Laparoscopic Repair of Catheter-Induced Intra-Peritoneal Bladder Perforation.

Urinary bladder is the most common urologic organ exposed to iatrogenic injury. The bladder trauma is classified into extra-peritoneal, intra-peritoneal, or combined trauma. Intra-peritoneal bladder injury is conventionally being treated with open surgical repair, mainly to explore the abdominal viscera for possible associated injuries and to insert peritoneal drain. One rare form of the iatrogenic bladder injury is catheter-related bladder injury which is very uncommon and only few cases were reported. It is mainly related to other associated medical conditions like cancer and chronic catheterization which might be causing subsequent bladder wall weakness. Therefore, it is important to collect more data about this rare type of bladder injury, particularly urethral catheterization which is one of the most common medical procedures. We present a 74-year-old male patient who developed acute kidney injury and was treated by urethral catheterization in the emergency department. The patient developed immediately severe abdominal pain. Non-contrast CT showed intra-peritoneal bladder perforation by the urethral catheter. The patient developed peritonitis and failed a trial of conservative management. Consequently, laparoscopic abdominal exploration and bladder repair was performed successfully.

Ureteroscopy in the diagnosis of upper tract transitional cell cancer: a 10-year experience providing outcome data for informed consent.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of ureteroscopy and biopsy in the diagnosis and management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma. METHODS: We retrospectively collated data from pathology, radiology and operating theatre data sets from two large UK hospitals. During the 10-year period examined, 160 patients underwent ureteroscopy prior to nephro-ureterectomy (NU)/distal ureterectomy (DU). RESULTS: Of the 160 patients identified, 140 were ureteroscopically evaluated and biopsied, 104 (74.3%) had positive biopsies, 5 (3.6%) had negative biopsies and 31 (22.1%) had nondiagnostic biopsies.One hundred and forty patients of 160 (88.8%) resulted in positive findings as a result of their ureteroscopy [positive biopsy/positive operative cytology/visible upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) at ureteroscopy)].A total of 108 patients had cytological samples sent for histological analysis where grade was able to be assessed at DU/NU. Of these samples, 35 had positive cytology, 58 had an abnormal result that was not diagnostic and 15 had negative cytology.Patients with positive biopsies had upstaging (58.4%) and/or upgrading (30.5%) of their initial ureteroscopic histology at NU/DU.The overall success rate of ureteroscopy for cancer diagnosis was 88.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Upper tract endoscopy and biopsy yielded positive biopsy results in 74.3% of cases and confirmed a cancer diagnosis in 88.8%. Five patients had negative histology at biopsy, all of whom eventually underwent a NU/DU confirming cancer.

Limiting radiation exposure during percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: An increase in the prevalence of urologic stone disease and the refinement of endourologic techniques has seen a concomitant rise in the use of fluoroscopy during surgery. As such, there has been increasing concern in regard to the intraoperative radiation exposure to both clinicians and patients. The objective of the study was to audit contemporary data on radiation exposure during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), in comparison with published series, and demonstrate that relatively low levels are achievable with clinical vigilance and attention to technique Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of all PCNLs undertaken between July 2005 and December 2011. The primary outcome measure was fluoroscopy times and associated radiation exposure, measured as dose area product (DAP). No statistical analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: Between July 2005 and October 2011, 376 PCNLs were performed. Data were available on 348 patients including 16 pediatric patients. Mean DAP and screening time (ST) over the whole study period were 45 cGy/cm(2) and 96s, respectively. On a year by year basis, the ST and DAP reduced from 917 to 375 and from 180 to 65, respectively. We acknowledge the limitation of this being a retrospective case series. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest series to date on radiation exposure during PCNL and compares favorably with other published series, including those purporting novel techniques. Subtle changes in surgical technique and experience over time can lead to low screening times and can be potentially achieved by all operators performing PCNL within a high throughput center. It is now recognized that surgical outcome in stone surgery is related to caseload. The radiation dose the patient receives during PCNL is increasingly recognized to be an important factor and can be reduced by careful technique and experience.

