter time), pathologic stage, and margin status were compared. RESULTS: Mean age and Gleason score were comparable in both groups. Mean presenting PSA was lower in T-LRP (9.93) as compared to E-LRP (21.84) (p = 0.046). The mean prostatic weight was comparable in both T-LRP and E-LRP. The mean operative time of T-LRP (350) was significant longer than E-LRP (220) (p < 0.001). Mean intraoperative blood loss was more in T-LRP (883) as compared to E-LRP (605) (p = 0.001). Average blood transfusion was higher in T-LRP (1.23 unit) as compared to E-LRP (0.32). Postoperative full oral diet, length of drain, and catheter time in E-LRP were shorter than T-LRP (full diet: median 2 days vs. 3 days, p = 0.001) (length of drain: 4.98 days vs. 6.69 days, p = 0.002) (Catheter time: 8.9 days vs. 11.9 days, p = 0.002). Margin status were comparable in both groups but mean postoperative Gleason score was higher in E-LRP as compared to T-LRP (7.2 vs. 6.85, p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: E-LRP resulted in significant less operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative oral diet, length of drain and catheter time where as the pathological margin status was the same in both T-LRP and E-LRP.

Nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at Siriraj Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has been a discussed issue among patients. Nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy has been shown to be superior to non-nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy in terms of potency and continence. The authors have reported their experience of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and now developed our technique of nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy done at our institute. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From December 2005 to August 2006, 28 patients with localized prostate cancer underwent a nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Perioperative data was compared to those 34 patients who underwent non-nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy during the same period. All patients had PSA of less than 10 and pre-operative Gleason Score of 7 or less. Quality of life including incontinence and impotency rates was analyzed during three months post-operation. RESULTS: Patients' dermographic data, except ages, was similar in the two groups. Operating time was not different (217 vs. 212 minutes in favor of nerve-sparing). Blood loss was significantly high in nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (814 mls vs. 543 mls, p = 0.01). Tumor control was not different within both groups. Three months after surgery incontinent rates of both groups were not different. 43.75% of patients with nerve-sparing technique had experienced erection at three months after surgery. CONCLUSION: The authors' early experience has shown that nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy does not compromise cancer control, although blood loss is higher. This operation should be encouraged in cancer-localized patients as the patients may gain benefit of better quality of life.

Endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (EERPE): a new approach for treatment of localized prostate cancer.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is usually performed by transperitoneal approach. Patients may encounter; intraperitoneal organs injury, and prolonged ileus during recovery period. The authors firstly performed endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (EERPE) in Thailand, which is mimicking open radical prostatectomy, the gold standard for treatment of localized prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE: Assess and evaluate the feasibility and early outcomes of the authors' experience in endoscopic extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (EERPE). MATERIAL AND METHOD: From December 2005 to May 2006, 27 cases of EERPE were performed at the authors' institute for clinically localized prostate cancer by one surgeon (group I). Operative data was compared to those 55 patients who underwent open radical prostatectomy from February 2001 to August 2005 for early prostate cancer by the same surgeon (group II). Early postoperative results, clinical outcomes and complication were analyzed between the two groups using Chi-Square, student unpaired t-test and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Patients' age and clinical staging were not different between the two groups. Mean operative time was longer in the EERPE group (268 minutes vs 157 minutes; p < 0.01). Median blood loss was 500 mls and 1000 mls in the EERPE and open groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The likelihood of transfusion rate in the open group was higher than the EERPE group, with odd ratio of 8.75 (95%CI = 2.09-39.86), p = 0.001. Hospitalization time and pathological stage were not different between the two groups. In the EERPE group, there were two rectal complications, including rectal injury and rectal necrosis, which were treated laparoscopically and conservatively without long-term problems. CONCLUSION: The authors' early experience has shown that EERPE is feasible. Although operative time was longer; the patients may gain benefit of minimally invasive surgery and decreased operative blood loss. In EERPE group, oncological outcomes are equal to open surgery, however more cases and long-term follow up are required to evaluate the efficacy of such an approach.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: preliminary result of Thailand series.

