Resultados de varias técnicas mínimamente invasivas en litiasis del polo inferior de 1-2 centímetros: estudio prospectivo, randomizado / Outcomes of different minimally invasive techniques in lower calyceal stones of 1 to 2 centimeters: A prospective, randomized study

OBJETIVO: Comparar la eficiencia, seguridad y coste de la ureteroscopia flexible polo inferior y la nefrolitotomia percutanea para el tratamiento de litiasis del polo inferior de 1 a 2 cm de diámetro. MÉTODOS: Esto fue un estudio prospectivo randomizado. En total, 175 pacientes fueron randomizados en 5 grupos (35 en cada grupo): Grupo A se manejó con uretereroscopia flexible retrograda polo inferior (UFRI), Grupo B con micronefrolitotomia percutánea (NLP); grupo C con ultra-mini NLP; Grupo D con mini NLP y el grupo E con estándar NLP. Tiempo quirúrgico y de fluoroscopio, estancia hospitalaria, tasa libre de litiasis (TLL), complicaciones, ureterolitotripsias secundarias y coste fueron comparados entre grupos. RESULTADOS: Un total de 168 pacientes fueron incluidos en el análisis final. La TLL fue de 76%, 77%, 90,1%, 94,1% y 94%. La estancia media hospitalaria fue de 1, 1,5, 2,2, y 3 días para UFRI, micoNLP, ultra-mini NLP, mini NLP y estándar NLP (p < 0,001) .El coste total medio de los procedimientos fue de 1250 USD, 962 USD, 695 USD, 632 USD y 619 USD respectivamente. El tiempo medio de retorno a las actividades diarias fue de 3,9, 4,5, 6,5, 9,3 y 13,5 días para UFRI, micro NLP, ultra-mini NLP, mini NLP,estándar NLP, respectivamente (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: TLL para el tratamiento de litiasis de polo inferior fue mayor para ultra-mini NLP, mini NLP y estándar NLP que para micro NLP y UFRI. Ademas, los pacientes deben ser informados sobre los resultadoscon los otros procedimientos; con aumento de la agresividad del tratamiento, el coste del procedimiento disminuye, pero la estancia hospitalaria y el retorno a las actividades diarias se incrementa

OBJECTIVE: To compare efficiency, safety and full cost of lower retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) types for the treatment of lower calyceal stones between 1 and 2 cm in size. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized study. In all, 175 patients were randomly divided into five groups of 35 patients each: Group A was managed by RIRS, Group B by micro PNL, Group C by ultra-mini PNL, Group D by mini PNL, and Group E by standard PNL. Operating and fluoroscopy time, length of hospital stay, stone-free rates (SFR), complications, secondary ureterolithotripsy and cost were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 168 patients were included in the final analysis. The SFR was 76%, 77%, 90.1%, 94.1% and 94%; median length of hospital stay 1, 1.5, 2, 2, and 3 days was for RIRS, micro, ultra-mini, mini, and standard PNL, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean total costs of the procedures per case were $1,250, $962, $695, $632, and $619, and the mean return to daily activities time was 3.9, 4.5, 6.5, 9.3, and 13.5 days for RIRS, micro, ultra-mini, mini, and standard PNL, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SFR of treatment of lower calyceal stone was higher in ultra-mini, mini and standard PNL than micro PNL and RIRS. Moreover, patients should be informed about the results of all different procedures; with increasing of the invasiveness of treatment, cost of the procedure decrease; but the hospital stay and return to daily activity interval increase

The Biopsy Snake Grasper Sec. VITALE: A New Tool for Office Hysteroscopy.

Hysteroscopic evaluation of the endometrium with biopsy can be performed using different graspers whose terminal ends have specific features. This technical note aims to describe an innovative hysteroscopic grasper, the biopsy snake grasper sec. VITALE (Centrel S.r.l., Ponte San Nicolò, Padua, Italy), which can be used to grasp and cut at the same time. The characteristic features of this grasper are as follows: a sleeve with an opening along the whole width, a flat pointed tip with serrated edges fixed to its end by a U-shaped joint, and 2 sharp-edged jaws that completely encompass the tip when they are clenched. The biopsy snake grasper sec. VITALE, therefore, aims to be a useful innovative tool. It is a robust, easy-to-use instrument compatible with all modern hysteroscopes equipped with a 1.67-mm (5 French) working channel.

