Ahmed M. Elshal

Factors Affecting Stone-free Rate and Complications of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Treatment of Staghorn Stone

OBJECTIVE To determine factors affecting the stone-free rate and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) for treatment of staghorn stones. METHODS The computerized database of patients who underwent PNL for treatment of staghorn stones between January 2003 and January 2011 was reviewed. All perioperative complications were recorded and classified according to modified Clavien classification system. The stone-free rate was evaluated with low-dose noncontrast computed tomography (CT). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to determine factors affecting stone-free and complication rates. RESULTS The study included 241 patients (125 male and 116 female) with a mean age of 48.7 ±14.3 years. All patients underwent 251 PNL (10 patients had bilateral stones). The stone-free rate of PNL monotherapy was 56% (142 procedures). At 3 months, the stone-free rate increased to 73% (183 kidneys) after shock wave lithotripsy. Independent risk factors for residual stones were complete staghorn stone and presence of secondary calyceal stones (relative risks were 2.2 and 3.1, respectively). The complication rate was 27% (68 PNL). Independent risk factors for development of complications were performance of the procedure by urologists other than experienced endourologist and positive preoperative urine culture (relative risks were 2.2 and 2.1, respectively). CONCLUSION Factors affecting the incidence of residual stones after PNL are complete staghorn stones and the presence of secondary calyceal stones. Complications are significantly high if PNL is not performed by an experienced endourologist or if preoperative urine culture is positive.

Nephrostomy Tube Placement After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Critical Evaluation Through a Prospective Randomized Study

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the hemostatic and drainage functions of the nephrostomy tube after percutaneous nephrolithotomy through a prospective randomized study. Additionally, the effect of nephrostomy tube placement on postoperative pain, hospital stay, and the success and complication rates was assessed. METHODS The present study was designed to include 100 patients with upper urinary tract calculi who were prospectively randomized to tubeless (group 1) and standard (group 2) PCNL using closed envelopes. The hemoglobin and hematocrit deficits, development of hematuria and hematoma, and blood transfusion rate were compared to assess the hemostatic effect. The drainage effect was evaluated by comparing the incidence of postoperative urinary leakage, urinoma, and/or hydrothorax development. RESULTS A total of 123 patients were assessed for eligibility, and 100 fulfilled the study requirements. The hemoglobin and hematocrit deficits were comparable. Significant hematuria and/or hematoma were recorded in 5 and 4 patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Blood transfusion was required in 5 and 6 patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. One patient with chronic kidney disease in the tubeless group required abdominal exploration because of respiratory embarrassment and a large hematoma. Transient urinary leakage was recorded in 2 and 31 patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < .05). No urinoma developed. Hemothorax developed in 1 patient in the tubeless group with supracostal puncture. Postoperative pain was significantly less in the tubeless group. No statistically significant difference was found in the success rate, morbidity, or hospital stay between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION The hemostatic and drainage functions of the nephrostomy tube were modest. However, the tubeless approach might be not suitable for the patients with chronic kidney disease or a supracostal approach.

Transvesical open prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia in the era of minimally invasive surgery: Perioperative outcomes of a contemporary series

Abstract Objective: To assess the perioperative morbidity of transvesical open prostatectomy (OP) and its predictors as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and to update knowledge about the morbidity of OP using a standardised morbidity scale (Clavien), thus providing a platform for comparison with the newly developed techniques. Patients and methods: We retrospectively review men with BPH who were treated with transvesical OP between April 2002 and December 2012. Preoperative patients’ data were reviewed for relevant variables. Operative details, the postoperative course, and 30-day relevant data were assessed. The study cohort was stratified based on the resected prostate weight, with group 1 having a resected weight of ⩽120 g and group 2 >120 g. Results: The review identified 163 patients. The mean (SD, range) duration of catheterisation after OP was 7.9 (2.2, 5–20) days and the duration of hospitalisation after OP was 8.1 (1.8, 5–15) days; both were significantly longer in group 2. All patients were able to void spontaneously by the first follow-up visit. Of 163 OP procedures, there were 106 perioperative complications in 69 (42.3%). Low-grade complications (grade ⩽2) included 38 (45.2%) and 53 (67%) in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.8). High-grade complications (⩾3) included 3 (3.5%) and 12 (15.1%) in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.02). The blood transfusion rate was 24.5%, the perioperative mortality rate was 1.2% and the re-admission rate within the first 30 days after OP was 1.2%. High-grade complications were significantly associated with a greater resected prostate weight (odds ratio 1.08, 95% CI 1.001–1.17, P = 0.046). Conclusion: The OP procedure is associated with a significant perioperative morbidity that correlated significantly with the resected prostate weight, especially for high-grade complications.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for staghorn stones: a randomised trial comparing high-power holmium laser versus ultrasonic lithotripsy

