Use of NTrap(R) during Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy for Upper Ureteral Stones

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the value of the NTrap(R) (Cook Urological INC, USA), which was designed to block the upward movement of stones during ureteroscopic lithotripsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the data of 144 patients who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy for an upper ureteral stone from June 2006 to May 2010. Sixty-eight patients who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy without the use of the NTrap(R) were assigned to Group I and 76 patients who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy with the NTrap(R) were assigned to Group II. The size of the stones, operation time, success rate, and pre- and postoperative complications were compared retrospectively between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients (Group I: 35.8 years; Group II: 32.6 years) and the sex ratios were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean size of the stones was 6.9 mm and 7.4 mm, which also was not significantly different between the two groups. The mean operation time was 82.7 minutes and 78.7 minutes. The operation time was shorter in Group II, but the difference was not significant. The success rate of stone removal was 89.7% and 98.7% in Groups I and II, respectively; Group II showed a significantly higher success rate. Two cases of ureteral perforation and one case of ureteral avulsion occurred in Group I, and one case of ureteral perforation occurred in Group II. CONCLUSIONS: NTrap(R), which is an instrument used to assist during ureteroscopic lithotripsy, can be considered to be an effective tool that blocks the upward movement of the stone and aids in safe stone removal.

Significance of Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: The best option for varicocele treatment is controversial. We evaluate our experience using laparoscopic varicocelectomy & inguinal varicocelectomy, and then compared the two methods. We started this study to find the best treatment for varicocele patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2002 and July 2008, 168 cases (Group I) were treated with laparoscopic varicocelectomy and 157 cases (Group II) were treated with the inguinal approach. We assessed the two methods according to operative time, hospital stay, recurrence rate, complication rate, and cost effectiveness. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 30.2+/-10.9 min for laparoscopic varicocelectomy and 62.6+/-13.3 min for inguinal varicocelectomy (p0.05). The complication rate was 10.7% for laparoscopic varicocelectomy and 12.7% for inguinal varicocelectomy (p>0.05). The cost of laparoscopic varicocelectomy was 401,870 won, but inguinal varicocelectomy was 256,480 won (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic varicocelectomy required a shorter operative time but no superior outcomes compared to inguinal varicocelectomy. The laparoscopic approach cannot be replaced with the routine open approach but it is thought to be worth consideration in selective cases.

Acquired Huge Calyceal Diverticulum After Renal Injury

The calyceal diverticulum is a cystic cavity lined by a transitional epithelium, is encased within the renal substance, and is situated peripheral to a minor calyx, to which it is connected by a narrow channel. Both congenital and acquired factors have been suggested to explain the formation of a calyceal diverticulum. We experienced a case of a huge calyceal diverticulum that was newly developed after a renal injury.

Segmental Testicular Infarction Treated with Partial Orchiectomy / 대한남성과학회지

Segmental testicular infarction is a rare cause of acute scrotum. Its etiology is not well defined and it can be clinically confused with a testicular tumor. Imaging studies play an important role in the preoperative diagnosis, with a Color doppler ultrasonography as the investigation of choice although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be useful in doubtful cases. We report a case of segmental testicular infarction treated with partial orchiectomy seen in a 58-year-old man with right scrotal pain.