Concomitant treatment of ureteral calculi and ipsilateral pelvic sciatic nerve schwannoma with transperitoneal laparoscopic approach: A case report

BACKGROUND Schwannomas are rare peripheral neural myelin sheath tumors that originate from Schwann cells.Of the different types of schwannomas,pelvic sciatic nerve schwannoma is extremely rare.Definite preoperative diagnosis of pelvic schwannomas is difficult,and surgical resection is the gold standard for its definite diagnosis and treatment.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of pelvic schwannoma arising from the sciatic nerve that was detected in a 40-year-old man who underwent computed tomography for intermittent right lower back pain caused exclusively by a right ureteral calculus.Subsequently,successful transperitoneal laparoscopic surgery was performed for the intact removal of the stone and en bloc resection of the schwannoma.The total operative time was 125 min,and the estimated blood loss was inconspicuous.The surgical procedure was uneventful.The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 with the simultaneous removal of the urinary catheter.However,the patient presented with motor and sensory disorders of the right lower limb,caused by partial damage to the right sciatic nerve.No tumor recurrence was observed at the postoperative appointment.CONCLUSION Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of a schwannoma.Thus,laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible for concomitant extirpation of pelvic schwannomas and other pelvic and abdominal diseases that require surgical treatment.

Percutaneous antegrade management of large proximal ureteral stones using non-papillary puncture

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility and the safety of medial non-papillary percutaneous nephrolithotomy(npPCNL)for the management of large proximal ureteral stones.Methods:We evaluated prospectively collected data of 37 patients with large proximal ureteral stones more than 1.5 cm in diameter treated by prone npPCNL.Depending on stone size,in-toto stone removal or lithotripsy using the Lithoclast®Trilogy(EMS Medical,Nyon,Switzerland)was performed.Perioperative parameters including operative time(from start of puncture to the skin suturing),stone extraction time(from the first insertion of the nephroscope to the extraction of all stone fragments),and the stone-free rate were evaluated.Results:Twenty-one males and 16 females underwent npPCNL for the management of large upper ureteral calculi.The median age and stone size of treated patients were 58(interquartile range[IQR]:51-69)years and 19.3(IQR:18.0-22.0)mm,respectively.The median operative time and stone extraction time were 25(IQR:21-29)min and 8(IQR:7-10)min,respectively.One case(2.7%)of postoperative bleeding and two cases(5.4%)of prolonged fever were managed conservatively.The stone-free rate at a 1-month follow-up was 94.6%.Conclusion:The npPCNL provides a straight route to the ureteropelvic junction and proximal ureter.Approaching from a dilated portion of the ureter under low irrigation pressure with larger diameter instruments results in effective and safe stone extraction within a few minutes.

Migration of varicocele coil leading to ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Varicocele embolization,a minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic varicoceles,carries a rare risk of complications like ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis.This case report documents such a case to raise awareness of these potential complications and showcase minimally invasive surgical management as a successful solution.CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old male presented with flank pain and hematuria following varicocele embolization.Imaging confirmed left ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis.Laparoscopic ureterolysis successfully removed the embolization coil and repaired the ureter,resolving the patient's symptoms.Follow-up at six months and two years showed sustained improvement.CONCLUSION Minimally invasive surgery offers an effective treatment option for rare complications like ureteral obstruction arising from varicocele embolization.

