[Safety and efficiency of retrograde intrarenal surgery without X-ray guidance].

INTRODUCTION: The main stages of flexible ureteroscopy in patients with renal stones are usually performed under X-ray guidance. Long-term exposure of ionizing radiation can have negative effects on the patients with nephrolithiasis and the operating team. AIM: To study the results of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) without fluoroscopic guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) without X-ray-guidance in 76 patients were analyzed. There were 46 (53.3%) men and 30 (46.7%) women. The average age was 50.4+/-14.6 years. All patients underwent laboratory tests and non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography to determine the size and density of the stone. In all cases, preoperative ureteral stenting was performed. The average stone size was 10.5+/-4.2 mm. First, ureteroscopy with a rigid endoscope was done to assess the ureter and determine the depth of the introducing ureteral access sheath. After removing the ureteroscope along the guidewire, a ureteral access sheath was put at this distance. An inspection of the collecting system and laser fragmentation of kidney stones were performed using a flexible ureteroscope. In 64 (84.2%) patients, a 4.7 Ch stent was put at the end of the procedure, while in the remaining 12 (15.8%) patients, a ureteral catheter was left for 1-2 days. The operation time, stone-free rate, and the number of intra- and postoperative complications were studied. RESULTS: All fURS were successful and performed without X-ray guidance. The average operation time was 42.5+/-8.0 minutes. After the first session, stone-free rate was 92.1% (70/76). In 6 (7.9%) cases, residual stones were found, which were completely removed after the second session. Intraoperative complications, namely perforation of the upper calyx by the distal end of the ureteral access sheath, were observed in 2 (2.6%) patients, which did not require any additional interventions. Postoperative complications occurred in 10 (13.2%) patients, including fever in 6 (7.9%) and hematuria in 4 (5.3%) cases. There were no serious complications, such as ureteral perforation or sepsis, and no blood transfusion was performed. CONCLUSION: Flexible ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy can be performed safely and effectively without X-ray guidance.

[Laparoscopic substitution of the right ureter by appendix onlay].

INTRODUCTION: In highly-selected patients with long narrowing of the middle and upper third of the right ureter, ureteroplasty with an appendix can be performed. In the literature, publications on the possibility of ureteroplasty onlay with a detubularized appendix have been appeared. AIM: To study the results of laparoscopic ureteroplasty of the right ureter using appendix as onlay flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the Center of Urology of Mariinsky hospital, 5 patients (2 men and 3 women) with a long stricture of the middle or upper third of the right ureter underwent right-side ureteroplasty using appendix as onlay flap. The mean age of the patients was 42.5 years. In 4 cases, the stricture developed after ureteroscopy with lithotripsy, while in 1 patient, laparoscopic ureterolysis was previously performed. Three patients were admitted with nephrostomy tube, two with a ureteral stent. The average length of the stricture was 3.5 (2.8-5.2) cm. The ureteral stricture was visualized by laparoscopic access, dissected along its length and replaced with a detubularized appendix as onlay flap. RESULTS: The average procedure time was 225 (180-260) min, the volume of blood loss was 160 (70-245) ml, and the hospital stay was 3.6 (3-7) days. There were no intraoperative complications. In the postoperative period, fever was observed in one patient, and ileus, which resolved spontaneously, developed in another patient. With an average follow-up period of 13.5 (6.2-24.4) months, the procedure was effective in all cases. The urodynamics of the upper urinary tract recovered completely in 3 patients and improved in 2 cases. Pain disappeared in all patients. It was possible to remove external and internal drainage in all cases. CONCLUSION: In patients with long strictures of the middle and proximal parts of the right ureter, laparoscopic ureteroplasty using the appendix as onlay flap may be the method of choice. This procedure is less traumatic and has a low complication rate.

Laparoscopic ventral onlay ureteroplasty with buccal mucosa graft for complex proximal ureteral stricture

ABSTRACT Introduction: There is lack of papers dedicated to the laparoscopic buccal mucosa graft (BMG) ureteroplasty of the complex upper ureteral stricture. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of laparoscopic BMG ureteroplasty in patients with complex proximal ureteral stricture. Material and methods: Twenty-four patients underwent laparoscopic ventral onlay BMG ureteroplasty for long or recurrent proximal ureteral stricture not amenable to uretero-ureteral anastomosis over 2019-2022. Patient demographics, operative time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, follow-up, intra- and postoperative complication rate and percentage of stricture-free at last visit were analyzed. Results: The mean stricture length was 3.6 cm. The mean operative time was 208.3 min, while mean blood loss was 75.8 mL. The length of hospital stay was 7.3 days. No intraoperative complications were observed. Postoperatively, seven patients developed complications (29.2%). Five patients experienced a Grade II (according to Clavien nomenclature). Two patients developed a Grade IIIa complication, which included leakage of the anastomosis site. The mean follow-up was on the 22 months with stricture free rate 87.5%. Conclusion: Patients with proximal ureteral strictures could be effectively treated by laparoscopic ventral onlay ureteroplasty with a buccal mucosa graft.

