Surgical Treatment of the Upper Urinary Tract Lithiasis at the Urology Department of the Hopital General Idrissa Pouye

Upper urinary tract lithiasis is a condition characterized by the presence of stones which is a stony concretion of crystallized substances in the kidney and/or ureter. Objective: The objective of this work is to study the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of upper urinary tract stones on the one hand, then to compare the different types of surgical treatments and their results. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective and descriptive study focusing on the surgical management of upper urinary tract stones, between January 2017 and December 2020, at the Urology department of the Hopital General Idrissa Pouye. Results: During the study period, 7.59% of surgical interventions performed were related to the treatment of upper urinary tract stones. Average age was 45.20 ± 16.4 years, the age group [41 - 60] years was more affected with 42.68%. A history of urolithiasis was present in 25.52% of cases. Lower back pain was present in 97.48% of cases. On URO-CT scan, the stone was located more at the level of the ureter (49.57%). The size between 10 to 15 mm was more frequent (30.96%) and the density greater than 1000 HU was more frequent (33.47%). The most used therapeutic procedure was ureteroscopy (52.08%), followed by PCNL (40.83%) and open surgery (7.08%). The success rate (stone free) was 93.68% for the URS, 89.36% for the PCNL. The length of hospital stay for open surgery was 6.76 ± 4.25, for PCNL 2.62 ± 2 days and for URS 1.75 ± 1.62 days. Postoperative complications were present in 23.52% for open surgery, 11.22% for PCNL and 8% for URS. Conclusion: Urolithiasis is constantly growing in our regions. Effective endourological treatment is increasingly replacing open surgery. However, global access to these new techniques in our regions is slow to be effective.

Treatment of Kidney Stones by Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Evaluation of the Results of the First Series of Our Experience in the Urology Department of the Idrissa Pouye General Hospital in Dakar

The principle of PCNL is the extraction through a nephrostomy channel of kidney stones which are defined as the presence of crystalline concretions in the kidneys. Objectives: The objective of this work was to study the epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical aspects of patients with renal lithiasis treated by PCNL and on the other hand the different technical aspects of PCNL. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study, conducted in the urology department of HOGIP, covering the period from January 2015 to January 2019. We studied the demographic and clinical aspects of patients presenting renal lithiasis;we also studied the technical aspects and treatment outcomes. Statistical significance was set for α = 0.05. Results: Our series covered 82 PCNLs performed during the study period. The average age was 45.95 years, the age group [40 - 49 years] was more affected. Our study involved 44 men and 38 women, a sex ratio of 1.15. At the clinic, atypical lumbar pain was more frequent in 45.83% of cases. On URO-CT, the calculations were located more at the pyelic level (31.2%) and lower caliceal (27.2%). The size of stones measured between 15 and 20 mm in 30.52%. The stone density was between 500 and 1000 HU in 47.54% of cases. Intraoperatively, the patients were placed in lateral decubitus in 41.46% of cases. Only one access to the kidney was necessary in 87.8% of cases. The lithoclast was used in 65.85% of cases. The overall success rate (stone free) in our series was 96%. The majority of cases, 41.44%, drainage were done by natural means (totally tubeless). The average duration was 92 minutes. The complications encountered in our experience concerned 10 cases, a rate of 12.19%. Conclusion: Urinary lithiasis is more and more frequent in our regions. The development of Endo-urology offers several therapeutic options. Thus, PCNL occupies an important place in the management of kidney stones.

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.

Endoscopic Internal Urethrotomy in the Treatment of Male Urethral Stenosis in the Urology-Andrology Department of KARA Teaching Hospital (Togo)

Introduction: Endoscopic internal urethrotomy (EIU) is a method for stricture opening using transurethral incision by direct visualisation of the urethral channel, resulting in a widening of the urinary canal with the aim of improving the quality of bladder emptying. The aim of the study was to evaluate the indication and results of EIU in the treatment of stenosis of the male urethra in the Urology-Andrology Department of Kara Teaching Hospital. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study with retrospective data collection in the Urology-Andrology department of Kara Teaching Hospital. It involved 21 records of patients with urethral stenosis treated by endoscopic internal urethrotomy (EIU) in the said department during the period from January 2021 to September 2023. The following variables were evaluated: age, circumstance of discovery, site, length, number, etiology of the urethral stenosis and evolution of the patients. Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.2 ± 11.7 years. Infectious etiology of stenosis was predominant with 10 patients (47.6%) followed by trauma with 5 cases (23.8%). The bulbar urethra was the most frequently observed site, with 11 cases (52.4%). The length was mostly less than 2 cm in 12 patients (57.1%). Stenosis was unique in 14 patients (66.7%). The mean postoperative follow-up time was 3.2 months. The result was immediately better in 11 patients (52.4%) and it was poor in 8 patients (38.1%) who required maintenance dilation sessions.

