The management of renal matrix calculi: a single-centre experience over 5 years.

OBJECTIVE: To define incidence of renal matrix calculi in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and describe its clinical, laboratory and radiological features; we also studied the efficacy of PCNL in managing this rare entity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1368 PCNLs performed from April 2003 to March 2008, and identified 17 patients (mean age 44.3 years; 11 women and six men) having matrix calculi. The patients' clinical, laboratory and radiological features were studied, and the perioperative outcome and follow-up data analysed. RESULTS: Flank pain was commonest mode of presentation (15) followed by recurrent urinary tract infection (five). Pyuria was present in 14 patients and urine culture showed significant growth in 10. A plain X-ray showed a small radio-opaque calculus (10 renal units) and faint laminated calcification (four). Intravenous urography showed a filling defect and non-visualized system in nine and five patients, respectively. Non-contrast computed tomography and magnetic resonance urography diagnosed calculi in two and one patient, respectively, on haemodialysis. PCNL was abandoned initially in four patients due to pyonephrosis. The mean hospital stay was 3.4 days and decrease in haemoglobin was 0.89 g/dL. One patient developed sepsis. Of 11 stones analysed, two were composed entirely of proteins and the remaining nine had crystalline components. At a mean follow-up of 12.6 months, no patients had recurrence of stone. CONCLUSIONS: Matrix calculi occurred in 1.24% of patients undergoing PCNL. Although considered radiolucent, plain X-ray showed a small radio-opaque calculi or faint laminated calcifications in 10 of 17 patients. PCNL rendered patients stone-free with minimum morbidity.

A randomized trial evaluating type of nephrostomy drainage after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: small bore v tubeless.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcome of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with small-bore nephrostomy drainage after PCNL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We tested the hypothesis that tubeless PCNL is superior to small-bore nephrostomy drainage after PCNL in terms of postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, and hospital stay. To show a 10% difference in these parameters, a sample size of 30 persons per group would be needed. All patients undergoing PCNL from September 2005 to May 2006 were included in the study. Patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were then randomized to either a tubeless approach with insertion of a ureteral stent or placement of an 8F nephrostomy tube without insertion of a ureteral stent. The perioperative outcomes of patients in the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Tubeless PCNL was performed in 33 patients, and an 8F nephrostomy tube was placed in 32 patients. The two groups had comparable demographic data. The hemoglobin drop and complication rate between the two groups were comparable. Patients undergoing tubeless PCNL experienced less postoperative pain (P = 0.001), needed less analgesia (P = 0.006), and were discharged 9 hours earlier than patients in the other group. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 87.87% patients in the tubeless group and 87.5% patients in the nephrostomy group. In the tubeless group, 39.4% of patients had bothersome stent-related symptoms, of whom 61.5% needed analgesics and/or antispasmodic agents. CONCLUSIONS: Tubeless PCNL offers the potential advantages of decreased postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, and hospital stay without increasing the complications. It was associated with stent-related discomfort in 39% of patients.

Influence of prostate size on the outcome of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the effect of prostate size on the outcome of holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP, an established procedure for treating symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy, BPH), in the initial 354 patients at 1 year of follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 354 patients who had HoLEP at our institution from April 2003 to March 2007. In 235 patients the prostate weighed <60 g (group 1), in 77 it weighed 60-100 g (group 2) and in 42 >100 g (group 3). Demographic data and perioperative variables were recorded and compared among the three groups. RESULTS: The mean prostate size was 38.1, 76.4 and 133.5 g for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (P < 0.001), and the respective mean weight of resected prostate was 18.47, 40.8 and 82.76 g, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean procedure efficiency increased from 0.36 g/min in group 1 to 0.49 g/min in group 2 and 0.58 g/min in group 3 (P < 0.001). The decrease in haemoglobin level after HoLEP was greater in group 3 than in the other groups. Overall, HoLEP resulted in a 75% reduction in American Urologic Association symptom score, a 225% increase in peak urinary flow rate and an 86% decrease in postvoid residual urine volume at 1 year of follow-up. Perioperative complications were evenly distributed among the three groups, except for a higher incidence of superficial bladder mucosal injury and stenotic complications in group 3. CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP is a safe and effective procedure for treating symptomatic BPH, independent of prostate size, and is associated with low morbidity. The efficiency of HoLEP increases with increasing prostate size.

