Ureteroscopy with Holmium: YAG Laser—A Initial Study in the Urology Department of the Pr Bocar Sidy Sall University Hospital of Kati

Introduction: Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive endoscopic surgery which provides access to the ureter, pyelon and calyceal cavities via the urethra and the bladder. Laser ureteroscopy uses the laser as an energy source to treat the stone and eliminate it naturally. Minimally invasive endoscopic methods are struggling to become popular in sub-Saharan African countries, especially for the upper urinary tract. The objective of our work was to report the results of our first laser ureteroscopy experience in the department. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective and descriptive study running from December 1, 2023 to February 19, 2024. Included in our study was any case of upper urinary tract stone operated by Laser ureteroscopy. The characteristics of the lithiasis were determined by CT scan. Sterilization of urine was verified by carrying out a cytobacteriological examination of urine. Ureteral lithiasis was approached by semi-rigid ureteroscopy. Renal lithiasis was immediately addressed by flexible ureteroscopy. Ureteroscopy was coupled with a Holmium YAG laser. A double J ureteral catheter was placed after the operation. A 230 µm laser fiber was used in each case with a generator with a power of 35 watts (Storz Calculase III type). An access sheath was used in all cases of flexible ureteroscopy. The parameters studied were: sociodemographic characteristics, lithiasis (site, size, number, density, topography), type of anesthesia, duration of laser use, duration of intervention, postoperative outcomes. Data entry and analysis were carried out using the software (Word 2016 and SPSS). Result: We collected 30 cases of laser ureteroscopy. The average age was 37 years with extremes of 9 and 79 years. The male gender was more represented. The most common age group was 24-39 years old. Renal colic was the most frequent reason for admission, 12 patients (40%). On physical examination, lumbar tenderness was present in 47% (14 patients). ECBU was positive in 4 patients (13%). CT scan was performed in all our patients before the intervention. The average stone size was 12 mm and the largest was 23 mm. The majority of stones, i.e. 59% (18 patients), had a density greater than 1000 HU. The stone was unique in 19 patients (63%). The location of the stone was pyelic in 8 patients or 27%. An impact on the upper urinary tract was found in 16 of our patients or 53%. General anesthesia was used in 25 patients (83%). A digital flexible ureteroscopy was used in 24 patients and a semi-rigid ureteroscopy (URS) in 6 patients. Full-course fragmentation was the most used therapeutic method, 9 patients or 32%. The average duration of interventions was 61 minutes. Drainage by double J catheter at the end of the procedure was performed in all our patients. The length of hospitalization was 24 hours. Only one case of failure in the USSR was recorded, and one case of failure was in the semi-rigid URS. Conclusion: Laser ureteroscopy is an effective minimally invasive surgery in the management of lithiasis of the upper urinary tract. It significantly reduces the length of hospitalization. Mastery of this technique and the acquisition of the equipment necessary for its implementation is an undeniable asset in the management of renal and ureteral lithiasis.

Urethrocystoscopy: Indications and Results in the Urology Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital in Conakry

Introduction: Urethrocystoscopy is an examination of choice in the assessment of voiding disorders and especially macroscopic hematuria. The objective of this study was to analyze the indications and results of urethrocystoscopy in the urology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital in Conakry. Material and Methods: We carried out a prospective descriptive study over 6 months, from 1st June to 30th November 2022, which included all patients who underwent urethrocystoscopy in the Urology Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital in Conakry. We studied the following parameters: sex, age, indications and results of the examination, and complications. Results: 77 patients were included. The average age was 56.5 ± 19.5 years with extremes of [15 to 88 years]. The sex ratio was 2.9. Hematuria (50.7%) and lower urinary tract symptoms (32.4%) were the most frequent indications. Cystocystoscopy was normal in 14.3% of patients. Bladder tumors (29.9%) and prostatic hypertrophy (18.2%) were the most found lesions. Conclusion: Rigid urethrocystoscopy occupies an important place in the exploration of hematuria and lower urinary tract symptoms in our department. Bladder tumors and prostatic hypertrophy were the main lesions observed.

