Contemporary use of ultrasonic versus standard electrosurgical dissection in laparoscopic nephrectomy: Safety, efficacy and cost.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of ultrasonic dissection (USD) compared with standard monopolar electrosurgery (ES) in laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients' records who underwent elective LN was performed. Patients were divided in to two groups: USD and ES groups depending on the energy source used during LN. The preoperative (demographics, indication for surgery), intraoperative (conversion to open surgery, operative time, estimated blood loss [EBL], complications), and postoperative (morbidity/mortality, volume of drainage, hospital stay, cost) data were collected and analysed. RESULTS: Between February 2004 and February 2008, 136 patients were included. The indications for nephrectomy were: inflammatory (51 patients), non-inflammatory (64), and tumours (21). The two groups were similar for preoperative data. The conversion rate to open surgery (12.5%) and mean operative time did not differ significantly between the groups. However, intraoperative mean EBL was significantly less with USD, at 140.8 mL vs 182.6 mL for ES. There were no differences in postoperative parameters and morbidity. USD was significantly more expensive than ES (59 000 vs 26 000 Indian Rupees). CONCLUSIONS: ES is a safe and feasible tool like USD in LN when used with caution. USD facilitates completion of difficult cases and reduces intraoperative blood loss. However, the majority of LNs can be completed safely with ES. ES is sturdy and cheap; therefore, selective use of USD appears to be the most cost-effective policy in the developing world.

Laparoscopic ureterolysis and omental wrapping in patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis and obstructive uropathy: a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the outcomes with mid- to long-term follow-up of laparoscopic ureterolysis (LU) and omental wrapping in retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) with obstructive uropathy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records of 9 patients with RPF who had obstructive uropathy at presentation and had undergone LU and omental wrapping at our center during January 2004 to June 2012 were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Six females and three males underwent LU for RPF. Underlying causes of RPF could not be found in 8 (89%) cases. Two patients underwent bilateral LU. Mean operative time and estimated blood loss were 213 minutes (range, 180-280 minutes) and 119 mL (range, 70-200 mL), respectively. No case required conversion to open surgery. The only significant intraoperative complication (1/9 [11%]) was ureteral injury, which was easily repaired intraoperatively. The postoperative complication rate was 44% (4/9). Most complications (75% [3/4]) were minor and did not need specific treatment. The mean follow-up period was 46 months (range, 4-72 months). The success rate at last follow-up was 89%. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of RPF is still controversial. Any future prospective randomized comparative trials seem unlikely in view of the low incidence of RPF. LU and omental wrapping in the setting of obstructive uropathy are safe and an effective alternative with a high success rate at mid- to long-term follow-up.

Ureteral metastasis as the presenting manifestation of pancreatic carcinoma.

We recently cared for a patient with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas who presented with ureteral metastasis followed by hydroureteronephrosis long before the appearance of any symptoms related to the primary lesion. The entity is extremely rare; only seven similar cases are on record in the scientific literature. No recent review exists on this topic. This encouraged us to present our case along with the previous cases of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas with ureteral metastasis that have been reported.

A case of extensive genitourinary tuberculosis: combined augmentation ileo-cystoplasty, ureteric ileal replacement and buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty.

Genitourinary tuberculosis (GUTB) is the second most common form of extrapulmonary TB after lymph nodes. Advanced GUTB leading to strictures of ureters and urethra, and bladder contracture frequently need surgical management. These are usually treated by ileal replacement of ureter, substitution urethroplasty using buccal mucosal graft (BMG) and augmentation ileo-cystoplasty, respectively. These procedures have been well demonstrated individually but all these three procedures have never been combined as single procedure in the same patient. We report a case of advanced GUTB with ureteric and urethral strictures, and bladder contracture which was treated by the ileal replacement of ureter, augmentation ileo-cystoplasty combined with BMG substitution urethroplasty in a single sitting.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy for pyonephrosis during pregnancy: case report and review of the literature.