Blood transfusion, embolisation and nephrectomy after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

UNLABELLED: WHAT'S KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? AND WHAT DOES THE STUDY ADD?: Percutaneous treatment for renal stone disease is associated with a risk of significant morbidity. Our large UK series provides contemporary data on the risk of vascular complications and admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after PCNL. When compared with recent international databases, these data support the current evidence that better outcomes can be achieved in centres performing large numbers of procedures. These data add to the debate for the centralisation of specialist stone surgery. OBJECTIVE: To audit the outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) at a UK stone centre over a 10-year period, and provide patients with understandable contemporary data on blood loss and vascular risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single centre retrospective analysis of all PCNLs undertaken between April 2000 and December 2010. The association between transfusion and patient age, operative duration and positive preoperative mid-stream urine (MSU) sample was subject to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Data on 568 patients was analysed. 21 were paediatric cases with a mean (range) age of 8 (2-16) years; 547 were adult cases with a mean (range) age of 55 (17-84) years. 3.8% of adult patients (21/547) received a blood transfusion; mean age 60 years (55 years in those not transfused) with a mean operative duration of 119 min (103 min in those not transfused). 23.8% of patients transfused had a confirmed preoperative urinary tract infection compared with 16.1% of those not transfused. Seven patients underwent angiography, with five having selective arterial embolisation (0.9%). There were no deaths in this series although one patient (0.2%) required an urgent nephrectomy due to cardiovascular instability from bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Large UK series that provides contemporary data for consent on vascular risk at PCNL. The risk of transfusion is associated with increased patient age, operative duration and the presence of a positive preoperative MSU sample. Data compares favourably with other large published series, and supports the argument for centralisation of percutaneous stone management.

Trends in urological stone disease.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the changes in prevalence and treatment of upper urinary tract stone disease in the UK over the last 10 years. METHODS: Data from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) website (http://www.hesonline.nhs.uk) were extracted, summarized and presented. RESULTS: The number of upper urinary tract stone hospital episodes increased by 63% to 83,050 in the 10-year period. The use of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for treating all upper tract stones increased from 14,491 cases in 2000-2001 to 22,402 cases in 2010 (a 55% increase) with a 69% increase in lithotripsy for renal stones. There was a 127% increase in the number of ureteroscopic stone treatments from 6,283 to 14,242 cases over the 10-year period with a 49% increase from 2007/2008 to 2009/2010. There was a decline in open surgery for upper tract stones from 278 cases in 2000/2001 to 47 cases in 2009/2010 (an 83% reduction). Treatment for stone disease has increased substantially in comparison with other urological activity. In 2009/2010, SWL was performed almost as frequently as transurethral resection of the prostate or transurethral resection of bladder tumour, ureteroscopy for stones was performed more frequently than nephrectomy, radical prostatectomy and cystectomy combined, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed more frequently than cystectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights the increase in prevalence and treatment of stone disease in the UK over the last 10 years. If this trend continues it has important implications for workforce planning, training, service delivery and research in the field of urolithiasis.

A comparative study of quality of life issues relating to open versus laparoscopic nephrectomy: a prospective pragmatic study.