Morcelador histeroscópico (Truclear System (R)): nuestra experiencia inicial / Morcellator hysteroscopy (Truclear System(R)): preliminary experience

Objetivo. Eficacia y seguridad del sistema de morcelación histeroscópica. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo durante el periodo 2004-2009, que incluye a un total de 411 pacientes diagnosticadas de patología intracavitaria a las que se les realizó una histeroscopia quirúrgica con un sistema de morcelación mecánica. Resultados. Se realizaron 327 polipectomías y 76 miomectomías, con una tasa de éxito del 99,2% y con un tiempo quirúrgico medio de 9,2 min y 22,3 min, respectivamente. Conclusión. La técnica de morcelación histeroscópica es segura y eficaz, presenta una corta curva de aprendizaje, unos buenos tiempos quirúrgicos y una baja tasa de complicaciones (AU)

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the hysteroscopic morcellator. Patients and methods. We carried out a retrospective observational study of 411 patients diagnosed with intracavitary disease, who underwent surgical hysteroscopy with the mechanical morcellation system from 2004 to 2009. Results. We performed 327 polypectomies and 76 myomectomies. The success rate was 99.2%. The mean operative time was 9.2 minutes and 22.3 minutes, respectively. Conclusion. The hysteroscopic morcellation technique is safe and effective, has a short learning curve, a reasonable operating time, and low rate of surgical complications (AU)

The feasibility, success and patient satisfaction associated with outpatient hysteroscopic sterilisation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility and patient satisfaction of female sterilisation using the Essure system in an outpatient hysteroscopy clinic without conscious sedation or general anaesthesia. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Outpatient hysteroscopy clinic in a large teaching hospital. POPULATION: Women undergoing outpatient hysteroscopic sterilisation using the Essure system for permanent fertility control. METHODS: Demographic and procedural data were prospectively collected from 112 consecutive women undergoing outpatient hysteroscopic sterilisation without sedation or general anaesthesia. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) was performed routinely in all women 3 months after the procedure to confirm bilateral tubal occlusion. Postal questionnaires were sent at this time enquiring about patient satisfaction and experience with the outpatient procedure. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently predictive of successful completion of the procedure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Technical feasibility, predictive factors for technical success (operator, body mass index, uterine size, axis, menstrual phase and cervical stenosis), complications, tubal occlusion on HSG, patient satisfaction and procedure-related experience. RESULTS: Successful bilateral tubal placement of the Essure microinserts was achieved in 103/112 (92%, 95% CI 85-96%) women. Nonsecretory phase of the menstrual cycle (P = 0.04) and a clinically normal-sized uterus (P = 0.003) were independently predictive for successful completion of the outpatient procedure on multivariable modelling. There were no major procedure-related complications recorded, but transient vasovagal reactions occurred in 5/112 (5%) women. Of the original cohort of 112 women with successful procedures, 84 women were 3 months postprocedure and had undergone a HSG. Bilateral tubal occlusion was confirmed in 83/84 (99%, 95% CI 94-100%) women at 3 months and in 100% at 6 months. Seventy-six of 84 (91%) had returned the questionnaires, and 70/73 (96%, 95% CI 88-99%) were satisfied with their overall experience of the procedure including radiological follow up, with most reporting being 'very satisfied' (64/73, 88%, 95% CI 78-94%). CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient hysteroscopic sterilisation using the Essure system without sedation or general anaesthesia is a successful and safe procedure associated with high rates of patient satisfaction. If practical, women should be scheduled to have their procedures in the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle to optimise successful placement of Essure devices, especially if the uterus is clinically enlarged.

Techniques to maximize flexible ureteroscope longevity.