Multi-aspect analysis of ureteral access sheath usage in retrograde intrarenal surgery: A RIRSearch group study

Objective:To evaluate the effect of ureteral access sheath(UAS)use and calibration change on stone-free rate and complications of retrograde intrarenal surgery(RIRS).Methods:Data from 568 patients undergoing RIRS for kidney or upper ureteral stones were retrospectively included.Firstly,patients were compared after 1:1 propensity score matching,according to UAS usage during RIRS(UAS used[+]87 and UAS non-used[−]87 patients).Then all UAS+patients(n=481)were subdivided according to UAS calibration:9.5-11.5 Fr,10-12 Fr,11-13 Fr,and 13-15 Fr.Primary outcomes of the study were the success and complications of RIRS.Results:Stone-free rate of UAS+patients(86.2%)was significantly higher than UAS−patients(70.1%)after propensity score matching(p=0.01).Stone-free rate increased with higher caliber UAS(9.5-11.5 Fr:66.7%;10-12 Fr:87.0%;11-13 Fr:90.6%;13-15 Fr:100%;p<0.001).Postoperative complications of UAS+patients(11.5%)were significantly lower than UAS−patients(27.6%)(p=0.01).Complications(8.7%)with 9.5-11.5 Fr UAS was lower than thicker UAS(17.2%)but was not statistically significant(p=0.09).UAS usage was an independent factor predicting stone-free status or peri-and post-operative complications(odds ratio[OR]3.654,95%confidence interval[CI]1.314-10.162;OR 4.443,95%CI 1.350-14.552;OR 4.107,95%CI 1.366-12.344,respectively).Conclusion:Use of UAS in RIRS may increase stone-free rates,which also increase with higher caliber UAS.UAS usage may reduce complications;however,complications seemingly increase with higher UAS calibration.

Clinical application of flexible ureteroscopic sheath with controllable intraluminal pressure in treating ureteral stones

Objective:The purpose of the study was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of a combined perfusion suction platform with pressure feedback control function and an ureteroscopic suction sheath that can measure the ureteropelvic pressure in implementing lithotripsies.Methods:Fifty-two patients who underwent lithotripsy under intelligent monitoring of ureteral intraluminal pressure from June 2016 to January 2018 were retrospectively recruited.The inclusion standard was stone diameter>1.5 cm but<2.5 cm.After the 12/14 Fr suction sheath was placed,manometer interface and suction interface of the sheath were connected to the platform via the pressure sensor and suction tube,respectively.The ureteroscope was connected to the platform perfusion pump,and the crushed stones were aspirated out under negative pressure.Results:According to the location of the stone,21(40.4%)cases were classified as upper ureteral stones,19(36.5%)were midureteral stones,and 12(23.1%)were lower ureteral stones.Forty-seven patients underwent successful primary sheath placement and lithotripsy with a mean operative time of 34.5(standard deviation 18.3)min.Retrograde stone migration did not occur.There were eight patients with hematuria postoperatively.Serious complication was 1.9% with one case of ureteral perforation.Stone clearance was 95.7% at Day 1e2 postoperatively,and 100% at Day 30 postoperatively.Conclusion:Ureteroscopic lithotripsy with intelligent pressure control using our device improved the efficiency of the lithotripsy and rate of stone clearance.The safety of the operation can be ensured.It is worth popularization and application in clinical practice.

Extracorporeal shock-wave versus pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy in treatment of lower ureteral calculi

Aim: To compare the efficacy and complications of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL) and pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URS) in the treatment of lower ureteral calculi. Methods: From August 1997 to June 1999, 210 patients with calculi in the distal third of the ureter were treated with SWL and the other 180 with URS. The stones were fragmented with either HB-ESWL-V lithotripter or JML-93 pneumatic lithotripter through Wolf 7.5～9.0 Fr ureteroscope. The outcome was assessed in terms of stone clearance rate, re-treatment rate and complication incidence. Results: The stone clearance rate was 78.1% with SWL and 93.3 % with URS (P<0.05). SWL had a re-treatment rate of 11.9 %, vs 2.2 % in the URS group (P<.05). URS caused ureteral perforation in 3.3% of patients, while it was 0 with SWL (P<0.05). The differences in the incidence of other complications such as infection and stricture between the two groups were insignificant. Conclusion: Though the selection of these two options depends on equipments available and the expertise of the operator, we recommend URS as the optimal treatment for distal ureteral calculi. (Asian J Andro12002 Dec, 4: 303-305)

