Is the "Pandemic Diet" Nonlithogenic?

Introduction and Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic and worldwide quarantine resulted in major changes in individual lifestyles. In New York State, March 16, 2020, marked the end of in-restaurant dining and a reported shift to more cooking at home. We investigated the 24-hour urine of patients with known history of nephrolithiasis to see if changes during COVID-19 pandemic altered the risk of stone disease. Methods: Retrospectively, patients with history of nephrolithiasis seen for an outpatient visit from April 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, were studied. All patients had a 24-hour urine study "pre-COVID" defined as before March 16, 2020, "during-COVID" from March 16, 2020, to December 31, 2020; if available, "post-COVID" from January 1, 2021, to October 31, 2022, was also included. Mean study values were compared using paired, two-tailed t-tests. Results: Ninety-three patients (M = 54, F = 39) with a mean age of 60 years were evaluated. Twenty-four-hour urine revealed a significant reduction in urinary sodium (uNa) levels from pre-COVID (166.15 ± 7.51 mEq/L) compared with during-COVID (149.09 ± 7.55 mEq/L) (p = 0.015) and urinary calcium (uCa) levels from pre-COVID (214.18 ± 13.05 mg) compared with during-COVID (191.48 ± 13.03 mg) (p = 0.010). Post-COVID 24-hour urine (N = 73) levels for uNa (138.55 ± 6.83 mEq/L, p = 0.0035) and uCa (185.33 ± 12.61 mg, p = 0.012) remained significantly reduced compared with pre-COVID values, but with no difference compared with during-COVID values. Upon age stratification, this significance was found only in patients younger than 65. There were no significant differences in 24-hour urine total volume, magnesium, or citrate levels. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 lockdown, dietary choices limited to home-cooked meals allowed patients to better identify their food choices. This study demonstrates that home-cooked meals improved urinary parameters minimizing lithogenic risk factors for stone formation, including hypernatriuria and hypercalciuria. That these changes persisted into the post-COVID period may indicate improved dietary practices after the lockdown ended.

Uroseptic Shock Can Be Reversed by Early Intervention Based on Leukocyte Count 2 h Post-operation: Animal Model and Multicenter Clinical Cohort Study.

This study investigated whether early intervention based on leukocyte count (WBC) of less than 2.85 × 109/L obtained within 2 h post-operatively may ameliorate the uroseptic shock induced by upper urinary tract endoscopic lithotripsy (UUTEL). Urosepsis was induced in 30 rabbits and assigned to three groups: Control-I, WBC-I, and Shock-I. Control-I: Non-intervention control. WBC-I: Immediate resuscitation when there was a drastic drop of WBC within 2 h post-operatively but without signs or symptoms of shock. Shock-I: Resuscitation only when there were signs or symptoms of shock. In total, 107 patients whose WBC were less than 2.85 × 109/L within 2 h after UUTEL were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were assigned into two groups based on the time of the intervention. Shock-II included 59 patients who were started on the resuscitation bundle when there were signs or symptoms of shock. WBC-II included 48 patients who were started immediately on the resuscitation bundle when the WBC decreased drastically. All Control-I rabbits developed shock within 72 h and died. None of the WBC-I rabbits developed shock and all survived for 72 h. In total, 60% of Shock-I died within 72 h. Overall, 43 patients in Shock-II and six patients in WBC-II experienced uroseptic shock. The average lengths of hospitalization for Shock-II and WBC-II were 17.8 ± 9.7 days and 7 ± 4.2 days, respectively. Six patients in the Shock-II and none in WBC-II died of the uroseptic shock. Early intervention based on WBC measured within 2 h post-operatively might avert the uroseptic shock induced by UUTEL.

Transrectal ultrasound-guided extraction of impacted prostatic urethral calculi: a simple alternative to endoscopy.

Urethral stones can become impacted in the posterior urethra, typically presenting with varying degrees of acute urinary retention and lower urinary tract symptoms. These are traditionally treated in the inpatient setting, with external urethrotomy or endoscopic push-back of the calculus into the urinary bladder followed by cystolitholapaxy or cystolithotripsy. However, these methods are invasive, involve general anesthesia, and require radiation. In this report, we describe a simple, minimally invasive, and safe alternative technique to visualize and remove impacted prostatic urethral stones under the real-time guidance of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS). The urologist can accomplish this procedure in the office, avoiding radiation exposure to the patient and hospital admission.