The maternal and fetal complications of pyonephrosis during pregnancy can be devastating, thus the call for urgent but safe intervention. Laparoscopic nephrectomy has been used safely and effectively in nonpregnant patients with pyonephrotic kidney. We report on a case of a 28-year-old pregnant woman with pyonephrotic kidney that we believe to be the first such case managed by transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy. A review of the reported cases of laparoscopic nephrectomy for different indications and by different approaches during pregnancy is also presented.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy in xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: 7-year single-surgeon outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGPN). METHODS: The medical and procedural records of patients with pathologically confirmed XGPN from February 2004 to December 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. During this period, 19 patients (mean age 37.5 years, range 14-77) underwent surgical management of XGPN. The records of the clinical history, mode of presentation, surgical management, hospital stay, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed successfully in 14 patients (73.2%); 5 patients required conversion to open surgery. Of these 5 patients, 3 electively underwent conversion to open surgery because of nonprogression of the procedure, and in 2 patients, conversion was performed on an emergency basis because of bleeding from hilar vessels in 1 patient and diaphragmatic injury in the other. The operative time was 284 minutes (range 181-340), with a mean estimated blood loss of 220 mL (range 90-500) and mean analgesic (tramadol) requirement of 150 mg (range 50-500). Clavien grade I complications occurred in 2 patients, grade II in 3, and grade IIIa in 1 patient. Two patients had grade IVb complications. One patient required a blood transfusion. The mean hospital stay duration and the return to routine activities was 4.4 days (range 2-37) and 21 days (range 12-66), respectively. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic nephrectomy, although challenging, can be performed safely in most patients with XGPN. A greater conversion rate and longer operative time should be expected, and early conversion to an open approach might be required in difficult cases owing to a failure to proceed.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty: an analysis of first 100 cases and important lessons learned.

AIM: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) is a minimally invasive approach that is becoming a standard treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). It is providing similar results when compared with open surgery. We here present our technique and analyses of experience of our first 100 cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the records of first 100 cases of LP performed for UPJO with dilatation of renal pelvis at our centre. Patients' profile; perioperative, intraoperative and postoperative parameters like time of surgery, blood loss, complications, duration of hospital stay, outcome of procedure were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean operative time, need for an extra-port, conversions to open, estimated blood loss, complications and recurrences all significantly decreased after first 50 cases. One patient developed shock due to bleeding from inferior epigastric vessels near port-site, and had to be explored. Overall success rate was 96%. Lesser incidence of fourth-port insertion, conversions to open, and thus decreased operative time was attributed to introduction of additional techniques to reduce the learning curve. CONCLUSION: LP is a technically difficult procedure. Sticking to the basic steps of LP, and trying and thus incorporating additional tactics are useful to reduce the learning curve.

Anterior urethral strictures: a brief review of the current surgical treatment.

A review of the recent literature on the surgical management of anterior urethral stricture was performed. The literature was searched via PubMed using the search terms 'urethral stricture' and 'urethroplasty' from 1996 to 2009. The management of anterior urethral strictures is changing rapidly in the sense that the reconstructive procedures have evolved greatly. Penile skin, because of its location and because it is hairless, has been popular and used for a long time. Since the early 1990s, buccal mucosa graft (BMG) was introduced in urethral reconstructive surgery and has become the first choice of most practicing urologists. Recently, there has been an increase in the use of lingual mucosa graft with various doctors reporting easy harvesting and lesser morbidity in comparison to BMG. Also, fibrin glue has recently been used to fix the graft with promising results. With the success of tissue-engineered materials that are still in the experimental phase, the urologist would no longer be limited by the quantity of the graft. These substitutes will also boost the appealing scarless endoscopic urethroplasty. This article provides a brief up-to-date review of the main surgical techniques in the management of anterior urethral stricture disease for the contemporary practicing urologists. Present controversies have been given special emphasis. The possible future techniques and the future of the anterior urethral stricture surgery are also discussed in brief.

Testicular vein syndrome and its treatment with a laparoscopic approach.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Testicular vein syndrome (TVS) is a rare cause of ureteral obstruction. Only 5 previous cases are on record in the literature, and no review exists on this topic to date. Laparoscopic treatment has never been mentioned in the management of TVS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the literature related to this unusual entity to clarify the preoperative evaluation and the management of TVS. For this purpose, the data related to all the 5 cases previously reported so far in the English literature have been reviewed. Also, we report the sixth case of TVS, and the first patient to be successfully treated with the laparoscopic approach. This was a 37-year-old male with a 6-month history of left loin pain. Preoperative diagnosis was confirmed by CT-Urography. RESULTS: Our patient underwent laparoscopic excision of the left testicular vein followed by ureteroureterostomy in a single sitting. The laparoscopic transperitoneal approach was used. Histopathological examination of the vein showed normal venous tissue. This is the sixth reported case of TVS and the first to be successfully treated with a laparoscopic technique. CONCLUSIONS: A laparoscopic approach is safe and effective for treating patients with TVS with the common advantages of minimal invasiveness and better visualization of the complex anatomy of the retroperitoneum. Thus, it should be the treatment of choice for TVS.