Peri-operative complications of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: experience in the first 280 patients, and a review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, in a prospective study, the complications in 280 patients undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) at our institution, and to review previous reports to determine the overall incidence and types of various complications, and analyse their causes and means of prevention. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analysed the patients' demographic, peri-operative and follow-up data, and the complications during and after surgery. RESULTS: HoLEP was completed successfully in 268 patients (95.7%); eight required conversion to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) during the initial experience. The morcellation device and laser malfunctioned in two patients each. A blood transfusion was required during HoLEP in one patient; other complications included capsular perforation (9.6%), superficial bladder mucosal injury (3.9%) and ureteric orifice injury (2.1%). A blood transfusion was needed after HoLEP in 1.4% of patients and cystoscopy with clot evacuation in 0.7%. Transient urinary incontinence was the commonest complication after HoLEP, in 10.7% of patients, but recovered spontaneously in all except two (0.7%). Other rare complications were re-catheterization (3.9%), urinary tract infection (3.2%), epididymitis (0.7%), meatal and submeatal stenosis (2.5%), bulbar urethral stricture (2.1%), bladder neck contracture (0.35%) and myocardial infarction (0.35%). CONCLUSIONS: There was a low incidence of complications with HoLEP; most were minor and easily managed. Our results are comparable with those published previously, and establish HoLEP as safe and reproducible procedure. While gaining experience, HoLEP can be converted to TURP with no harm to the patient.

Prospective evaluation of the learning curve for holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.

PURPOSE: In a prospective manner we evaluated the learning experience of an endourologist inexperienced with holmium laser prostate enucleation and its impact on surgical outcome. We also reviewed the literature to document technical features of holmium laser prostate enucleation at different institutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient demographic, perioperative and followup data were analyzed. To assess the impact of the learning curve on postoperative outcome patients were divided into group 1--patients 1 to 50, group 2--51 to 100 and group 3--101 to 162. The effect of the learning curve and weight of resected tissue on enucleation and morcellation efficiency was studied. RESULTS: Holmium laser prostate enucleation was successfully completed in 93.82% of patients. Eight patients required conversion to transurethral prostate resection. Enucleation and morcellation efficiency was 0.49 and 2.75 gm per minute, respectively. Enucleation efficiency attained a plateau after 50 cases. Postoperative outcome was compared in the 3 patient groups. There was a higher incidence of capsular perforation and stenotic urethral complications in group 1. In the literature a mean of 57.09% of tissue (range -9.6 to 81.9%) was retrieved after holmium laser prostate enucleation and mean efficiency was 0.52 gm per minute (range -0.11 to 1.09). Efficiency increased proportionally with resected prostate weight. CONCLUSIONS: An endourologist inexperienced with holmium laser prostate enucleation can perform the procedure with reasonable efficiency after about 50 cases with an outcome comparable to that of experts, as described in the literature. During the learning curve conversion to transurethral prostate resection can be done without any harm to the patient.

Simultaneous transurethral cystolithotripsy with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: a prospective feasibility study and review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: To report experience with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) simultaneously with transurethral holmium laser cystolithotripsy (HLC) for managing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and associated vesical calculi; we also review previously reported cases of managing vesical calculi and associated BOO. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The high-powered holmium laser is a very efficient multifunctional endourological instrument that effectively fragments calculi of all compositions and is capable of haemostatic cutting of tissue, resulting in minimal bleeding after prostatic resection. A prospective study was conducted from April 2003 that included 32 men who underwent simultaneous HoLEP with transurethral HLC at our institution. Demographic, laboratory, peri-operative and follow-up data were analysed. Complications during and after surgery were identified to assess the morbidity of procedure. RESULTS: The mean (range) size of bladder calculi was 34.6 (12-70) mm and the preoperative weight of the prostate was 51.9 (11-172) g. Combined HoLEP with transurethral HLC was technically feasible in all patients, and all were stone-free after surgery. The mean operative duration was 97.7 (40-230) min, the weight of prostate tissue removed 34.6 (5-88) g, and the duration of catheterization and hospital stay 29.3 h and 34.8 h, respectively. Complications during and after surgery occurred in 12.5% and 15.6% of patients, respectively; all complication were minor and none caused any residual disability to the patient. No patient required a blood transfusion or developed clot retention. CONCLUSIONS: Managing bladder stones and BOO with simultaneous transurethral HLC and HoLEP should be considered the treatment of choice for such cases. Stones of any size and composition, and prostates of practically any size can be treated endoscopically using the holmium laser, with acceptable morbidity once the technique is mastered. The review of previous reports suggested a need for a prospective study comparing endoscopic management of BOO and associated bladder stones, with medical management of BOO and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy/endoscopic lithotripsy for bladder stone.