Laparoscopic ventral onlay ureteroplasty with buccal mucosa graft for complex proximal ureteral stricture.

INTRODUCTION: There is lack of papers dedicated to the laparoscopic buccal mucosa graft (BMG) ureteroplasty of the complex upper ureteral stricture. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of laparoscopic BMG ureteroplasty in patients with complex proximal ureteral stricture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients underwent laparoscopic ventral onlay BMG ureteroplasty for long or recurrent proximal ureteral stricture not amenable to uretero-ureteral anastomosis over 2019-2022. Patient demographics, operative time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, follow-up, intra- and postoperative complication rate and percentage of stricture-free at last visit were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean stricture length was 3.6 cm. The mean operative time was 208.3 min, while mean blood loss was 75.8 mL. The length of hospital stay was 7.3 days. No intraoperative complications were observed. Postoperatively, seven patients developed complications (29.2%). Five patients experienced a Grade II (according to Clavien nomenclature). Two patients developed a Grade IIIa complication, which included leakage of the anastomosis site. The mean follow-up was on the 22 months with stricture free rate 87.5%. CONCLUSION: Patients with proximal ureteral strictures could be effectively treated by laparoscopic ventral onlay ureteroplasty with a buccal mucosa graft.

[Ureteroplasty using onlay graft for long ureteral strictures].

Full-text articles published in peer-reviewed journals dedicated to the results of onlay ureteroplasty using various materials, as well as monographs on surgical treatment of long ureteral strictures are presented in the article. Over the past decade, onlay technique for the treatment of long ureteral strictures using flaps or grafts on a vascular pedicle have been introduced. Experimental data on the results of onlay ureteroplasty using autologous vein or bladder mucosa, as well as the small intestine submucosa (SIS) have been published in the literature. Due to the availability and good survival rate, buccal and tongue mucosal flaps are widely recognized as the optimal graft for onlay ureteroplasty. There are also studies on the results of ureteroplasty using SIS or appendix graft onlay for the upper and middle ureteral strictures. A use of tissue-engineered flaps for ureteroplasty remains contradictory. Further research in this direction may allow to obtain optimal grafts for onlay ureteroplasty. However, oral mucosa or appendix are predominant materials, which are used for onlay ureteroplasty.

[Ureteroplasty with buccal flap: indications, technique, alternative methods].

This literature review is devoted to the analysis of indications for ureteroplasty with a buccal flap, its technique, and the alternative surgical options. Reconstructive surgery of the ureter has more than a century of history, during which various surgical interventions have been proposed and improved depending on the location and length of the stricture. Over the past decades, a method of replacing the ureter with a flap from the buccal or tongue mucosa was introduced. The use of such flaps for the ureteral reconstruction is not a new concept; the possibility of performing such a procedure was confirmed at the end of the last century. Successful results of experimental and clinical studies have allowed the gradual adoption of this technique to replace long defects in the upper and middle third of the ureter. In buccal ureteroplasty, robot-assisted approach is widely used, contributing to a high success rate and fewer postoperative complications. The accumulation of experience in such reconstructive procedures and the analysis of the results allow to clarify the indications and contraindications, improve the technique, and carry out multicenter studies. According to the literature, ureteroplasty using a buccal or tongue mucosa flap is most suitable for long narrowing of the ureteropelvic junction, the upper and middle third of the ureter, which are amenable to endoscopic procedures or segmental resection with end-to-end anastomosis.

[Comparative analysis of robot-assisted and open radical cystectomy with orthotopic urinary diversion].