Ureteroscopic Holmium:YAG Laser Lithotripsy for Managing Ureteral Calculi (A Report of 168 Cases)

Summary: The effectiveness and safety of ureteroscopic holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy for managing ureteral calculi was evaluated. Ureteroscopic holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy was performed in 168 ureteral calculi (upper 27 cases, middle 33 cases and lower 108 cases). The results showed that the stone-free rate was 92.6 % in the upper ureteral calculi, 93.9 % in the middle ureteral calculi and 94.4 % in the lower ureteral calculi, respectively. The complication rate was 4.8 % (8 cases). It was suggested that ureteroscopic holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy is a highly effective and safe treatment modality for managing ureteral calculi.

Compression Mechanical Performance Simulation and Parameter Optimization of Degradable Ureteral Stent Based on ABAQUS

The compression performance of a degradable ureteral stent is analyzed and the parameters are optimized by a finite element modeling method.The degradable ureteral stent explored in this paper is developed from poly(glycolic acid)(PGA)and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA)degradable materials.Based on the actual measurement of fabric structure parameters,the three-dimensional model of the stent is established with the help of the modeling software.The finite element analysis software is used to simulate the compression process of the degradable ureteral stent.The parameters of materials,interactions and boundary conditions are set according to the compression environment of the stent for modeling and simulation.On this basis,the friction coefficient of yarns,the yarn radius,and the braided angle of the stent are further compared.The comparison test is carried out by a single variable.The experimental results show that the change of yarn friction coefficient has little influence on the compressive stress,while the yarn radius and the braided angle of the stent have a great influence on the compressive stress.

Evaluation of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy in the Management of Renal and Ureteral Calculi

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal lithotripsy in the management of renal and ureteric calculi in a urology center in Douala, Cameroon. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out over six years, between January 2014 and December 2020. All the patients were treated using a Direx Integra lithotripter, with the number of shockwaves ranging from 1200 to 3500, without anaesthesia and were discharged a few hours after the procedure on the same day. In a majority (63.75%) of the cases, the calculi were incidental findings. A Double-J stent was indicated in two patients and preceded extracorporeal lithotripsy because of renal colic and signs of urinary tract infection. Results: We recruited a total of 122 patients with a mean age of 42.19 ± 13.08. We had 65 (53.3%) males and all patients had at least one calculus confirmed by CT scan with a mean size of 13.84 ± 4.17 mm, 85 (69.7%) patients became completely stone-free after a maximum of four sessions of extracorporeal lithotripsy (ESWL). 21 (17.2%) patients had intermediate results, being asymptomatic and/or having less than three residual fragments that measured less than 4 mm. The failure rate was 13.9%, with 17 patients still having more than three fragments measuring more than 4 mm after 4 ESWL sessions. 1 (0.8%) had septic shock as a post ESWL complication while 6 (4.9%) benefitted from a complimentary medical and/or surgical treatment (double J stent placement). Conclusion: The management of renal and ureteral calculi through extracorporeal lithotripsy in adults seems to be particularly effective for renal calculi measuring less than 20 mm and ureteral calculi measuring less than 15 mm. Extracorporeal lithotripsy, which can be performed on an outpatient basis (and without anaesthesia) is associated with minimal complications, and remains the option of choice for most upper urinary tract calculi.

Role of Removing Stasis and Reducing Heat Formula in Clearance of Proximal Ureteral Calculi after Ureteroscopic Ho:YAG Laser Lithotripsy: A Prospective Randomized Study