Post-Operative Mortality Analysis in the Urology Department of Conakry University Hospital

Introduction: Death is a major accident which constitutes an element whose evaluation and analysis are necessary in a surgical service. Such a study is especially important in our country where the health structure operates with limited resources and more than half of the population lives below the poverty line. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of post-operative mortality, to describe the main comorbidity factors responsible for this mortality and to identify the main cause of post-operative death in the urology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital Material and Method: This was a retrospective descriptive study lasting 5 years from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019. It had focussed on all the files of patients operated on at the Urology Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital, either in an emergency or planned and who died in per or post-operative immediately or 30 days later. Results: We recorded 63 cases of post-operative death, or a frequency of 1.84%. The average age was 61.92 ± 16.91 with the extremes of 12 and 91 years. Bladder (20.63%) and prostate tumours (60.3%) were the main admission diagnoses. High blood pressure was the main comorbidity factor found with 38.09% of cases followed by diabetes with 12.69%. Transurethral resection of the prostate, transurethral resection of the bladder and prostate adenocomectomy were the most performed surgical procedure with respective proportion of 19.04%, 20.63% and 38.09%. Probable cause of death were anemia in 25 cases (39.68%), septic in 20 cases (31.75%), heart failure in 6 cases (9.52%), pulmonary embolism in 5 cases (7.94%), obstructive renal failure 4 cases (6.35%) and stroke in 3 cases (4.76%). Conclusion: The majority of deaths occurred in patients over the age of fifty. Anaemia was the main cause of deaths. Difficulties in procuring blood products as well as the lack of modern therapeutic means are factors that make it difficult for patients to adequately manage.

Intra-Diverticular Bladder Tumor about a New Observation in the Urology Department of Chu Cocody—Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

This case report is about a 61 years old woman who consulted for hematuria, the cystoscopy performed revealed an intra-diverticular bladder tumor. After tumor resection, an anatomopathological exam revealed the urothelial carcinoma pT1. A few months later she presented with a local reccurence of bladder tumor. We proposed her anterior pelvectomy but she refused it and she was lost to follow-up. The aim of this study is to show the anatomopathological and evolutionary characteristics and the therapeutic difficulties of IDBT. These tumors are in the majority of cases infiltrating from the outset with a high potential for recurrence after transurethral resection of bladder (TURB). The standard treatments are TURB and total cystectomy.

Management of Kidney Cancers in Urology Department of the Gabriel Toure University Hospital/Bamako

Objective: to report our experience in the management of adult kidney cancer. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective and descriptive study, carried out in the Urology Department of Gabriel Touré University Hospital, during the period from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2017 for a period of six years, interesting all the medical records of 24 adult patients diagnosed with kidney cancer. Results: During the study period, 24 patients met our inclusion criteria;the mean age was 48.23 ± 8.02 years with extreme ranging from 17 to 82 years. Most of our patients were female (58.3%), and were referred or consulted for lumbar mass in 66.7% of cases. The average tumor size was 13.6 ± 5.8 cm with extremes of 7.8 to 21.1 cm. Management included total nephrectomy in 50% and total nephrectomy expanded in 50% of cases. The histological type found was renal cell carcinoma in 23 patients and papillary carcinoma in one patient. Conclusion: Kidney cancer is rare in our context, its clinical and histological characteristics remain the same for two decades. Its management is largely based on enlarged total nephrectomy.

Cancer on the Testicle Not Descended to the Urology Department of the Gabriel TouréUHC: About a Case

Testicular cancers are tumours of the young adult (15 - 35 years), and it is a rather rare pathology in African black. However, the risk of developing these cancers becomes higher if the testicle does not descend. In our context, these undescended testicles often go unnoticed, which poses the problem of surveillance. We report a case in a patient of 24 years who consulted for pain plus hypogastric mass, in whom at the end of the clinical, paraclinical and surgical investigations we retained the diagnosis of seminoma of the right testicle. This is the first case in our daily practice. Conclusion: The rarity of tumours on the undescended testicle should not cause their diagnosis to be misunderstood because of the seriousness of cases diagnosed late.

