Fluoroscopy-free semirigid ureteroscopy for ureteral stone treatment: A prospective single-arm study of feasibility, efficacy, and safety.

Objectives: Patients with urolithiasis receive a significant amount of radiation during diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of their pathology, with nearly 20% receiving more than the annual recommended, creating a growing concern regarding radiation exposure faced by patients and health personnel. The objectives of the study were to describe a standardized fluoroscopy-free (FF) semirigid (SR) ureteroscopy (URS) technique for ureteral stone treatment and to determine the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of this technique for the treatment of ureteral stones comparing it to a historical cohort of fluoroscopy-guided (FG) SR-URS. Materials and Methods: A prospective single-arm study of patients submitted to FF SR-URS was conducted. Visual and tactile cues were employed to avoid the use of ionizing radiation. The success (feasibility), stone-free (efficacy), and complication (safety) rates of each procedure were registered. The results were compared to a historical cohort of patients that underwent FG SR-URS at our center. Results: One hundred and five patients subjected to FF SR-URS were included in the study and compared to a historical cohort of 87 patients subjected to FG SR-URS. The main characteristics were comparable among groups. Ninety-seven patients (92.38%) were completed without any use of ionizing radiation. The stone-free rate was 92.45%, similar to the historical cohort. Only Clavien I and II complications were found without statistical difference between the study groups. The average dose of radiation exposure for the historical cohort was approximately 0.5 mSv. Conclusions: FF SR-URS is a feasible, efficacious, and safe technique for treating the ureteral stones for urologists with good practice of the traditional technique. Implementing this procedure allows a decrease in radiation exposure to both patients and health personnel.

Prótesis penianas: descripción de una serie de implantes con y sin dilatación de cuerpos cavernosos / Penile prostheses: Description of a series of implants with and without dilatation of the corpora cavernosa

INTRODUCCIÓN: El implante de prótesis penianas (PP) es el tratamiento de elección en la disfunción eréctil (DE) refractaria. Tiene una alta tasa de satisfacción (75-100%) y una tasa de complicaciones que varía entre el 2,1-28,8%. La técnica quirúrgica estándar incluye la dilatación de los cuerpos cavernosos (CC) previo a la inserción de los cilindros. Este procedimiento requiere tiempo y es el paso crítico para la ocurrencia de complicaciones. El objetivo de este estudio es describir los resultados de una serie de PP implantadas utilizando las técnicas con y sin dilatación de los CC. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Ciento veinte pacientes con DE refractaria en quienes fue implantada una PP por 2 cirujanos en diferentes centros. Se evaluaron comorbilidades, características operatorias, satisfacción y complicaciones postoperatorias. RESULTADOS: El promedio de edad fue de 61±9,6 años. Las comorbilidades más prevalentes fueron: antecedente de prostatectomía radical, hipertensión arterial y diabetes mellitus. Se instalaron 42 prótesis maleables y 78 hidráulicas. Once pacientes habían tenido previamente una PP. La mediana de tiempo operatorio fue de 70 minutos (35-140). La satisfacción reportada fue de un 95,8%. Diez pacientes presentaron complicaciones. En el grupo en que la cirugía se realizó sin dilatación de los CC (n=80), el tiempo operatorio fue menor que en quienes sí se realizó dilatación de los CC (62,5minutos [35-105] versus 90 minutos [60-140], respectivamente, p < 0,0001). No hubo diferencia en la ocurrencia de complicaciones (p = 0,73) ni en los niveles de satisfacción (p = 0,196) al comparar la técnica con y sin dilatación de los CC. CONCLUSIÓN: En nuestra serie se evidenció un menor tiempo operatorio con la técnica sin dilatación de CC, pero no hubo diferencias en las complicaciones encontradas. Se requiere un estudio prospectivo y aleatorizado para hacer recomendaciones respecto a la dilatación de los CC