Objective To prospectively evaluate the efficacy of Removing Stasis and Reducing Heat Formula in accelerating calculus clearance and improving lower urinary tract symptoms of patients with proximal ureteral calculi after ureteroscopic Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy. Methods A total of 138 patients with proximal ureteral calculi underwent ureteroscopic Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy by a single endocrinologist. Stone size varied from 10 to 15 mm. After operation, the patients were randomly divided into three groups: the control group(group A), tamsulosin group(group B), and Removing Stasis and Reducing Heat Formula group(group C). The treatment lasted for 4 weeks or until stone clearance. The primary and secondary outcomes of the three groups at follow-up were assessed. Results Of the 131 patients available for follow-up, 44 cases were in the group A, 45 in the group B, and 42 in the group C, respectively. The stone free rate at 2 weeks in the groups B and C were significantly higher than that in the group A(95.56%, 97.62% vs. 79.55%; all P<0.05). The ureteral colic rate and mean time of fragment expulsion were significantly reduced in the groups B(4.44% and 7.86±4.99 days) and C(2.43% and 6.76±4.37 days) compared with the group A(22.73% and 11.54±9.89 days, all P<0.05). On the day of double-J ureteric stent removal, the group C differed significantly from the group A in the total International Prostate Symptom Score, irritative subscore, obstructive subscore, and quality of life score(all P<0.05). Conclusion Removing Stasis and Reducing Heat Formula in the medical expulsive therapy might be an effective modality for patients with calculus in the proximal uretera after ureteroscopic Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy.

Prospective observational study on the prognosis of ureteral lesions caused by impacted stones via dual-energy spectral computed tomography

Objective Ureteral lesions caused by impacted ureteral stones are likely to result in postoperative ureteral stricture.On this basis,the study aimed to investigate if dual-energy spectral computed tomography can predict ureteral hardening caused by impacted stones and to explore the relationship between different types of ureteral lesions and the risk of ureteral stricture.Methods This prospective study collected data of 93 patients with impacted stones from hospital automation system during January 2018 to October 2019.They underwent an abdominal scan on a dual-energy spectral computed tomography.During surgery,the operator used ureteroscopy to identify ureteral lesions,which were classified into four categories:edema,polyps,pallor,and hardening.Seven months later,90 patients were reviewed for the degree of hydronephrosis.Results Endoscopic observations revealed 38(41%)cases of ureteral edema,20(22%)cases of polyps,13(14%)cases of pallor,and 22(24%)cases of hardening.There were significant differences in hydronephrosis,the period of impaction,the calcium concentration of the ureter,and the slope of the spectral Hounsfield unit curve between the four groups.After that,we evaluated the factors associated with ureteral hardening and found that the calcium concentration of the ureter and hydronephrosis remained independent predictors of ureteral hardening.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that 5.3 mg/cm^(3)calcium concentration of the ureter is an optimal cut-off value to predict ureteral hardening.The result of follow-up showed that 80 patients had complete remission of hydronephrosis,with a complete remission rate of 61.9%(13/21)in the hardening group and 97.1%(67/69)in the non-hardening group(p<0.001).Conclusion Calcium concentration of the ureter is an independent predictor of ureteral hardening.Patients with ureteral hardening have more severe hydronephrosis after ureteroscopic lithotripsy.When the calcium concentration of the ureter is less than 5.3 mg/cm^(3),ureteral lesions should be actively treated.

Inverted Y ureteral duplication with an ectopic ureter and multiple urinary calculi:A case report

BACKGROUND In the clinical treatment of diseases related to ureteral duplication,it is very important to make a clear diagnosis before surgery because different types of ureteral duplication correspond to different treatment options.Inverted Y ureteral duplication with ectopic ureters and multiple urinary calculi is clinically rare.This case can help clinicians increase their understanding of this disease and gain some experience in its diagnosis and treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 36-year-old male who was previously healthy presented to the hospital with lumbar pain.Percussion of the right kidney area showed the patient had pain.Computed tomography scans revealed multiple urinary calculi in the right urinary system.Computed tomography urography revealed a duplicated ureteral malformation with an ectopic ureter.A transurethral ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy was performed successfully.Intraoperative retrograde ureterography was performed,and the ectopic ureter was visible.We informed the family of the intraoperative findings and suggested laparoscopic ectopic ureterectomy for the ectopic ureteral stones.Unfortunately,the family temporarily refused laparoscopic surgery.The patient did not feel any discomfort after one year of followup.CONCLUSION Inverted Y ureteral duplication with an ectopic ureter and multiple urinary calculi is rare.Clinicians must be highly vigilant,make a correct diagnosis before surgery,determine the type of ureteral duplication and the distribution of urinary calculi,and then draw up a reasonable treatment plan to avoid unnecessary complications.