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder creation is a complex surgical procedure, which is gradually becoming an alternative to open surgery. AIM: To compare the perioperative, functional and oncological outcomes of open radical cystectomy (ORC) and RARC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RARC with ileocystoplasty was performed in 25 patients, including 24 men. The average age was 65.5 years. ORC was done in 30 patients (28 men; control group) with the mean age of 67.2 years. In RARC, the ureters were isolated at the level of lower thirds, the bladder was dissected from the rectum on both sides, then the bladder vessels were divided using clips, and the urethra was cut off. After pelvic lymph node dissection, 50 cm of the ileum was resected. Then two distal segments were folded in a U-shape, a 1.5 cm incision was made in the lower part, and an anastomosis with the urethra was carried out. Further, these segments were detubularized and a modified Studer reservoir was created. The ureters were implanted into the tubular part. In ORC, urine diversion was also done using Studer technique. In both groups, the operation time, the volume of blood loss, the number of complications, the duration of hospitalization, the proportion of daytime and nighttime continence were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean time for RARC and ORC was 380 (320-580) and 260 (220-320) min, respectively (p<0.05). In the group of RARC, the volume of blood loss was 85 (50-250) ml and no blood transfusion was performed, while in ORC, the volume of blood loss was 520 (350-1400) ml, an average of 480 (0-840) ml of blood was transfused (p<0.05). After RARC, 30- and 90- complications rate was 32.0% (n=8) and 24.0% (n=6), respectively, compared to 40.0% (n=12) and 30.0% (n=9) in ORC. One patient died due to myocardial infarction during the 90-day follow-up period after RARC (grade V complication according to Clavien). The average number of removed lymph nodes in the RARC group was 15 (10-18). One patient had lymph node metastases. There were no cases of local recurrence. In ORC, the average number of lymph nodes was 16 (11-20), metastases were detected in 2 patients. One of them was subsequently diagnosed with local recurrence. There was no significant difference in the number of lymph nodes removed between two groups. After RARC, 20 (80.0%) patients had complete urinary continence, while 5 patients (20.0%) used 1-2 pads per day. Night continence was preserved in 15 cases (60.0%). After ORC, complete urinary continence was seen in 23 cases (76.7%). Five patients (20.0%) used 1-2 pads per day and two patients (6.7%) used 2-3 pads per day. Night continence after ORC was preserved in 17 cases (56.7%). CONCLUSION: RARC is a minimally invasive method of surgical treatment of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Compared with ORC, a significantly lower rate of complications and blood transfusions is documented, but RARC requires a longer operation time. Both interventions provide the equivalent oncological and functional outcomes, which are in line with published data.

[Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy with selective ischemia].

INTRODUCTION: Clamping of the renal artery during partial nephrectomy leads to renal ischemia and a deterioration of its function. An alternative to total ischemia is to isolate and clamp the segmental branch of the renal artery supplying the tumor. AIM: To evaluate the efficiency of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) with selective renal ischemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 42 patients with renal tumors of stage T1a (n=34) and T1b (n=8) undergoing RAPN were included in the study. There were 25 men (59.5%) and 17 women. The mean age was 56.0 +/- 7.5 years, the tumor size ranged from 2.5 to 6.8 cm. Patients with a solitary kidney, multiple tumors, and those who underwent partial nephrectomy with clamping of the renal artery were excluded from the study. CT angiography with 3D reconstruction were used to detect the segmental branches of the renal artery, that supply the tumor. To determine the complexity of renal tumors, the RENAL nephrometric scale was used. Complications were assessed according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. In addition, mean operative time and volume of blood loss, warm ischemia time, pre- and postoperative renal function, and oncological outcomes were analyzed. The RAPN was considered successful if it was performed with selective clamping of the artery. RESULTS: RAPN with selective ischemia was effective in 38 (90.5%) of 42 patients. In 4 (9.5%) cases with tumors of T1b stage and high RENAL scores (> 8), total ischemia was eventually used in order to control bleeding. According to CT angiography, these patients had more or equal 2 branches of renal artery, supplying the tumor. Mean operation time, volume of blood loss and warm ischemia time were 130.0+/-35 min, 185.0+/-80.0 ml and 14.0+/-3.2 min, respectively. In one case, there was an injury to the renal vein, which was sutured. Postoperative complications were observed in 5 (12.0%) patients. The glomerular filtration rate pre- and postoperatively was 76.5 and 72.0 ml/min/1.73 m2, and its decrease 1 month after RAPN was not significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative evaluation of renal arterial anatomy allows to detect the segmental branch that supplies the tumor. By its clamping, it is possible to perform efficient and safe robot-assisted partial nephrectomy without total ischemia.

