ABSTRACT
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been shown as a safe and effective method for treating nephrolithiasis in horseshoe kidney patients. We report the first X-ray Free PCNL with Alken Telescopic Metal Dilator (ATMD) in horseshoe kidney. A 58-Year-Old female was diagnosed with left large staghorn stone and horseshoe kidney treated with X-ray Free PCNL with ATMD. X-ray Free PCNL with ATMD is safe and effective nephrolithiasis lithotripsy for staghorn stone in Horseshoe Kidney. This technique is the first of its kind and possibly has become an excellent alternative for urological centers without access to fluoroscopy.
ABSTRACT
Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the preferred treatment for the removal of large kidney stones, sized >20 mm. However, there is still an ongoing debate concerning the best anesthesia for PCNL. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety between general and spinal anesthesia for PCNL. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis study. A systematic, electronic literature search was performed in several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar until July 1 st, 2022. The quality of the articles was examined using Crombie's Items (for non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs)) and Jadad Scale (for RCTs). The outcomes assessed were operation time, fluoroscopy time, length of stay, stone-free rate, overall complication rate, specific postoperative complications, cost, pain score, and postoperative analgesic requirement. The article selection was reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We assessed four RCTs and eight retrospective studies. Meta-analysis of selected studies was performed using the Review Manager 5.3. Results: General anesthesia resulted in fewer Clavien-Dindo grade II (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49 - 0.94; p=0.02), major complications (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.45 - 0.94; p=0.02, and lower transfusion rates (OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.53 - 0.94; p=0.02). Whereas spinal anesthesia resulted in faster operation time (Mean Difference: -12.98; 95% CI: -20.56 - -5.41; p<0.001, fluoroscopy time (MD: -26.15; 95% CI: -42.79 - -9.50; p=0.002), reduced length of stay (MD: -0.47; 95% CI: -0.75 - 0.20; p<0.001), and lower postoperative analgesic requirement and cost. No significant difference in stone-free rate (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.92 - 1.26; p=0.37). PCNL performed using either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia is equally safe and effective. Conclusions: Each method of anesthesia has its own advantages and disadvantages. The final choice between general and spinal anesthesia should be based on the patient's condition and surgical team preference.
ABSTRACT
Background: Azoospermia is the most severe type of male infertility. This study aimed to identify useful clinical parameters to predict sperm retrieval success. This could assist clinicians in accurately diagnosing and treating patients based on the individual clinical parameters of patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 517 patients with azoospermia who underwent sperm retrieval in Jakarta, Indonesia, between January 2010 and April 2023. Clinical evaluation and scrotal ultrasound, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels were evaluated before surgery. Multivariate analyses were conducted to determine clinical parameters that could predict overall sperm retrieval success. Further subgroup analysis was performed to determine the factors that the diagnosis of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) diagnosis and sperm retrieval success among patients with NOA. Results: A total of 2,987 infertile men attended our clinic. Men with azoospermia (n=517) who met the inclusion criteria and did not fulfil any exclusion criteria were included in the study. The overall sperm retrieval success was 47.58%. Logistic regression revealed that FSH 7.76 mIU/mL (sensitivity: 60.1%, specificity: 63.3%, p<0.001); longest testicular axis length 3.89 cm (sensitivity: 33.6%, specificity: 41.6%); and varicocele (p<0.001) were independent factors for overall sperm retrieval. The FSH cutoff of 7.45 mIU/mL (sensitivity: 31.3%, specificity: 37.7%, p<0,001); longest testicular axis length 3.85 cm (sensitivity: 76.7%, specificity: 65.4%, p<0.001); and varicocele (p<0.001) were independent factors for NOA diagnosis. Varicocele was the only clinical parameter that significantly predicted the success of sperm retrieval in patients with NOA. Conclusions: FSH, LH, longest testicular axis, and varicocele are among the clinical parameters that are useful for predicting overall sperm retrieval success and NOA diagnosis. However, varicocele is the only clinical parameter that significantly predicts sperm retrieval success in patients with NOA. High-quality studies are required to assess the other predictors of sperm retrieval success.