Robot-assisted extravesical ureteral reimplantation with ureteral tailoring and dismembering for complex obstructed megaureter

Dear Editor,The advantages of robotic technology including improved dexterity and visualization are particularly evident in challenging reconstructive procedures of the lower urinary tract[1,2].A recent literature review confirmed the feasibility and efficacy of robot-assisted ureteral reimplantation in case of complex anatomy or prior surgery[3].Intra-corporeal ureteral tapering and dismembering are also feasible options using robot-assisted surgery[4].

Ureteroscopic Management of Ureteral Calculi: Pneumatic versus Holmium: YAG Laser Lithotripsy

Background: Among various intracorporeal lithotripters, pneumatic lithotripter has become the widely used tool for the treatment of urinary stones. Recently the holmium: YAG laser has been used with a wide range of potential urological applications, including intracorporeal lithotripsy of urinary calculi. Purpose: Compare the effectiveness and complications of treatment for ureteric stones between holmium laser lithotripsy and pneumatic lithotripsy. Material and Methods: Comparison of 100 patients presented with ureteric stones, group one (50) of whom were treated with pneumatic lithotripsy and group two (50) with holmium laser was done and the effectiveness and complications of both were analyzed. Results: There was no difference in patient age, sex, stone size and location of stones between the two groups. The immediate stone free rates were 88% in the holmium: YAG group and 66% in the pneumatic lithotripsy group (p < 0.05). The four weeks stone free rates were 98% and 94% respectively (p = 0.07). The mean ± SD operative time in the holmium: YAG group (40 ± 26 min) was shorter than those with pneumatic lithotripsy group (60 ± 40 min). Postoperative stay in hospital was less than 24 hours in holmium: YAG group (70.4%) and shorter than those for pneumatic group (29.6%) (p < 0.002). Post treatment complications such as ureteral perforation were encountered in only two patients who underwent pneumatic lithotripsy. Other complications, such as mucosal injury, ureteral perforation and postoperative fever;there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. While light hematuria was found more frequently in the pneumatic group (14%) in comparison to laser group (12%) (p = 0.02). On the other hand, the overall complication rates between the two groups was statistically significant (8%) laser group vs. (32%) pneumatic group (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Holmium: YAG laser lithotripsy was associated with shorter operation time and postoperative hospitalization period. These data suggest that holmium: YAG lithotripsy was safe and more effective than Pneumatic lithotripsy in the aspect of immediate stone free rate. We believe that holmium: YAG is an excellent treatment modality for managing ureteral calculi.

Understanding the corrosion of Mg alloys in in vitro urinary tract conditions: A step forward towards a biodegradable metallic ureteral stent

Ureteral stents play a fundamental role in modern time urology. However, following the deployment, stent-related symptoms are frequent and affect patient health and quality of life. Using biodegradable metals as ureteral stent materials have emerged as a promising strategy, mainly due to the improved radial force and slower degradation rate expected. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize different biodegradable metals in urinary tract environment to understand their propensity for future utilization as base materials for ureteral stents. The corrosion of 5 Mg alloys - AZ31, Mg-1Zn, Mg-1Y, pure Mg, and Mg-4Ag - under simulated urinary tract conditions was accessed. The corrosion layer of the different alloys presented common elements, such as Mg(OH)_(2), MgO, and phosphate-containing products, but slight variations in their chemical compositions were detected. The corrosion rate of the different metals varied, which was expected given the differences in the corrosion layers. On top of this, the findings of this study highlighted the significant differences in the samples' corrosion and corrosion layers when in stagnant and flowing conditions. With the results of this study, we concluded that Mg-1Zn and Mg-4Ag presented a higher propensity for localized corrosion, probably due to a less protective corrosion layer;Mg-4Ag corroded faster than all the other four alloys,and Mg-1Y stood out due to its distinct corrosion pattern, that showed to be more homogeneous than all the other four samples, making this one more attractive for the future studies on biodegradable metals.