[Laparoscopic substitution of the proximal ureter using buccal mucosa].

INTRODUCTION: In patients with long ureteral strictures, bowel substitution of the ureter or kidney autotransplantation can be performed, which are technically demanding. For recurrent uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and proximal ureteral strictures, substitution of the ureter using buccal graft may be an alternative. AIM: to study the results of laparoscopic ureteral substitution in patients with long proximal ureteral strictures using buccal graft. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Laparoscopic ureteral substitution of the ureter using buccal graft was performed in 10 patients with long proximal ureteral strictures, 7 of them were men. The average age was 43.5 years. In 6 patients there was a recurrence after previous pyeloplasty, while 3 patients had ureteroscopy due to upper ureteral stone and one patient had ureteral trauma during laparoscopic excision of the kidney cyst. Three patients were admitted to the hospital with nephrostomy tube, seven with a ureteral stent. Using a laparoscopic approach, an affected part of the ureter was dissected along its length, then a stent was placed antegrade and the ureter was substituted with buccal graft using the onlay technique. RESULTS: All patients underwent laparoscopic intervention. There were no intraoperative complications. The duration of the procedure ranged from 170 to 340 minutes. There were no cases of anastomotic leakage. Fever was observed in one patient without nephrostomy drainage (Clavien grade I). On intravenous pyelography and computed tomography, the neoureter was wide and patent. In patients with PUJO, a severity of dilation of the collecting system was decreased over time. Clinically, all procedures were successful, as patients were free of nephrostomy tube and symptoms of upper urinary tract obstruction. CONCLUSION: Ureteral substitution using buccal graft may be the method of choice in patients with long proximal ureteral strictures. It is relatively easy, since it does not require extensive dissection of the ureter and provides for the possibility of using buccal graft of the desired length.

[Intestinal and appendicular ureteral substitution].

AIM: To present the technical features and results of intestinal and appendicular ureteral replacement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1998 to 2020, a total of 196 patients aged 18 to 77 years (mean age 49.5 +/- 1.2 years) were undergone to intestinal and appendicular ureteral reconstruction in our clinic. There were 123 women (62.8%). The most frequent indications for surgery were complications of open and endoscopic ureteral procedures, radiation-induced ureteral stricture, and iatrogenic injuries of the ureters during gynecological and surgical interventions (81.6%). In 165 (84.2%) patients, for ureteral replacement the ileal segment was used, while in 4 (2.0%) and 27 (13.8%) cases the colon segment and the appendix were chosen, respectively. Unilateral ileal ureteral replacement was performed in 131 (79.4%) cases, while in 34 (26.6%) patients a bilateral procedure was done. Partial and complete ureteral replacement was performed in 107 (81.7%) and 24 (18.3%) cases, respectively. Laparoscopic intestinal and appendicular ureteral replacement was performed in 44 (22.4%) patients, while two patients were undergone to robot-assisted procedure (1.0%). RESULTS: Early postoperative complications were noted in 17 (8.7%) cases. The most severe included acute bowel obstruction, leakage of entero-ureteral anastomoses, necrosis of the ileal graft and bleeding in 10 (5.1%) patients. In all cases, repeat intervention was performed. There were no lethal complications. Late postoperative complications developed in 24 (14.3%) patients. CONCLUSION: Today our clinic has the worlds largest experience in intestinal and appendicular ureteral reconstruction, including original procedures, confirmed by 5 patents for inventions. The minimum number of postoperative complications, the absence of deaths and good long-term results provide the basis for the introduction of ileal and appendicular ureteral replacement into clinical practice.

[InsKid Mobile application for the reconstruction of the internal view of the collecting system].

INTRODUCTION: patients with urinary stone disease during consultation often cannot realize their condition and features of upcoming procedure. Creation of 3D printed models is also not always available or too expensive. AIM: to create a special program that allows for virtual intrarenal visualization of the collecting system and kidney stone on devices based on the Android operating system and evaluate its efficiency in counseling patients before the upcoming percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: a total of 15 patients who were scheduled to PCNL, were included in the study. All of them had two consultations. During the second consultation, the newly developed program was used. Patient data from DICOM (computed tomography) format were converted to stereolithography (STL) format in order to display it in the application. Each patient assessed the quality of the consultation using a questionnaire. RESULTS: patients understanding of the kidney anatomy improved by 55% (from 34 to 75 points, p=0.0001), and stone localization by 51% (from 37 to 75 points, p=0.0001). The stages of PCNL became clearer by 57% (from 32 points to 75, p=0.0001), and understanding of possible intra- and postoperative complications was improved by 48% (from 38 to 73 points, p=0.0002). Overall patient satisfaction with counseling improved by 53% (from 35 to 74 points, p=0.0001), and the number of patients who desired for better repeated counseling decreased by 89% (from 9 to 1, p=0.006). CONCLUSION: The InsKid app is an affordable and easy-to-use program, which doesnt require significant costs and allows patients to understand their disease and upcoming procedure.