Management of Priapism in Sickle Cell Patients: Experience of the Urology Department of the University Hospital Centre of Libreville

Introduction: Priapism is a rare pathology, known since antiquity. Sickle cell disease is the main aetiology in Africa. The aim of our work was to report our experience in its treatment. Material and Methods: This is a prospective, descriptive study carried out at the urology department of the Libreville University Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. All sickle cell patients admitted to urology for priapism were included. The parameters studied were socio-demographic, clinical and therapeutic parameters as well as the evolution after treatment. Result: We collected 19 priapisms in sickle cell patients. The average age was 20.9 years with extremes of 4 and 53 years. Fifteen patients were homozygous SS. All patients had stasis priapism. The average consultation time was 22.4 hours. All patients had perioperative medical management combining hyperhydration, analgesia and antibiotic prophylaxis. A vasoactive drug was administered to 13 patients. Sixteen patients had a puncture of the corpus cavernosum. A distal cavernosal-spongiosum shunt under penile block was performed in 6 patients. The outcome was favorable from the outset in 12 cases, marked by complete detumescence of the corpus cavernosum. Partial detumescence was noted in 7 patients with the need for a new puncture of the cavernous body. A complication such as edema of the penis was in only one of our patients. A recurrence was noted in 2 patients. After an average follow-up of 6 months, no sequelae erectile dysfunction was observed. Conclusion: Priapism is a frequent complication among sickle cell patients in Libreville. Medical management associated with a cavernous puncture with administration of vasoactive drugs allows a favourable evolution without after-effects.

Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects of Bladder Tumours at the Nianankoro Fomba Hospital in Segou in the Urology Department

Objectives: To study the epidemiological, diagnostic and prognostic aspects of bladder tumours in Segou Hospital. Patients and Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of bladder tumours over the period from 1 April 2012 to 1 April 2017, in the urology department of the Nianankoro Fomba Hospital in Segou. The first three years were used for patient recruitment, and the last two years for follow-up of the patients in the series. Results: Over a period of three years, we collected 165 cases of bladder tumours hospitalised out of 1308 hospitalisations from 7007 consultations, i.e. 12.6% of hospitalisations and 2.3% of consultations. The sex ratio was 1.2 in favour of men. A history of treated bilharzia was reported in 78.8% of cases and untreated bilharzia in 9.1% of cases. Haematuria was the most common reason for consultation. The majority of our patients were at stage T4 and T3 at the time of diagnosis, i.e. 53.3% and 44.3% respectively. Most patients consulted within 13 to 24 months after the first sign, i.e. 44.8%. Conclusion: The prognosis is still clouded by the delay in management. All the patients diagnosed had a bladder tumour infiltrating the muscle.

Evaluating the Influence of the Prostate Weight on the Morbidity and Mortality of Transvesical Open Prostatectomy: Prospective Analysis of 108 Cases in the Urology-Andrology Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital in Conakry

Introduction: Open transvesical prostatectomy remains today one of the most effective approaches for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia despite the fact that, this method is associated with multiple complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of prostate weight on the morbidity and mortality of transvesical prostatectomy for adenoma in the urology-andrology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, longitudinal and analytical study lasting 6 months, from March 1, 2022 to August 31, 2022 including patients admitted and operated on by open transvesical prostatectomy by assessing the influence of prostate weight on the morbidity and mortality of transvesical adenomectomies. Results: 108 patients were included in our study, the average age of our patients was 70 ± 7.7 years, cultivators were the most represented profession with 38.89%, and hypertension was the most represented comorbidity with 75%. 33.06% of cases became complicated and surgical wound infection was the main complication with a frequency of 17.40%. Statistical analysis did not conclude that, the prostate weight does not have a statistically significant influence on the morbidity and mortality of transvesical open prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Conclusion: Prostate weight has no influence on the morbidity and mortality of transvesical prostate adenoma.