Diagnosis of bladder cancer with microelectromechanical systems-based cystoscopic optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the utility and potential limitations of microelectromechanical systems-based spectral-domain cystoscopic optical coherence tomography (COCT) so as to improve the diagnosis of early bladder cancer. METHODS: An optical coherence tomography catheter was integrated into the single instrument channel of a 22F cystoscope to permit white-light-guided COCT over a large field of view (4.6 mm wide and 2.1 mm deep per scan at 8 frames/s) and 10-microm resolution. Intraoperative COCT diagnosis was performed in 56 patients, with a total of 110 lesions examined and compared with biopsied histology. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity of COCT (94%) was significantly higher than cystoscopy (75%, P = .02) and voided cytology (59%, P = .005); the major enhancement over cystoscopy was for low-grade pTa-1 cancer and carcinoma in situ (P < .018). The overall specificity of COCT (81%) was comparable to voided cytology (88.9%, P = .49), but significantly higher than cystoscopy (62.5%, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: The microelectromechanical systems-based COCT, owing to its high resolution and detection sensitivity and large field of view, offers great potential for "optical biopsy" to enhance the diagnosis of nonpapillary bladder tumors and their recurrences and to guide bladder tumor resection.

Impact of a second semen analysis on a treatment decision making in the infertile man with varicocele.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of second semen analysis (SA) on a treatment decision in infertile men with varicocele and abnormal first SA. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: University hospital. INTERVENTION: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Standard clinical semen analysis. PATIENT(S): A total of 160 infertile men with varicocele and abnormal first SA were evaluated. Two SA were performed in the same andrology lab 3 to 8 weeks apart. Exclusion criteria were azoospermia, low semen volume, leukocytospermia, febrile illness within 3 months, and habitual heat exposure. RESULT(S): Despite fluctuation in absolute values of sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, the second SA remained abnormal in 111 out of 112 men (99.1%) with abnormal first SA. CONCLUSION(S): Initial abnormal SA is a sufficient indication for varicocele treatment because in most patients the second SA remains abnormal and does not change treatment decision. This approach will expedite treatment of infertile men with varicocele and increase its cost effectiveness.

A percutaneous subcostal approach for intercostal stones.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous upper pole access may be obtained via the supracostal or subcostal approach. The more cranial the location of the percutaneous nephrostomy tract, the greater the risk of incurring intrathoracic complications. We describe a technique for safely accessing the upper pole calix via a subcostal approach, even when the stone is located well above the 12th rib. In our patient the stone was located between the 11th and 12th ribs, and the upper pole extended to above the 10th rib. METHODS: A 78-year-old man with multiple medical problems had a symptomatic upper right pole stone located between 11th and 12th ribs. Due to its size (3 x 2.2 cm), neither a ureteroscopic nor shockwave approach was thought feasible. We elected to angle the access tract both laterally and cranially in order to course below the 12th rib, but still enter the upper pole calix. RESULTS: Although this tract entered the calix obliquely, instruments were readily passed after sheath placement and the stone was completely removed. An ultrasonic lithotripsy device and suction was used to fragment and evacuate the stone. Postoperatively there were no intrathoracic or pulmonary complications. CONCLUSIONS: The direct percutaneous approach to the upper pole of the kidney requires careful methodology based on a clear understanding of the anatomy of the kidney and surrounding structures. For upper-pole renal calculi located above the 12th rib that are not amenable to shockwave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy, a subcostal angled percutaneous approach can be safely made in selected cases. With this method, the risk of intrathoracic complications may be reduced.

Increase in scrotal temperature in laptop computer users.

BACKGROUND: Scrotal hyperthermia has been identified as a risk factor for male infertility. Laptop computers (LC) have become part of a contemporary lifestyle and have gained popularity among the younger population of reproductive age. LC are known to reach high internal operating temperatures. We evaluated the thermal effect of LC on the scrotum. METHODS: Right and left scrotal temperature (ScT) was measured in 29 healthy volunteers in two separate 60 min sessions. ScT was recorded from thermocouples on a digital datalogger every 3 min with the working LC in a laptop position and in the same sitting position with approximated thighs without LC. RESULTS: ScT increased significantly on the right and left side in the group with working LC (2.8 degrees C and 2.6 degrees C, respectively; P<0001) and without LC (2.1 degrees C, P<0.0001). However, ScT elevation with working LC was significantly higher (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Working LC in a laptop position causes significant ScT elevation as a result of heat exposure and posture-related effects. Long-term exposure to LC-related repetitive transient scrotal hyperthermia is a modern lifestyle feature that may have a negative impact upon spermatogenesis, specifically in teenage boys and young men. Further studies of such thermal effects on male reproductive health are warranted.

When can persistent hydroureteronephrosis in posterior urethral valve disease be considered residual stretching?

