A novel one lobe technique of thulium laser enucleation of the prostate: 'All-in-One' technique

PURPOSE: The thulium laser is the most recently introduced technology for the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Until recently, most thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) was performed by use of the three-lobe technique. We introduce a novel one-lobe enucleation technique for ThuLEP called the "All-in-One" technique. We report our initial experiences here. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2013 to May 2014, a total of 47 patients underwent the All-in-One technique of ThuLEP for symptomatic BPH performed by a single surgeon. All patients were assessed with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), transrectal ultrasonography, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), maximal urine flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) before and 1 month after surgery. We reassessed IPSS, Qmax, and PVR 3 months after surgery. To assess the efficacy of the All-in-One technique, we checked the PSA reduction ratio, transitional zone volume reduction ratio, and enucleation failure rate. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 82.1+/-33.3 minutes. The mean enucleation time and morcellation time were 52.7+/-21.7 minutes and 8.2+/-7.0 minutes, respectively. The mean resected tissue weight and decrease in hemoglobin were 36.9+/-24.6 g and 0.4+/-0.8 g/dL, respectively. All perioperative parameters showed significant improvement (p<0.05). No major complications were observed. The PSA reduction ratio, transitional zone volume reduction ratio, and enucleation failure rate were 0.81, 0.92, and 4.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The All-in-One technique of ThuLEP showed efficacy and effectiveness comparable to that of other techniques. We expect that this new technique could reduce the operation time and the bleeding and improve the effectiveness of enucleation.

An Analytical Comparison of Short-term Effectiveness and Safety Between Thulium:YAG Laser Vaporesection of the Prostate and Bipolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate in Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE: In recent years, laser surgery has been widely used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A thulium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Tm:YAG) laser was recently introduced for BPH surgery. We compared the effectiveness and safety of Tm:YAG laser vaporesection of the prostate (ThuVaRP) with that of bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2012, 86 patients underwent surgical treatment for symptomatic BPH by a single surgeon. We retrospectively analyzed and compared the medical records of 43 patients who underwent ThuVaRP and 43 patients who underwent bipolar TURP. All patients were assessed by using the International Prostate Symptom Score, transrectal ultrasonography, the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, uroflowmetry, and postvoid residual volume before and 1 month after surgery. All complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: ThuVaRP was superior to TURP in catheterization time (p50 g), operation time was much longer with ThuVaRP. One month after surgery, the decrease in PSA was greater (p=0.045) with ThuVaRP than with TURP, and the increase in maximal urine flow rate was greater (p<0.001) with ThuVaRP than with TURP. The postoperative complication transient urinary incontinence was significantly different between the ThuVaRP group (nine cases, 20.9%) and the TURP group (two cases, 4.7%). Other complications were comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness and safety of ThuVaRP and TURP were comparable. ThuVaRP is a promising alternative surgical technique to TURP for BPH.

Comparative Study between Standard and Totally Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

PURPOSE: Several recent studies have reported the benefits of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). Postoperatively, tubeless PNL patients have an indwelling ureteral stent placed, which is often associated with stent-related morbidity. We have performed totally tubeless (tubeless and stentless) PNL in which no nephrostomy tube or ureteral stent is placed postoperatively. We evaluated the safety, effectiveness, and feasibility of totally tubeless PNL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2008 to February 2012, 57 selected patients underwent standard or totally tubeless PNL. Neither a nephrostomy tube nor a ureteral stent was placed in the totally tubeless PNL group. We compared patient and stone characteristics, operation time, length of hospitalization, analgesia requirements, stone-free rate, blood loss, change in creatinine, and perioperative complications between the standard and totally tubeless PNL groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in preoperative patient characteristics, postoperative complications, or the stone-free rate between the two groups, but the totally tubeless PNL group showed a shorter hospitalization and a lesser analgesic requirement compared with the standard PNL group. Blood loss and change in creatinine were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Totally tubeless PNL appears to be a safe and effective alternative for the management of renal stone patients and is associated with a decrease in length of hospital stay.