INTRODUCTION: Penile prosthesis (PP) implantation is the treatment of choice for refractory erectile dysfunction (ED). They show a high satisfaction rate (75%-100%) and a complication rate that varies between 2.1% and 28.8%. The standard surgical technique includes dilatation of the corpora cavernosa (CC) prior to the insertion of the cylinders. This step takes time and is critical for the occurrence of complications. The aim of this study is to describe the results of a series of PP implanted using the techniques with and without dilatation of the CC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and 20 patients with refractory ED in whom a PP was implanted by 2 surgeons in different centers. Comorbidities, operative characteristics, satisfaction and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The average age was 61±9.6 years. The most prevalent comorbidities were: history of radical prostatectomy, high-blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. Forty-two malleable and 78 hydraulic prostheses were implanted. Eleven patients had a previous PP. The median operative time was 70 minutes (35-140). The satisfaction reported was 95.8%. Ten patients presented complications. In the group in which the surgery was performed without dilatation of the CC (n=80), the operative time was shorter (62.5 minutes [35-105] versus 90 minutes [60-140] respectively, p < 0.0001). There was no difference in complications (p = 0.73) or levels of satisfaction (p = 0.196) when comparing the technique with and without dilatation of the CC. CONCLUSION: In our series, a shorter operative time was observed with the technique without dilatation of the CC, but there were no differences in complications. A prospective and randomized study is required to make a stronger recommendation regarding to dilatation of the CC

[Penile prostheses: Description of a series of implants with and without dilatation of the corpora cavernosa]. / Prótesis penianas: descripción de una serie de implantes con y sin dilatación de cuerpos cavernosos.

INTRODUCTION: Penile prosthesis (PP) implantation is the treatment of choice for refractory erectile dysfunction (ED). They show a high satisfaction rate (75%-100%) and a complication rate that varies between 2.1% and 28.8%. The standard surgical technique includes dilatation of the corpora cavernosa (CC) prior to the insertion of the cylinders. This step takes time and is critical for the occurrence of complications. The aim of this study is to describe the results of a series of PP implanted using the techniques with and without dilatation of the CC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and 20 patients with refractory ED in whom a PP was implanted by 2 surgeons in different centers. Comorbidities, operative characteristics, satisfaction and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The average age was 61±9.6 years. The most prevalent comorbidities were: history of radical prostatectomy, high-blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. Forty-two malleable and 78 hydraulic prostheses were implanted. Eleven patients had a previous PP. The median operative time was 70minutes (35-140). The satisfaction reported was 95.8%. Ten patients presented complications. In the group in which the surgery was performed without dilatation of the CC (n=80), the operative time was shorter (62.5minutes [35-105] versus 90minutes [60-140] respectively, p<0.0001). There was no difference in complications (p=0.73) or levels of satisfaction (p=0.196) when comparing the technique with and without dilatation of the CC. CONCLUSION: In our series, a shorter operative time was observed with the technique without dilatation of the CC, but there were no differences in complications. A prospective and randomized study is required to make a stronger recommendation regarding to dilatation of the CC.

Outcomes of Ureterorenoscopic Stone Treatment in 301 Patients with a Solitary Kidney.

Objectives: To determine the stone-free rates and intra- and postoperative complication rates and grades of ureterorenoscopic stone treatment in patients with a solitary kidney. Methods: This study is a subanalysis of the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) ureterorenoscopy (URS) study, which is a prospective international multicenter observational study. Over a 1-year period, consecutive patients treated with ureterorenoscopy for urinary stones were included. Patients entered in this analysis were those with a solitary functioning kidney. Descriptive data on patient characteristics, stone-free rates, complication rates, and grades were evaluated for three separate groups: patients treated with ureteroscopy for ureteral stones, for renal stones, and a combination of renal and ureteral stones. Results: A total of 301 patients were treated for stones in a solitary kidney; 219 were treated for ureteral stones. In this group, the stone-free rate was 88.6%, with an intraoperative complication rate of 7.4% and postoperative complication rate of 4.1%. Totally, 57 patients were treated for renal stones. In this group, the stone-free rate was 56.4%, with an intraoperative complication rate of 7.0% and postoperative complication rate of 10.5%. There were 25 patients who were treated for renal stones in combination with ureter stones. In this group, the stone-free rate was 60.0%, with an intraoperative complication rate of 12.0% and postoperative complication rate of 10.5%. Within the three groups, 72% of the postoperative complications were classified as Clavien I and II. Conclusions: Ureteroscopy is an effective and safe treatment modality for the removal of ureteral and renal stones in patients with a solitary kidney. Stone location as well as total stone burden seems to be important factors influencing the ability to render patients stone free. Moreover, single session ureteroscopic stone removal was less effective for the treatment of larger renal stones or renal stones in combination with ureteral stones.