Ambulatory Uretrocystoscopy in the Urology Andrology Department of Grand Mbour Hospital

Background: Urethrocystoscopy is a method of endoscopic exploration that allows direct visualization of the urethra and bladder for diagnosis or treatment of diseases of the lower urinary tract. Purpose: To determine the epidemiological profile of patients who underwent urethrocystoscopy and to present the indications and the results of this endoscopic examination. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive study of all patients who underwent outpatient urethrocystoscopy in the Urology and Andrology department of Grand Mbour hospital. The epidemiological data of the patients, the indications, the results of the endoscopic exploration and the additional procedures performed were entered and analyzed with Excel 2016. We performed descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 216 patients who underwent outpatient urethrocystoscopy, we counted 179 men (82.87%) and 37 women (17.13%). The sex ratio was 4.84. The mean age of the patients was 53.71 ± 18.76 years (age range 17 to 91 years). The main indications were lower urinary tract disorders (60.18%) and hematuria (28.70%). Endoscopic exploration revealed prostatic tumor in 69 patients (31.9%), 29 cases of bladder tumors (13.4%) and 19 cases of bilharzia cystitis (8.8%). The urethrocystoscopy was normal in 32 patients (14.8%). Conclusion: Urethrostoscopy is an endoscopic exploration examination that can be performed on an outpatient basis. Lower tract urinary disorders and hematuria were the main indications.

Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects of Male Infertility in Patients Consulting at the Urology Department of the Yaounde Central Hospital

Introduction: About 10 to 15% of couples in the world and 20 to 30% in Cameroon consult for infertility problems. Infertility is of male origin in 40% of cases. Our objective was to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical aspects of male infertility in our setting. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study, with retrospective data collection from the files of patients received for male infertility, over 5 years and 6 months (from January 1st, 2016 to April 30th, 2021) at the Urology Department of the Yaounde Central Hospital. Phone calls were made to patients with incomplete records for completion following a verbal consent. Data reported on data collection forms were entered into a data entry form designed on CSPro software version 7.2. The database was later exported for descriptive statistics using the IBM SPSS software version 23. Qualitative variables were summarized in frequencies and percentages while quantitative variables were summarized in means with their standard deviations for normally distributed data, or medians and interquartile ranges otherwise. Results: Out of 110 patients whose records were analyzed, the median age was 37.0 years, with an interquartile range of 8.3, with 55.5% in the age group 30 to 39 years. Of these 95 (86.4%) were married, 58 (52.7%) were from the West region, 76 (69.1%) were employed. Past history was dominated by mumps 40 (36.4%), varicocele surgery 25 (22.7%), alcoholism 87 (79.1%) and smoking 15 (13.6%). A disorder of spermatogenesis was found in all our patients: 37 (33.6%) azoospermia, 27 (24.6%) asthenospermia and 26 (23.7%) oligospermia patients. Paraclinical evidence of chlamydia and gonococcal infections were found respectively in 38 (34.5%) and 14 (12.7%) patients, varicocele and testicular dystrophy respectively in 95 (86.4%) and 38 (34.5%) patients. Infertility was primary in 67 (60.9%) patients. Conclusion: Most patients with infertility were in their thirties, had risky social habits and comorbidities. An early start of health promotion activities, comorbidities prevention and early detection of spermogram abnormalities would make it possible to reduce the frequency of male infertility.

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.

Daily activities and training experiences of urology residents during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Indonesia: A nationwide survey

Objective:To explore the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic on the training experiences of urology residents in Indonesia.Methods:A cross-sectional study using a web-based questionnaire(SurveyMonkey)involved all registered urology residents in Indonesia.The questionnaire was structured in Bahasa Indonesia,composed of 28 questions,and divided into three sections:demographic characteristics,current daily activities,and opinions regarding training experiences during the COVID-19 outbreak.The survey was distributed to all respondents via chief of residents in each urology center from May 26,2020 to Jun 2,2020.Results:Of the total 247 registered urology residents,243 were eligible for the study.The response and completeness rate for this study were 243/243(100%).The median age of respondents was 30(range:24e38)years old,and 92.2%of them were male.Among them,6(2.5%)respondents were confirmed as COVID-19 positive.A decrease in residents’involvement in clinical and surgical activities was distinguishable in endourological and open procedures.Most educational activities were switched to web-based video conferences,while others opted for the in-person method.Smart learning methods,such as joining a national or international speaker webinar or watching a recorded video,were used by 93.8%and 80.7%of the respondents,respectively.The respondents thought that educational activities using web-based video conferences and smart learning methods were effective methods of learning.Overall,the respondents felt unsure whether training experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic were comparable to the respective period before.Conclusion:The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected urology residents’training experiences.However,it also opened up new possibilities for incorporating new learning methodologies in the future.