Psychosocial Aspects of Male Infertility at the Service of Urology-Andrology of the Hospital of the Sino-Guinean Friendship

Objective: Describe the psychosocial aspects of male infertility at the hospital of the Sino-Guinean Friendship. Patients and method: It is a prospective study of a descriptive type covering a period of 6 months. The study covered 17 patients, all received for a desire to conceive after at least one year of regular sexual intercourse without contraception. The data were collected from patient interviews using a pre-established questionnaire. Results: The average age of the patients was 32.07 years with extremes of 23 years and 42 years. During this study, 64.70% of patients were no longer participating in community ceremonies. The patients’ relationships with their spouse and family deteriorated in 52.94% and 47.06%, respectively. Conversely, relations with the family of origin remained unchanged in 70.59 percent of cases. The reduction in economic activity was by 13 patients (76.48%). Conclusion: Male infertility causes a real psychic earthquake in men with its corollaries of negative feelings. The rather complex moral repercussions of male infertility affect not only the individual, his/her partner, and family, but also economic activity.

Clinico-Biological Profile of the Azoosperm Patient at the Urology and Andrology Department, Conakry University Hospital

Objective: Azoospermia is one of the most important causes of couple infertility. The objective of our study is to report the clinical-biological profile of the azoosperm patient to the Urology-Andrology Department of the Conakry University teaching Hospital. It aims to take stock of the diagnostic management of azoospermia at this time where the world scientific community seems to be turned towards the intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the treatment of men with severe spermiological dysfunction. Patients and Method: This was a descriptive retrospective study lasting 12 months from January 1 to December 31, 2015. It collected 151 patients out of a set of 544 follow-ups for desire to have children. Were included the patients whose files contained all the information of the clinical observation (general information, reason for consultation, evolution, history, data of the physical examination) and a paraclinical assessment consisting of the FSH level and two spermograms spaced three months, confirming the diagnosis of azoospermia. Results: The mean age was 36.4 years with extremes of 23 and 56 years old. Urogenital infections (36.4%) followed by a notion of inguinal surgery had been the main patients’ history. Primary infertility accounted for 76.8% of cases. The mean duration of infertility was 6.5 years with extremes of 2 and 19 years. Azoospermia affected 27.76% of patients who consulted for the desire to have a child. It was judged secretory in 59.6% of cases, excretory in 25.8% of cases, and undetermined in 14.6% of cases. Varicocele was the main associated abnormality (46.3%) followed by testicular hypotrophy (36.4%). Neisseria Gonorrhoeae was the most common germ in sperm culture (21.7%). Chlamydia serology was positive in 21.7% of patients. Conclusion: Azoospermia affects a non-negligible proportion of men admitted by consulting for desire to have a child in our context. Strengthening the diagnostic and therapeutic arsenal is necessary to improve the care of affected patients.

Endoscopic Internal Urethrotomy (EIU): Results of a Dynamic Study at the Urology-Andrology Department of the University Hospital Center (UHC) of Conakry

Introduction: Endoscopic internal urethrotomy (EIU) is a technique that consists of an incision of the stenosed urethra under visual control. Its indication is widespread since the first description in 1971 by Sachse. The objective was to analyze the results of EIU in the treatment of urethral stenosis (US) at the Andro-Urology Department of the UHC of Conakry. Methodology: It is a prospective descriptive study, lasting 18 months (January 2016-30 June 2017). It involved 102 patients. The variables were: age, etiology of US, type of catheter, duration of catheter wear and recurrences. After a 12-month follow-up, our results were considered good in the absence of recurrences. Results: The average age was 54.25 years with the extremes comprising between 16 and 96 years. The main reasons for medical checkup were chronic urine retention at 58.82%. Etiology infection was the most frequent with a ratio of 81.37%, while Escherichia coli was found at 51.29%. US was bulbar (71.57%), unique (67.64%) and less than 1 cm (60.78%). Surgical complication occurred with 9 patients (8.82%) with urethrorrhagia and the external genital organs infiltration in 4 cases. Results were good for 77 patients (75.49%). Stenosis post infection, long and multiple stenoses, urethral catheterization with latex catheter and urethral catheterization of more than 4 days were strongly associated with the recurrence occurrence. Conclusion: The EIU is a minimally invasive surgical technique that offers good results.