[Robot-assisted radical cystectomy with neobladder formation].

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal neobladder formation is a complex surgical procedure. AIM: To describe the main stages of RARC and to analyze its short-term results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RARC with ileocystoplasty was performed in 16 patients, most of whom were men (n=14). In 15 patients, the indication for surgery was bladder cancer (BCa), while one patient has radiation-induced sigmoid fistula with a formation of small, contracted bladder. During radical cystectomy (RC), the lower ureters were dissected, followed by posterior dissection of the bladder with mobilization from both sides to the pelvic fascia, clipping and transection of the vesical pedicles, and suturing of the dorsal venous complex with urethral dissection. After pelvic lymph node dissection, 40 cm of the ileum was resected, after that two distal segments of 15 cm were U-shaped, and a 1.5 cm incision was made in the lower part of the bowel, followed by a formation of the urethral anastomosis. Then bowel segments were detubularized, and continuous suture on the posterior and anterior walls of the neobladder was done. Ureters were implanted in the proximal tubular part of the resected colon according to the Nesbit technique. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 380 minutes. The blood loss ranged from 80 to 200 ml; however, blood transfusion was not performed. Complications during 30-days after RARC were observed in 7 (43.7%) patients, including 4 (25%) of class I-II according to Clavien - Dindo, and 3 (18.7%) of class III-IV. In patients with leakage at the uretero- intestinal anastomosis (n=2) and urethro-neobladder anastomosis (n=1), percutaneous drainage was performed, which allowed to resolve these complications. There were no cases of bowel obstruction. One patient with gastrointestinal bleeding required blood transfusion. The 90-day late complications occurred in 6 (37.5%) patients, including 2 cases of upper urinary tract infection. One patient died of acute myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: RARC is a contemporary minimally invasive method for muscle-invasive BCa. Stepwise approach to RARC with intracorporeal neobladder formation may reduce the operation time and the rate of complications.

[Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with solitary kidney].

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the method of choice for large and staghorn renal stones, including those in patients with solitary kidney. The aim of the literature review was to analyze the results of PCNL in patients with large stones in the solitary kidney. The literature search was conducted in databases Embase, Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus for the period from 2010 to 2019. A total 94 articles were selected, of which 16 papers were included in the review after analyzing the abstracts. Data was pooled and analyzed using SPSS Statistics 22.0. The primary stone-free rate for PCNL in these patients was 68.3+/-14.2%, and the final stone-free rate increased by 86.5+/-4.9%. The average duration of the operation was 86+/-25 (43.7-138.3) min, the length of stay was 5 (2-6) days. The baseline creatinine level was 137 (110-200) mmol/L, compared to 142 (122-183) mmol/L postoperatively. The mean difference between the baseline and postoperative Hb level was 7.8 (1.3-17.5) g/l. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) before PCNL was 62.3+/-7.5 ml/min/1.73 m2, and it did not exceed 62.5+/-9.3 ml/min/1.73 m2 postoperatively. The overall complication rate ranged from 10.6 to 68.8%, averaging 29.9%. In most cases, there were grade I and II complications, according to Clavien-Dindo classification, which didnt require additional interventions. PCNL is a highly effective treatment method for patients with large stones in solitary kidney. Complications rate is relatively low, which is achieved by an individual approach, with a consideration of the condition and all risk factors.

[Laparoscopic ureteropyeloanastomosis in iatrogenic trauma of the upper pole ureter in a duplex kidney].

In case of stricture of the lower third of ureter in patients with duplex kidney, ureteroneocystostomy or transureteroureterostomy can be used. Anastomosis of the injured ureter of the upper pole with the pelvis of the lower pole is considered nontypical. In this clinical observation, a 46-year-old patient with iatrogenic trauma of the pelvic part of the upper pole of a duplex kidney successfully undergone laparoscopic ureteropyelostomy. There were no complications; the stent was removed after 4 weeks. During the follow-up examination, the function of both kidneys was within normal range and there were no disturbances in the urine passage in the upper urinary tract. Thus, laparoscopic ureteropyelostomy provided an adequate urine passage from the duplex system kidney through the healthy ureter.