Comparative Study between Standard and Totally Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

PURPOSE: Several recent studies have reported the benefits of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). Postoperatively, tubeless PNL patients have an indwelling ureteral stent placed, which is often associated with stent-related morbidity. We have performed totally tubeless (tubeless and stentless) PNL in which no nephrostomy tube or ureteral stent is placed postoperatively. We evaluated the safety, effectiveness, and feasibility of totally tubeless PNL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2008 to February 2012, 57 selected patients underwent standard or totally tubeless PNL. Neither a nephrostomy tube nor a ureteral stent was placed in the totally tubeless PNL group. We compared patient and stone characteristics, operation time, length of hospitalization, analgesia requirements, stone-free rate, blood loss, change in creatinine, and perioperative complications between the standard and totally tubeless PNL groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in preoperative patient characteristics, postoperative complications, or the stone-free rate between the two groups, but the totally tubeless PNL group showed a shorter hospitalization and a lesser analgesic requirement compared with the standard PNL group. Blood loss and change in creatinine were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Totally tubeless PNL appears to be a safe and effective alternative for the management of renal stone patients and is associated with a decrease in length of hospital stay.

A Feasible Technique for Transient Vascular Occlusion by Using a Vessel Loop and Hem-o-Lok Clips in Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

PURPOSE: We introduce our transient vascular occlusion technique that uses a vessel loop and Hem-o-Lok clips in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2009 to March 2011, 15 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. All operations were performed by a single surgeon using the transperitoneal approach. The transient vascular occlusion technique was as follows. After dissection of renal vessels, the vessel loop is winded twice around the vessel. Both distal portions of the vessel loop are clipped with a Hem-o-Lok clip. When vascular occlusion is required, an additional Hem-o-Lok clip is applied to the proximal portion of the vessel loop by pulling the distal portion. When no longer needed, the vessel loop is simply cut. RESULTS: All operations were performed successfully without open conversion. The mean tumor size was 2.5 cm (range, 1.1-3.5 cm). There were 8 cases of renal cell carcinoma and 7 cases of angiomyolipoma. All cases of renal cell carcinoma had a negative surgical margin. The mean operative time and the mean warm ischemic time were 176 minutes (range, 104-283 minutes) and 26.1 minutes (range, 18-34 minutes), respectively. There were no cases of uncontrollable intraoperative bleeding and no postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The transient vascular occlusion technique with a vessel loop and Hem-o-Lok clips is a feasible technique with simplicity, effectiveness, and safety. It is an acceptable alternative to standard vascular occlusion techniques, such as laparoscopic bulldog or Satinsky clamps.

Lymphoepithelioma-like Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder

A 78-yr-old woman presented with gross hematuria for 2 weeks. On cystoscopy, a frond-like mass was observed at the bladder trigone. Transurethral resection of bladder tumor was performed for the mass. Histopathological findings showed that 90% of lesions were lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELCA) and a few lesions were non-invasive transitional cell carcinoma. On microscopy, syncytial growth pattern and indistinct cytoplasmic borders were observed with the severe infiltration of lymphoid cells. The case was followed-up for 8 months without recurrence. This is the first report of a LELCA case in Korea.

Adenomatoid Tumor of the Spermatic Cord / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Adenomatoid tumors are rare benign neoplasms thought to be of mesothelial origin. Although most reported cases developed from the epididymis, rare cases have been reported in the testicular tunica, spermatic cord and ejaculatory ducts. Because of the benign nature of this tumor, the treatment of choice is local excision. We report a rare case of adenomatoid tumor of the spermatic cord treated by local excision.