To compare high‐power holmium laser lithotripsy (HP‐HLL) and ultrasonic lithotripsy (US‐L) for disintegration of staghorn stones during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for renal stones in pediatric patients: A multivariate analysis model for estimating the stone-free probability

To define factors affecting the stone‐free rate of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in the treatment of pediatric renal calculi, and to establish a regression model for pretreatment prediction of stone‐free probability.

Synergetic effect of testosterone and phophodiesterase-5 inhibitors in hypogonadal men with erectile dysfunction: A systematic review

Testosterone deficiency seems to impair the clinical response to phophodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). In hypogonadal men, testosterone repletion was associated with enhanced sexual function in patients who failed initial treatment with sildenafil or tadalafil. We conducted a systematic review of studies that evaluated combination therapy of testosterone and PDE-5 inhibitors in patients with ED and low, low-normal testosterone levels who failed monotherapy. The studies we examine are heterogeneous with several methodological drawbacks and that, overall, the addition of testosterone to PDE-5 inhibitors might benefit patients with ED associated with testosterone <300 ng/dL (10.4 nmol/L) who failed monotherapy. Further studies, with a randomized placebo-controlled and double blind design, are needed to describe the appropriate target patient group, testosterone cut-off and to define the optimal dose and duration of combination therapy.

Catheterizable serous lined urinary outlet in children and adolescents: a choice when other treatments fail.

PURPOSE We evaluated the functional outcome of continent catheterizable outlet using the serous lined extramural tunnel technique as a continence mechanism in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively studied all patients who underwent continent catheterizable stoma using the serous lined extramural technique between May 1993 and March 2008. Patient records were reviewed for age, sex, indication for surgery, surgical details and postoperative course. All patients were evaluated for continence with emphasis on frequency of clean intermittent catheterization. Urodynamic evaluation was done for patients with leaking stoma. Stoma related complications were also recorded. RESULTS A total of 37 boys and 23 girls 3 to 18 years old underwent continent catheterizable stoma using the serous lined extramural technique. Total bladder substitution was performed in 13 patients using continent ileal W-shaped reservoir, and 47 patients underwent augmentation ileocystoplasty mounted with serous lined outlet. The outlet channel was appendix in 39 patients (65%), tapered ileal segment in 13 (21.5%) and Monti ileal tube in 8 (13.5%). After a median followup of 43 months (range 10 to 180) 55 patients (91.6%) achieved continence, with catheterization frequency of 3 to 5 times during the daytime and 1 to 2 times at night. Stoma related complications were leaking stoma in 5 patients (8.4%), stomal stenosis in 6 (10%), parastomal hernia in 2 (3.3%) and reservoir stones in 8 (13.3%). Reoperation rate was 18.3% (11 patients). CONCLUSIONS The serous lined continent outlet seems to be a durable and efficient technique for treating children with incontinence, with an acceptable complication rate.

Towards optimizing prostate tissue retrieval following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP): Assessment of two morcellators and review of literature

INTRODUCTION We assess different approaches to retrieve the enucleated adenoma after transurethral enucleation of the prostate, particularly using the holmium laser. METHODS A retrospective review through our prospectively maintained database was performed looking for safety and efficacy of two morcellators. The enucleation phase of the holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) was classically performed followed by retrieval of the intravesical adenoma using either the Piranha (Wolf Inc., Knittlingen, Germany) or VersaCut (Lumenis) morcellator. A PubMed-MEDLINE search was conducted for all transurethral enucleation procedures and relevant data regarding methods of prostate tissue retrieval were extracted. RESULTS Strictly limiting the study to 3 reusable blades with each morcellator, we performed 67 and 55 consecutive procedures with Piranha and VersaCut, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two morcellators regarding perioperative complications, apart from 5 bladder mucosal injuries with the VersaCut (9%). Furthermore, there were similar retrieved tissue weight, mechanical problems-rate, catheter-time and hospital-stay in both morcellators. However, the Piranha morcellator needed significantly less morcellation-time, needed to use cold loop to remove non-morcellated pieces and to score the adenoma by laser for better bite of the adenoma, and had a higher median morcellation-rate 6.2 (rate: 2.8-12) g/min. Despite little reporting on morcellation, we had data on the tissue retrieval rate (2.6 to 6.5 g/min with Piranha and 1.9 to 11 g/min with VersaCut. Furthermore, bladder mucosal injury was reported in 1.4% and 0.7 to 5.7% with Piranha and VersaCut, respectively; bladder perforation with VersaCut was experienced in about 0.1 to 1.5% of patients. Our study is limited by its non-randomization. CONCLUSION The Piranha morcellator was the most efficient and safe way to retrieve tissue after a transurethral enucleation of a prostate adenoma.