Concordance of renal stone culture: PMUC, RPUC, RSC and post-PCNL sepsis-a non-randomized prospective observation cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Between 5 and 10% of patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) develop postoperative sepsis 1, 2. Strategies to prevent infectious complications are based on information provided by preoperative midstream urine cultures (PMUC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the concordance of the microbiologic findings of PMUC, cultures of the renal stone (RSC) and urine obtained directly from the renal pelvis (RPUC) in patients undergoing PCNL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a multicenter prospective study. The study included all patients who underwent PCNL from May 2013 to July 2015 in three academic hospitals. All patients underwent a PMUC. Samples for RPUC were obtained by renal puncture for PCNL. Stone fragments extracted during the procedure were sent for culture (RSC). Clinical variables, stone configuration, burden and microbiology reports of cultures were recorded. We analyzed concordance between cultures and association with infectious complications. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-two patients underwent PCNL. Twenty-four percent had positive culture, 3.2% (4/122) PMUC, 14.7% (18/122) RPUC and 13.9% (17/122) RSC. Positive PMUC demonstrated multidrug-susceptible Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, while RPUC showed multidrug-resistant pathogens and/or fungus. Seven patients (5.7%) developed postoperative infectious complications prior to discharge. There was a weak correlation between PMUC and intraoperative urine cultures (RPUC and RSC). Concordance rate between RPUC and RSC was 83.3%. The most common isolated pathogens were multidrug-resistant bacteria or fungus. CONCLUSIONS: PMUC did not reflect the microbiological environment found in stones and urine directly obtained from the renal pelvis. Patients with postoperative infectious complications had negative PMUC with positive RPUC or RSC. RPUC and RSC can help guide prompt and appropriate antibiotic treatment for patients who develop postoperative infectious complications after PCNL.

El urocultivo preoperatorio no refleja el status microbiólogico de pacientes sometidos a nefrolitotomía percutánea: mayor estudio multicéntrico en América Latina / Preoperative urine culture does not refledt the microbiological status of patiens undegoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Most comprehensive clinical trial in Latin America

Introducción: Entre el 50 por ciento a 10 por ciento de los pacientes sometidos a nefrolitotomía percutánea (NLP) presentará sepsis. Las estrategias de prevención de complicaciones infecciosas actuales, se basan en la información entregada por los cultivos de orina preoperatorios. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar los perfiles microbiológicos entre los cultivos de orina tradicionales preoperatorios, con cultivos del microambiente del cálculo renal (orina de pelvis renal y del cálculo) de pacientes sometidos a NLP.(AU)

Introduction. Between 50 pertcent to 10 pertcent of patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) will present sepsis. Current strategies for preventing infectious complications are based on the information provided by preoperative urine cultures. The aim of this study is to compare the microbiological profiles from traditional preoperative urine cultures with cultures from renal microenvironment (renal pelvis urine and kidney stone) of patients undergoing PCNL. Material y Methods. International multicenter prospective clinical trial. The study was conducted from December 2012 to May 2014 in three teaching hospitals, two from Chile and one from Argentina. All patients undergoing PCNL during that period were included. In a prospective fashion, preoperative urine culture, microbiological study of extracted urinary stones and cultures from renal pelvis urine were requested. In each hospital, data regarding patients was submitted through an online questionnaire: Age, sex, comorbidities, type of stone (staghorn or not), size of the stone, isolated bacteria, resistance profile and postoperative infectious complications were filled.(AU)

Mitomicina C: Una Nueva Alternativa para la Estenosis de Cuello Vesical / Mitomycin C: A New Alternative for Bladder Neck Stenosis

Introducción: La mitomicina C es un agente quimiotera-péutico en virtud a su actividad antiproliferativa y anti-biótica. Se evalúa el resultado de la cervicotomía radial endoscópica combinada con la inyección intralesional de mitomicina C para el tratamiento de las estenosis severas de cuello vesical luego del fracaso del trata-miento tradicional. Materiales y método: Revisión retrospectiva de los pa-cientes con estenosis severa de cuello vesical intervenidos entre julio de 2013 y agosto de 2015 con la utilización de mitomicina C. El 54.5% de los pacientes había fracasado al menos una vez con la realización de cervicotomía interna y/o resección endoscópica de cuello vesical. En nuestra intervención se realizaron tres o cuatro incisiones endoscópicas con corte frío en el cuello de la vejiga, seguido por la inyección intralesional de 0.3 a 0.4 mg/ml de mitomicina C en cada sitio de incisión. Resultados: Un total de 11 pacientes fueron tratados con incisión endoscópica con corte frío en el cuello de la vejiga combinado con la inyección de mitomicina C. Antes de la operación, 4 pacientes (36%) eran usuarios de cistotomía. En un seguimiento medio de 9 meses (rango 1-20) 9 pacientes (82%) se encuentran con micción espontánea posterior a un procedimiento, mientras que 2 pacientes (18%) lograron dicho objetivo después de 2 procedimientos con utilización de mitomicina C. Conclusiones: El tratamiento para la estenosis del cuello vesical con cervicotomía radial endoscópica con corte frío combinada con inyección intralesional de mitomicina C, resultó en la permeabilidad del cuello vesical en el 82% de los pacientes después de 1 procedimiento y en el 100% después de 2 procedimientos. Aunque los primeros resultados son prometedores, se requiere de estudios prospectivos y aleatorizados con seguimiento prolongado en el tiempo para validar estos hallazgos.

