Post-renal transplant surgical complications with newer immunosuppressive drugs: mycophenolate mofetil vs. m-TOR inhibitors.

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence of immediate surgical complications after renal transplantation between mycophenolate mofetil (MMF group)-based and mTOR inhibitors (mTOR group)-based immunosuppressive regimens. METHODS: The preoperative parameters in the recipients, rejection rates and surgical complications within 12 months in the recipients were analyzed in 80 patients who had live related renal transplantation. The immunosuppressive regimen was based on MMF (MMF, prednisolone, cyclosporine) in 40 patients and mTOR inhibitors (sirolimus/everolimus, prednisolone, cyclosporine) in 40 patients. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Infective complications (urinary tract infections, pulmonary infections and superficial wound infection) occurred in 27.5% (11/40) and 12.5% (5/40) of patients from MMF and mTORI groups, respectively (P = 0.096). Patients in mTORI group had significantly more wound dehiscence (8/40 i.e., 20%) than in MMF group (1/40 i.e., 2.5%) (P = 0.014). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of clinically significant or symptomatic lymphoceles that needed intervention (3 vs. 2). The hospital stay was significantly prolonged in mTORI group mainly because of wound-related problems (35 vs. 24 days). CONCLUSION: In the post-renal transplant setting, use of mTORI results in significantly higher wound complications compared to that of MMF leading to prolonged hospital stay. There is no significant difference in infective complications or lymphocele incidence between these two immunosuppressive regimens.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty: a versatile alternative to open pyeloplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To report the safety, efficacy and versatility of laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LPP) in treatment of pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2002 to November 2006, 185 patients (186 units; 182 with primary and 4 with secondary PUJO) underwent LPP (transperitoneal approach in 184; retroperitoneal approach in 2). A double J stent was placed antegradely in 121 (68.4%) units, cystoscopically in 50 units (28.2%), and 6 units (3.4%) were stentless. Patients were followed up clinically, with additional diuretic renogram. RESULTS: Surgery was completed laparoscopically in 177 units, and conversion was required in 9 (4.8%) units. Pyeloplasty was dismembered in 143 units, Foley YV plasty in 26 units, and Fenger pyeloplasty in 8 units. The median estimated blood loss, operative time and hospital stay were 50 ml, 180 min and 4 days, respectively. Overall, 18 (9.6%) patients had complications. Improvements in drainage patterns of 167 out of 177 units (94.3%) were shown on a renal scan at a median follow-up of 39 months (range: 3-63 months). CONCLUSION: LPP is a safe, effective and versatile method for treatment of PUJO, which is applicable to all age groups, even in the presence of secondary stones, crossing vessels and secondary PUJO.

Use of absorbable gelatin sponge as an adjunct to "totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy".

OBJECTIVES: To study the efficacy and safety of totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) using absorbable gelatin sponge as an adjunct. METHODS: From January 2004 to March 2009, 45 patients underwent totally tubeless PNL (no internal drainage either with double J stent or ureteric catheter). Inclusion criteria were no significant bleeding from the nephrostomy tract or injury to the pelvicalyceal system (PCS), single nephrostomy tract, infra-costal puncture and complete clearance on fluoroscopy. Median stone size was 3cm (longest diameter recorded). The PNL tract was plugged with absorbable gelatin sponge at the end of the procedure. Drop in hematocrit, hospital stay, pain score by visual analogue scale, urinary leak and perirenal collection by ultrasonography were documented in all the patients. RESULTS: Median age was 32 years (range 18-57 yrs). Median size of the stone (largest dimension was taken into consideration)was 3cm (1.8 to 4cm). All patients had complete stone clearance on postoperative X-ray KUB. Drop in mean haematocrit value recorded was 2.4% and none of the patients required blood transfusion. Median pain score was 3. Median value for oral and intravenous Diclofenac sodium was 200mg (150 mg-300mg). Perinephric collection was recorded in 3 patients who were managed conservatively. Median hospital stay was 3 days (2-5 days). CONCLUSION: Totally tubeless PNL using absorbable gelatin sponge as sealant of percutaneous nephrostomy tract appears to be safe and effective in select group of patients.