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.

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.

Education and training evolution in urolithiasis:A perspective from European School of Urology

Objective:With the worldwide increase in urolithiasis prevalence,the present study aimed to delineate and summarise recent evolutions in training for the management of urolithiasis.Methods:A PubMed search using the key words“simulation”,“training”,“ureteroscopy”,“RIRS”,“URS”,“percutaneous nephrolithotomy”,“PCNL”,“virtual reality”,“augmented reality”,“artificial intelligence”,“healthcare”,“curriculum”,and“assessment”was used to examine how education and training in urolithiasis have adapted over recent years.Focus was placed on the role of high-and low-fidelity simulation models,virtual reality and artificial intelligence,and standardised assessment and curriculum.Results:This review supports the necessity to incorporate technology,simulation,and other skill enhancement training modalities into surgical training.However,these cannot solely replace mentored training with an experienced professional supervisor.Whilst technological and simulation advancements are likely to prove increasingly important in urolithiasis training,it is just as important for stratification of robust curricula with validated assessment.We also propose a pathway for future training.Conclusion:Endourology subspeciality training programmes have successfully incorporated simulation model-based training for skill acquisition,refinement,and improving operative outcomes.Success is achieved by maintaining a delicate balance between machine and in person mentor-based training.A trainee-centred model that follows the proposed curriculum could aid this balance for the future generation of trainees.

Robotic surgery in urology:Recent advances

The adoption of robotic-assisted surgery has determined a paradigm shift in delivery of urological surgery in the last two decades.It has been a privilege for us to serve as guest editors for this special issue of the Asian Journal of Urology(AJU)on the most recent advances in this field.

ArtiSentialTM Revolutionizes Traditional Laparoscopy in Urology by Introducing the Dexterity of a Robotic System to a Laparoscopic Instrument —First Experiences in Urology in Europe by the Ukrb in Neuruppin

We describe the first two conventional, laparoscopic renal operations with a new multi-degree of freedom articulated single-use laparoscopic instrument (ArtiSentialTM). The two patients underwent different laparoscopic interventions at Ukrb University (Neuruppin, Germany): nephrectomy and Anderson-Hynes-pyeloplasty. All procedures were completed, with no need for conversion or placement of additional ports. No intraoperative complications or technical failure of the instrument was recorded. The mean operative time was 180 min median length of stay was 11.5 d. The instrument could be opened out of the sterile packaging and used at once when it was needed, because it is a single-use instrument. There was real haptical feedback and the costs are minimal compared to robot surgery. The use was straightforward and rapid processes after an intensive training of 4 h in a dry lap. Awaiting future investigations in larger series, this study proves the safety and feasibility of renal surgery with ArtiSentialTM and provides relevant data that may help early adopters of this surgical instrument.

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.

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.

Robotic surgery in pediatric urology

While robotic surgery has shown clear utility and advantages in the adult population,its role in pediatrics remains controversial.Pediatric-sized robotic instruments and equipment are not readily available yet,so certain modifications can be made in order to make robotic surgery successful in children.While the cost of robotic surgery remains high compared to open procedures,patients experience greater satisfaction and quality of life with robotic surgery.Robotic pyeloplasty is a standard of care in older children,and has even been performed in infants and re-do surgery.Other robotic procedures performed in children include heminephroureterectomy,ureteroureterostomy,ureteral reimplantation,urachal cyst excision,bladder diverticulectomy,and bladder reconstructive procedures such as augmentation,appendicovesicostomy,antegrade continence enema,bladder neck reconstruction and sling,as well as other procedures.Robotic surgery has also been used in oncologic cases such as partial nephrectomy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.Future improvements in technology with production of pediatric-sized robotic instruments,along with increases in robotictrained pediatric urologists and surgeon experience along each’s learning curve,will help to further advance the field of robotic surgery in pediatric urology.

Robotic nurse duties in the urology operative room:11 years of experience

The robotic nurse plays an essential role in a successful robotic surgery.As part of the robotic surgical team,the robotic nurse must demonstrate a high level of professional knowledge,and be an expert in robotic technology and dealing with robotic malfunctions.Each one of the robotic nursing team“nurse coordinator,scrub-nurse and circulating-nurse”has a certain job description to ensure maximum patient’s safety and robotic surgical efficiency.Well-structured training programs should be offered to the robotic nurse to be well prepared,feel confident,and maintain high-quality of care.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in urology: The Chinese experience

