Anterior quadratus lumborum block provided superior pain control and reduced opioid consumption in kidney transplantation: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The research aimed to assess the effectiveness of inside-out anterior quadratus lumborum (QL3) block and local wound infiltration in managing postoperative pain and total morphine dosage following kidney transplantation. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind study; 46 end-stage renal disease patients undergoing kidney transplantation were randomly allocated into 2 groups: a QL group (n = 23) receiving 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine using the ultrasound-assisted inside-out technique before wound closure, while the local wound infiltration (LA) group (n = 23) receiving the same dose around the surgical wound and drain at the time of skin closure. The primary outcome measure was the numerical pain rating scale, with secondary outcomes including amount of morphine consumption at various postoperative time points (2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th hours). RESULTS: Patients in the QL group had significantly lower numerical rating scale scores at the 2nd and 4th hours, both at rest and during movement (P < .05). Although pain scores at rest and during movement at later time points were lower in the QL group compared to the LA group, these differences were not statistically significant. Cumulative morphine consumption at postoperative 4th, 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th hours was significantly lower in the QL group (P < .05). No patients experienced complications from the QL3 block. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-assisted inside-out QL3 block significantly reduced postoperative pain levels at the 2nd and 4th hours, both at rest and during movement, and led to a reduction in cumulative morphine consumption from the 4th hour postoperatively, and persisting throughout the 24-hour period.

Perioperative factors and 30-day major complications following radical cystectomy: A single-center study in Thailand.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of early postoperative complications of radical cystectomy, using standardized reporting methodology to assess perioperative characteristics and determine risk factors for major complications. Materials and methods: A retrospective study included 254 consecutive bladder cancer patients undergoing RC between 2012 and 2020 at a urological cancer referral center. Postoperative complications within 30 days were recorded and graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC). The study examined risk factors, including novel inflammatory-nutrition biomarkers and perioperative serum chloride. Results: Total complications were observed in 135 (53 %). Of these, 47 (18.5 %) were high grade (CDC ≥ 3). Wound dehiscence was the most common complication, occurring in 14 (5.5 %) patients. Independent risk factors for major complications included an age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) > 4 and thrombocytopenia (odds ratio [OR] 3.67 and OR 8.69). Preoperative platelet counts < 220,000/µL and albumin < 3 mg/dL were independent risk factors for wound dehiscence (OR 3.91 and OR 4.72). Additionally, postoperative hypochloremia was a risk factor for major complications (OR 13.71), while novel serum biomarkers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) were not associated with early major complications. Conclusion: Patients who have multiple comorbidities are at a greater risk of developing major complications after undergoing RC. Our result suggests that preoperative platelet counts and serum albumin levels are associated with wound dehiscence.

In vitro Comparison of the Mechanical and Optical Characteristics of 5 Disposable Flexible Ureteroscopes.

INTRODUCTION: Disposable (single-use) flexible ureteroscopes are alternatives to reusable ureteroscopes. With their superior surgical efficacy and safety in the presence of upper urinary calculi, disposable ureteroscopes aim to overcome the main limitations of conventional reusable ureteroscopes. However, studies on the performance of the most recently developed models of single-use flexible ureteroscopes are scarce. This study aimed to compare the in vitro performance of several recently introduced, single-use, flexible ureteroscopes. METHODS: Five disposable flexible ureteroscopes were tested in vitro to evaluate their mechanical and optical characteristics. To this end, their degrees of deflection, irrigation flow rates, and image qualities were investigated. The models examined were Innovex US31-B12, OTU-100RR, Redpine RP-U-C12, Sciavita SUV-2A-B, and Seplou URS3016E. Their performance was also compared with that of a reusable flexible ureteroscope, Olympus URV-F. RESULTS: The OTU device had the highest degrees of deflection and the smallest loop diameter of the disposable ureteroscopes. The single-use ureteroscopes had identical image resolutions at a distance of 1 cm. The Innovex and Redpine devices had the best color representation. CONCLUSIONS: Of the tested disposable ureteroscopes, the OTU device had the best mechanical attributes, given its small loop diameter, high deflection angles, and low irrigation flow loss. As to their optical properties, the resolutions of all 5 single-use models were identical at an image distance of 1 cm.