Laparoscopic transperitoneal pyelopyelostomy and ureteroureterostomy of retrocaval ureter: Report of two cases and review of the literature.

We report two cases of retrocaval ureter that were successfully treated by a laparoscopic transperitoneal approach. Presentation of both these cases was with flank pain. Ureteroureterostomy using an intracorporeal suture technique was performed for one, and pyelopyelostomy for the other case. Operative time was 120 min and 110 min, respectively. Pyelopyelostomy was technically easier to perform than ureteroureterostomy that required an extra fourth port insertion to facilitate dissection. With increasing experience with the intracorporeal suturing laparoscopic technique of either pyelopyelostomy or ureteroureterostomy should be the first choice for retrocaval ureter.

Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction: experience with 142 cases in a high-volume center.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty (LDP) is a minimally invasive approach that is becoming standard management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). It provides similar results when compared with open surgery. The main goal of LDP is to meet the standard of open dismembered pyeloplasty with reduced trauma for the patients. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the postoperative and functional results of LDP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed 142 cases of LDP performed at our center over a period of 7 years (January 2003 to December 2009) for UPJO with dilatation of the renal pelvis. Patients' profiles and perioperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters, such as time of surgery, blood loss, complications, duration of hospital stay, and outcomes of the procedure, were all evaluated and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean operative time for LDP was 145 minutes (range 110-180 min), and the mean estimated blood loss was negligible in all patients. The mean hospital stay was 3.5 days (3-6 d). Two conversions to open surgery occurred because of difficulty to complete the anastomosis. In one patient, shock caused by bleeding from inferior epigastric vessels near the port site developed and had to be explored. The success rate was 96.8%. CONCLUSION: When performed by expert surgeons, LDP can safely achieve success rates that are comparable to those of open surgery described in the literature, with fewer complications and less morbidity to the patients. The few important difficulties with their management that we encountered are discussed.

Laparoscopy-assisted live donor nephrectomy: a modified cost-effective approach for developing countries.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Because of the prohibitive cost of laparoscopic disposable instruments such as the PneumoSleeve, Endocatch, and vascular staples, laparoscopic live-donor nephrectomy has not gained wide acceptance in many developing countries. To circumvent this problem, we have developed a cost-saving approach, which is described herein and compared with the open method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients underwent laparoscopic live-donor nephrectomy at our institute, of which two were performed by the hand-assisted technique, five by the technique described by Fabrizio et al and forty-two by our modified cost-saving laparoscopy-assisted technique (LD). The latter patients were compared with 50 patients who had a standard open donor nephrectomy (OD) through a rib-resecting (12th rib) flank incision. Our technique is similar to the procedure described by Fabrizio et al except for a 6- to 8-cm incision placed in the subcostal region to retrieve the kidney after the renal vessels are cut and ligated as in the open procedure. The costs of the various techniques at our institute were compared. RESULTS: The LD and OD groups were similar in terms of age, weight, side of nephrectomy, and number of renal vessels. The operative time was longer in the LD group than in the OD group (180.7 +/- 18 minutes v 101.5 +/- 10.4 minutes), whereas the mean intraoperative blood loss was less (85.5 +/- 21.35 v 220 +/- 22.5 mL; P < 0.001). Warm ischemia time and recipient outcomes were comparable in the two groups. Patients in the LD group had lower postoperative narcotic (tramadol hydrochloride) requirement (155.3 +/- 53.3 mg v 251.8 +/- 63.1 mg; P < 0.001) and earlier discharge from the hospital (3.14 v 5.7 days; P < 0.001). The mean expense incurred was US$175 v US$160 in the LD and OD groups, respectively. The cost of the hand-assisted and standard laparoscopic techniques was significantly higher than that of our modified technique. CONCLUSIONS: Our modified technique of laparoscopy-assisted live-donor nephrectomy avoids the use of costly disposables yet offers the advantages of lesser morbidity and small incision of LD. It is cost effective and is an alternative to open nephrectomy in the developing world.