OBJECTIVES: To assess methods to improve the longevity and durability of flexible ureteroscopes by using the ureteral access sheath, 200-microm holmium laser fiber, and nitinol baskets or graspers during routine ureteroscopic procedures. Despite adequate advances in fiberoptics and endoscope design, the decreased size of currently available flexible ureteroscopes makes damage inevitable after repeated use. However, new auxiliary tools may be able to enhance ureteroscope durability. METHODS: The indications for performing flexible ureteroscopy were proximal ureteral stones (n = 32), renal calculi (n = 59), treatment of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (n = 3), evaluation of hematuria or filling defect (n = 7), and treatment of ureteral strictures or ureteropelvic junction obstruction (n = 8). Using four new 7.5F flexible ureteroscopes, we prospectively evaluated the number of passes of each ureteroscope until more than 20 optical fibers were broken, more than a 25 degrees loss of deflection in either direction had occurred, or the instrument sustained injury requiring repair by the manufacturer. RESULTS: One hundred nine flexible ureteroscopic procedures (average 27.5 procedures per instrument; range 19 to 34) were performed with the four new flexible ureteroscopes before being sent for repair. Adjuncts to reduce scope damage during these procedures were the use of the ureteral access sheath (n = 109), nitinol devices allowing lower pole stone retrieval (n = 27), and the 200-microm holmium laser fiber for stone fragmentation, tumor ablation, and incision of ureteropelvic junction/ureteral stenoses (n = 91). The average number of passes until more than 20 optical fibers were broken was 15.3 (range 12 to 20), until more than a 25 degrees loss of deflection occurred was 50.3 (range 42 to 66), or until the scope required repair was 66.7 (range 46 to 82). CONCLUSIONS: Flexible ureteroscopy will be used increasingly to manage upper urinary tract pathologic findings. Historically, the number of procedures performed before a flexible ureteroscope requires repair averaged 6 to 15. By incorporating the new ureteroscopic accessories, such as nitinol devices, a ureteral access sheath, and the 200-microm holmium laser fiber into common practice, one can reduce the strain on these fragile 7.5F endoscopes, thereby maximizing their longevity.

Hysteroscopic resection of submucous myomas.

Within just a few years, operative hysteroscopy has largely replaced laparotomy in the treatment of submucous myomas. Due to the rapid expansion of hysteroscopic surgery techniques, guidelines must be defined to standardize the procedure and at the same time provide the basis for highly individualized treatment of each patient. The choice of an appropriate therapeutic approach in this context is an issue of logistics, rather than surgery. Factors contributing to the individualized decision regarding the therapeutic approach include indications, individual anatomical conditions encountered, necessity of medical pretreatment, available equipment and adequate premises at the surgical center, and intraoperative procedure of choice. Taking into consideration all these issues, the present article aims at presenting to the surgeon not only a summary of the state-of-the-art techniques, but also a guideline for sophisticated strategy planning for and performance of the hysteroscopic technique of myoma resection.

Endometrial ablation in the year 2000--do we have more methods than indications?

Approximately 20-25% of hysterectomies are done for the relief of menorrhagia, excessive menstrual bleeding without gynecologic pathology. Menorrhagia represents a widespread clinical problem, and it is one of the leading causes of elective hysterectomy in women with a normal uterus in the US as well as in Europe. The current management of dysfunctional bleeding includes medical or different types of surgical therapies. When patients wish a nonsurgical therapy for menorrhagia we can offer them different medical treatments, a IUD releasing levonorgestrel or a therapeutic dilatation and curettage (D&C). Until recently, women who did not respond to medication were limited to either hysterectomy or continued cycles of heavy menstrual bleeding. Methods for hysteroscopic endometrial ablation were introduced in the 1980s including Nd:YAG laser ablation, transcervical resection of the endometrium (TCRE) and 'rollerball' electrocoagulation (RBE). These first-generation procedures are nowadays the gold standard for the hysteroscopic treatment of menorrhagia. In the 1990s different types of therapeutic alternatives were introduced. The second generation of hysteroscopic ablation techniques include: balloon heating methods, methods with intrauterine instillation of heated saline, the endometrial laser intrauterine thermal therapy procedure ELITT using a diode laser, global 3-D bipolar ablation method, punctual vaporizing methods, photodynamic endometrial ablation method, microwave endometrial ablation method, the radiofrequency method menostat and a cryotherapy method.