OBJECTIVES: Several published series from Western countries have demonstrated that laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a safe and feasible approach to the management of localized prostate cancer. The authors report the initial experience with the first 56 cases of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between June 2001 and November 2005, 56 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Their mean (range) age was 64.98 (50-77) years, prostate specific antigen (PSA) level was 9.92 (2.1-33.8) ng/ml, and Gleason sum was 6.28 (3-8). RESULTS: Complete laparoscopic removal of the prostate was achieved in 47 cases and conversions to open surgery were needed in 9 cases. The mean (range) operating time was 350 (200- 750) min. and blood loss was 883 (200-2050) ml. The transfusion rate was 27.6%. Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy was done in 31 cases and all were negative. The positive surgical margin rate was 29.8%. There were 20 postoperative complications; catheter dislodged (2), urine leakage more than 2 weeks (5), peroneal nerve numbness (1), flank hematoma (1), pelvic collection (1), late recto-urethral fistula (1), anastomotic stricture (2), port site hernia (1), and inguinal hernia (6). Median catheter time was 7 (6-90) days. The complete continence rate at 3, 6 and 12 months were 27.7%, 55.9% and 72.2%. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a demanding procedure that is a feasible option for the surgical treatment of localized prostate cancer Intraoperative results were improved once experience was gained. Some parameters of the present results, i.e. transfusion rate, positive surgical margin and continence rate were still inferior compared to those reported by other centers.

Prevalence of prostate cancer in aging males receiving PSA (prostate specific antigen) screening test (A campaign for celebration of Siriraj Established Day).

Prostate cancer is a potential men's health problem. The prevalence of prostate cancer continues to rise. Serum PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) can be used as a screening tool for detection of early prostate cancer However, a screening program for prostate cancer has not yet been accepted as cost-effective and long term survival benefits have not been shown. Nevertheless, some doctors request PSA testing in men who present with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) to detect prostate cancer OBJECTIVE: To study for prevalence of prostate cancer in healthy men seeking medical check-up for prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: During the anniversary celebration of Siriraj established day (26/07/1888), a cohort study of Prevalence of prostate cancer in aging males using PSA Screening Test was carried out, 200 men over 45 years of age were invited to PSA testing and prostate glands check-up including, IPSS (international prostatic symptoms score), QOL (quality of life score) and DRE (digital rectal examination). Patients with elevated PSA were advised to undergo transrectal-ultrasound-guided-biopsy of the prostate (TRUS-biopsy). Cancer detection rate was calculated according to symptoms described by patients, IPSS and age groups. Data was compared using Chi-Square test. RESULTS: Median values from data of men's ages, IPSS, QOL and PSA were 63 years, 11, 2, and 1.23 ng/ml, respectively. 9 of 200 patients (4.5%) were found to have prostate adenocarcinoma on biopsy. Most of the cancer cases showed a localized lesion. Prostate cancer was found more common in patients who described themselves as having abnormal urination. There was no prostate cancer found in patients with a mild degree of LUTS (IPSS less than 8). Prostate cancer tended to be more common in men with high IPSS. CONCLUSION: Screening prostate cancer by PSA testing detected the cancer in 4.5%. Most cancers were found on symptomatic patients. Patients with LUTS should be made aware of prostate cancer and PSA testing may be offered in such patients. However screening of prostate cancer in all men regardless of symptoms must wait for a larger study looking at long term survival benefit, cost-effectiveness of screening, and lastly, quality of life of patients on a screening program.

Is radical prostatectomy in thai men a high morbidity surgery for localized or locally advanced prostate cancer?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the morbidity of radical prostatectomy in Thai patients with localized or locally advanced prostate cancer MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 151 patients with prostate cancer underwent radical prostatectomy at Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, between 1994 to 2003. Operative complications and long term morbidity were evaluated with clinical stage T1, T2 and T3. RESULTS: Mean operative duration, blood loss and blood transfusion were 162 minutes (range 71-540), 1088 ml (range 200-4000) and 1.7 unit (range 0-12), respectively. Of 151 patients, 139 (92.6%) did not have perioperative complications and 42 (2 7.8%) did not have blood transfusion. Of 12 patients with morbidity, all patients were safely managed. There was no mortality. Of 140 patients with follow up results, 131 (93.7%) had no incontinence. Seven patients had mild stress incontinence. Only 2 patients had a significant incontinence. Eight patients had stricture of anatomosis. Strictures were simply managed with dilatation. There was no significant difference of operative time, blood loss, blood transfusion, incontinence and stricture parameters among clinical T stage (all p value > 0. 05). CONCLUSION: Radical prostatectomy in Thai men is not a high morbidity surgery in terms of immediate complications and long term morbidity. For clinical T3 prostate cancer, morbidity is not significantly higher than in patients with clinical localized disease.