Introduction: The mitomycin C is a chemotherapeutic agent by virtue of its antiproliferative and antibiotic ac-tivity. We evaluated the outcome of endoscopic radial cervicotomy combined with intralesional mitomycin C injection for the treatment of severe bladder neck ste-nosis after traditional treatment failure.Materials and methods: It was a retrospective review of patients with severe bladder neck stenosis who had a surgery between July 2013 and August 2015 with mi-tomycin C. The 54.5% of patients had failed at least 1 time with internal cervicotomy and/or endoscopic re-section of the bladder neck. In our intervention, three or four endoscopic incisions were performed with a cold cut in the neck of the bladder, followed by intralesio-nal injection of 0.3 to 0.4 mg / ml of the mitomycin C at each incision site.Results: A total of 11 patients were treated with endos-copic incision with a cold cut in the neck of the bladder combined with mitomycin C injection. Before the sur-gery 4 patients (36%) were cystostomy users. At a mean follow-up of 9 months (range 1-20), 9 patients (82%) had spontaneous urine after 1 procedure, while 2 patients (18%) achieved this goal after 2 procedures using mi-tomycin C.Conclusions: The treatment for bladder neck stenosis with endoscopic radial cervicotomy with cold cut com-bined with intralesional mitomycin C injection resulted in bladder neck permeability in 82% of patients after 1 procedure and 100% after 2 procedures. Although the first results are promising, some prospective and rando-mized studies with long-term monitoring are required to validate these findings.

Hemostatic agents for access tract in tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Is it worth?

INTRODUCTION: The role of hemostatic agents as an adjunct for closure of the nephrostomy tract in tubeless percutaneous surgery (tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy [tPNL]) has been previously evaluated, observing a potential benefit in terms of reduced bleeding and urinary leakage. We assessed the rate of postoperative complications after the use of hemostatic agents for sealing the nephrostomy tract in patients undergoing tPNL at our institution. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 52 consecutive patients undergoing tPNL at our center between January 2010 and December 2013. No substance was placed within the tract in 25 patients (Group 1). A cylinder of Surgicel(®) in addition to 1 unit of Gelita(®) were placed within the access tract in 27 patients (Group 2). We accounted for demographic variables, stone size, operative time, postoperative pain, development of hematoma, postoperative hematocrit drop, urinary leakage, residual lithiasis, and hospital stay length. RESULTS: Age and sex differed significantly between the two groups (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.048 respectively). However, there were no significant differences in terms of body mass index and stone burden. No significant differences between groups were found with regards to operative time, postoperative hematocrit drop, postoperative pain and presence of residual lithiasis. CONCLUSION: The use of Gelita(®) and Surgicel(®) as hemostatic agents in tPNL is safe, but we were not able to demonstrate any significant benefit in terms of postoperative morbidity after comparing the use of these agents in tPNL. We concluded that the uses of hemostatic agents needed to be evaluated in prospective randomized trials to define its benefits.

No evidence of sperm conjugate formation in an Australian mouse bearing sperm with three hooks.