A prospective, randomized trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of fibrin sealant in tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: We performed a prospective, randomized trial to assess the safety and efficacy of fibrin sealant in tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 63 patients undergoing tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy were randomized to receive Tisseel vapor heated sealant at the end of the procedure. Fibrin sealant was instilled under direct vision in the nephrostomy tract at the end of the procedure. Patients younger than 14 years and those undergoing staged percutaneous nephrolithotomy or bilateral simultaneous percutaneous nephrolithotomy were excluded from study. Patients needing greater than 2 percutaneous tracts, those with significant bleeding or associated pyonephrosis and those with a residual stone burden were also excluded from study. The perioperative outcome in these patients (experimental group) was compared with the outcome in those undergoing tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy without fibrin sealant (control group). RESULTS: Fibrin sealant was instilled in 32 patients. There was no difference in the hematocrit decrease and blood transfusion requirement in the 2 groups. Patients in the experimental group experienced less postoperative pain and required less analgesia. They were discharged home 5 hours earlier than patients in the control group. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 87.5% of patients in the experimental group and in 90.32% of controls. CONCLUSIONS: The instillation of Tisseel fibrin glue is safe for tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy. It is associated with less postoperative pain and a lower analgesic requirement. Additional prospective, randomized studies are required to better define its clinical role in the future.

Sequential holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and laparoscopic extraperitoneal bladder diverticulectomy: initial experience and review of literature.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Urologic applications of laparoscopy and the holmium laser have increased exponentially in the past few years. We present our experience with sequential holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and extraperitoneal laparoscopic diverticulectomy for a large symptomatic bladder diverticulum and associated bladder outlet obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From June 2004 to June 2005, three patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and a large secondary bladder diverticulum were offered sequential HoLEP and laparoscopic extraperitoneal bladder diverticulectomy. Demographic data and perioperative outcomes were recorded. A review of the literature was performed to determine the present role of laparoscopic diverticulectomy. RESULTS: All patients underwent the planned procedure successfully. The mean operating time was 63.33 minutes for HoLEP and 246.6 minutes for diverticulectomy. Oral intake was resumed after a mean of 8.6 hours. The mean postoperative analgesia required was 146 mg of parecoxib sodium, and the mean drop in hemoglobin was 1.13 g/dL. Patients were discharged after an average of 66.6 hours. At 1-month follow-up, the average American Urological Association Score had improved from 13 to 6, the post-void [corrected] residual urine volume had decreased from 997 mL to 164 mL, and the peak uroflow rate had improved from 4.9 mL/sec to 10.4 mL/sec. These measures showed further improvement on later follow-up. A total of 30 cases of laparoscopic diverticulectomy have been reported in literature [corrected] of which only two were done extraperitoneally. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous HoLEP and laparoscopic extraperitoneal diverticulectomy is an effective strategy for the treatment of BPH with associated large bladder diverticulum.

Initial experience with hemostatic fibrin glue as adjuvant during tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: To report our initial experience with hemostatic fibrin glue as an adjuvant during tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen consecutive patients underwent tubeless PCNL with injection of 2 mL of Tisseel Vapor Heated Sealant (Baxter AG, Vienna, Austria) into the percutaneous tracts at the conclusion of the procedure. The perioperative outcomes of these patients were compared retrospectively with those of a control group of 25 consecutive patients who underwent tubeless PCNL without the use of fibrin glue. The safety and efficacy of the new approach was evaluated by comparing operative time, hemoglobin drop, transfusion requirement, length of hospitalization, postoperative pain, analgesic use, and postoperative complications in the two groups. RESULTS: There was no difference in the mean drop in hemoglobin, transfusion requirement, or complications in the two groups. However, patients undergoing Tisseel tubeless PCNL required less analgesia postoperatively (P=0.05), and they were discharged an average of 7 hours earlier than the patients in the control group. There were no major postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Use of fibrin glue was safe and was associated with less analgesic requirement and a shorter hospital stay. Randomized studies are needed to evaluate its clinical role in the future.

Evaluation of fluid absorption during holmium laser enucleation of prostate by breath ethanol technique.

PURPOSE: In a prospective manner we studied various factors affecting fluid absorption during HoLEP. We also simultaneously evaluated changes in serum electrolytes and hemoglobin decrease during HoLEP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study comprised of 53 patients who underwent HoLEP at our institute. Irrigation fluid was normal saline tagged with ethanol (1% w/v). Intraoperatively a standard breath analyzer was used to monitor expired breath ethanol levels during the procedure at 10-minute intervals. Patients who absorbed irrigating fluid as indicated by positive intraoperative breath tests were considered absorbers. Serum electrolyte and hemoglobin estimations were done before and after surgery. Total irrigation time, amount of irrigation fluid used, weight of resected tissue and presence of capsular perforation were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to observe the effects of various factors on the amount of intraoperative fluid absorption. RESULTS: Of 53 patients studied 14 (26.41%) demonstrated fluid absorption in the range of 213 to 930 ml (mean 459). Preoperative prostate weight, total irrigation time, amount of irrigation fluid used and resected tissue weight were all significantly greater in absorbers. Similarly, absorbers had a statistically significant decrease in hemoglobin level postoperatively. There was no statistically significant change in serum electrolytes between absorbers and nonabsorbers. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative weight of prostate, total irrigation time, amount of irrigation fluid used and weight of resected tissue all directly influence the amount of fluid absorption during HoLEP. There is no significant change in serum electrolytes and no risk of the transurethral resection syndrome.