Survival benefits after radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy of renal cell carcinoma patients with inferior vena cava thrombus.

Objective: The role of tumor thrombus as a predictor of survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is controversial. This study aims to evaluate surgical and oncological outcomes after surgery in RCC with inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus patients. Materials and methods: A total of 58 patients (2002-2019) underwent radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy at our institute, were retrospectively reviewed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was utilized to compare survival benefits between cohorts and Cox-regression to evaluate potential predictors of patient survival. Results: There were 5(8.6%), 21(36.2%), 23(39.7%) and 9 (15.5%) patients with tumor thrombus level I, II, III and IV respectively. The major complications (Clavien 3-5) were observed in 15 patients (25.8%) and 12 patients (80%) were patients with high thrombus level (III-IV). There was 9%mortality (5patients): 2 intraoperatively and 3 postoperatively. Median follow-up was 15 months (IQR:5-41). Two-year overall survival (OS) was 80% and 75% in all patients and pN0M0 cohort, respectively. There was significant difference in OS among each IVC thrombus level cohort (p < 0.02). Two-year OS of metastatic RCC patients was 67% and not significantly different when compared to non-metastatic cohort (p = 0.12). On multivariate analysis, only sarcomatoid dedifferentiation was associated with OS(p = 0.04). Disease-free survival was not significantly different among thrombus-level cohorts (p = 0.65). Conclusions: Our study suggested that surgical treatment for RCC with IVC thrombus provided substantial OS outcomes. Although survival was significantly reduced with higher IVC thrombus level cohort, the level of thrombus itself was not an independent factor. Only sarcomatoid dedifferentiation was a predictor for reduced OS after radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy. Meticulous patient selection and prompt counselling are substantial step for the operation.

Role of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging on the surgical outcomes of radical prostatectomy: Does preoperative tumor recognition reduce the positive surgical margin in a specific location? Experience from a Thailand prostate cancer specialized center.

Objective: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the standard of care for the diagnosis of prostate cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of preoperative MRI on the positive surgical margin (PSM) rates. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1070 prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) at Siriraj Hospital between January 2013 and September 2019. PSM rates were compared between those with and without preoperative MRI. PSM locations were analyzed. Results: In total, 322 (30.1%) patients underwent MRI before RP. PSM most frequently occurred at the apex (33.2%), followed by posterior (13.5%), bladder neck (12.7%), anterior (10.7%), posterolateral (9.9%), and lateral (2.3%) positions. In preoperative MRI, PSM was significantly lowered at the posterior surface (9.0% vs. 15.4%, p=0.01) and in the subgroup of urologists with less than 100 RP experiences (32% vs. 51%, odds ratio=0.51, p<0.05). Blood loss was also significantly decreased when a preoperative image was obtained (200 mL vs. 250 mL, p=0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that only preoperative MRI status was associated with overall PSM and PSM at the prostatic apex. Neither the surgical approach, the neurovascular bundle sparing technique, nor the perioperative blood loss was associated with PSM. Conclusion: MRI is associated with less overall PSM, PSM at apex, and blood loss during RP. Additionally, preoperative MRI has shown promise in lowering the PSM rate among urologists who are in the early stages of performing RP.

Color Doppler Guided in Early Renal Allograft Biopsy: A Safer and Non-Inferior Technique.