Practice of Endo-Urology in the Centre of Ivory Coast: Overview and Results

Background: Endoscopic exploration and treatment of urinary tract disorders, whether by retrograde, percutaneous or endoscopic approach, defines endo urology. Objective: To report the results of endo urology practice in Bouaké during the two practice sessions. Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional and descriptive study of patients followed up and had benefited from exploration and/or endoscopic surgery in Bouaké. Our study was carried out in a facility in Bouaké, for two years, from January 2021 to December 2022. The parameters of interest were clinical, diagnostic, endoscopic procedure and results. Results: During the study period, 157 patients underwent endoscopic exploration and/or intervention. The mean age was 58.9 years (range 28 - 90 years). Males predominated with 95.5% (n = 150). Acute urinary retention was the most frequent reason for consultation (55.41%). Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was the most frequent pathology at 22.92% (n = 36). Urethrocystoscopy was performed in 52 cases (33.12%), Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in 36 cases (22.92%), Endoscopic resection of secondary cervical sclerosis in 23 cases (14.64%), Endoscopic internal urethrotomy (EUI) in 15 cases (9.55%) and Transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) in 10 cases (6.36%). Post-operative management was straightforward in 93.63% of cases (n = 147). Operative times of between 21 and 35 minutes were more frequent in 55.41% of cases (n = 87). Urinary tract infections accounted for 3.8% (n = 6) of surgical morbidity. The germ responsible for the infections was essentially Escherichia coli (E. coli). The mean duration of post-operative urinary drainage was 5.5 days (range: 4 - 6 days) for patients who underwent TURP, TURB and endoscopic resection of secondary sclerosis of the bladder neck. The mean duration of drainage after endoscopic internal ureterotomy was 21.6 days (range 14 - 30 days). Of the 157 endoscopies performed, 154 patients (98.08%) had a favourable outcome, with adenomyofibroma of the prostate being the most common histological type (52.17%, n = 36). Mortality was 1.27% (n = 2) in our series. Conclusion: Endo urology should be the urologist’s first choice for both exploration and surgery, given the satisfactory results.

Epidemiological Aspect and Evaluation of the Management of Urologic Emergencies at the Urology Unit of Labe Regional Hospital

Aim: To contribute to improving the management of urological emergencies at Labé Regional Hospital. Patients and Method: This was a dynamic, descriptive study lasting six months from July 1 to December 31, 2017. Results: Urological emergencies represented 45.14% (n = 218) of all admissions to the urology unit. The mean age of our patients was 56.60 years with extremes of fifteen days and 93 years. The 71 - 80 age group was the most represented with 28.03% (n = 61) followed by 61 - 70 years with 24.31% (n = 53). Our patients’ activities were dominated by agriculture, with 35.77% (n = 88), and the city center was most affected by urological emergencies, with 39.44% of cases (n = 86). 70.18% (n = 153) of our patients had bladder retention on admission, and 53.21% (n = 116) underwent urethral catheterization, including 3 women. The etiology of bladder retention in these 3 women was dominated by two cases of bladder lithiasis and one case of neurological bladder. Conclusion: The management of urological emergencies requires specific material and human resources. Their knowledge will enable us to better understand this problem and could serve as a basis for a broad reflection on the organization of the management of urological emergencies in our region.