Uso de esponja de gelatina absorbible como complemento de la nefrolitotomía percutánea sin catéter de nefrostomía / Use of absorbable gelatin sponge as an adjunct to

OBJETIVO: Estudiar la eficacia y seguridad de la nefrolitotomía percutánea (NLPC) sin catéter de nefrostomía, utilizando como complemento una esponja de gelatina absorbible.MÉTODOS: Desde enero de 2004 a marzo de 2009, 45 pacientes se sometieron a NLPC sin catéter de nefrostomía (sin drenaje interno ya sea con catéter doble-J o catéter ureteral).Los criterios de inclusión fueron hemorragia mínima procedente del trayecto de la nefrostomía o lesión del sistema pielocalicial (SPC), nefrostomía de un solo trayecto, punción infra-costal y eliminación completa en la fluoroscopia. El tamaño medio de los cálculos fue de 3 cm (diámetro máximo registrado). La vía de la NLPC fue conectada con la esponja de gelatina absorbible al final del procedimiento. Se documentó en todos los pacientes, el descenso del hematocrito, estancia hospitalaria, dolor por escala analógica visual, fugas de orina y colecciones perirenales mediante ecografía.RESULTADOS: La edad media fue de 32 años (rango 18-57 años). La mediana de tamaño del cálculo (se tuvo en cuenta el de mayor dimensión) fue de 3 cm (de 1,8 a 4 cm). En la radiografía abdominal postoperatoria, todos los pacientes aparecieron completamente limpios de cálculos. La caída media en el valor del hematocrito fue de 2,4% y ninguno de los pacientes requirió transfusión sanguínea. La mediana en la escala de dolor fue de 3. El consumo medio de diclofenaco sódico fue de 200 mg (150 mg-300 mg) por vía oral e intravenosa.Se registraron colecciones peri-renales en 3 pacientes que fueron tratados conservadoramente. La estancia hospitalaria media fue de 3 días (2-5 días).CONCLUSIÓN: La NLPC totalmente sin catéter de nefrostomía con esponja de gelatina absorbible como sellador del trayecto percutáneo parece ser segura y efectiva en el grupo escogido de pacientes(AU)

OBJECTIVES: To study the efficacy and safety of totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) using absorbable gelatin sponge as an adjunct.METHODS: From January 2004 to March 2009, 45 patients underwent totally tubeless PNL (no internal draArchinage either with double J stent or ureteric catheter). Inclusion criteria were no significant bleeding from the nephrostomy tract or injury to the pelvicalyceal system (PCS), single nephrostomy tract, infra-costal puncture and complete clearance on fluoroscopy. Median stone size was 3cm (longest diameter recorded). The PNL tract was plugged with absorbable gelatin sponge at the end of the procedure. Drop in hematocrit, hospital stay, pain score by visual analogue scale, urinary leak and perirenal collection by ultrasonography were documented in all the patients.RESULTS: Median age was 32 years (range 18-57 yrs). Median size of the stone (largest dimension was taken into consideration) was 3cm (1.8 to 4cm). All patients had complete stone clearance on postoperative X-ray KUB. Drop in mean haematocrit value recorded was 2.4% and none of the patients required blood transfusion. Median pain score was 3. Median value for oral and intravenous Diclofenac sodium was 200mg (150 mg-300mg). Perinephric collection was recorded in 3 patients who were managed conservatively. Median hospital stay was 3 days (2-5 days).CONCLUSION: Totally tubeless PNL using absorbable gelatin sponge as sealant of percutaneous nephrostomy tract appears to be safe and effective in select group of patients(AU)

Minimal invasive treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in low volume pelvis: A comparative study of endopyelotomy and laparoscopic nondismembered pyeloplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of nondismembered laparoscopic pyeloplasty and percutaneous endopyelotomy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) with low volume renal pelvis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective acquired data of 34 patients of laparoscopic nondismembered pyeloplasty was compared with 26 patients of UPJO with pelvic volume less than 50 ml undergoing antegrade endopyelotomy and analyzed for clinical parameters, operative outcomes and success of procedures. All patients were followed up clinically and with diuretic renogram at regular intervals. RESULTS: Mean age, renal pelvic volume and preoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 25 years, 43.6 ml and 42.5 ml/min, respectively in endopyelotomy group and 21 years, 34.4 ml and 39.9 ml/min, respectively in laparoscopic pyeloplasty group. Mean operative time, postoperative analgesic requirement and mean hospital stay was 100min, 250 mg and 4 days, respectively in endopyelotomy group and 210 min, 300 mg and 4 days, respectively in laparoscopic pyeloplasty group. Only operative time was significantly different between two groups (P < 0.05). Mean follow-up was 36 and 39 months and success rates were 91.2% and 88.8% in laparoscopy and endopyelotomy group, respectively (P < 0.05). No significant complication was seen in endopyelotomy group while two patients had hematuria (one requiring blood transfusion) and three had increased drain output for more than 3 days in laparoscopy group. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous endopyelotomy is associated with significantly less operative time and postoperative complication rate and provides equivalent success in comparison to nondismembered laparoscopic pyeloplasty in patients with UPJO and low volume pelvis. It can be a preferred minimally invasive treatment modality for such patients.