BACKGROUND: This study compared a novel technique for renal allograft biopsy, color Doppler ultrasound-guided biopsy (CDUS-Bx), with routine ultrasound-guided biopsy (RUS-Bx). METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 111 patients, with 42 undergoing CDUS-Bx and 69 undergoing RUS-Bx. Urologists used an 18-gauge automatic spring-loaded biopsy needle for all procedures. CDUS-Bx tissue collection was guided by identifying renal vessels with color Doppler mode. RESULTS: Overall, the adequacy rate was 90.1%, with a higher number of glomeruli obtained in the CDUS-Bx group (25.6 ± 10.3 vs. 20.6 ± 11.3, P = .008). Acute tubular necrosis was the most frequent pathological diagnosis, with a higher prevalence in the CDUS-Bx group (69% vs 40.6%). T cell-mediated rejection had a lower incidence in the CDUS-Bx group (4.8% vs 21.7%), and antibody-mediated rejection was comparable between the 2 groups. The most common complication was microscopic hematuria, which was significantly less frequent in the CDUS-Bx group (48.7% vs 70.1%, P = .028), but there was no significant difference in the rate of gross hematuria between CDUS-Bx and RUS-Bx (11.9% vs 11.6%, P = .961). The number of cores was the only predictor of adequate biopsy, with a 93.2% adequacy rate after 3 cores of allograft biopsy. Multivariate analysis revealed that only the guiding type, CDUS-Bx, was associated with less microscopic hematuria (adjusted odds ratio 0.325, P = .018). CONCLUSIONS: Color Doppler ultrasound-guided biopsy had comparable tissue adequacy to RUS-Bx, with a lower incidence of microscopic hematuria. These findings suggest that CDUS-Bx may be a safe and effective alternative to RUS-Bx for allograft biopsy.

Surgical outcomes of patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery using a ureteral access sheath to manage kidney stones sized 1-2 cm compared between patients who did and did not undergo preoperative ureteral stenting.

Objective: To investigate the surgical outcomes of patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) using a ureteral access sheath (UAS) to manage kidney stones sized 1-2 cm compared between patients who did and did not undergo preoperative ureteral prestenting. Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study included 166 patients (aged ≥18 years) who underwent RIRS at Siriraj Hospital (Bangkok, Thailand) during February 2015-February 2020. All patients had renal calculi (stone size: 1-2 cm) located within the pelvicalyceal system. 80 and 86 patients were allocated to the prestent and non-prestent groups, respectively. Patient baseline characteristics, renal stone details, operative equipment, stone-free rate (SFR) at 2 weeks and 6 months, and perioperative complications were compared between groups. Results: All patient baseline characteristics were similar between groups. At 2 weeks after surgery, the overall SFR was 65.1%, and the SFRs in the prestent and non-prestent groups were 73.4% and 59.5%, respectively (p = 0.09). At 6 months after surgery, the overall SFR was 80.1%, and the SFRs in the prestent and non-prestent groups were 90.7% and 79.3%, respectively (p = 0.08). The incidence of perioperative complications was not significantly different between groups. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the SFR between the presenting and non-prestenting groups at both the 2-week and 6-month postoperative time points. There was also no significant difference in intraoperative and postoperative complications between groups. The SFR was higher at 6 months than at 2 weeks in both groups with no additional procedure.

The effect of laser fiber on the damage of the working channel of a flexible ureteroscope.

INTRODUCTION: Flexible ureteroscopy involves expensive equipment that is expensive to repair. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cleavage by various tools on the laser fiber tip and to determine the extent of damage incurred to the laser passing through the working channel and firing at different degrees of deflection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the effect of cleavage on Lumenis Slimline reusable fibers (272 and 365 µm) as performed by four cleavage tools: a scribe pen, a surgical blade, suture scissors, and ceramic scissors. Following cleavage, we recorded the pattern of light dispersion and power output. The laser fibers passed through the working channel at various. RESULTS: The ceramic scissors provided the best pattern of light dispersion and the highest power output. The suture scissors provided unacceptable levels of light dispersion. The 272 µm fiber was able to pass through the working channel at 30 and 45 degrees of deflection. The 365 µm laser fiber was only able to pass through the working channel at 30 degrees of deflection. There was no breakage of the laser fiber at any of the degrees of deflection evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis showed that the ceramic scissors were the best tool for cleaving Lumenis Slimline reusable fibers and that suture scissors were unacceptable. We also found that the deflection angle that causes damage to the working channel by laser insertion is dependent on both the size of the laser fiber and the degree of bending. Firing the laser during scope deflection could be performed safely at any degree of deflection, even with a high laser power of 40 W for a duration of 30 s.

