[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.

[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.

[Assessment of sexual function and quality of life in women with postcoital cystitis].

INTRODUCTION: According to the literature, 20-50% of women will experience urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime, and in 10-30% of cases, cystitis will recur. Despite the high prevalence of recurrent UTI, there are lack of studies dedicated to its impact on the quality of life, and the influence of postcoital cystitis on the quality of life and sexual function has not been previously evaluated. AIM: To assess the quality of life and sexual function in patients with recurrent postcoital cystitis before and after transposition of the urethra. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Women suffering from recurrent postcoital cystitis, who underwent urethral transposition from 2019 to 2021 were included the study. The SF-12v2 questionnaire was used to assess quality of life, while sexual function was evaluated using Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]. Questionnaires were filled out by 70 patients, before and after surgery. RESULTS: All domains of the quality of life were significantly different in the pre- and postoperative period. More pronounced changes were found in the mental health-related quality of life. In addition, there were significant differences in each domain of FSFI and the overall score postoperatively compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: Our study reports a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women with recurrent postcoital cystitis as well as a reduced quality of life. This work shows the social significance of the problem, as well as the high rehabilitation potential of urethral transposition.

[Retrograde intrarenal surgery for kidney diseases].

INTRODUCTION: Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is being actively implemented in the treatment of renal stones and other diseases. If necessary, RIRS can be combined with percutaneous procedures. AIM: To study the results of RIRS in patients with nephrolithiasis and various renal disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 106 patients who undergone RIRS were included in the study. There were 66 men (63.4%) and 40 women (36.6%). Mean age was 46.8+/-15.6 years. The indication for RIRS in 84 (79.2%) patients was renal stones. Calculus in calyceal diverticulum were diagnosed in 6 (5.7%), encrusted stents in 8 (7.7%), urinary fistulas after partial nephrectomy in 5 (4.7%), pelvis tumors in 2 (1.9%), pelvis perforation after marsupialization of parapelvic cyst in 1 (0.9%) patient, respectively. Simultaneous retro- and antegrade procedures were performed in 27 (25.5%) cases. In those with nephrolithiasis and encrusted stents, lithotripsy was done with the removal of stone fragments. Two patients underwent endoscopic resection of the pelvis tumor. In six patients, the neck of the diverticulum was incised after lithotripsy, while in five cases retrograde endoscopically controlled percutaneous treatment urinary fistulae was performed. In one case, laser fulguration of the pelvis defect with stenting was done. RESULTS: RIRS was effective in 72 (85.7%) of 84 patients with renal stones. The operation time was 70.8+/-10.2 minutes. In 12 (14.3%) cases with residual fragments, extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (n=7) and repeated RIRS (n=5) were performed. The efficiency of RIRS after two sessions was 91.7%. Complications were observed in 11 (10.4%) patients. With encrusted stents, the operation time was 95.0+/-16.5 min. After laser fragmentation of encrustations in the lower part of the stent, percutaneous lithotripsy was performed with antegrade removal of its upper half. The time for RIRS in those with diverticula was 60.0+/-8.5 min, the average stone size was 8 mm (from 6 to 10 mm). In all cases lithotripsy with mucosal fulguration was successfully done. The procedures for urinary fistulae were also effective (operation time was 45.0 +/- 20.5 minutes) and there were no complications. CONCLUSION: RIRS is a safe and effective treatment for patients with nephrolithiasis and other kidney disorders. Modern flexible ureteroscopes allows to examine the collecting system and to perform lithotripsy and removal of stone fragments.

[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.

[Pathogenesis and treatment of postcoital cystitis: are our approaches correct?]