Safety and efficacy of supracostal access in tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of supracostal access in tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From September 2004 to November 2005, tubeless PCNL using supracostal access was done for 72 patients at our institute. Patients requiring more than two percutaneous tracts or with significant intraoperative bleeding or residual stone burden were excluded from the study. The outcome of these patients was compared with that of a historic cohort of similar patients having supracostal access with routine placement of a nephrostomy tube. The two groups had comparable demographic data. RESULTS: The differences in the mean drop in hemoglobin concentration, transfusion requirement, and complication rate in the two groups were not statistically significant, with three patients in the study group and four patients in the control group requiring blood transfusion. Patients undergoing tubeless PCNL required less analgesia (P = 0.000) and were discharged a mean of 19 hours earlier (P = 0.000) than those in the control group. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 90.27% of the renal units in the study group and 86.11% of the renal units in the control group. Two patients in the study group and three patients in the control group had postoperative hydrothorax, all of whom, except for one in the control group, were managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: Supracostal access in tubeless PCNL appears to be feasible, safe, and effective, offering the advantages of a lower analgesic requirement and shorter hospital stay without increasing thoracic complications. Studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to confirm these initial findings.

Safety and efficacy of bilateral simultaneous tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of bilateral simultaneous tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: From August 2004 to January 2005, 10 patients underwent bilateral simultaneous tubeless PCNL. Patients needing more than two percutaneous tracts, having significant intraoperative bleeding, or a residual stone burden were excluded from the study group. The outcome of these 10 patients was compared with a control group of 10 patients who had previously undergone bilateral simultaneous PCNL with routine placement of a nephrostomy tube. RESULTS: The two groups had comparable demographic data, except for a greater stone burden in the right renal units in patients undergoing standard PCNL. The study and control groups needed a total of 22 and 23 tracts, respectively. The difference in the mean drop in hemoglobin, transfusion requirement, and complication rate between the two groups was not statistically significant. Patients undergoing tubeless PCNL required less analgesia (P = 0.001) and were discharged 20 hours earlier (40 versus 60 hours) than those in the control group. However, the difference in mean hospital stay was not statistically significant owing to the small sample size. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 80% of the renal units in the study group and 75% of the renal units in the control group. Three renal units in the tubeless group and four in the standard PCNL group had less than 5-mm residual fragments. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral simultaneous tubeless PCNL appears to be a feasible, safe, and effective procedure offering potential advantages of decreased analgesic requirement and hospital stay without increasing the complications. Additional clinical studies with a larger number of patients are required to confirm these potential benefits.

Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective feasibility study and review of previous reports.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the status of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in managing renal and upper ureteric calculi, from initial experience and a review of previous reports. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From September 2004 to December 2004, 46 patients were scheduled for tubeless PCNL in a prospective study. Patients with solitary kidney, or undergoing bilateral simultaneous PCNL or requiring a supracostal access were also enrolled. Patients needing more than three percutaneous access tracts, or with significant bleeding or a significant residual stone burden necessitating a staged second-look nephroscopy were excluded. At the end of the procedure, a JJ ureteric stent was placed antegradely and a nephrostomy tube avoided. The patients' demographic data, the outcomes during and after surgery, complications, success rate, and stent-related morbidity were analysed. Previous reports were reviewed to evaluate the current status of tubeless PCNL. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients initially considered only 40 (45 renal units) were assessed. The mean stone size in these patients was 33 mm and 23 patients had multiple stones. Three patients had a serum creatinine level of >2 mg/dL (>177 micromol/L). Five patients had successful bilateral simultaneous tubeless PCNL. In all, 51 tracts were required in 45 renal units, 30 of which were supracostal. The mean decrease in haemoglobin was 1.2 g/dL and two patients required a blood transfusion after PCNL. There was no urine leakage or formation of urinoma after surgery, and no major chest complications in patients requiring a supracostal access tract, except for one with hydrothorax, managed conservatively. The mean hospital stay was 26 h and analgesic requirement 40.6 mg of diclofenac. Stones were completely cleared in 87% of renal units and 9% had residual fragments of < 5 mm. Two patients required extracorporeal lithotripsy for residual calculi. In all, 30% of patients had bothersome stent-related symptoms and 60% needed analgesics and/or antispasmodics to treat them. CONCLUSION: Tubeless PCNL was safe and effective even in patients with a solitary kidney, or with three renal access tracts or supracostal access, or with deranged renal values and in those requiring bilateral simultaneous PCNL. The literature review suggested a need for prospective, randomized studies to evaluate the role of fibrin sealant and/or cauterization of the nephrostomy tract in tubeless PCNL.