The Application of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery to Remove a Single Large Kidney Stone During Pregnancy.

PURPOSE: To report the application and outcome of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) to remove a large kidney stone during pregnancy. PATIENT AND METHODS: A 30-year-old woman presented with an infected kidney stone (3 cm in size) at 4 weeks of pregnancy. We decided to remove the stone due to the possibility of obstruction and infection and chose to carry out this procedure by RIRS. In order to avoid complications associated with anesthetic, the surgery was carried out after the infection had cleared and when the patient had entered the second trimester of pregnancy. First, we used an ureteral access sheath and semi-rigid ureteroscopy to evaluate the ureteral lumen. We confirmed that the ureteral access sheath had been positioned appropriately by direct visualization with a flexible ureterorenoscope. The procedure was then carried out with a radiation-free protocol and without fluoroscopy. Ho-YAG laser lithotripsy was used to fragment the stones, and these fragments were then removed in a stone basket. The patient required three sessions of RIRS to remove the stone in its entirety; during this time, the patient was 18-29 weeks into her pregnancy. During each session, we removed approximately 30% of the stone. The patient developed fever after the first operation but responded fully to antibiotics. There were no perioperative complications, and the patient only remained in hospital for 3 days. The male infant was delivered by caesarian section at 37 weeks of pregnancy without any health complications. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We successfully removed a large kidney stone from a pregnant patient using an ureteral access sheath and RIRS without fluoroscopy. There were no complications indicating that this procedure can be carried out safely during pregnancy.

Factors Impacting Stone-Free Rate After Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for Calyceal Diverticular Calculi.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) treatment of calyceal diverticular calculi and identify the associated factors affecting post-operative stone-free rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2015 to May 2019, data of 32 patients with calyceal diverticular calculi who were treated by RIRS in a Siriraj Hospital were retrospectively studied. All operations were performed by the same surgeon using flexible ureterorenoscopy (f-URS) and holmium YAG laser lithotripsy. Calyceal diverticula were identified by our refluxing technique and from the collected demographic, diverticular and stone data. Operative outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. Data were analysed to identify the factors associated with stone-free outcomes. Stone-free was defined as no residual stones remaining after surgery. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 55.7 years. Stone locations were non-lower pole in 81.2% of cases and lower pole for the remaining 18.8% of cases. Median stone size was 1.2 cm with three as the median number of stones per patient. Calcium oxalate was the most common stone composition (56.3%). Positions of the diverticulum were anterior calyx (34.4%) and posterior calyx (50%), while the remainder were undetermined (incomplete data). Average length of the diverticular neck was 0.4 cm. Mean operative time was 46 minutes and mean hospital stay was 2.9 days. Complications included fever in three patients (9.3%) and sepsis in two patients (6.3%), with overall post-operative stone-free rate at 75%. Factors significantly affecting stone-free status were stone size (P=0.003) and length of diverticular neck (P=0.038). Multivariate analysis determined that only stone size had a statistically significant effect on post-operative stone-free status (P=0.015). Cut off point for stone size that increased the chances of a post-operative stone-free outcome was less than 1.5 cm, as determined by the ROC curve. CONCLUSION: RIRS was found to be an effective and safe treatment option for the removal of calyceal diverticular calculi. Stone size of less than 1.5 cm offered a better chance of post-operative stone-free condition.

The correlation between demographic factors and upper urinary tract stone composition in the Thai population.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the correlation between demographic factors and upper urinary tract stone composition in the Thai population. METHOD: A retrospective observational study of first-time upper urinary tract stone former patients aged over 18 years who underwent stone surgery was performed in a tertiary referral university hospital from January 2013 to May 2018. Collected data included demographic information and stone composition information, which were analysed by the Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) method. The correlation between the demographic factors and major upper urinary tract stone composition was analysed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: A total of 480 patients were included in this study. The stones were 319 (66.5%) renal calculi and 161 (33.5%) ureteric calculi. There were 248 (51.7%) single composition stones and 232 (48.3%) mixed composition stones. The major stone compositions were 288 (60.0%) calcium oxalate (CaOx), 125 (26.0%) calcium phosphate (CaP), 40 (8.3%) uric acid (UA), 19 (4.0%) magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP), five (1.0%) cystine, and three (0.6%) ammonium hydrogen urate (AHU). Gender was correlated with the major stone composition. In females, a correlation was found between the major stone composition and age, diabetes mellitus (DM), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The study showed no significant correlation between the major stone composition and dyslipidemia (DLP), hypertension (HT), gout, and body mass index (BMI) in both genders. CONCLUSION: Gender, age, DM, and GFR were the factors affecting the stone composition.