AIM: To study the pathogenetic factors in the development of postcoital cystitis and the efficiency of extravaginal transposition of the urethra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature data and our point of view on the causes of postcoital cystitis are described. Case histories of 438 patients aged 18 to 61 (mean 24+/-1.3) were analyzed. The efficiency of extravaginal transposition of the urethra for the prevention of recurrence of postcoital cystitis was evaluated. RESULTS: The long-term results of operations in 315 patients were studied. A positive effect was noted in 297 (94.3%), which means the complete recovery or reduction in the frequency of cystitis to 2 or less times a year, while complete recovery occurred in 214 patients. In 18 (5.7%), the surgical procedure was ineffective, which required repeated interventions. DISCUSSION: According to our observations, the external opening of the urethra is located in patients with postcoital cystitis and in healthy women at the same level - before the introitus. During sexual intercourse, everyone experiences vestibulo-vaginal frictional dislocation of the urethra, however, exacerbations of the inflammatory process in the bladder occur only in some females, which is associated with the multifactorial nature of the disease. CONCLUSION: Postcoital cystitis develops as a result of a complex of factors, the most significant ofwhich are the state of the vaginal microflora, the virulence of uropathogenic bacteria, the anatomical features of the urethra and vagina, its narrowness with a mismatch with the penile size, the intensity and duration of sexual intercourse, severe, complicated childbirth and surgical procedures in this area. Performing extravaginal transposition of the urethra according to Komyakov demonstrated high efficiency in the prevention of recurrence of postcoital cystitis.

[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.

[Morphofunctional characterization and DNA stability of spermatozoa in primary examination of men fertility].

AIM: To assess the morphological and functional characteristics of spermatozoa and DNA stability in patients with normal seed parameters and with an ITZ exceeding the threshold value. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 85 males were studied for semen quality parameters. The morphological anomalies of head, middle piece, and tail of spermatozoa were estimated and presented in illustrations. Due to results elaborated the index of teratozoospermia was calculated. Then the Comet assay was performed. RESULTS: It has been found that spermatozoa from patients with high teratozoospermia index possessed decreased motility as compared to ones from patients with low index of teratozoospermia. It was not found any difference in concentration of spermatozoa between groups of males which possess low and high index of teratozoospermia. The spontaneous frequency of DNA damage estimated by means of single cell gel electrophoresis followed by silver staining in spermatozoa from healthy donors did not exceed 3,1+/-0,6. The frequency of DNA damages in sperm of patients with abnormal index of teratozoospermia exceeded 39,6+/-7,4% (p<0,01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that minor morphological changes in spermatozoa do not affect their motility, while significant morphological abnormalities with ITZ exceeding threshold values are closely associated with impaired DNA stability and dramatically reduce the quality of patients seed. SUMMARY: In the initial assessment of patient fertility the attention should be focused on a comprehensive study of sperm DNA morphology and stability.

[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.

[Long-term results of radical surgery treatment of patients with bladder cancer].

PURPOSE: To investigate long-term results after radical cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since 1997 to 2020 yy. we have performed 404 radical cystectomy with different methods of derivation for patients with bladder cancer in our clinic. There were 342 (86,4%) men and 62 (13,6%) women. Laboratory study, ultrasound, X-ray, CT. MRI investigations were performed in all patients. RESULTS: Mortality rate was 2,9%. Early and late postoperative complications have occurred in 136 (33,6%) and 98 (41,8%) cases, respectively. Local recurrence has occurred in 33 (8,5%) patients. 10-years overall and cancer-specific survival were 43,4% and 47,2%, respectively. In lymph-negative patients 2-years and 5-years overall survival were 81,2% and 67,2%, respectively. In lymph positive patients 2-years and 5-years overall survival were 46,9% and 13,9%, respectively. In lymph-negative patients 2-years and 5-years cancer-specific survival were 83,6% and 70,7%, respectively. In lymph positive patients 2-years and 5-years cancer-specific survival were 51,0% and 15,1%, respectively. Overall and cancer -specific survival decreased according to increasing pT-stage and histopathologic grade. CONCLUSIONS: pT-stage (pT), lymp nodes status (pN), histopathologic grade ( pG) have a significant independent influence on overall and cancer-specific survival of bladder cancer patients after radical cystectomy.

[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.

[A total replacement of the both ureters and urinary bladder by ileal conduit in a woman with contracted bladder and Ormonds disease].

A description of the successful surgical treatment of a patient with irreversible changes in both ureters and bladder resulting from a severe form of Ormond's disease and interstitial cystitis, resulting in contracted bladder, is presented. For the first time in clinical practice, a one-stage cystectomy, a bilateral ureterectomy with complete replacement of both ureters and the bladder with two isoperistaltic small bowel segment was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. Follow-up contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the kidneys and newly formed urinary tract revealed good excretory function. The patient was discharged in a satisfactory condition on the 22nd day after the procedure with recommendations for taking 10 g of an aqueous solution of soda daily. At the follow-up after 3 months, she had complaints of slight weakness and voided voluntary up to 8 times a day; clinical and biochemical blood tests were normal. This clinical observation indicates the presence of two different diseases in one patient, namely interstitial cystitis and Ormond's disease. The possibility of one-stage complete replacement of both ureters and the bladder with a good immediate result is shown.

