Forming a stone in pelviureteric junction obstruction: cause or effect?

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate a possible causal relationship for stone formation in pelviureteric junction obstruction and to outline management options. Materials and Methods A literature search and evidence synthesis was conducted via electronic databases in the English language using the key words pelviureteric junction obstruction; urolithiasis; hyperoxaluria; laparoscopic pyeloplasty; flexible nephroscopy; percutaneous nephrolithotomy, alone or in combination. Relevant articles were analysed to extract conclusions. Results Concomitant pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) and renal lithiasis has been reported only scarcely in the literature. Although PUJO has been extensively studied throughout the years, the presence of calculi in such a patient has not received equal attention and there is still doubt surrounding the pathophysiology and global management. Conclusions Metabolic risk factors appear to play an important role, enough to justify metabolic evaluation in these patients. Urinary stasis and infection are well known factors predisposing to lithiasis and contribute to some extent. The choice for treatment is not always straightforward. Management should be tailored according to degree of obstruction, renal function, patient symptoms and stone size. Simultaneous treatment is feasible with the aid of minimally invasive operative techniques and laparoscopy in particular.

Forming a stone in pelviureteric junction obstruction: Cause or effect?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate a possible causal relationship for stone formation in pelviureteric junction obstruction and to outline management options. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search and evidence synthesis was conducted via electronic databases in the English language using the key words pelviureteric junction obstruction; urolithiasis; hyperoxaluria; laparoscopic pyeloplasty; flexible nephroscopy; percutaneous nephrolithotomy, alone or in combination. Relevant articles were analysed to extract conclusions. RESULTS: Concomitant pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) and renal lithiasis has been reported only scarcely in the literature. Although PUJO has been extensively studied throughout the years, the presence of calculi in such a patient has not received equal attention and there is still doubt surrounding the pathophysiology and global management. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic risk factors appear to play an important role, enough to justify metabolic evaluation in these patients. Urinary stasis and infection are well known factors predisposing to lithiasis and contribute to some extent. The choice for treatment is not always straightforward. Management should be tailored according to degree of obstruction, renal function, patient symptoms and stone size. Simultaneous treatment is feasible with the aid of minimally invasive operative techniques and laparoscopy in particular.

Lone Stent-Graft Treatment of Symptomatic Gluteal Artery Aneurysm.

We report the case of a large superior gluteal artery aneurysm treated with covered stent-graft insertion. Exclusion of the aneurysm was achieved, with resolution of symptoms and shrinkage of the sac, without the need for embolization.

The Role of PCA 3 as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC) Treated with Docetaxel.

AIM: To investigate potential fluctuations in prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA 3) scores in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients treated with docetaxel and investigate the assay as a potential prognostic factor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational cohort study. Inclusion criteria included patients on hormonal treatment who were recently diagnosed with CRPC. Exclusion criteria included patients previously having radical treatment (surgery or radiotherapy) and patients who have completed the first cycle of chemotherapy. All urine samples were collected and analyzed using the Progensa® assay. Samples were collected before starting chemotherapy and at 12 months. A prospective database was created including routine blood tests, prostate staging and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels throughout the study period. The effects of chemotherapy were also recorded. RESULTS: Between January 2010 and February 2013, 12 patients were included in the study out of an initial cohort of 23 patients with CRPC. Mean follow-up was 14.8 months. Mean age at CRPC diagnosis was 73.8 years (±3.6 SD). Mean Gleason score was 8, with PSA 84.23 ng/ml (±158 SD). Mean duration of androgen deprivation treatment (ADT) was 45.16 months (±34.9 SD). Mean time to castrate-resistant state was 46.58 months (±35.3 SD). All twelve (n=12, 100%) patients had non-assessable PCA 3 scores at baseline and at 12 months follow-up. As a direct consequence, statistical analysis was not performed as the anticipated change in PCA 3 scores was not identified and correlation between measurable differences was not possible. All patients tolerated chemotherapy and completed the scheduled cycles with no serious adverse effects. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study to demonstrate lack of expression of PCA3 in CRPC, with the result apparently not influenced by chemotherapy. There appears to be a strong association between hormonal treatment and lack of PCA 3 expression. It is still unknown whether disease progression per se affects PCA 3 scores. The gradual reduction and eventual complete non-expression of PCA 3 with ongoing treatment and disease progression provide an insight towards molecular pathways that may be connected to castration-resistant state.

Calcification of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles: a review.

INTRODUCTION: Calcification of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles is a rare condition of unknown incidence. It has been described in association with diabetes, hyperparathyroidism and genitourinary tuberculosis, amongst other conditions. Little is known about the clinical significance and management of this condition. We review the literature in an effort to find answers about an entity that is frequently appreciated as an incidental finding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic database search was performed (Medline) using the key words: vas deferens; seminal vesicles; calcification, alone or in combination. Articles were selected according to relevance and quality of evidence. RESULTS: The search included published manuscripts between 1960 and 2012. A total of 17 relevant publications were identified. The majority were written in the English language and mostly consisted of case presentations and reports of radiologic findings. CONCLUSION: Calcification of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles is a rare condition. However, it may be implicated in male factor infertility and symptoms from the urogenital tract. Treatment should be directed towards the underlying cause on an individual basis. It is unknown whether control of the primary process has any effects on the histopathological appearance of the ducts and/or their improvement of function.

Vesicovaginal fistula: diagnosis and management.

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is still a major cause for concern in many developing countries. It represents a significant morbidity in female urology. Continual wetness, odor, and discomfort cause serious social problems. The diagnosis of the condition has traditionally been based on clinical methods and dye testing. A successful repair of such fistulas requires an accurate diagnostic evaluation and timely repair using procedures that exploit basic surgical principles and the application of interposition flaps. The method of closure depends on the surgeon's training and experience. The main complication of VVF surgery is recurrent fistula formation.

Thromboprophylaxis and bleeding diathesis in minimally invasive stone surgery.

With populations ageing and active treatment of urinary stones increasingly in demand, more patients with stones are presenting with an underlying bleeding disorder or need for regular thromboprophylaxis, by means of antiplatelet and other medication. A practical guide to thromboprophylaxis in the treatment of urinary tract lithiasis has not yet been established. Patients can be stratified according to levels of risk of arterial and venous thromboembolism, which influence the requirements for antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications, respectively. Patients should also be stratified according to their risk of bleeding. Consideration of the combined risks of bleeding and thromboembolism should determine the perioperative thromboprophylactic strategy. The choice of shockwave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy or ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for treatment of lithiasis should be determined with regard to these risks. Although ureteroscopy is the preferred method in high-risk patients, shockwave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy can be chosen when indicated, if appropriate guidelines are strictly followed.

Intracystic Papillary Carcinoma of the Breast in Males. In Search of the Optimal Treatment for this Rare Disease.

Intracystic papillary carcinoma (IPC) of the breast in men is an extremely infrequent disease, and it appears to have a good prognosis. Because of this, histological findings are of great importance in the decision-making process regarding treatment. Clinical examination, radiological and histological assessments are required for early detection. Adequate surgical excision with negative margins is mandatory. However, the role of sentinel node biopsy has not been evaluated in male IPC. It appears that sentinel node biopsy may be an excellent alternative to radical axillary dissection in patients with IPC and associated ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma. Nevertheless, due to the rarity of IPC and its confusing histopathological classification and staging, there are still no clear guidelines as far as IPC treatment is concerned.