Cystography helps Shorten urethral catheterization time after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Objective: Post operative urethral drainage after radical retropubic prostatectomy is bothersome to patients. We assessed the possibility of using cystography to determine the feasibility and safety of early removal of urinary catheter. Methods: 56 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy from February 2001- December 2004 by one surgeon using one operative technique were reviewed. Cystography was performed on post-operative day 7 in the last 14 consecutive cases (group 1). The control group included 42 patients who had the urinary catheter removed 14 days postoperatively without cystography (group 2). In group 1, the urinary catheter was removed if cystogram showed no contrast media leakage. Data of the operations, pathological reports, complications and incontinence rate were compared between the two groups. Results: In group 1, the urinary catheter was removed on post-operative day 7 in 71% of the patients. The median catheterization time was 7 days and 14 days in group 1 and group 2, respectively (p<0.001). The incontinence rate was not significantly different in the two groups. There was no voiding difficulty or urinary retention reported in group 1. Conclusion: Cystography alleviates urethral discomfort after radical retropubic prostatectomy by shortening urinary catheterization time. Cystography should be considered in all patients who undergo radical retropubic prostatectomy on post-operative day 7. A meticulous urethrovesical anastomosis is required to reduce urinary catheterization time.

Two unusal primary carcinomas of the glans penis: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma.

Two cases of rare histologic subtypes of carcinomas involving glans penis are reported. Both contained two distinct cellular differentiation, squamous cells and mucin-producing cells. The first case was a 34-year-old Thai male with chronic ulcer at penis, showing predominant squamous cell carcinoma with interspersed small sheets of mucin-producing cells without discrete glandular structure, thus designated as “muco-epidermoid carcinoma”. The involved inguinal lymph node revealed both squamous and mucin-producing cells. Another case is a 39-year-old Thai male with penile, histologicaly proved to be carcinoma mainly constituted by malignant sqlignant part and focal glandular differentiation. The glands lined by colummer cells contained intraluminal and intracellular mucin. The bilateral sentinel lymph nodes were negative for malignancy. The immunoperoxidase staining for carcinoembryonic antigen was positively marked with mucin-producing cells in both cases. In addition, transmission electron microscopic study of mucoepidermoid carcinoma identified three populations of cells, namely squamous cells with tonofilament, mucin-producing cells with microvilli, and lastly intermediate cells bearing dual differentiation. These unusual carcinoma of glans penis are extremely rare conditions of unknown origin with a poorly defined prognosis. Discussion and review literature on the histologic definition and origin of these tumors are included.

Ewing's sarcoma arising in prostate gland: A case report.

An 18-year-old Thai male presented with weight loss and urinary retention. Physical examination revealed an enlarged prostate gland. Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level was 0.3ng/ml. Histologic section demonstrated a small round cell tumor with intracytoplasmic glycogen. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies were compatible with Ewing's sarcoma. Since no other osseous or extraosseous lesions of the same tumor were found in this patient, we concluded that this was a case of primary extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma of the prostate gland. Case follow-up after one year revealed a good response to chemotherapy.

Urethroplasty for posttraumatic posterior urethral stricture: An outcome analysis.

To assess the outcome of urethroplasty for posttraumatic posterior urethral stricture. Materials and Methods : All male patients with posttraumatic posterior urethral stricture who underwent urethroplasty procedures in the urological unit at Siriraj hospital from January 1995-June 1998 were included in the study. The details of initial management by the primary hospitals, prior surgical manipulations carried out elsewhere, techniques of urethroplasty, results and complications, especially incontinence and impotence, were collected and analysed. Results : A total of 27 patients were included in the analysis. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 34 months (mean 12.8 + 9 months). All patients had initial management for acute urethral disruptions from primary hospitals as follows : 21 patients (77.8%) had suprapubic cystostomy alone and 6 patients (22.2%) had suprapubic cystostomy plus urethral realignment. Fifteen patients (55.6%) had failed urethral surgery for stricture corrections when referred. Three techniques of urethroplasty; perineal urethroplasty; perineal urethroplasty with inferior pubectomy and combined abdomino-perineal transpubic urethroplasty were done in 16 (59%), 8 (30%) and 3 (11%) respectively. The success was not associated with either previous surgery or no previous surgery status. Incontinence occurred in 10 patients (37%), but in seven of these was mild. Impotence existed preoperatively in 19 cases (64%). Three of eight cases (37.5%) who were potent preoperatively developed impotence postoperatively. The potency outcome was not statistically between the suprapubic cystostomy alone group and suprapubic cystostomy plus urethral realignment group. Conclusion : The outcome of urethroplasty for posttraumatic posterior urethral stricture was acceptable. Although the incontinence rate was high, most of them were mild. Postoperative impotence rate was high and should be discussed with patients prior to surgery.

