Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is a reliable method for urinary stone analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We compared laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with the traditionally used and recommended X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) for urinary stone analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 65 patients with urinary calculi were enrolled in this prospective study. Stones were obtained after surgical or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy procedures. All stones were divided into two equal pieces. One sample was analyzed by XRD and the other by LIBS. The results were compared by the kappa (κ) and Spearman's correlation coefficient (rho) tests. RESULTS: Using LIBS, 95 components were identified from 65 stones, while XRD identified 88 components. LIBS identified 40 stones with a single pure component, 20 stones with two different components, and 5 stones with three components. XRD demonstrated 42 stones with a single component, 22 stones with two different components, and only 1 stone with three different components. There was a strong relationship in the detection of stone types between LIBS and XRD for stones components (Spearman rho, 0.866; p<0.001). There was excellent agreement between the two techniques among 38 patients with pure stones (κ index, 0.910; Spearman rho, 0.916; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that LIBS is a valid and reliable technique for determining urinary stone composition. Moreover, it is a simple, low-cost, and nondestructive technique. LIBS can be safely used in routine daily practice if our results are supported by studies with larger numbers of patients.

Intravesical Migration of Missed Intrauterine Device Associated with Stone Formation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Intrauterine device is the most widely used method of reversible contraception. It may cause various complications including perforation of uterus. In this case, 44-year-old woman was presented with lower urinary tract symptoms after six years of insertion. Patient has no remarkable physical or laboratory finding but abdominal ultrasound revealed a 27 mm hyperechogenicity, suggestive of foreign body or calculus on the posterior bladder wall which was removed endoscopically. This case highlights the need of immediate and periodic evaluation of women with intrauterine device to avoid missing serious complications.

Comparison of transobturator tape surgery using commercial and hand made slings in women with stress urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: To compare the complications and success rates of hand-made sling with commercial sling used in transobturator tape (TOT) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2008 to 2010, hand-made slings were used in TOT surgery, whereas commercial slings were used from 2010 to 2013 in our clinic. Overall 102 patients were included in the study. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: group 1 had hand-made (polypropylene monofilament) slings, while group 2 had commercial slings (polypropylene monofilament). We retrospectively reviewed 1-year follow-up results of the whole cohort. Ages, body mass indexes, menopausal status, operation time, cost of sling, success of operation and complications were recorded. All these data were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There were 41 patients (54.29 ± 9.88 years) in group 1 and 61 patients (52.82 ± 9.85 years) in group 2. Menopausal status and body mass index (28.1 vs. 29.2 kg/m² respectively) were similar for both groups. Previous history of incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse surgery (P = .046), mean duration of the procedure (P = .001), and vaginal extrusion rate (P = .016) were significantly lower in group 2. The cost of the sling was higher in group 2 than in group 1. There was no significant difference in success of operation between the groups (P = .319). CONCLUSION: According to our results, hand-made mesh is a viable option in TOT surgery with similar efficacy, but surgeons should be careful in terms of vaginal extrusion.

Analysis and classification of heterogeneous kidney stones using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).

Kidney stones were analyzed using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), utilizing a high resolution multi-channel charge-coupled device (CCD) spectrometer and a nanosecond-pulse Nd : YAG laser. The kidney stones were also characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques for comparative analysis. It was found that the ratio of hydrogen (H) to carbon (C) was an important indicator of organic compounds such as uric acid. Advantages of LIBS, especially with regards to amount of sample required and sample preparation as well as the ability to carry out elemental analysis and classification of kidney stones simultaneously, over other analytical techniques such as XRD and XRF are discussed. The common minor elements detected in the kidney stones include P, S, Si, Ti, and Zn. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) of broadband LIBS spectra were employed for classifying different types of kidney stones. The results are beneficial in understanding kidney stone formation processes, which can lead to preventive therapeutic strategies and treatment methods for urological patients.