Sperm conjugation occurs when two or more sperm physically unite for motility or transport through the female reproductive tract. In many muroid rodent species, sperm conjugates have been shown to form by a single, conspicuous apical hook located on the sperm head. These sperm "trains" have been reported to be highly variable in size and, despite all the heads pointing in roughly the same direction, exhibit a relatively disordered arrangement. In some species, sperm "trains" have been shown to enhance sperm swimming speed, and thus have been suggested to be advantageous in sperm competition. Here, we assessed the behavior of sperm in the sandy inland mouse (Pseudomys hermannsburgensis), a muroid rodent that bears sperm with three apical hooks. First, we accrued genetic evidence of multiple paternity within "wild" litters to unequivocally show that sperm competition does occur in this species. Following this we utilized both in vitro and in vivo methodologies to determine whether sandy inland mouse sperm conjugate to form motile trains. Our observations of in vitro preparations of active sperm revealed that sandy inland mouse sperm exhibit rapid, progressive motility as individual cells only. Similarly, histological sections of the reproductive tracts of mated females revealed no in vivo evidence of sperm conjugate formation. We conclude that the unique, three-hooked morphology of the sandy inland mouse sperm does not facilitate the formation of motile conjugates, and discuss our findings in relation to the different hypotheses for the evolution of the muroid rodent hook/s.

Immediate postoperative morbidity in patients with indwelling double-J stent versus overnight-externalized ureteral catheter after tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective, randomized study.

The conventional technique for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) ends by placing a nephrostomy tube within the access tract. However, feasibility and safety of tubeless PNL have been widely demonstrated. In this modification, a ureteral stent is usually left in place instead of the nephrostomy tube. The aim of this study is to compare the use of a postoperative indwelling double-J stent versus an overnight-externalized ureteral catheter in patients undergoing tubeless PNL. Sixty-eight patients undergoing tubeless PNL were randomized either for a postoperative double-J stent (group 1) or for an overnight-externalized ureteral catheter (group 2). Outcomes evaluated included postoperative pain, hospital stay length, incidence of hemorrhagic complications, residual lithiasis and urinary leakage. Groups were similar according to age, sex, body mass index and stone burden. There were no significant differences in terms of postoperative pain, incidence of perirenal hematomas, residual lithiasis and urinary leakage. However, patients in group 1 presented longer hospital stays (3.7 ± 1.7 vs. 1.9 ± 0.3 days; p < 0.001) and greater hematocrit drops (4.9 ± 2.2 vs. 2.1 ± 1.8 %; p < 0.001). Our results confirm that among patients undergoing tubeless PNL, both alternatives (i.e. leaving a double-J stent or an overnight-externalized ureteral catheter) are reliable and safe. However, further considerations, like the need of double-J stent removal under cystoscopy, need to be taken into account when deciding which modality to use.

The lithotripsy table height: a novel predictor of outcome in shockwave lithotripsy.

BACKGROUND: Outcome of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL) is determined by physical factors that affect stone fragmentation and clearance. PURPOSE: To evaluate the predictive value of the Lithotripsy Table Height (LTH) in SWL outcome. Lithotripsy Table Height (LTH) is a variable that represents skin to therapy head distance, and it is proportional to the energy that reaches the stone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study enrolled patients undergoing SWL for radiopaque urinary stones. All procedures were performed using a Modulith SLX (Karl Storz, Germany) Lithotripter. Patient weight, height and age; stone location and size; number of shock waves delivered, and LTH were recorded. One month post-procedure a KUB was obtained. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of these variables on stone-free outcome. A ROC curve was plotted. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were enrolled. After one month follow-up, overall success rate (Stone Free) was 83.9% (n = 47). LTH was the only independent predictor of outcome in both univariate and multivariate analysis (p = 0.029). Stone size (p = 0.45) and BMI (p = 0.32) were not significant. In the ROC curve, LTH showed an Area under the Curve = 0.791. Patients with LTH < 218 (n = 8) had relative risk of residual stones = 7.5, odds Ratio: 6.6 (Stone free rate 37.5% vs. 91.5%). CONCLUSION: LTH appears to be an independent predictor of SWL outcome. High success rates can be expected if LTH > 218. Patients with lower LTH had a less effective therapy, therefore, worse stone fragmentation and clearance. These findings may help improve patient selection for SWL therapy.