Prostatic abscess: Objective assessment of the treatment approach in the absence of guidelines

Abstract Objective: To assess the outcome of the drainage procedure used for treating a prostatic abscess, and to propose a treatment algorithm to reduce the morbidity and the need for re-treatment. Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who were admitted and received an interventional treatment for a prostatic abscess. All baseline relevant variables were reviewed. Details of the intervention, laboratory data, duration of hospital stay, follow-up data and re-admissions were recorded. Results: A prostatic abscess was diagnosed in 42 patients; 30 were treated by transurethral deroofing and 12 by transrectal needle aspiration. The median (range) size of the abscess was 4.5 (2–23) mL and 2.7 (1.5–7.1) mL in the deroofing and aspiration groups, respectively (P = 0.2). In half of the cases multiple abscesses were evident on imaging before the intervention. The median (range) hospital stay after deroofing and aspiration was 2 (1–11) and 1 (1–19) days, respectively (P = 0.04). Perioperative complications occurred only in the deroofing group, in which two patients developed septic shock requiring intensive care (Clavien 4) and one developed epididymo-orchitis (Clavien 2). There were two late complications in the deroofing group, in which one patient developed a urethral stricture that required endoscopic urethrotomy (Clavien 3a) and one developed a urethral diverticulum and urinary incontinence that required diverticulectomy and a bulbo-urethral sling procedure (Clavien 3b). A urethro-rectal fistula developed after aspiration in one patient. Re-treatment for the abscess was indicated in two (7%) patients in the deroofing group, which was treated by aspiration. Conclusion: Transrectal needle aspiration for a prostatic abscess, when done for properly selected cases, could minimise the morbidity of the drainage procedure.

Prospective Assessment of Learning Curve of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Using a Multidimensional Approach

Purpose: Despite being endorsed in most guidelines, wide adoption of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is hindered by learning difficulties. We prospectively assessed the learning curve using a multidimensional approach. Materials and Methods: We prospectively report all perioperative safety and efficacy outcome measures as well as the need for reoperation and continence status. Case difficulty and learning curve characterization variables were considered, looking for predictors of different outcome measures. Our analysis included the first 313 procedures done by a total of 3 surgeons. Results: Prostate volume and the number of previously performed cases independently predicted operative and enucleation efficiency (mean ± SD 0.76 ± 0.36 and 1.2 ± 0.6 gm per minute, respectively). Both measures plateaued only after the first 40 procedures. The mean percent reduction in postoperative prostate specific antigen was 80% ± 19%. A significantly lower decrease was independently predicted by the transrectal ultrasound depiction of a grossly multinodular prostate (p = 0.000, R2 = 0.59). Perioperative safety measures showed significant improvement after the first and second 20 procedures apart from hospital stay and catheter time. Urinary incontinence was reported in 89 (28.5%), 26 (8.3%) and 7 cases (2.2%) at 1, 4 and 12 months, respectively. Only the number of previously performed cases predicted urinary incontinence at 1 month, which was significantly reduced following the first 20 procedures (plateau) (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–0.999, p = 0.03). The I‐PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) preoperative storage subdomain (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.4–0.9, p = 0.04), case density (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2–0.6, p = 0.01) and number of previously performed cases (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.98–0.999, p = 0.02) predicted urinary incontinence at 4 months, which was significantly reduced after the first and second 20 procedures. Persistent urinary incontinence at 12 months was significantly associated with fewer previously performed cases (median 60, range 0 to 211 vs 20, range 0 to 99, p = 0.04) with no plateauing through the curve. Conclusions: Plateauing through the learning curve of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is a moving target. Looking at different outcome measures, different levels of experience are needed to reach the plateau. Preoperative prostate volume, the number of previously performed cases and case density are the main influential factors in the curve. Urinary incontinence is the most relevant clinical outcome that was significantly affected by learning, although its transient nature is assuring.