PURPOSE: Persistent hydroureteronephrosis (HUN) is often seen in boys with a history of a posterior urethral valve even years after valve ablation and it is often assumed to represent residual stretching. We determined the association of HUN with urodynamic abnormalities, the effect on HUN of treating these abnormalities and when persistent HUN could be considered residual stretching. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 71 patients with a posterior urethral valve evaluated after valve ablation 20 (28.2%) had persistent HUN in a total of 32 renal units (RUs). The degree of HUN was graded as mild, moderate or severe. Videourodynamics were performed in all patients with persistent HUN and abnormal urodynamic findings were aggressively treated. HUN was then reassessed and categorized as resolved, improved or unchanged. RESULTS: Abnormal urodynamic findings, primarily hypocompliance and instability, were noted in all 20 patients with HUN. All patients compliant with treatment showed dramatic improvement or complete resolution of abnormal urodynamic parameters. The 32 RUs with persistent HUN were initially graded as mild (8), moderate (13) and severe (11). HUN resolved in 15 RUs and improved to a lower grade in 11 in 26 of the 27 RUs (96.3%) in the 17 patients compliant with treatment. The 3 boys (5 RUs) who were noncompliant with treatment had neither decreased HUN nor improved urodynamic parameters. The 12 of 27 RUs (44.4%) in the treatment group in which HUN failed to resolve completely had no distal ureteral obstruction or identifiable persistent urodynamic abnormality and, thus, they can be labeled as having residual stretching. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent HUN following valve ablation should not be considered residual dilatation until a thorough urodynamic evaluation has been done and any abnormal parameters are addressed. With correction of these abnormal parameters one can expect significant lessening of HUN and hopefully improved long-term preservation of renal function.

Management of nonpalpable testicular tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To report our series of nonpalpable testicular tumors with a review of published studies. Radical orchiectomy remains the reference standard in the treatment of a solid testicular mass. Testis-sparing surgery has recently been advocated for a select group of patients with nonpalpable tumors. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2002, a nonpalpable testicular mass was discovered in 9 patients. Ultrasonography was performed for infertility evaluation (5 patients), testicular pain (3 patients), and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy (1 patient). RESULTS: Radical orchiectomy was performed in 7 of 9 patients and testis-sparing surgery with microsurgical excision of tumor in 1 patient. One patient decided against surgery. A benign testicular tumor was found in 6 and a malignant tumor in 2 of the 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS: A high incidence of benign nonpalpable tumor and an advanced microsurgical technique justifies organ-sparing surgery as an alternative for radical orchiectomy in a select group of patients. Testicular preservation in patients with a malignant nonpalpable testicular tumor is a feasible, but still controversial, approach.

Endoscopic treatment of bladder calculi in post-renal transplant patients: a 10-year experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Urinary calculus formation following renal transplantation is an uncommon phenomenon. As a result of the growing number of renal transplants performed and the greater graft survival, there has been increased awareness of transplant-related complications, one of which is calculus formation. We report our experience in the management of bladder calculi after renal transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 500 consecutive renal transplant patients from 1992 through 2002 and encountered 7 who had bladder calculi postoperatively. Ureteroneocystostomy had been performed using polyglactic acid suture. Bladder calculi were treated endoscopically by litholapaxy, electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL), or holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy. RESULTS: Three calculi were found incidentally at the time of stent removal, and the others were associated with hematuria (43%), urinary tract infection (14%), or irritative voiding symptoms (14%). Eighty-six percent of the calculi were close to the allograft ureteral orifice. CONCLUSION: While various forms of lithotripsy were employed in treating bladder calculi, Hol:YAG laser lithotripsy appeared to be both efficacious and safe. Both EHL and litholapaxy were complicated by mucosal bleeding necessitating Bugbee fulguration. Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy was not associated with mucosal bleeding, and fulguration was not required near the allograft ureteral orifice. In addition, ureteral stenting is not required. Bladder calculi may form over both absorbable and nonabsorbable suture material, and the ideal suture for the ureteroneocystostomy has yet to be found. Until then, the Hol:YAG laser should be the lithotrite of choice for bladder calculi following renal transplantation.

Phase I trial of a temporary ureteral drainage stent.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The temporary ureteral drainage stent (TUDS; Boston Scientific/Microvasive, Natick, MA) is a biodegradable device that is designed to maintain patency for 48 hours with gradual softening and spontaneous expulsion thereafter. We evaluated the durability, patency, and safety of TUDS in a Phase I clinical trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen stone patients requiring sequential percutaneous nephrolithotomies (PNL) for complex stone disease underwent antegrade TUDS placement following initial percutaneous treatment. Nineteen devices were placed in 21 attempts, with one patient undergoing bilateral TUDS placement. Day 2 nephrostograms were performed to allow assessment of stent status and to demonstrate antegrade flow. Stents were removed at the time of the secondary PNL (day 2 or 3). RESULTS: No complications occurred during TUDS placement. On day 2, 1 stent had passed into the bladder. Eleven stents were completely intact, with seven others partially intact. Day 2 ureteral patency was demonstrated in all 19 stented ureters. Eighteen TUDS were removed completely during the secondary PNL with one incident of partial retention. All stent material had passed out of the body in all patients by 1 month. No adverse events were attributable to the TUDS. CONCLUSIONS: The TUDS appears to facilitate ureteral drainage for at least 48 hours after placement. Although occasional stent tail detachments were noted, these did not interfere with device function. The safety profile of TUDS was favorable, with no complications attributable to the device itself. A larger prospective clinical study in patients receiving TUDS placed retrograde after uncomplicated ureteroscopic manipulation appears appropriate on the basis of these initial findings.