Complete Ureteral Duplicity Complicated by Lithiasis with Right Ureterohydronephrosis with Left Renal Excretion Defect: Apropos of a Clinical Case

Ureteral duplication is a congenital malformative uropathy that occurs most often in children. Complete ureteral duplication is defined by a kidney that has two ureters with two orifices that communicate to the bladder through two ureteral meati. It is an anatomical variant that remains rare. Its early discovery is due to a lack of diagnostic means, hence the occurrence of long-term complications. To this end, we observe an increased importance of the morbidity linked to the late diagnosis of this duplicity. Our objective was to show the importance of the morbidity linked to the late diagnosis of this anomaly, the incidence of the infection and the complications that this pathology poses as a problem. It was a clinical case of fortuitous discovery taken care of by a general surgeon in the general surgery department of the hospital “Mother Child” Le Luxembourg Bamako Mali. We report a case of complete ureteral duplication complicated by ureterohydronephrosis on a lithiasis wedged in the uretero-vesical junction of one of the left ureters in its lower portion which required a uretero-lithotomy with bladder reimplantation of the left ureters and secondly to a uretero-lithotomy with bladder reimplantation after two months. The postoperative course was simple.

Case of Incomplete Ureteral Duplication Complicated with Lithiasis and Right Uretero-Hydronephrosis

Ureteral duplication is congenital malformative uropathy that occurs most often in children. Complete ureteral duplication is defined by a kidney that has two ureters with two orifices that communicate to the bladder through two ureteral meati. It is an anatomical variant that remains rare. Its early discovery is due to a lack of diagnostic means, hence the occurrence of long-term complications. To this end, we observe an increased importance of the morbidity linked to the late diagnosis of this duplicity. We report a case of incomplete ureteral duplication complicated by ureterohydronephrosis on lithiasis wedged in the uretero-vesical junction of one of the ureters in its lower portion which required uretero-lithotomy with bladder reimplantation of the ureters. Our aim was to show the importance of the morbidity associated with late diagnosis of this anomaly and the incidence of infection and complications that this pathology poses as a problem. This was a clinical case of fortuitous discovery managed by a general surgeon in the general surgery department of the hospital “Mère Enfant” Le Luxembourg Bamako Mali. The suites were simple.

Ureteral calculi secondary to a gradually migrated acupuncture needle

We herein presented a case of calculi secondary to a migrated acupuncture needle.A 74-year-old woman with a history of acupuncture therapy for lumbago was referred to our hospital for treatment of ureteral and renal pelvic calculi.Abdominal multi-detector computed tomography scans showed ipsilateral hydronephrosis and two calculi secondary to a migrated acupuncture needle.First,a percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed to extract two calculi and fine needle fragments from the pelvis.Subsequently,residual needle fragments and calculi in the ureter were then removed by flexible transurethral lithotripsy using a holmium laser.In the present case,the formation of the calculi was caused by a migrated acupuncture needle.Calculi and needle fragments were removed safely endoscopically because the whole calculi and needle fragments were located in the ureteral lumen.ª2021 Editorial Office of Asian Journal of Urology.Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Long term outcomes of Cohen’s cross trigonal reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux in poorly functioning kidney