Evaluation of the Chemotherapy on Tuberculous Lesions of the Kidney / 대한비뇨기과학회지

In spite of the great measure of recent success in tuberculosis withchemotherapy, it is still one of the most fundamental questions in what state ofrenal tuberculosis should be treated surgically. So as to set up a criterion onthe chemotherapy, forty-nine extirpated tuberculous kidneys were observed withmy own classification of tuberculous renal lesions. 1. The lesions were classified macroscopically and pyelographically according to the development of renal tuberculosis (1) Those with neither change of calyceo-pelvic system nor pyelographical abnormality were named Class O. representing parenchymal tubercles. (2) Those with only infiltration in the tip of papilla were named Class I, showing caliectasis or clubbing pyelographically. (3) Those with initial minor ulceration in calyceal system were named Class II, showing fuzzy irregular or moth-eaten outline pyelographically (4) Those with progressed distorted ulceration were named Class III, showing definite irregular deformity but still keeping some semblance to the original calyceal form pyelographically. (5) Those with cavitation, open or closed were named Class IV, showing irregularly outlined shadow without original anatomic form pyelographically. (6) Those with tuberculous pyonephrotic ectasis were named Class E, showing less irregularly out lined cavity shadow pyelographically. 2. Tuberculous kidneys might also be graded clinically and pyelographically with the classification of the lesions. (1) The tuberculous kidneys with early lesions,i.e. Class O, Class I and/or Class II were called minimal renal tuberculosis.(2)Those with intermediate lesions. i.e. Class III were called moderate. (3) Those with a progressed lesion, i.e. Class IV or Class E were called advanced. (4) Those with two or more lesions of Class IV and/or Class E were called far advanced. 3. The lesions belong to each Class were divided again into untreated control group and three treated groups with triple drug therapy of different durations and the macroscopical and histopathological appearances in each treated group were compared with in untreated one. 4. Macroscopically the lesions in treated kidney with remaining excretory function and without obstruction showed tendency toward clearing of caseous material in each class.5. The specific reactions in tuberculous tissue were improved histopathologically in proportion to duration of the therapy. (1) Caseous material was cleared up. (2) Epithelioid cells revealed sufficient degeneration and diminution, occasionally complete disappearing. (3) Giant cells also revealed degeneration, vacuolation and diminution, frequently complete disappearing. 6. The severity of non-specific tissue reactions in the lesions. i.e. connectivetissue reaction, parenchymal degeneration and defect, interstitial inflammation and lymphocytic infiltration was not influenced by duration of the therapy, but depended on Class of lesions at the time of therapy began. 7. The repairing reactions in the lesions were increased according as prolongation of the therapy, but there might be some variety between the different reactions. (1) Vascularization: according as the duration, but not remarkable. (2) Regeneration of epithelium: according as the duration, but only partial covering. (3) Vacuolation: significant, however, also noticed in untreated group. (4) Reducing of perifocal reaction: according as the duration, but not sufficient in the progressed lesions.8. In the more progressed tuberculous lesions, specific and non-specific tissuereactions predominsted over repairing, therefore histological healing was more delayed. 9. There were noticeable evidences of histological improving in the specimens from patients with triple drug therapy for more than three months. 10. As a result of these observations, I should like to recommend that: (1) for minimal renal tuberculosis, chemotherapy is continued; (2) for moderate, chemotherapy is tried firstly, and if the lesions are persistent or worsened surgery will be considered; (3) for advanced and far advanced, surgery including partial nephrectomy is preferable after at least three month chemotherapy.

Complete Urinary Retention due to Leukemic Infiltration of the Prostate: A Case of Acute Myeloid Leukemia / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Obstructive uropathy due to leukemic infiltration of the prostate is a rare condition. A case of acute myeloid leukemia who was a 24 year old soldier, complained of difficulty of urination from early stage of the disease and later showed complete urinary retention is presented. Autopsy demonstrated slightly swollen, whitish yellow and infiltrated prostate. Histopathological findings revealed striking round cell infiltrations in the prostatic stroma and the bladder neck.

Giant Hydronephrosis Caused by Trauma: A Case Report / 대한비뇨기과학회지

A giant hydronephrosis containing 7,100 cc of fluid with a proved traumatic origin in a 21 year old man is presented. The patient got a forceful kick in the upper right abdomen, 6 months previously. Subsequently, there were episodes of hematuria for ten days. The second blow was added in the same region on the day before operation and progressive abdominal swelling was observed. A nephrectomy was performed transperitoneally. A huge, reddish blue, tense, thin-walled, cystic mass was obtained, measuring 37.5 by 23.0 by 13.0 cm. The collapsed hydronephrotic same weighed 570gm. The obstruction which had caused the giant hydronephrosis was found at 2.5cm. distant portion of the ureter below uretero-pelvic junction. This point was 1.5 cm. in length, hard and cicatriciallydistorted. There was dense adhesion between distorted portion of ureter and periureteral tissue. These caused occlusion of the ureteral lumen.