[Laparoscopic pyeloplasty in recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction].

INTRODUCTION: Pyeloplasty represents main treatment method of patients with primary ureteropelvic obstruction (UPJ). In recurrent UPJ obstruction endopyelothomy is performed more commonly and in case of its failure a repeated pyeloplasty can be done. The aim of the study was to assess the results of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in these recurrent cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 178 laparoscopic pyeloplasty was performed in urologic clinic from February 2010 to March 2018. In 18 patients (10.1%), including 11 men and 7 women, recurrent UPJ obstruction was diagnosed. Mean age was 36.5+/-8.0 years. There were 12 left UPJ obstruction and 6 right UPJ obstruction. Previously, 10 and 8 patients undergone open and laparoscopic pyeloplasty, respectively. Retrograde pyelothomy was done in 12 cases (75.0%). All patients had clinical symptoms and obstructive curve pattern on dynamic scintigraphy. Intra- and postoperative complications were graded using Clavien classification. The results of laparoscopic pyeloplasty were evaluated by excretory urography and dynamic scintigraphy. RESULTS: There was no conversion. Mean duration of laparoscopic pyeloplasty was 105.5+/-28 min. The surgery was more prolonged in patients who previously undergone transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Conversely, laparoscopic pyeloplasty after failed open retroperitoneal pyeloplasty was less complicated. Mean blood loss was 60.0+/-20.5 ml. There was no intraoperative complications and postoperative complications developed in 3 patients (16.7%), including fever in 2 cases (grade II on Clavien) and urinary leakage in 1 patient (grade I on Clavien). Laparoscopic pyeloplasty was ineffective in 1 case (5.4%), according to dynamic scintigraphy. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is feasible method in case of recurrent UPJ obstruction despite scar tissue in the area of intervention.

[A comparative analysis of the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy].

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNL) is considered as the main treatment method of patients with large and staghorn kidney stones. In some cases, laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LP) may be an alternative option to PNL. The aim of our work was to compare the results of these surgical methods for treatment of large pelvis stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of surgical treatment of 60 patients with large pelvis stones were reviewed. In 40 patients (66.7%) PNL were performed, while in 20 cases (33.3%) LP were done. In the PNL group, the average stone size was 2.7 (2.5-3.8) cm and in the LP group it was 3.0 (2.6-4.2) cm. Four patients in the LP group had kidney malrotation, one patient had pelvic dystopia, and in another case a horseshoe kidney was diagnosed. The operative time and stone-free rate, intra- and postoperative complications, the amount of blood loss and the length of hospitalization were compared. RESULTS: There was no conversion in both groups. There were no significant differences in the mean length of hospitalization (4.5+/-1.5 vs 4.4+/-1.4 days) and analgesic use (2.2+/-0.9 vs 2.4+/-1.0 days) and stone-free rate (100 vs 90%) between groups. The mean operative time was significantly higher at the PL (110.0+/-25.0 vs 65.4+/-24.5 min; p less or equal 0.05), but the amount of blood loss was significantly lower (70+/-28 versus 160.0+/-55 ml; p less or equal 0.05) compared to the PNL group. CONCLUSIONS: PNL remains the main treatment method for patients with large kidney stones. However, abnormal kidneys, concomitant ureteropelvic junction obstruction or endoscopic treatment failure can be indications to LP.

[Using of a dismountable 3D-model of the collecting system with color segmentation to improve the learning curve of residents].

AIM: to determine the efficiency of using a non-biological dismountable 3D-model of the collecting system with color segmentation for better understanding of its anatomy by residents and to determine the optimal tactics of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3D-models of the collecting system were developed based on CT data of 5 patients with staghorn stones, for whom PNL was planned. CT images were obtained in the Dicom format. RadiAnt DICOM Viewer was used for delineation and segmentation of the collecting system with 3D visualization. Using slicer 4.8.1 software, virtual models were processed to convert DICOM files to STL format. Then, virtual color extraction of each group of calyxes was performed for convenient disassembling and intraluminal study of the anatomy of the collecting system. The final stage included the printing of each area by the method of layer-by-layer deposition using a 3D printer Picaso designer X. To assess the efficiency of the dismountable 3D-model that simulates a certain collecting system, a questionnaire was used. It allowed to evaluate the understanding of the anatomy of the collecting system by residents, as well as the ability to determine the optimal calyx for PNL by comparing the answers with the result of a survey of practicing urologists who had performed more than 50 cases. RESULTS: After studying 3D-models by residents, determination of the number of calyxes in each group was not statistically significantly different from those for practicing urologists who used CT images. The choice of the calyx for primary puncture was not different between groups. However, residents chose the calyx for additional access worse (p=0.009). CONCLUSION: The dismountable 3D-model of the collecting system is promising for training of residents and planning PNL. Studying the anatomy of a single group of calyxes as well as the entire collecting system allows to choose the optimal calyx for percutaneous puncture during PNL.