[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.

[Lower urinary tract urodynamics after reconstruction of the pelvic part of the ureter].

INTRODUCTION: The problem of impaired urodynamics of the lower urinary tract after reconstructive surgery of the pelvic ureter remains almost unexplored in modern literature. There are only a few publications about the effect of operations in the area of the ureterovesical segment on bladder function. AIM: To study the function of bladder after replacing the pelvic ureter with bladder flap, small intestine or appendix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of reconstructive operations of the distal ureter, which were performed in 273 patients. Boari flap or its modifications were used in 142 (52%) cases; ureteroappendicocystanastomosis - 23 (8.4%) patients, and replacement of the pelvic ureter with small intestine in 105 (38.5%) cases. A follow-up urodynamics was carried out on the 10-14th day of the postoperative period, after 3 months, then after 6 and 12 months. We evaluated: uroflowmetry, cystometry, and pressureflow study. RESULTS: In 75 (53%) of 142 patients who underwent Boari flap or its modifications, varying degrees of disturbance of bladder urodynamics were observed. After isoperistaltic intestinal ureteroplasty in 2 (2.5%) of 79 patients, detrusor hyperactivity was observed, which was regressed following conservative therapy. Urodynamics of bladder did not suffer after appendicoplasty. CONCLUSION: Deformation, denervation and devascularization of detrusor are the main causes of bladder dysfunction after flap operations. Ileal ureter substitution with isoperistaltic position of the graft provides physiological passage urine from the kidney to the bladder, following good bladder function. The inclusion of antiperistaltic ileal loop in the urinary tract negatively affects the urodynamics.

[Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with abdominal elevation in laparoscopic radical prosta-tectomy in elderly patients with a localized form of prostate cancer.]

Prostate cancer is an actual problem among males of older age groups, while the concomi-tant premorbid background of this category of patients often leads to the development of postopera-tive complications using the standard surgical method. The article presents the results of using low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with anterior abdominal wall lifting for laparoscopic radical prostatec-tomy in elderly patients with a localized form of prostate cancer. Convincingly shown that the use of low-pressure techniques pneumoperitoneum with lifting anterior abdominal wall ensures satis-factory operating field, obtains stable indicators of operational monitoring and allow to reduce the duration of the operation, as well as reduce the duration of hospitalization and incidence of postoperative complications.

[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.

[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.

[Role of biomarkers of acute kidney damage during lithotripsy of high-density stones].

AIM: To obtain the information about functional state of kidneys in patients with urolithiasis before and after treatment, as well as to study the damaging effect of different types of energy used for fragmentation of high-density stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 105 patients aged from 25 to 62 years with high-density stones were undergone to lithotripsy. In Group 1 (n=38), Group 2 (n=32) and Group 3 (n=35) contact laser lithotripsy, contact ultrasound lithotripsy and extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy was used, respectively. In all cases the clinical and biochemical blood and urine tests were performed as well as leukocyte migration inhibition test, selective proteinuria, a urine level of inteleukin-18 (IL-18) and urine NGAL (lipocalin-2) were assessed. The first examination was done the day before lithotripsy and the next ones were performed after 3 hours, on the 1st and 5th day after the intervention. RESULTS: In all cases dense unilateral kidney stones of size 0.8-2 cm were detected. The stone-free rate after contact lithotripsy was 92.8%. After ESWL, the stone-free rate after two weeks was 94.9%. The average duration of lithotripsy in the Group 1, 2 and 3 was 40+/-3.8 min, 35+/-2.3 min and 32+/-3.6 min, respectively. Based on the level of biomarkers of AKI, laser lithotripsy allows to achieve stone fragmentation with the least damage. CONCLUSION: Our study proves that IL-18, NGAL, leukocyte migration inhibition test and selective proteinuria allows to diagnose AKI at early stages, as well as to objectively assess the functional state of the kidneys after lithotripsy. The obtained data proves that laser lithotripsy is the safest method as assessed by damaging effects on the kidney parenchyma.

[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.