Does local vaginal estrogen after tension-free transobturator vaginal tape reduce overactive bladder symptoms in postmenopausal women? A prospective randomized, controlled study

Objective:We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical estrogen after transvaginal tension-free vaginal tape-obturator(TVT-O)in the treatment of de novo overactive bladder symptoms that appear after surgery.Methods:This is a prospective randomized controlled study performed in the Urology and Gynecology Departments,Kasr Al Ainy Hospital,Cairo University,Cairo,Egypt.Two hundred and ten postmenopausal females presenting during the period between January 2017 and November 2020 with stress urinary incontinence were included in the study.Patients were divided into two groups,105 patients in Group A(treatment group)and 105 patients in Group B(control group).Patients in Group A underwent transvaginal TVT-O followed by local vaginal estrogen treatment for 6 months,while patients in Group B underwent transvaginal TVT-O only.The study included any postmenopausal female with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence.All patients had to fulfill a 3-day bladder diary,overactive bladder symptoms score,urine analysis,urodynamic study,and post-voiding residual urine measurement by abdominal ultrasound preoperatively and at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups.Results:At 6-month follow-up,daytime frequency was reduced to 8%in Group A(increased to 21%in Group B)with a statistically significant difference between both groups(p=0.009).At 6-month follow-up,nocturia was 8%in Group A(11%in Group B)with no statistically significant difference between both groups(p=0.469).There was a statistically significant difference between both groups as regards to urinary urgency at 6-month follow-up(p=0.024).There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative wound healing events as regards to cure,hyperemia,gapping,and wound infection 1 week after intervention between both groups(p=0.008).No local or systemic side-effects were reported from local estrogen use.Conclusion:Local vaginal estrogen treatment given to postmenopausal patients after midurethral sling procedures can reduce the symptoms of daytime frequency and urinary urgency.Long-term follow-up is needed.

Unlocking the potential-vitamin D in prostate cancer prevention

Prostate cancer poses a significant health challenge globally,demanding proactive prevention strategies.This editorial explores the emerging role of vitamin D in prostate cancer prevention.While traditionally associated with bone health,vitamin D is increasingly recognized for its broader impact on immune function,cellular signaling,and cancer prevention.Epidemiological studies suggest an intriguing link between vitamin D deficiency and elevated prostate cancer risk,particularly in regions with limited sunlight exposure.Mechanistically,vitamin D regulates cellular processes,inhibiting unchecked cancer cell growth and bols-tering immune surveillance.Personalized prevention strategies,considering individual factors,are deemed essential for harnessing the full potential of vitamin D.To unlock this potential,the future calls for robust research,public awareness campaigns,dietary improvements,and vigilant medical guidance.Collaborative efforts are poised to pave the way toward a future where vitamin D stands as a sentinel in prostate cancer prevention,ushering in hope and improved health for men worldwide.

Outcomes of a non-randomised audit of single pigtail suture stents in urolithiasis management of Asian patients in Singapore

Objective:Double-J(DJ)ureteric stents are commonly placed perioperatively for semirigid or flexible ureteroscopic renal surgery.It is believed that lesser stent material within the bladder mitigates stent-related symptoms.This study aimed to evaluate the J-Fil ureteral stent,a single pigtail suture stent compared with conventional DJ stent in relation to stent symptoms in an Asian population undergoing ureterorenal intervention.Methods:Based on internal audit committee recommendation approval,the records of 50 patients retrieved,available data of 41 patients who were prospectively enrolled into two groups(Group 1[J-Fil stent group],n=21 and Group 2[DJ stent group],n=20)between August 2020 to January 2021,were analysed.Parameters compared were nature of procedure,stone location and size,ease of deployment or removal,and complications.A modified universal stent symptom questionnaire was used to assess morbidity of stent symptoms within 48 h of insertion and at removal.Results:Both groups had similar median age,distribution in male to female ratio,and stone size.The overall median universal stent symptom questionnaire score at insertion was similar for bladder pain,flank or loin pain,and quality of life between Group 1 and 2;however,at removal Group 1 fared significantly better than Group 2,especially for flank or loin pain and pain at voiding.Both groups had similar ease in insertion with no hospital readmissions.Conclusion:Our audit favoured the single pigtail suture stent in Asian ureters in mitigating stent-related issues.It showed a good safety profile with easy deployment and removal.It promises a new standard in stenting.

Predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy bleeding risks

Objective:This study aimed to identify predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)bleeding risks.With better risk stratification,bleeding in high-risk patient can be anticipated and facilitates early identification.Methods:A prospective observational study of PCNL performed at our institution was done.All adults with radio-opaque renal stones planned for PCNL were included except those with coagulopathy,planned for additional procedures.Factors including gender,co-morbidities,body mass index,stone burden,puncture site,tract dilatation size,operative position,surgeon's seniority,and operative duration were studied using stepwise multivariate regression analysis to identify the predictive factors associated with higher estimated hemoglobin(Hb)deficiency.Results:Overall,4.86%patients(n=7)received packed cells transfusion.The mean estimated Hb deficiency was 1.3(range 0-6.5)g/dL and the median was 1.0 g/dL.Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that absence of hypertension(p=0.024),puncture site(p=0.027),and operative duration(p=0.023)were significantly associated with higher estimated Hb deficiency.However,the effect sizes are rather small with partial eta-squared of 0.037,0.066,and 0.038,respectively.Observed power obtained was 0.621,0.722,and 0.625,respectively.Other factors studied did not correlate with Hb difference.Conclusion:Hypertension,puncture site,and operative duration have significant impact on estimated Hb deficiency during PCNL.However,the effect size is rather small despite adequate study power obtained.Nonetheless,operative position(supine or prone),puncture number,or tract dilatation size did not correlate with Hb difference.The mainstay of reducing bleeding in PCNL is still meticulous operative technique.Our study findings also suggest that PCNL can be safely done by urology trainees under supervision in suitably selected patient,without increasing risk of bleeding.

Diagnosing upper tract urothelial carcinoma: A review of the role of diagnostic ureteroscopy and novel developments over last two decades

Objective: The role of ureteroscopy in the diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma is yet to be fully determined. We aimed to provide an up to date evaluation of its role and the emerging technologies in the field.Methods: A literature search of the last two decades (from 24th May, 2001 to 24th May, 2021) was carried out identifying 147 papers for potential inclusion within this narrative review.Results: Diagnostic ureteroscopy is undeniably useful in its ability to visualise and biopsy indeterminate lesions, and to risk stratify malignant lesions that may be suitable for kidney sparing surgery. However, an increased risk of intravesical recurrence following nephroureterectomy when a prior diagnostic ureteroscopy has been performed, inadequate sampling at biopsy, complications from the procedure, and difficult ureteric access are all potential drawbacks. Furthermore, whilst generally an accurate diagnostic procedure, it risks missing carcinoma in-situ lesions. Despite this, evidence shows that routine use of ureteroscopy changes the management of patients in a large proportion of cases, preventing unnecessary surgery or facilitating kidney sparing surgery. The overall rate of complications is low, and improved biopsy techniques and the use of tissue biomarkers for improved staging and grading are encouraging. The risks of delays to definitive management and post-ureteroscopy intravesical recurrence do not seem to affect survival, and trials are in progress to determine whether intravesical therapy can mitigate the latter. Further promising techniques are being investigated to improve shortcomings, particularly in relation to improved diagnosis of carcinoma in situ and preoperative staging.Conclusion: Ureteroscopy has a role in the diagnosis of upper tract malignancy, though whether it should be used routinely is yet to be determined.

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in the management of urinary stones: New concepts and techniques to improve outcomes

Objective: Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) currently plays an important role in the treatment of urinary tract lithiasis. The purpose of this article was to describe new concepts and procedural strategies that would improve results using SWL as a treatment for urolithiasis, thereby achieving better clinical practice.Methods: A systematic review process was carried in PubMed/PMC from January 2003 to March 2023. A narrative synthesis of the most important aspects has been made.Results: The important recommendations for the adequate selection of the candidate patient for treatment with SWL are summarized, as well as the new strategies for a better application of the technique. Aspects about intraoperative position, stone localization and monitoring, analgesic control, machine and energy settings, and measures aiming at reduced risk of complications are described.Conclusion: To achieve the therapeutic goal of efficient stone disintegration without increasing the risk of complications, it is necessary to make an adequate selection of patients and to pay special attention to several important factors in the application of treatment. Technological development in later generation devices will help to improve current SWL results.