Complications of percutaneous nephrostomy in a district general hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) is one of the commonest procedures performed. There are currently no European recommendations on the accepted rate of complications. The aim of the present study is to report the complication rate of PCN with the specific emphasis on sepsis and septic shock, the causative organisms, sensitivities to antibiotics, and associated risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospectively collected data on patients undergoing acute or elective PCN at the Department of Radiology, Countess of Chester Hospital (COCH), in the UK between January 2014 and December 2016 were analyzed after the study was approved by Local Audit Department at COCH. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients underwent 90 acute or elective PCNs. Three patients developed major post-PCN complication (two patients developed septic shock and the third suffered a hemorrhagic episode requiring blood transfusion). Nephrostomy tube complications (blockage, leaking, fracturing and kinking of the catheter) occurred in 4 patients. Complications were more common when the PCN was performed out of working hours (71.4% [10/14], and 17.3% [9/52] for PCNs performed within, and out of working hours, respectively: p<0.001). The age of the patients did not seem to correlate with the development of complications (p<0.001). Of all 25 patients, in whom septicemia was diagnosed prior to PCN tube insertion, 12 developed septic shock and 13 had signs of sepsis for longer than 24 h. Fifteen patients had positive urine cultures. The most common organism isolated was Escherichia coli. Blood culture isolates included: Escherichia coli, Eggerthella lenta, Enterococcus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pneumonia. CONCLUSION: Our complication rates were within United States proposed target ranges. Our data may help to serve as a baseline for outcome targets in the European centres.

Uretero-Arterial Fistula - Not So Rare?

The first uretero-arterial fistula (UAF) was reported in 1908 by Moschcowitz. In 2009, a systematic review identified 139 cases. Since then a further 23 cases were described with 19 cases originating from a single center. It has been recognized as a very rare condition in the past. However, more recently, the increasing incidence of UAF has led us to believe that this condition is more frequent than previously described. Aging population, improved cancer survival and extensive multimodal pelvic cancer treatments have been recognized as culprits for the increased incidence of UAFs. We have reviewed literature on UAFs, identified risk factors, patho-physiology and treatment options. Also, we present a case of fistulous communication between the internal iliac artery and ureter in a patient with a potential risk factor previously not described in the literature.

Is magnetic resonance imaging helpful in detecting significant prostate cancer in patients with haematospermia, normal prostate specific antigen level and digital rectal examination. A single institution, observational, and retrospective study in a United Kingdom hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Haematospermia is an uncommon clinical condition that may be associated with prostate cancer. The optimal investigation of haematospermia is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate haematospermia as a presenting symptom of significant pathology and to assess the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patient and treatment parameters were collected from a practice cohort of men referred to a urology center presenting with haematospermia. We used a multivariate logistic regression model to test the independent significance of MRI in detecting prostate cancer (PCa) after adjusting for other known predictors of PCa detection. RESULTS: A total of 125 men (median age 58 years) were evaluated between 2012-2015. In the univariate and multivariate logistic regression model MRI was a significant predictor of PCa diagnosis after adjusting for age, prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) results (Odds Ratio (OR) 14.15, p = 0.001). Of 107 patients who underwent MRI prostate imaging, 31 (28.9%) had reports suspicious of PCa. In 26 patients, other benign conditions were detected on MRI. PCa was detected in 12 (25.5%) of the 47 men (median age 61 years; range 43 to 85) who underwent prostate biopsies. Eight (17%) of these patients had Gleason ≥7 grade cancer. The persistence of haematospermia was not an independent predictor of cancer diagnosis (OR 0.20, p = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: PCa is not commonly associated with haematospermia. MRI seems to be improving detection rate of a significant PCa, particularly in patients presenting with haematospermia and normal PSA levels and DRE examination. Duration of haematospermia does not predict the presence of PCa.

Nocturia as a manifestation of systemic disease.

Nocturia is commonly referred to urologists, but the mechanisms underlying the problem, together with the appropriate clinical assessment and management, may lie outside the ordinary scope of the specialty. Some serious conditions may manifest nocturia as an early feature, often as a consequence of nocturnal polyuria (NP). Voiding frequency is influenced by rate of urine output, reservoir capacity of the bladder, lower urinary tract (LUT) sensation and psychological response. Polyuria can result from polydipsia or endocrine dysfunction. NP can result from endogenous fluid and solute shifts, cardiovascular and autonomic disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, and chronic kidney disease. Nocturia without polyuria occurs in the presence of LUT pathology, pelvic masses and sleep disturbance. Drug intake can contribute to, or counteract, each of these problems. In assessing nocturia, clinicians need to consider an undiagnosed serious condition that may manifest nocturia as an early feature, or suboptimal management of a known condition. The frequency-volume chart is a key tool in categorizing the basis of nocturia, identifying those patients with global polyuria or NP, for whom involvement of other specialties is often necessary for assessment and management. Treatment should be directed at the cause of the problem, with a view to improving long-term health and health-related quality of life. Simple steps should be undertaken by all patients, including improvement of the sleep environment and behaviour modification. Evaluation of treatment response requires objective data to corroborate subjective impressions. Some mechanisms of nocturia do not reliably improve with treatment, leading to refractory symptoms.

Semen quality after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for the management of lower ureteric stones: a review of the literature.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy has long been an important tool in the urologists' armamentarium for the treatment of distal ureteric stones. Several studies have been conducted on the morbidity and adverse effects of ESWL on human tissues but the effect of lithotripsy on semen and testes remains inconclusive. Impact on semen analysis and testes is important because the seminal vesicles and testes are exposed to the shock waves due to their anatomical proximity to the distal ureter. This article has reviewed all the published literature in English language on semen analysis after lithotripsy.

Diagnosing urological disorders in ageing men.

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) increases with age. ED has organic aetiologies and is associated with other clinical comorbidities. Men with ED are more likely to have: cardiac disease, diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, angina, hypertension, prostate disease and depression. Similarly, men with these conditions are more likely to have ED. It is believed that vasculogenic ED shares a common aetiology with coronary artery disease, including hyperlipidaemia, diabetes and hypertension. Taking a careful history of onset, duration and associated symptoms may reveal possible causes of ED. Past medical history, disease control, trauma and medication use can provide vital information. ED patients with a sedentary lifestyle should be encouraged to exercise. In obese men, weight loss of 10% or more can improve IIEF score. Regular exercise, healthy diet, smoking cessation, limiting alcohol intake and avoiding recreational drugs can reduce the risk of, or improve, ED. It is important to differentiate between patients suffering from nocturnal frequency, enuresis or nocturnal polyuria as the causes and treatments for each of these conditions are different. Reducing fluid intake after 6 pm and avoiding alcohol and/or caffeine at night may reduce nocturnal voiding. Anticholinergics can decrease bladder overactivity. An improvement in nocturia and nocturia bother score have been shown after administration of oral melatonin. Nocturnal enuresis can often be the only symptom of high-pressure chronic retention which is prevalent in older men. It is important to recognise this condition as treatment can prevent further renal impairment. In nocturnal polyuria the urine output at night is more than a third of the total daily urine output. If conservative measures are not successful, in the absence of heart failure, a low-dose diuretic in the afternoon can help the kidneys get rid of the fluid before bedtime.