Renal hemodynamic and ureteral pressure changes in response to ureteral obstruction: the role of nitric oxide.

PURPOSE: Triphasic changes in renal blood flow and ureteral pressure after unilateral ureteral obstruction have long been known. The contribution of nitric oxide to the decline in renal blood flow and ureteral pressure in unilateral ureteral obstruction was studied in this model using arginine infusion and by studying the effect of 2 inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Left ureteral obstruction was created in dogs. Renal blood flow and ureteral pressure were monitored. Groups 1 to 4 underwent unilateral ureteral obstruction and group 5 dogs underwent sham operation. Groups 2 to 5 received an infusion of arginine at hour 18 of obstruction that was sustained for 1 hour. In addition, NOS inhibitors were administered to dogs in groups 3 (N-monomethyl-L-arginine) and 4 (triamcinolone diacetate). RESULTS: Arginine administration at 18 hours of obstruction caused a significant increase in renal blood flow and ureteral pressure compared to sham operated animals. Triamcinolone diacetate eliminated the increase in renal blood flow and ureteral pressure, whereas N-monomethyl-L-arginine did not, reflecting the competitive nature of its inhibition of NOS. CONCLUSIONS: Arginine infusion 18 hours after unilateral ureteral obstruction led to increases in renal blood flow and ureteral pressure that were not seen in control animals. These results suggest that the nitric oxide system of the kidney is activated in unilateral ureteral obstruction. Since the addition of arginine is accompanied by an increase in renal blood flow and ureteral pressure, it further suggests that a lack of availability of substrate for NOS may explain the decrease in renal blood flow and ureteral pressure in obstruction. Providing substrate may be a way of maintaining renal blood flow in unilateral ureteral obstruction.

Treatment of bilateral fibroepithelial polyps in a child.

Ureteral fibroepithelial polyps are extremely rare benign lesions composed of stroma with a surface of normal transitional epithelium. Traditionally, symptomatic polyps were treated with open exploration and segmental resection. We describe the first case of bilateral polyps in a child. One was removed by segmental resection and the other by ureteroscopic laser surgery.

Effect of freezing parameters (freeze cycle and thaw process) on tissue destruction following renal cryoablation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Renal cryoablation is a successful nephron-sparing treatment alternative for selected patients with small renal tumors. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of the number of freeze cycles (one v two) and the thaw process (active v passive) on renal tissue following cryodestruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen female mongrel dogs (19.9 +/- 2.1 kg) were randomly divided into four groups and underwent transabdominal laparoscopic access by standard techniques. Tissue freezing was performed using argon gas following interstitial cryoprobe (3 mm) placement into the upper and lower poles of the left kidney. Single active (SA), single passive (SP) double active (DA) or double passive (DP) 15-minute treatment cycle(s) were carried out via the CRYOcare Cryosurgical Unit (Endocare, Irving, CA) on eight kidneys each. An active thaw process with helium gas or a passive thaw process was initiated after each freeze period. The cryoprobe was removed when the temperature reached 0 degrees C. Four weeks following cryosurgery, animals were sacrificed, and the renal tissue was evaluated grossly and histologically. RESULTS: Interstitial cryoprobe temperatures decreased from 31.3 degrees C +/- 1.4 degrees C to -142 degrees C +/- 1.0 degrees C following the 15-minute freeze cycle. The temperature reached 0 degrees C significantly faster following active thaw than with the passive process (2.13 +/- 0.24 min/freeze cycle and 15.18 +/- 2.97 min/freeze cycle, respectively; P < 0.0001). Grossly, each lesion consisted of a central area of necrosis surrounded by a rim of white tissue. On microscopic examination, each lesion consisted of a central area of liquefaction necrosis (LN) surrounded by various degrees of fibrosis and granulation tissue admixed with residual parenchyma. The size of the LN was significantly different in tissues subjected to double and single freeze cycles when compared across both thaw processes (active and passive). There was no significant difference in the overall lesion volume following DA, DP, SA, or SP. CONCLUSIONS: Renal cryodestruction via laparoscopic access achieves complete tissue ablation without complications. The double freeze cycle produced significantly larger areas of LN than the single freeze regardless of the thaw process. The type of thaw process did not affect the amount of tissue damage. Utilizing a double 15-minute freeze cycle with the faster active thaw process will effectively cryoablate renal tissue as well as significantly reduce overall operative time.