BACKGROUND Open ureteric reimplantation by cross trigonal technique described by Cohen is considered a common surgical option for correction of vesicoureteral reflux(VUR). There is a lack of evidence in literature though for what happens to such kidneys, in the long run, particularly those which are poorly functioning.AIM To assess the long-term outcomes of ureteric reimplantation in poorly functioning kidneys in children with unilateral primary VUR.METHODS Children with unilateral primary VUR and a relative renal function of less than 35% who underwent open or laparoscopic ureteric reimplantation between January 2005 and January 2017 were included in the study. Patients who had a follow up of less than five years were excluded. Preoperative evaluation consisted of a voiding cystourethrogram and Dimercaptosuccinic acid(DMSA) scan. In the follow-up period, patients underwent a diuretic scan at 6 weeks and 6 months.Follow up ultrasound was done for change in grade of hydronephrosis and retrovesical ureteric diameter. Subsequent follow up was done at 6 monthly intervals with evaluation for proteinuria and hypertension and any recurrent urinary tract infection(UTI). For assessment of cortical function, DMSA was repeated annually for 5 years after surgery. A paired-samples t-test was used to test the mean difference of DMSA between pre-post observations.RESULTS During this period, 36 children underwent ureteric reimplantation for unilateral primary VUR. After excluding those with insufficient follow-up, 31 were included in the analysis. Most of the patients were males(n = 26/31, 83.8%). Patient’s age(mean ± SD, range) was 5.21 ± 3.71, 1-18 years. The grades of VUR were grade Ⅱ(1patient), grade Ⅲ(8 patients), grade Ⅳ(10 patients), and grade Ⅴ(12 patients). The pre and postoperative DMSA was 24.064 ± 12.02 and 24.06 ± 10.93, which was almost the same(statistically equal, paired-samples t-test: P = 0.873). The median(range) follow-up duration was 82(60-120)mo. One patient had persistent reflux after surgery(preoperative: grade Ⅳ, postoperative: grade Ⅲ), and the very same patient developed recurrent UTI. The difference in the preoperative and postoperative DRF was less than 10% in 29 patients. In one patient, the DRF decreased by 17%(22% to 05%) while in another patient, the DRF increased by 12%(25% to 37%) after surgery. None of the patients had an increase in scarring after surgery. 15% of patients were hypertensive before surgery and all of them continued to be hypertensive after surgery while none developed hypertension after surgery. None of the patients had significant proteinuria(> 150 mg/d) during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION Children with unilateral primary VUR and poorly functioning kidney maintain the renal function over the long term in most cases. Hypertension and proteinuria do not progress over time in these patients.

The effect of perirenal fat stranding on infectious complications after ureterorenoscopy in patients with ureteral calculi

Objective:Perirenal fat stranding(PFS)is linear areas of soft-tissue attenuation in the perirenal space on non-contrast computed tomography.The present study aimed to investigate whether PFS is associated with infectious complications after ureterorenoscopy(URS)in patients with ureteral calculi in any location.Methods:The data of 602 patients with ureteral stones who underwent URS were analyzed retrospectively.The patients were divided into two groups as Group 1(PFS not detected)and Group 2(PFS detected).Gender,and age of patients,size,side,and location of the stone,operation time,double-J stent insertion status,perioperative ureter injury,postoperative infection after URS and related complications,and duration of hospital stay were compared.Results:While PFS was not detected in 530 patients,PFS was detected in 72 patients.The mean age,male/female ratio,side and localization of the stones,operation time,and perioperative insertion of the double-J after lithotripsy were statistically similar(p>0.05).The median stone diameter was smaller in Group 2(9 mm vs.8 mm)(p=0.033).Fever was observed in 30 and 38 patients in Group 1 and Group 2,respectively(p=0.0001).Urinary tract infection was detected in 24 and 27 patients in Group 1 and Group 2,respectively(p=0.0001).The urosepsis did not occur in any patients in Group 1,whereas 8(11.1%)patients in Group 2 experienced urosepsis(p=0.0001).Conclusion:According to the results of the present study,patients with ureteral stones accompanied by PFS are much more prone to ureteral injuries and infectious complications such as urinary tract infection,fever,and sepsis after URS.