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: a journey from T1 to very large T2 tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) in T1 and T2 renal tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From December 1999 to March 2007, a retrospective analysis of 102 patients was done. A thorough preoperative workup was done in all patients. Postoperatively the patients were followed up every 3 months for the first year, 6-monthly for the next 2 years and yearly thereafter. RESULTS: Transperitoneal radical nephrectomy was done in 85 patients, whereas 7 patients had a retroperitoneal surgery. A combined approach of retroperitoneal renal artery clipping followed by transperitoneal nephrectomy was done in 10 patients. 72 patients had clinically T1 tumors and 30 patients were T2 tumors. Mean tumor size was 6.97 cm, mean operative time was 174 min, mean blood loss was 230 ml, mean hospital stay was 4.6 days, and mean incision length was 8 cm. 19 patients had conversion to open surgery. Mean follow-up was 22.6 (range 4-56) months. Overall recurrence-free survival was 88.1%. CONCLUSIONS: LRN is a safe and effective treatment for renal tumors with a steep learning curve. Large right-sided T2 tumors can be safely treated with the combined approach. Disease control rates with LRN are satisfactory.

A comparison of kidney retrieval incisions in laparoscopic transperitoneal donor nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the modified iliac fossa and Pfannenstiel incisions for retrieving the kidney in laparoscopic transperitoneal donor nephrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two different incisions for retrieving the donor kidney were studied from January 2002 to December 2006. A total of 343 laparoscopic transperitoneal donor nephrectomies were performed. 110 kidneys were removed via our modified iliac fossa incision and 233 kidneys were retrieved using a Pfannenstiel incision. The warm ischemia time, analgesic requirement and hospital stay were compared. Other parameters studied were the length of incisions, total number of incisions (port and retrieval), and complications associated with them. RESULTS: The warm ischemia time (3 vs. 3.5 min), mean hospital stay (3.35 vs. 3.8 days) and analgesic requirement were comparable. The mean length of incisions was 5.8 vs. 7.3 cm, respectively, and this difference was found to be statistically significant. The total number of incisions (port and retrieval) was 4 when the iliac fossa incision was used, whereas it was 5 when the kidney was retrieved using a Pfannenstiel incision. Two patients had bladder injury and 1 patient had bowel injury while making the Pfannenstiel incision. There was less morbidity associated with the iliac fossa incision. CONCLUSION: The iliac fossa incision had less morbidity whereas the Pfannenstiel incision scored in terms of cosmesis.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty with concomitant pyelolithotomy--is it an effective mode of treatment?

INTRODUCTION: Pelviureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction and concomitant renal calculus disease may coexist. We present our experience with simultaneous laparoscopic pyeloplasty and pyelolithotomy in such patients. METHOD: 20 patients (20 renal units) underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty and concomitant pyelolithotomy at our institution. An initial dismembering of the PUJ followed by removal of the calculi with rigid or semi-rigid graspers were done. Calyceal stones were removed with the aid of a flexible cystoscope, rigid/flexible ureteroscope and simultaneous fluoroscopy. The pyeloplasty was subsequently performed in all cases. RESULT: A median of 2 stones (range 1-12) were recovered from the 20 renal units. Complete stone clearance was possible in 15/20 patients (75%). Three patients underwent subsequent extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy and 2 required percutaneous nephrolithotomy. All patients were rendered stone-free at 6 months' follow-up. Diuretic renography at follow-up revealed improved drainage in 18/20 (90%) patients; 2 patients had an equivocal drainage pattern but their symptoms disappeared. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty with concomitant pyeloplasty is feasible and effective, however patients must be counseled about the possibilities of ancillary procedures to achieve complete stone clearance.

Delayed presentation in posterior urethral valve: long-term implications and outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effect of delayed presentation of posterior urethral valves in children. METHODS: We divided 194 children with posterior urethral valve (PUV) who underwent surgical ablation into group I (less than 2 years old) and group II (greater than 2 years old) according to age at presentation. We analyzed the data for the effect of various parameters on post-valve fulguration long-term outcomes. RESULTS: Groups I and II had 95 and 99 children, respectively. Poor urinary stream or crying during micturition was the most common presenting complaint (96%) in both groups. A total of 32.6% and 81.8% patients had azotaemia at the time of diagnosis in groups I and II, respectively (P <0.001). Mean serum creatinine was 1.68 mg% and 4.1 mg% in groups I and II, respectively (P <0.05). Primary valve ablation was performed in 85.5% patients. After valve ablation, voiding improved in 86.1% and 20.4% patients in groups I and II, respectively (P = 0.001). At a mean follow-up of 9.8 years, 30.5% and 40.8% patients developed renal insufficiency in groups I and II, respectively (P <0.05). Serum creatinine level at 1 year after valve ablation and at presentation was the main prognostic factor for groups I and II, respectively, whereas persistence of VUR and voiding dysfunction after valve ablation reflected poor prognosis for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PUV presenting after 2 years should be treated with caution because the condition is potentially hazardous and these patients are at a higher risk of developing chronic renal insufficiency on long-term follow-up.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin in the management of superficial bladder cancer.

Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the mainstay of superficial bladder cancer treatment. We performed a literature search through Medline/Pubmed using key words 'Bacillus Calmette-Guérin', 'intravesical', 'bladder neoplasm' and 'immunotherapy' for published data in the English language from 1970 to 2007 to review the current status of intravesical therapy and practice recommendations. The exact mechanism of action of intravesical BCG is yet to be elucidated. However, it appears that it is mediated by the local immune response, mainly through T-helper cell response. It reduces the recurrence rate by an average of 40% and progression by more than 20% in papillary tumors over the patients without BCG therapy. However, progression prevention is seen only in series which have used maintenance therapy at least for one year. It is effective in CIS of bladder with a response rate of more than 40% and prevention of progression in one-fourth patients. Most acceptable dose, induction treatment and maintenance therapy protocols are discussed. However, these are yet to be confirmed in large randomized trials. Intravesical BCG is well tolerated in most of the patients with mild to moderate side-effects in induction therapy; however, most patients do not complete maintenance therapy due to side-effects which is the most common concern at the present time.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy of a staghorn stone in thoracic ectopic kidney.

Congenital thoracic ectopic kidney is a very rare developmental anomaly and the rarest form of all ectopic kidneys. It is usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on routine chest radiography. Herein we reported the first case of staghorn stone in a thoracic kidney managed successfully by percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Comparison of endopyelotomy and laparoscopic pyeloplasty for poorly functioning kidneys with ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

UNLABELLED: Endopyelotomy and laparoscopic pyeloplasty are established procedures for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and historically a high failure rate has been observed in poorly functioning units with UPJ obstruction. The aim of this study is to compare the results of laparoscopic pyeloplasty with endopyelotomy in poorly functioning renal units, i.e., GFR under 25 ml/min. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all the patients who underwent either laparoscopic pyeloplasty or endopyelotomy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in poorly functioning units between January 1998 and June 2005 was done. Follow-up renal scans, done at three, six, 12 months and yearly thereafter, were studied. Success was defined as symptomatic relief and/ or improvement in function (10% over baseline) in renal scan. RESULTS: There were 23 patients in the endopyelotomy group and 15 patients in the laparoscopic pyeloplasty group with mean age of 25.3 years (9-53) and 26 years (10-44), respectively. Mean pelvic volume was 41.2 8cc +/- 9.5 and 39.1cc +/- 9.85 in the endopyelotomy group and laparoscopic pyeloplasty group, respectively. Mean preoperative GFR was 17.4 +/- 5.7 ml/min and 21 +/- 4.5 ml/min in the endopyelotomy group and laparoscopic pyeloplasty group, respectively and mean postoperative GFR was 21 +/- 3.5 ml/min and 22 +/- 3.9 ml/min, respectively. Eighteen and 11 patients were symptomatic in ethe ndopyelotomy group and laparoscopic pyeloplasty group, respectively while symptomatic improvement was seen in 14 and 11 patients, respectively. Mean follow-up was 12 months in the laparoscopy group and 28 months in the endopyelotomy group. Success rate was better for laparoscopic surgery group (15/15 = 100%) than for endopyelotomy (18/23 = 78.26%). CONCLUSIONS: Though the improvement in renal function is less in patients with UPJO with poorly functioning kidneys undergoing endopyelotomy or laparoscopic pyeloplasty, laparoscopic pyeloplasty gives better results in the form of symptomatic relief; however, renal function remains stable whichever the approach chosen.