The lithotripsy table height: a novel predictor of outcome in shockwave lithotripsy

BACKGROUND: Outcome of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL) is determined by physical factors that affect stone fragmentation and clearance. PURPOSE: To evaluate the predictive value of the Lithotripsy Table Height (LTH) in SWL outcome. Lithotripsy Table Height (LTH) is a variable that represents skin to therapy head distance, and it is proportional to the energy that reaches the stone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study enrolled patients undergoing SWL for radiopaque urinary stones. All procedures were performed using a Modulith SLX (Karl Storz, Germany) Lithotripter. Patient weight, height and age; stone location and size; number of shock waves delivered, and LTH were recorded. One month post-procedure a KUB was obtained. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of these variables on stone-free outcome. A ROC curve was plotted. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were enrolled. After one month follow-up, overall success rate (Stone Free) was 83.9 percent (n = 47). LTH was the only independent predictor of outcome in both univariate and multivariate analysis (p = 0.029). Stone size (p = 0.45) and BMI (p = 0.32) were not significant. In the ROC curve, LTH showed an Area under the Curve = 0.791. Patients with LTH < 218 (n = 8) had relative risk of residual stones = 7.5, odds Ratio: 6.6 (Stone free rate 37.5 percent vs. 91.5 percent). CONCLUSION: LTH appears to be an independent predictor of SWL outcome. High success rates can be expected if LTH > 218. Patients with lower LTH had a less effective therapy, therefore, worse stone fragmentation and clearance. These findings may help improve patient selection for SWL therapy.

Postoperative morbidity of tubeless versus conventional percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective comparative study.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL) is an established technique for the treatment of renal calculi. Some reports have challenged the need for a nephrostomy tube at the end of the procedure, arguing that it accounts for a longer hospital stay and increased postoperative pain. During the last years, several series have addressed the feasibility and safety of tubeless PNL, where a double-J ureteral stent is left in place after the end of intervention instead of a nephrostomy tube. The aim of our study was to compare conventional versus tubeless PNL in terms of postoperative morbidity. Eighty-five patients who underwent PNL at a single center met the inclusion criteria (complete intraoperative stone clearance, no evidence of active intraoperative bleeding, single percutaneous access, and operative time shorter than 2 h) and were randomized at the end of the procedure to have placed either a nephrostomy tube (group 1) or a double-J ureteral stent (group 2). Outcomes assessed were postoperative pain, bleeding complications, leakage complications, and length of hospital stay. The patients in the tubeless group had a shorter hospital stay (3.7 vs. 5.8 days; P < 0.001), and less postoperative pain at postoperative days 2 and 3 (P < 0.001). No significant difference in bleeding or leakage complications was observed. This study supports the feasibility and safety of tubeless PNL in a selected group of the patients, suggesting some intraoperative criteria to be considered when performing it. However, further controlled studies will have to determine its impact on stone-free rates prior to be considered the standard technique in these selected cases.

[Renal and perinephric abscesses: a series of 44 cases]. / Abscesos renales y peri-renales: análisis de 44 casos.

Renal abscesses are infrequent event and may occasionally be fatal. In order to characterize its main clinical features, its diagnosis and evolution, a retrospective-descriptive study was done with cases identified between 1996 and 2006 in a teaching hospital. Forty-four cases were collected (mean age 49.9 years). Diabetes mellitus was present in 38.6%, urinary calculi in 36.4%, and previous urinary tract infection in 11.4% of the studied population. Enterobacteriaceae were the most frequent isolated microorganisms (44.4%), and 33.3% had a poli-microbial culture in abscess samples. S. aureus was rarely identified. Main therapeutic approaches were minimally invasive procedures (pigtails, percutaneous drainage or nephrostomy) in 50% followed by surgical interventions (nephrectomy or surgical debridement) in approximately 30%. Only 20.5% of patients were treated exclusively by antibiotics. Minimally invasive procedures were applied progressively after 2001 (p < 0.005). In this series case-fatality rate was 4.5%; 13.6% (n = 6) developed septic shock. Nephrectomy was performed in 9 cases (20.5%). Patients selected for nephrostomy had a lower risk for ICU admission (Odds Ratio 0.083 IC95 0.008-0.911). Renal abscesses are cause of morbidity but had a low case-fatality ratio; the therapeutic approach has changed in recent years favoring at present minimally invasive procedures.