Management of ureteral calculi with the use of transurethral ureteroscopy and electrohydraulic lithotripsy: 101 patients experience.

To evaluate the results of transurethral ureteroscopy and electrohydraulic lithotripsy for ureteral calculi needing surgical management. From 1993 to 1995, 101 patients with ureteral calculi were retrospectively analyzed. The locations and sizes of the calculi were examined and the success rate of the procedure was assessed. The overall success rate was 74%. The success rates of upper and lower ureteral calculi were 67% and 81%, respectively. The stone size did not affect the success rates. Among the failure patients, there were no serious complications and they could be subsequently treated with either ureterolithotomy or double J stent replacement. The median hospitalization was 4 days. Transurethral ureteroscopy and electrohydraulic lithotripsy is an effective and safe procedure for ureteral calculi treatment. This method is a minimally invasive procedure and involves a short hospital stay.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy vs open pyelolithotomy for renal pelvis calculi.

Objective: To compare the stone free rate and morbidity of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and open pyelolithotomy for a single renal pelvis stone. Patients and methods: A retrospective study was performed by reviewing case records of patients who underwent stone removal surgery between August 1994 and March 1999. The inclusion criteria was a single renal pelvis stone which was not smaller than 3 cm2 in surface area. Patients in the open pyelolithotomy group who had concurrent nephrotomies were excluded. There were a total of 46 patients of which 25 had undergone PCNL and 21 had undergone pyelolithotomy. Both groups were compared in terms of age, sex, stone surface area, haematocrit, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, operative time, complications, stone free rate, adjunctive procedures, doses of postoperative analgesic injection, length of hospital stay, and time to return to normal work. Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-square test and t-test. Results: Preoperative status of the two groups were similar. The operative time was comparable between the two groups. The stone free rate of the PCNL group and the pyelolithotomy group were 92% and 95% respectively which was not statistically different. Five patients in the PCNL group needed ancillary procedures while only one patient in pyelolithotomy group did. Overall complications of the PCNL group and the pyelolithotomy group were 28.6% and 28% respectively which were comparable. Severe bleeding due to arterio-venous fistula occurred in 2 patients of the PCNL group. However, the complication could be managed successfully by selective embolisation. Disruption of uretero-pelvic junction occurred in one patient of the pyelolithotomy group and was repaired successfully. The number of doses of postoperative pethidine injection to lessen pain was lower in the PCNL group when compared with the pyelolithotomy group (mean 0.96 dose vs 1.95 doses, p<0.003). Length of hospital stay was comparable between the two groups. Time to return to normal work was shorter in the PCNL group when compared with the pyelolithotomy group (mean 13.7 days vs 36.3 days, p<0.001). Conclusions: PCNL is a safe and effective method to treat renal pelvis stones compared to open pyelolithotomy and offers less postoperative discomfort and shorter recovery period.

Open ureterolithotomy via lumbotomy incision vs laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for upper ureteric calculi.

To compare the efficacy and morbidity of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and open ureterolithotomy via the posterior lumbar approach. Meterials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed by reviewing patient records. Ten patients in the laparoscopic ureterolithotomy group were compared with 15 patients in the open ureterolithotomy via lumbotomy incision group. Twelve patients who had flank ureterolithotomy comprised a control group. Details of age, sex, size and site of the stone, haematocrit, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, degree of hydronephrosis of the affected kidney, contralateral renal function, operative time, operative complication, the amount of postoperative analgesics and length of hospital stay were all compared. Statistical analysis was carried out by the Chi- square test, Anova and LSD multiple comparisons. Results: The preoperative status of the three groups were similar. When the ureterolithotomy via lumbotomy group was compared with the control group (flank ureterolithotomy) the results were similar except that ureterolithotomy via lumbotomy required less analgesics postoperatively (mean 50 mg vs 104, p < 0.001). Ureterolithotomy via lumbotomy patients required the same analgesics as laparoscopic ureterolithotomy. However, laparoscopic ureterolithotomy had a longer operating time (mean 181.5 min vs 88, p < 0.001) and longer period of urine leak postoperatively (mean 6.6 days vs 2.4, p < 0.003) when compared with ureterolithotomy via lumbotomy. Conclusion: Ureterolithotomy via lumbotomy offers similar low discomfort postoperatively compared with laparoscopic ureterolithotomy but had a shorter operating time and less complications.

