The clinical outcomes of laser with suction device in mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and feasibility of laser with suction device in mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted including 200 patients who underwent mini-PCNL for renal stones. All patients underwent PCNL using Electro-Medical Systems laser. In addition to the laser in 100 patients, a suction device was used (laser with suction [LWS]). In the other 100, suction device was not used (laser with no additional suction [LOS]). Mini-PCNL was performed using standard technique and Karl Storz minimally invasive PCNL-medium system was used. Primary end point was stone clearance. RESULTS: Both the groups were comparable in terms of demographic data. Mean stone size was 15.24±5.90 mm and 16.16±5.53 mm in LWS and LOS, respectively. Mean Hounsfield unit of stone was 1285.64 and 1206.79 in LWS and LOS, respectively. Operative time was less in LWS group (56.89±19.65 min) as compared to LOS (62.01±28.81 min). At one-month follow-up, radiological complete clearance was 96% in LWS and 92% in LOS. On subgroup analysis of stones larger than 18 mm, the clearance rate was in favour of LWS (85.7% vs. 100%) and also the need for nephrostomy placement was less in LWS group. CONCLUSIONS: LWS device is safe and efficacious when used with mini-PCNL. For stones greater than 18 mm, it has a better stone free rate as compared to using no suction.

Face, content, and construct validity of a novel chicken model for laparoscopic ureteric reimplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Simulation-based training in laparoscopic urology is essential, as these surgeries require a different skill set. We validated a chicken model for laparoscopic left modified Lich Gregoir type of ureteric reimplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective observational study was conducted from August 2016 till February 2017. Thirty novice surgeons and 20 trained laparoscopic surgeons were included in the study. The relevant chicken anatomy and surgical steps were described to all the surgeons. The surgeons were asked to fill an eight-point questionnaire after finishing the procedure and score it on a scale of 1-5. The trainee's performance was also recorded by an investigator on a proforma. The investigator recorded dissection time, suturing time, quality of dissection, quality of suturing, and integrity of anastomosis on a scale of 1-5. RESULTS: All the participants in the study gave a mean score of 3 or more to all the questions asked, except for one question pertaining to tissue feel. Both the groups rated the usefulness of the model very highly with a mean score of 4.20 and 4.15, respectively. Difference in the time taken for dissection and suturing along with the quality of suturing was statistically significant in favor of the expert group. CONCLUSIONS: The chicken model for laparoscopic left modified Lich Gregoir type of ureteric reimplantation is a useful, effective, cognitive training tool. This model has a face, content, and construct validity to be used as a teaching and learning tool in laparoscopic urology.

Critical appraisal of consecutive 36 cases of post renal transplant lymphocele: a proposed algorithm.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphyocele by definition is the collection of lymph that is contained by a pseudomembrane. Management of lymphocele varies from simple aspiration or aspiration with sclerothreapy to more invasive technique, such as internal/external drainage. We present the results of 36 patients who developed pelvic lymphocele after renal transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1720 patients underwent living related donor renal allograft transplant at our centre. Of the total 1720 transplants 36 patients developed symptomatic lymphocele and underwent definitive management. Retrospectively analysis of the clinical data of these 36 patients was done. RESULTS: Thrirt six patients (2.09%) had a clinically significant lymphocele, which needed definitive management. All these patients underwent ultrasound guided drain placement and sclerosant injection. Fifteen out of 36 patients (41.6%) had successful treament with percutaneous drain placement. Laparoscopic marsupialization of lymphocele was done in 21 patients who failed percutaneous drain insertion therapy after diagnostic aspiration. Laparoscopic Marsupilization was successful in 18 out of 21 patients (85.7%). The 3 patients with failed laparoscopic marsupialization were managed with open surgical marsupialization. CONCLUSION: Significant number of lymphocele post renal transplant may be asymptomatic but still cause deterioration of renal function even without causing obstructive uropathy. Lymphoceles causing renal deterioration or symptoms should be managed in a step ladder fashion starting from percutaneous drainage to laparoscopic marsupilization to open surgical approach. Asymptomatic recurrences post marsupialization are common and should be only closely observed unless they become symptomatic or cause deterioration of renal function. A systematic protocol may help in treating these patients better.

Bolster material granuloma masquerading as recurrent renal cell carcinoma following partial nephrectomy.

Nephron sparing surgery has seen a phenomenal rise in its application over the past few decades. The use of Surgicel and gel foam for closure of defect created after partial nephrectomy has become a routine practice at many centers. In this case report, we describe radiological artifact secondary to a surgical bolster mimicking a residual disease or an early recurrence in the kidney. This case highlights two facts; first, reapproximation of the renal tissue is best done without the use of Surgicel bolsters. Second, bolsteroma should always be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis in a case where computed tomography (CT) imaging is showing early recurrence. If the surgeon is sure about the surgical margins being negative and the CT image shows a bolsteroma, the patient should be observed and a repeat scan should be done at 3-6 months, which would show regression or disappearance of the lesion proving it to be an artifact rather than malignant lesion.

Case Report: Use of reinforced buccal mucosa graft over gracilis muscle flap in management of post high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) rectourethral fistula.

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has come forward as alternative treatment for carcinoma of the prostate. Though minimally invasive,HIFUhas potential side effects. Urethrorectal fistula is one such rare side effect. Management of these fistulas has been described by Vanni et al. This case report describes points of technique that will help successful management of resilient rectourethral fistula. Urinary and faecal diversion in the form of suprapubic catheter and colostomy is vital. Adequate time between stoma formation, fistula closure and then finally stoma closure is needed. Lithotomy position and perineal approach gives best exposure to the fistula. The rectum should be dissected 2cm above the fistula; this aids in tension free closure of the rectal defect. Similarly buccal mucosal graft was used on the urethra to achieve tension free closure. A good vascular pedicle gracilis muscle flap is used to interpose between the two repairs. This not only provides a physical barrier but also provides a vascular bed for BMG uptake. Perfect haemostasis is essential, as any collection may become a site of infection thus compromising results.  We strongly recommend rectourethral fistula be directly repaired with gracilis muscle flap with reinforced buccal mucosa graft without attempting any less invasive repairs because the "first chance is the best chance".

Giant desmoid tumor of the anterior abdominal wall in a young female: a case report.

Desmoid tumors (also called desmoids fibromatosis) are rare slow growing benign and musculoaponeurotic tumors. Although these tumors have a propensity to invade surrounding tissues, they are not malignant. These tumors are associated with women of fertile age, especially during and after pregnancy. We report a young female patient with a giant desmoid tumor of the anterior abdominal wall who underwent primary resection. The patient had no history of an earlier abdominal surgery. Preoperative evaluation included abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The histology revealed a desmoid tumor. Primary surgical resection with immediate reconstruction of abdominal defect is the best management of this rarity. To the best of our knowledge and PubMed search, this is the first case ever reported in the medical literature of such a giant desmoid tumor arising from anterior abdominal wall weighing 6.5 kg treated surgically with successful outcome.