PURPOSE: We determined whether laparoscopic nephrectomy confers improved health related quality of life in the early postoperative period compared with open nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing open or laparoscopic nephrectomy were prospectively recruited. Patients completed the Comorbidity Symptom Scale preoperatively as well as the SF-36(R) quality of life health survey and pain visual analog scale preoperatively, and 2 days and 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were recruited, of whom 71 completed all questionnaires, including 38 in the laparoscopic group and 33 in the open group. In the 2 groups mean patient age was the same (56.8 years) and there was a similar sex distribution. The laparoscopic group had improved quality of life scores with significantly higher physical component scores 1 month postoperatively vs the open group (-5.7% vs -22.2%, p = 0.009). The laparoscopic group also had significantly higher mental component scores 2 days postoperatively vs the open group compared to baseline (6.0% vs -6.6%, p = 0.009). The laparoscopic group had significantly lower pain visual analog scale scores 1 month postoperatively compared to baseline. Patients with higher Comorbidity Symptom Scale scores were more likely to undergo a laparoscopic approach (p = 0.036). Despite this they had a significantly shorter hospital stay (4 vs 6 days, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life benefits of laparoscopic over open nephrectomy were found in the early postoperative period despite more comorbidities in the laparoscopic group. This provides further evidence of the benefits of the laparoscopic approach over open surgery.

Totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: To establish if totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a safe management technique. PCNL is a well-established option for upper tract stones. The procedure traditionally concludes with the placement of a nephrostomy drainage tube but in those patients in whom there has been minimal blood loss and complete stone clearance, it may not be necessary to place a nephrostomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Totally tubeless PCNL was performed in uncomplicated cases, when there was no significant bleeding or residual stone load, an intact pelvicaliceal system, and no evidence of a residual ureteral stone. RESULTS: 100 procedures were analyzed during a 10-year period from 1996 to 2006. The mean stone size was 15.9 mm (range 7-40 mm). Mean residual stone load was 1.74 mm (range 1-10 mm). Access was considered difficult in 2%. Transfusion rate was 1% with a mean fall in hemoglobin of 1.4 g/dL ([-0.4] - [+5.6] g/dL), and a mean rise in creatinine level of 0.3 micromol/L ([-43] - [+52] micromol/L). The minor sepsis rate was 5%, and the major sepsis rate was 1%. The readmission rate was 1%. The mean length of stay was 2.9 days (range 1-10 d). Secondary treatment was required in 5%, and stone clearance rate at 3 months was 90%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that PCNL without nephrostomy or stent is a safe and well-tolerated procedure in selected patients. It is the authors' belief that totally tubeless PCNL may be considered an accepted standard of care for selected patients, and it is possible to reserve placement of a nephrostomy tube or internal ureteral stent for specific indications.

Management of renal stone disease in obese patients.

Obesity represents an increasing burden to health care resources. Nephrolithiasis is associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes and the consumption of diets rich in protein, fat and carbohydrates; this article addresses some of the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with stone formation in these patients. Management of stone disease can be more difficult in obese patients; even diagnosis can be problematic because imaging techniques are less sensitive in these patients. Treatment with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and surgery in obese patients can be challenging, and outcome data for the different treatments are discussed in this Review.

Does rate matter? The results of a randomized controlled trial of 60 versus 120 shocks per minute for shock wave lithotripsy of renal calculi.

PURPOSE: In this study we prospectively compared 2 rates of shock wave delivery, 60 and 120 shock waves per minute, to determine whether rate affects outcome with the Dornier Lithotripter S, a lithotriptor with an electromagnetic shock wave source, for renal calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 104 patients with uncomplicated single renal calculus were randomized and treated. Following a single treatment patients were reviewed at 3 months to determine outcome. A plain abdominal x-ray was performed and the size of any residual fragments was noted. Four patients were lost to followup, 1 in the 60 shock waves per minute group and 3 in the 120 shock waves per minute group. RESULTS: Of the 100 patients with complete followup 49 were treated at 60 shock waves per minute and 51 at 120 shock waves per minute. There was no statistically significant difference between mean stone area treated (p = 0.32) or additional analgesic use in the form of patient controlled alfentanil (p = 0.82). A successful outcome was defined by fragments smaller than 4 mm or stone-free status. At 60 shock waves per minute 59% of patients had a successful outcome compared with 61% at 120 shock waves per minute (p = 0.87) following a single treatment. Post-treatment complications were similar in both groups at 8% for 120 shock waves per minute and 10% for 60 shock waves per minute (p = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in patient controlled analgesia use, complications or outcome between rates 60 and 120. Contrary to previous studies these results suggest that a slower rate of shock wave delivery during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for renal calculi does not improve treatment efficacy with the Dornier Lithotripter S.