[The infective complications of the percutaneous nephrolithotomy].

In the article the main causes of the development of infective complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy and their predictors described by the different authors are presented. A review of studies, dedicated to analysis of baseline risk factors of postoperative fever, systemic inflammatory response syndrome and/or sepsis was conducted. It was established that stone size and true bacteriuria are reliable risk factors as well as technical features of PCNL and the duration of the surgery. The staghorn and multiple stones increase the postoperative complications rate by three times. Despite low incidence of postoperative sepsis after PCNL, it is the serious complication and the main cause of mortality in a postoperative period. The use of prophylactic antibiotics with consideration of bacteria, isolated from the urinary tract significantly reduces the incidence of the postoperative infectious complications. The scheme of a single injection of the antibiotic 30 minutes before the surgery is effective.

[Subcapsular renal hematomas after ureteroscopic lithotripsy].

INTRODUCTION: Renal hematomas (RH) are a rare complication of retrograde endoscopic lithotripsy (REL). This study aimed to investigate the incidence and causes of RH after REL in patients with ureteral stones of different locations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2016, 1214 REL were performed at the Urology Clinic of the Mechnikov NWSMU. The analyzes of patients who had RH after REL included the following parameters: age, gender, history of upper urinary tract (UUT) surgery and concomitant diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension), the baseline kidney function, the stone characteristics and the degree of hydronephrosis observed in the postoperative period, results of laboratory tests, ultrasound and spiral computed tomography (SCT) of the kidneys. RESULTS: Renal hematomas were diagnosed in 4 (0.3%) of 1214 patients aged 36 to 50 years who had obstructive upper ureteral stones measuring from 0.8 to 1.2 cm in diameter. Three of them previously had UUT surgery: two had REL, and one female patient with a solitary left kidney twice underwent percutaneous nephro- and ureterolithotripsy. All four patients had a triad of symptoms: side flank pain, fever, and anemia. In three patients hematomas were diagnosed on day 2-3 and in one it was found two weeks after the surgery. Two of them were managed with conservative therapy, including bed rest and antibiotics. One patient underwent an ultrasound guided puncture and drainage of the hematoma. In the patient with a solitary kidney, laparoscopic drainage of RH was performed due to growing hematoma and aggravating renal insufficiency. Two patients received blood transfusions. Follow-up kidney SCT showed complete resolution of hematomas in all patients. CONCLUSION: Renal hematomas are a rare but serious complication of REL. The presence of side flank pain, fever and anemia may be indicative of REL and requires a kidney ultrasound. Management of RH should be patient specific, depending on the severity of the patients condition.

[Laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy].

AIM: To analyze the results of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LAE) in patients with adrenal gland tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2011 to 2016, 24 patients (15 men, 9 women), mean age 49.6 +/- 8.2 years, underwent LAE. The right, left and bilateral LAE was performed in 12, 10 and 2 patients, respectively. Indications for surgery were mainly primary and metastatic adrenal tumors. The operations were performed using a transperitoneal 4-port approach. RESULTS: Twenty six LAE were successfully performed in 24 patients. There were no conversions. Blood transfusion was used only in 1 patient, who had a history of the laparoscopic left nephrectomy for the renal cell carcinoma 2 years earlier. She had bleeding due to a spleen injury during the left LAE. She also developed acute postoperative pancreatitis, resolved by conservative therapy. The mean intra- and postoperative blood loss was 160 (120-750) ml, the operative time was 135 (100-205) min, and the length of hospital stay was 4 (3-5) days. Histological examination revealed adenocarcinoma and adenoma in 20 (73.1%) and 6 (26.9%) removed adrenal glands, respectively. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is an effective and safe surgical modality to treat patients with adrenal tumors.