[Prospective trial comparing shock wave lithotripsy and ureteroscopy for management of distal ureteral calculi]. / Estudio prospectivo que compara la litotricia extracorpórea y la ureteroscopia en el tratamiento de la litiasis de uréter distal.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of ureteroscopy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in treating distal ureteral calculi and evaluate the best treatment alternative for this disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 104 patients with distal ureteral calculi requiring surgical intervention were enrolled and observed in a prospective follow-up. For ESWL, a Modulix SLX Storz lithotriptor was used and for ureteroscopy, a Storz 33 cm semi-rigid ureteroscope with a diameter of 7,5 to 9,5 french and a 6-degree optic. Out of the patient total, 54 patients underwent ESWL and 50 underwent ureteroscopy. 62 patients were men and 42 women; mean age in the ESWL group was 49.72, and in the ureteroscopy group, 52,16. Mean calculus size for ESWL was 8.29 mm and 8,96 mm for ureteroscopy. A P< .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean procedure time for ESWL was 55 minutes in men and 45 minutes in women. For ureteroscopy, procedure time was 80 minutes for men and 55 minutes for women. For ESWL, the mean hospital stay was 4.8 hours (same-day discharge for all patients). Mean hospital stay for ureteroscopy patients was 22 hours. 7% of ESWL patients experienced complications compared with 7.9% of those undergoing ureteroscopy. At the 30-day follow up, 74.3% of ESWL patients were stone free, while 92,3% of the ureteroscopy patients were stone free (P< .05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, ureteroscopy is a better method for treating distal ureteral calculi because of its stone free rates and because the difference in complication rates was not significant.

Estudio prospectivo que compara la litotricia extracorpórea y la ureteroscopia en el tratamiento de la litiasis de uréter distal / Prospective trial comparing shock wave lithotripsy and ureteroscopy for management of distal ureteral calculi

Objetivos: Comparar los resultados en el manejo de la litiasis de uréter distal entre la litotricia extracorpórea (LEC) y ureteroscopia (URS) y así evaluar la mejor alternativa de tratamiento en esta afección. Material y métodos: Un total de 104 pacientes con diagnóstico de litiasis de uréter distal, que requerían tratamiento quirúrgico. Se realizó un enrolamiento y seguimiento prospectivo. Se utilizó en LEC un litotriptor Modulix SLX Storz, en la URS se utilizó un ureteroscopio semirrígido Storz 33 cm, diámetro de 7,5 a 9,5 Fr, óptica 6º. Del total de pacientes, 54 fueron a LEC y 50 a URS, y 62 eran varones y 42, mujeres, con una edad promedio de 49,72 años para LEC y de 52,16 años para URS. En la LEC el promedio de tamaño fue 8,29 mm y en la URS, de 8,96 mm. Se estableció una significación estadística p <0,05. Resultados: El tiempo del procedimiento para la LEC, separado por sexo, fue de 55 min en el caso de los varones y de 45 min en las mujeres. Para la URS fue de 80 min para los varones y de 55 min para las mujeres. El tiempo de hospitalización promedio para la LEC fue de 4,8h (todos los procedimientos ambulatorios). En el caso de la URS, fue de 22 h. Las complicaciones en el caso de la LEC fueron del 7% y para la URS, del 7,9%. De los pacientes tratados por LEC, el 74,3% presentó stone free a los 30 días, a diferencia de la URS, que presentó un porcentaje de stone free del 92,3% (p < 0,05).Conclusiones: Basados en los resultados de este estudio, la URS es el método más adecuado para el manejo de la litiasis de uréter distal, tanto en resultados de stone free como en la falta de significación en la comparación de complicaciones (AU)

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of ureteroscopy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in treating distal ureteral calculi and evaluate the best treatment alternative for this disease. Material and methods: A total of 104 patients with distal ureteral calculi requiring surgical intervention were enrolled and observed in a prospective follow-up. For ESWL, a Modulix SLX Storz lithotriptor was used and for ureteroscopy, a Storz 33 cm semi-rigid ureteroscope with a diameter of 7,5 to 9,5 french and a 6-degree optic. Out of the patient total, 54 patients underwent ESWL and 50 underwent ureteroscopy. 62 patients were men and 42 women; mean age in the ESWL group was 49.72, and in the ureteroscopy group,52,16. Mean calculus size for ESWL was 8.29mm and 8,96 mm for ureteroscopy. A P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean procedure time for ESWL was 55 minutes in men and 45 minutes in women. For ureteroscopy, procedure time was 80 minutes for men and 55 minutes for women. For ESWL, the mean hospital stay was 4.8 hours (same-day discharge for all patients). Mean hospital stay for ureteroscopy patients was 22 hours. 7% of ESWL patients experienced complications compared with 7.9% of those undergoing ureteroscopy. At the 30-day follow up, 74.3% of ESWL patients were stone free, while 92,3% of the ureteroscopy patients were stone free (P<0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, ureteroscopy is a better method for treating distal ureteral calculi because of its stone free rates and because the difference in complication rates was not significant (AU)