The effect of nephroureterectomy on glomerular filtration rate.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of nephroureterectomy (NU) on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and to determine whether the estimated GFR after NU is influenced by age and other factors associated with renal impairment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified 131 patients who had had a NU at either of two UK institutions. Their serum creatinine levels were recorded before and after NU, along with comorbidity data, and from this their GFR before and after NU was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study Group equation. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 5 years there was an 18% deterioration in estimated GFR in the 131 patients. The percentage deterioration in estimated GFR was greater in those aged >or= 70 years than in those aged <70 years (20% vs 15% deterioration). Those with more risk factors for renal impairment had a greater percentage deterioration in estimated GFR than those with no such risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that NU has a profound effect on future estimated GFR, an effect that is further compounded in those with risk factors for renal impairment. This study therefore provides both the patient and the urologist with an idea of potential future renal function after NU and contributes greatly to preoperative counselling.

MRSA in urology: a UK hospital experience.

OBJECTIVE: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection appears to be increasing, the UK has one of the worst MRSA rates in Europe. As urological patients are at high risk, the aim of this study was to determine the number of newly diagnosed cases of MRSA detected in a urology ward. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The urology department serves an annual local population of greater than 500,000 with 30 inpatient beds and a tertiary population of 1 million. Over a five year period, we retrospectively recorded all patients with a new diagnosis of MRSA. We also determined colonization site and if the diagnosis of MRSA was made in an elective surgical patient or a patient admitted as an emergency. RESULTS: The mean number of newly diagnosed cases of MRSA was 20.6 per year. The percentage of patients with a new diagnosis of MRSA was less than or equal to 1% per year with no significant difference of new cases of MRSA over five years. Emergency patients had a trend towards a mean higher rate of MRSA. The commonest site of MRSA colonization was from catheters (32%) and open wounds (18%). DISCUSSION: MRSA is of concern, as compared to methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus, because it is associated with high rates of clinically relevant infection, increased hospital stay and cost, greater mortality and high vancomycin usage. Mandatory reporting has shown a steady increase in the number of cases of MRSA infection over the past four years. We found that the number of newly diagnosed cases of MRSA was low, at less than or equal to 1% of patients per year. Furthermore, the number of new cases of MRSA remained constant over five years suggesting low acquisition rates in a busy UK urology ward.

The British Association of Urological Surgeons Section of Endourology audit of laparoscopic nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To report the first UK national audit of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, radical and simple nephrectomy. METHODS: All members of the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) undertaking laparoscopic nephrectomy were invited to submit prospectively collected data from their centres to a nationally established database, using a standard proforma. The period covered by the audit was 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002. The indications for surgery, peri- and postoperative data, and some demographic details were collected. RESULTS: Data were received from 25 centres; 13 had undertaken five or fewer cases per year; 263 procedures were reported, including 20 of hand-assisted nephrectomy. Most cases were for nonfunctioning kidneys, or renal cell carcinoma, with transitional cell cancer and stones forming a smaller proportion. The mean (range) operative duration was 173 (89-335) min. The median postoperative stay was 4 days, with a wide range reflecting clinical and other reasons for delayed discharge. Two deaths were reported, giving a mortality of 0.7%. The mean conversion rate was 5.7% and the mean complication rate 16.8%; these rates were no higher in centres undertaking fewer than five cases per year than in the centres with a greater volume. CONCLUSION: Encouragingly, this first UK audit of laparoscopic nephrectomy shows similar results to those published worldwide. The lack of any difference in outcome between smaller and larger centres may be explained by case selection and the use of mentors, as recommended by the BAUS Section of Endourology.