Prolene (mesh) bulbourethral sling in male incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: We present our preliminary results of bulbar urethral sling (single bolster) in treatment of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2003 to June 2005, six patients with postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (transurethral resection of prostate in five patients and after open prostatectomy in one patient) underwent prolene mesh bulbar urethral sling surgery. Preoperative evaluation included physical examination, neurological assessment, stress cystogram and urethrocystoscopy. Urodynamic evaluation was done in all patients for abdominal leak point pressure and ruling out bladder pathology. RESULTS: Urodynamic studies did not demonstrate bladder instability in any patient. Mean abdominal leak point pressure was 43cm of water (range 26-80 cm of water). Mean duration of hospital stay was 3.2 days. Follow-up ranged from 6-22 months. Four patients out of six patients were completely dry till their last follow-up. One patient developed mild stress incontinence after one year of the surgery and required use of one to two pads per day. Mean pad use after surgery was 0.6 pads per day in comparison to mean pad usage of 6.4 pads per day preoperatively. One patient was over-continent after the procedure and required clean intermittent catheterization till last follow-up (six months). Mean cost of the procedure was $ 350+15. CONCLUSION: Prolene bulbar urethral sling (single bolster) is an economically effective option in patients with postprostatectomy urinary incontinence.

Update in palliative management of hormone refractory cancer of prostate.

Hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) is an incurable disease and as in the pressure sensitive adhesive era the median survival of patients is increasing, these men increasingly develop symptomatic problems as a result of advanced local and or metastatic disease during their progression to death. Recently, it has been shown that it is possible to improve survival in this group of patients with use of chemotherapy which reinforces the need of better options in palliative care. We discus the various clinical problems (Part I) and treatment options of palliative care (Part II) and try to formulate an action plan in this review.

Management of vesicovaginal fistula: An experience of 52 cases with a rationalized algorithm for choosing the transvaginal or transabdominal approach.

PURPOSE: We aim to present our experience for the repair of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) with special reference to surgical approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1999 to June 2005, 52 VVF patients with mean age of 32 years underwent operative treatment. Fistulas were divided into two groups, simple and complex, depending on site, size, etiology and associated anomalies. Simple VVFs were approached through the vaginal route and complex VVFs via the transabdominal route. Patients were evaluated at two to three weeks initially, three-monthly twice and later depending on symptoms. RESULTS: Thirty-two (61.5%) had simple fistulas and 20 (38.5%) complex fistulas. The most common etiology was obstetric trauma in 31 (59.6%) patients, while the second most common cause was post hysterectomy VVF. Thirty-two (61.5%) patients were managed by transvaginal route, of which 17 had supratrigonal and 15 trigonal fistulas. Twenty (38.5%) patients with complex fistulas were managed by abdominal route. The mean blood loss, postoperative pain and mean hospital stay were shorter in transvaginal repair. Eleven (21.2%) patients required ancillary procedures for various other associated anomalies at the time of fistula repair. Three patients failed repair giving a success rate of 94.2%. At a mean follow-up of three years 48 women were sexually active, of these 10 (19.2%) complained of mild to moderate dyspareunia. CONCLUSION: Most of the simple fistulas irrespective their locations are easily accessible transvaginally while in complex fistulas we recommend the transabdominal approach. Depending on the clinical context both the approaches achieved comparable success rates.

Sigmoid vaginoplasty: long-term results.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term results of sigmoid vaginoplasty for Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome. The social and psychological acceptance of the procedure is also discussed in terms of a developing country scenario. METHODS: A total of 14 patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome were treated at our institute from January 1995 to December 2004. Sigmoid vaginoplasty was performed in all patients. The procedure was performed using a combined abdominoperineal approach. Dissection was done between the urethra and rectum to create a bed for the neovaginal colon conduit. A 10-cm segment of sigmoid colon was raised on its vascular pedicle, delivered through the abdominoperineal tunnel, and fixed to the vaginal pit incision. The patient records were reviewed for surgical technique and postoperative complications. Patients underwent a personal interview to assess the postoperative results, social acceptance of the procedure, and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean patient age at surgery was 16.8 years. The patients who underwent sigmoid vaginoplasty had good cosmetic results without the need for routine dilation or the problem of excessive mucus production. The postoperative morbidity was minimal. During a mean follow-up of 4.1 years, no stenosis or colitis was encountered. The subjective satisfaction rate with the surgical outcomes in all the patients was 8.01 on a scale of 0 to 10 (0, very disappointed to 10, satisfied). CONCLUSIONS: Sigmoid vaginoplasty is an effective treatment for patients with vaginal atresia. Timed vaginal reconstruction in these patients allows for a better quality of life and social acceptance. It also enables the patient to lead a near-normal sexual life, with high satisfaction rates.

Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma presenting as right renal mass.

A primary retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma was found in a 37-year-old woman on computed tomography, which revealed a homogeneous mass just above the right kidney. The tumor was resected through a transabdominal approach. The resected specimen measured 11 x 9 x 4.5 cm and weighed 270 g. The histologic examination showed that the lesion was a ganglioneuroma composed of both mature ganglion cells and nerve fibers.