Characterization of renal stone composition by using fast kilovoltage switching dual-energy computed tomography compared to laboratory stone analysis: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To prospectively examine the diagnostic performance of fast kilovoltage switching dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in characterization of in vivo renal stone composition compared with postoperative stone analysis. METHODS: Consecutive consenting patients scheduled for endoscopic kidney stone surgery in a tertiary referral hospital from June 2015 to January 2016 were enrolled. Patients were preoperatively scanned with single-source, fast kilovoltage switching DECT. Stone compositions were determined regarding the effective atomic number measurements. Results of the stone compositions from DECT were compared to postoperative infrared spectroscopy stone analysis as the standard reference. RESULTS: For the 39 patients enrolled in the study, DECT was able to detect uric acid stone with sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 100%. There was 100% positive predictive value, 96.8% negative predictive value, and 97.4% accuracy. For non-contrast CT scan, sensitivity was 88.9%, specificity was 96.7%, positive predictive value was 88.9%, negative predictive value was 96.7%, and accuracy was 94.8%. Of the 39 samples examined, 21 (54%) were single composition, whereas 18 (46%) were combined. Single composition stones were correctly characterized by DECT in 100% (8/8) for uric acid. Whereas the result of uric acid stone containing stone discrimination in mixed composition was not so good with Zeff alone, iodine imaging can compensated this fault. CONCLUSIONS: DECT provides excellent accuracy in characterizing uric acid stone compositions. With the addition of iodine image, all of uric acid-containing stones can be determined by the DECT.

The Impact of Arterial Clamping Technique in Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy on Renal Function and Surgical Outcomes: Six-Year Experience at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand.

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) with different arterial clamping techniques has increasingly been performed to avoid ischemic injury to nephron. However, postoperative renal function remains controversial. We determine the impact of each renal arterial clamping on surgical and renal outcomes after RAPN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent RAPN at Siriraj Hospital from 2010 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and stratified into 3 cohorts: main-clamp (MAC), selective-clamp, and off-clamp. RESULTS: Main, selective, and off-clamping were performed in 27, 38, and 12, respectively. Median tumor size and Radius, Exophytic or endophytic, Nearness to collecting system or sinus, Anterior or posterior, and Location relative to polar lines (RENAL) score were 3 cm and 7, respectively. Longer operative time was observed in MAC (p = 0.002) although estimated blood loss, transfusion rate, and complication were comparable. Warm ischemia time was not different between cohorts. However, number of patients with prolonged ischemia time in MAC were greater (p ≤ 0.01). All margins were negative. Median postoperative and latest glomerular filtration rate reduction were 3.8 and 5.3 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively without significant difference between cohorts. On multivariable analysis, hypertension independently associated with reduced renal function preserved (p = 0.03). Median follow-up was 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to report surgical and renal functional outcomes after RAPN in Southeast-Asian population. Based on our experience, clamping techniques does not impact on renal functions and complication rate was low even in small-volume center.

A Case Report of Ruptured Malignant Neuroendocrine Tumor of Kidney, an Extraordinary Presentation.

We report the case of a 51-year-old Thai female presented with right abdominal mass with pain and anemia. The radiographic findings showed ruptured renal mass. She underwent radical nephrectomy and the pathological report was malignant neuroendocrine tumor. Palliative chemotherapy was administered. The patient passed away three months after the operation. Renal neuroendocrine tumors are rare. Moreover, ruptured renal tumors are very rare. They are usually considered to be angiomyolipoma or renal cell carcinoma. Poor differentiation and rupture at presentation are aggressive features of tumors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of ruptured renal malignant neuroendocrine tumor.