Bladder cancer in Siriraj Hospital from 1991 to 1995.

A retrospective study was under taken of 284 patients with blander cancer seen at Siriraj Hospital from 1991 to 1995. Of the total 284 patients, new patients comprised 158 cases, while recurrent cases numbered 126. The average ages were 60-70 years. The male to female patients ratio was 235 to 59 (4:1), with the most common symptom being haematuria. Most of the patients (both new and recurrent cases) were in stage A, and the common histology was transitional cell carcinoma. A total of 39 patients in stages O and A were treated by TUR and adjuvant intravesical BCG therapy, while 62 patients with invasive bladder cancer underwent cystectomy.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Siriraj experience.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is an acceptable from of surgical treatment for upper urinary tract calculi and is associated with less morbidity and mortality comparing to the open stone surgery. The study was designed in an uncontrolled prospective study of 40 patients in order to identify the outcomes and efficacy of this early experience at Siriraj Hospital. Overall, percutaneous removal of renal and proximal ureteral calculi was performed in 40 patients. There were totally 36 renal and 6 upper ureteric stones. Four cases were failed, therefore open surgery for stone removal were made in 3 cases and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was required in case. A completely stone free kidney was achieved in 69.4% and a kidney with a residual stone < 5 mm. were left in 25%. Complication occurred in 58%, however, most of them were minor. Arterio-venous fistula which occurred in 3 cases were all managed by selection embolization uneventfully. Post operative pain medication was satisfactory and intramuscular morphine injections were required in only 55.6% of cases. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is safe and effective treatment for renal and upper ureteral stones, however, proper training and learning experience are needed in order to obtain good outcomes.

The pattern of lymph node metastasis of penile cancer in Thais.

The prognosis of penile cancer is dependent on ilioinguinal lymph node metastasis. However, some controversy still exists concerning the management of those lymph nodes because the pattern of lymph node metastasis, especially in Thai males, is questionable e. Hence a prospective study of the pattern of lymph node metastasis was undertaken in 26 penile cancer patients from 1992 to 1995. All patients had the same pattern of lymph node metastasis. From primary lesion, tumour metastasized first to the inguinal lymph node, and then to the ipsilateral pelvic lymph node. There was no skip pattern. There was no correlation between Jackson staging, degree of cell differentiation, extension of primary lesion, palpability of clinical inguinal lymph node and pathological staging of lymph node metastasis after bilateral ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy. The primary lesion with poor differentiation was highly related to lymph node metastasis at the initial diagnosis. In patients with a clinically negative inguinal lymph node, 50 percent had inguinal lymph node metastasis and 12.5 percent had inguinal lymph node metastasis. In patients with a clinically positive inguinal lymph nod, 83.3 percent had inguinal lymph node metastasis and 38.8 percent had pelvic lymph node metastasis. In conclusion, lymph node metastasis in penile cancer is unpredictable by clinical evidence. Therefore prophylactic bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy is recommended in all patients, and especially in cases with poor differentiation of the primary lesion, low education or low compliance with follow up. If there is inguinal lymph node metastasis, ipsilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy is recommended.

Renal transplantation in Thai children.

Renal transplantation in children has been performed for over 25 years in developed countries but has never been reported in Thai children. We report an 8 year-old girl with end-stage renal disease due to chronic glomerulonephritis who had been transplanted at Siriraj Hospital. She was treated with continuous peritoneal dialysis for 9 months and developed several episodes of bacterial peritonitis and hypertension. She was transplanted using her father’s kidney and her serum creatinine level was normal within 7 postoperative days. The patient developed severe hypertension which was controlled with 4 antihypertensive agents. Five weeks postoperation her new ureter leaked. Although surgery was performed with internal stent placed, the patient continued to have urinary leakage and ureteric reconstruction using bladder flap or her own ureter will be done later. The patient’s renal function was normal on follow up.