Objective:To describe the Chinese experience of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES)in urology.Methods:From December 2008 to May 2017,35 animal experiments and 305 clinical surgeries of NOTES or natural orifices specimen extractions(NOSE)were performed in China.The animal experiments included five kidney biopsies,24 nephrectomies and six partial nephrectomies.The clinical surgeries included 12 transvaginal NOSE(TV-NOSE),266 hybrid transvaginal NOTES(TV-NOTES)and 27 pure TV-NOTES.The TV-NOSE procedure was performed in five transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site(U-LESS)nephrectomies,four suprapubic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery(SA-LESS)nephroureterectomies,and three laparoscopic radical cystectomies.The hybrid TV-NOTES procedure included 210 nephrectomies,31 adrenalectomies,eight nephroureterectomies,13 partial nephrectomies,and four heminephrectomies.The pure TV-NOTES procedure included five renal cyst decortications and 22 nephrectomies.Results:A total of 29 animal experiments were successfully performed.One partial nephrectomy was converted to standard laparoscopic surgery.Two kidney biopsies and two nephrectomies were unsuccessful.A total of 297 clinical surgeries were successfully performed.Six patients who underwent hybrid TV-NOTES were converted to open surgery.Two patients who underwent pure TV-NOTES were converted to SA-LESS.There were 22 major complications,16 occurred intraoperatively and six postoperatively.The mean visual analog score(VAS)of 48 h after the operation was 2.5 points in TV-NOSE,2.3 points in hybrid TV-NOTES and 1.7 points in pure TV-NOTES.The mean follow-up of 50.6(3.0-87.0)months showed that all patients were in good condition.The umbilicus scars were nearly invisible in TV-NOSE and hybrid TV-NOTES.The vaginal incision healed well.Conclusions:TV-NOSE and TV-NOTES are feasible,safe,and effective with little injury,low pain,fast recovery,and good cosmetic outcomes in properly selected patients.They are worth consideration for urological clinical practice.

The growth of computer-assisted(robotic)surgery in urology 2000e2014:The role of Asian surgeons

Objective:A major role in the establishment of computer-assisted robotic surgery(CARS)can be traced to the work of Mani Menon at Vattikuti Urology Institute(VUI),and of many surgeons of Asian origin.The success of robotic surgery in urology has spurred its acceptance in other surgical disciplines,improving patient comfort and disease outcomes and helping the industrial growth.The present paper gives an overview of the progress and development of robotic surgery,especially in the field of Urology;and to underscore some of the seminal work done by the VUI and Asian surgeons in the development of robotic surgery in urology in the US and around the world.Methods:PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases were searched for publications from 2000 through June 2014,using algorithms based on keywords“robotic surgery”,“prostate”,“kidney”,“adrenal”,“bladder”,“reconstruction”,and“kidney transplant”.Inclusion criteria used were published full articles,book chapters,clinical trials,prospective and retrospective series,and systematic reviews/meta-analyses written in English language.Studies from Asian institutions or with the first/senior author of Asian origin were included for discussion,and focused on techniques of robotic surgery,relevant patient outcomes and associated demographic trends.Results:A total of 58 articles selected for final review highlight the important strides made by robots in urology,from robotic radical prostatectomy in 2000 to robotic kidney transplant in 2014.In the hands of an experienced robotic surgeon,it has been demonstrated to improve functional patient outcomes and minimize perioperative complications compared to open surgery,especially in urologic oncology and reconstructive urology.With increasing surgeon proficiency,the benefits of robotic surgery were consistently seen across different surgical disciplines,patient populations,and strata.

Impact of COVID-19 on endourology surgical practice in Saudi Arabia:A national multicenter study

Objective:To identify the impact of COVID-19 on endourology surgical practice in Saudi Arabia.Methods:A retrospective study of seven tertiary hospitals from January 2019 to April 2019,and from January 2020 to April 2020 was performed.Records of urology outpatient department(OPD)visits and endourology procedures in the first third of 2020 were analyzed and compared with those in the first third of 2019,as well as,during the full curfew time,i.e.April 2020 versus April 2019.Results:Number of OPD visits in the first third of 2020 and 2019 were 19499 and 26594,respectively(p<0.001).Number of OPD visits in April 2020 was 1512,with a 78.6%decrease compared to that in April 2019,and among them 1373(90.8%)were teleclinics.Number of elective procedures in the first third of 2020 has decreased by 34.3%(from 3025 to 1988)compared to that in the first third of 2019(p<0.001).There were 120 elective procedures in April 2020,84.1%lower than that in April 2019.Percutaneous nephrolithotomy,shockwave lithotripsy,and transurethral resection of prostate procedures declined by 94.2%,98.5%,and 93.8%,respectively.Most procedures were performed as day surgery(85.0%).Number of emergency procedures in 2020 have fallen by 9.3%compared to 2019(pZ0.286).Urolithiasis was the commonest pathology(52.6%)presented to the emergency room(52.6%).Conclusion:During COVID-19 pandemic,urology services slashed by>75%,including OPD visits and elective endourology procedures.Most hospitals have changed their strategic preventive measures by increasing the rate of teleclinics and day surgeries.