Comparison of urinary continence outcome between robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy versus laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare urinary continent rate at six and 12-month postoperative period, and perioperative outcome between robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) at Siriraj Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All medical records of patients performed RALP and LRP between 2005 and 2010 were reviewed. Data composed of demographic information, perioperative outcome, and oncologic outcome. Moreover, the urinary continence rate was also collected at six and 12-month postoperative period by questionnaires based research design. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2010, we performed 548 cases of RALP and 613 cases of LRP. Only 486 cases of RALP (88.6%) and 561 cases of LRP (91.5%) had been followed-up more than 12 months. All demographic data including age, biopsy Gleason score, and preoperative PSA level in both groups were comparably. On the other hand, the perioperative outcome in RALP differed from LRP group significantly, including operative time (210 min vs. 255 min), blood loss (449 ml vs. 766 ml), blood transfusion rate (7.6% vs. 25.2%), and length of hospital stay (7 days vs. 8.6 days) (p < 0.001). The oncological outcome including pathologic tumor staging and Gleason score were comparably. Late complication such as anastamosis stricture was not different between the two groups (3.1% in RALP vs. 2.4% in LRP, p = 0.584). The continence rate of RALP and LRP groups at 6-month was 67.8% and 39% and at 12-month was 80% and 63.7%, respectively. The continence rate of RALP was better than LRP significantly. CONCLUSION: From our experience, perioperative outcome and continence rate at six and 12-month of RALP group was significantly better than LRP group. The demographic data, oncological outcome, and anastamosis stricture rate were comparably in both groups. The most relevant preoperative predictors of urinary continence were patient's age and prostatic weight.

Renal vascular variants in living related renal donors: evaluation with CT angiography.

BACKGROUND: Renal vascular variants may complicate the surgical techniques of living related renal transplantation. Renal computed tomographic (CT) angiography is now well accepted for preoperative renal vascular mapping in living related renal donors. OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of renal vascular variants in living related renal donors using CT angiography. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Preoperative renal CT angiography of 65 consecutive living related renal donors were retrospectively reviewed by two abdominal radiologists on a 3-D workstation. The number and branching patterns of bilateral renal arteries and veins, as well as the presence of renal arterial and venous variants were described. RESULTS: Supernumerary renal arteries and early branching were present in 18.5% and 12.8% respectively on the right kidneys and 27.7% and 22.4% respectively on the left kidneys. The prevalence of precaval right renal artery was 4.6%. Supernumerary renal veins were present in 35.4% and 1.5% on the right and left kidneys, respectively. Late confluences of left renal veins were identified in 1.5% of left kidneys. Other venous anomalies included 1.5% duplicated inferior vena cava (IVC), 1.5% circumaortic left renal vein, 1.5% retroaortic left renal vein, 1.5% outsized left gonadal veins drained into the left renal vein, and 6.2% right gonadal vein drained into the right renal vein. CONCLUSION: Renal vascular anatomical variants were common. The surgeons and the radiologists should be aware of these variants to prevent postoperative complications.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: oncological and functional outcomes of 559 cases in Siriraj Hospital, Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of oncological and functional outcomes of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) during the first five years experience in Siriraj hospital. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Between September 2004 and September 2009, the functional and oncological outcomes of 559 patients that underwent LRP were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The distribution of pathological T stage was T2 (52.1%), T3 (39.9%), and T4 (2.9%). Lymph node metastasis (N1) were found in 19 patients (3.4%). The positive margin rates in pT2a-b, pT2c, pT3a, pT3b and pT4 were 13.2%, 34.7%, 65.9%, 72.7% and 76.9%, respectively. The 3-year biological progression free survival (bPFS) rate for all patients was 87.2%. Three-year bPFS rates in pT2a-b, pT2c, pT3a, pT3b and pT4 were 96.3%, 93%, 75%, 55.6% and 62.5% respectively. The continent rate at 12 months was 84% and potency rate at 12 months in group that received bilateral nerve sparing was 29.1%. CONCLUSION: The oncological and functional results of our first LRPs in Thai men are acceptable and compared well with the early experience of previous studies. However, longer follow up is needed for further evaluation.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: perioperative outcomes and morbidity of 559 consecutive cases in Siriraj Hospital, Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perioperative outcomes and morbidity of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in Siriraj Hospital during a 5-year experience. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Five hundred fifty nine patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) by seven surgeons at Siriraj Hospital between September 2004 and September 2009 were included in the study. Data of perioperative results and postoperative parameters were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 257 minutes SD 75 (range 125 to 680 min). The mean operative time of the first 100 cases was significantly higher than of the last 100 cases (307 ml/min SD 95 versus 223 ml/min SD 56; p-value = 0.001). Mean estimated blood loss was 779 ml SD 607 (range 40 to 6,000 ml). Of 559 patients, 148 patients (26.5%) had blood transfusions. The blood transfusion rate in the first 100 cases was significantly higher than those of the last 100 cases (36.5% versus 15%; p-value = 0.016). The median duration of catheterization time was 8 days. The mean time of drain insertion was 4.2 days SD 1.8 (range 2 to 18 days) postoperatively. Hospital stay was 8.8 days SD 7.6 (range 3 to 149 days). Overall perioperative complications rate was 17.1%. Of these patients, 13.4% were minor complication (Clavien 1, 2) and 3.7% were major complication (Clavien 3, 4). There were no mortalities. Late complication rate was 2.1%, which most of them were stricture of anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Perioperative outcomes and morbidity of LRP in a 5-year period were acceptable. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is technically demanding with an initially longer operative time and higher blood transfusion rate. The learning curve of the surgical team is needed to achieve good results.

Laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS) robotic radical prostatectomy in an Asian man with prostate cancer: an initial case report.

OBJECTIVE: To report the feasibility of laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS) robotic radical prostatectomy performed in Asian man. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A 71 year-old man with adenocarcinoma of prostate presented at Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok. Prostate-specific antigen level was 16.5 ng/ml and digital rectal examination approximately showed 30 gram prostate with nodule in both lobes. No clinical metastasis was found. Leuprorelin acetate and 50 mg of bicalutamide were used for 3 months. The patient's body mass index was 22 and healthy. With the consent form signed, laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS) robotic radical prostatectomy was performed with the robot daVinci S system. RESULTS: The total operative time was 335 minutes; docking time was 12 minutes; console time was 275 minutes. The estimate blood loss was 250 ml and no blood transfusion required. No intraoperative or postoperative complication was found. Jackson drain was removed within 60 hours after surgery. The patient was discharged from the hospital within 84 hours after surgery. The urethral catheter was removed within 14 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: Laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS) robotic radical prostatectomy is feasible to be performed In the initial experience, patient selection is required.

Safety and efficacy of a prolonged-release formulation of alfuzosin 10 mg once daily in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: Assess safety and efficacy of 10-mg prolonged-release alfuzosin (Xatral XL) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A multicenter observational study looking at safety by adverse events (AEs) incidence, efficacy by changes in International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), quality of life index (QOL), sexual function using Danish Prostate Symptom Score (DAN-PSS sex), and flow rates. Patients were allocated to receive alfuzosin (Xatral XL) 10 mg once daily tablet along with a meal for 6 months. Patients were assessed at 3 months and 6 months. RESULTS: In 118 males, 22% had AEs (most common was dizziness). Ten patients discontinued the treatment. Of those patients, five had serious AEs, which only one was related to the study. At month 6, there were improvements from baseline in mean I-PSS (-9.3, p < 0.001), in QOL index (-2.96, p < 0.001), in symptom (-0.72, p < 0.05) and bothersome (-1.13, p < 0.01) subscores on DAN-PSS sex, and in mean flow rate (0.92, p < 0.01). Approximately 74% patients improved within two weeks. There was one case of Acute urinary retention (AUR), which none required surgery. CONCLUSION: A 10-mg prolonged-release alfuzosin safely and rapidly relieves LUTS and maintains improvement. It also improves BPH-associated sexual dysfunction.