Divakar Dalela

Prospective evaluation of complications using the modified Clavien grading system, and of success rates of percutaneous nephrolithotomy using Guy's Stone Score: A single-center experience

Introduction and Objectives: To prospectively document the perioperative complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using the modified Clavien grading system. Evaluation of complications and clearance rates according to stone complexity using the validated Guys Stone Score (GSS) was also done. Materials and Methods: A total of 221 renal units underwent 278 PCNL procedures at a urology resident training center between September 2010 and September 2011 and data were recorded prospectively in our registry. Patients with co-morbidities like diabetes, renal failure, hypertension and cardiopulmonary diseases were excluded. Stone complexity was classified according to the GSS while peri-operative complications were recorded using the modified Clavien grading system. Results: Two hundred and forty-five complications were encountered in 278 PCNL procedures involving 116 renal units (41.72%). Complications of Grades 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b and 5 were seen in 52 (18.7%), 122 (43.8%), 42 (15.1%), 18 (6.4%), 6 (2.1%), 4 (1.4%) and 1 (0.3%) renal units respectively. There were 68, 98, 50 and 5 renal units in GSS I, II, III and IV groups, respectively. All grades of complications were more common in GSS III and IV (P<0.05). For GSS I, II, III and IV 100%, 74%, 56% and 0% of renal units, respectively, were stone-free after one session and 0%, 24%, 44% and 60% respectively needed two sessions to be stone-free. Conclusion: Although the complication rates were higher most were of low grade and self-limiting. Complications were significantly more common with higher GSS and the GSS effectively predicted stone-free rates.

Clavien Classification of Semirigid Ureteroscopy Complications: A Prospective Study

OBJECTIVE To prospectively report and grade the perioperative complications of ureteroscopy (URS) for stone removal using a semirigid ureteroscope with the modified Clavien classification system and to identify the determinants of the complications. METHODS From August 2010 to November 2011, the prospective data from 120 consecutive patients (71 men and 49 women) who had undergone primary unstented URS at a resident training center were analyzed. Patients with renal failure, pyonephrosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and congenital ureteral abnormalities were excluded (n = 29). The data recorded included patient demographics, stone size and location, and complications according to the modified Clavien classification system. RESULTS Of the 120 patients, 36 (30%) experienced 79 complications. The stone size was ≤ 10 mm in 56 and >10 mm in 64 patients. The stone location was the lower, mid-, and upper ureter in 62, 58, and 3 patients, respectively. The latter 3 were excluded because of the small sample size. Grade 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b complications were encountered in 46 (38.3%), 18 (15%), 3 (2.5%), 10 (8.3%), 1 (0.8%), and 1 (0.8%) patient, respectively. The incidence of complications was greater for stones >10 mm, a mid- versus distal ureteral location, impacted stones, and surgery performed by a resident. The incidence was not affected by patient sex, stone laterality, or lithotripter type. The patients with complications had a longer operative time (75 vs 46.5 minutes), longer hospitalization (4.8 vs 1.5 days), and lower stone-free rate (64% vs 97%). CONCLUSION Most complications were grade 1-3 (98%), and grade 4 complications were rare (<2%) with URS. The present study is probably the first to prospectively study the complications of URS using the modified Clavien classification system.

Diagnostic Role of Survivin in Urinary Bladder Cancer

BACKGROUND Early diagnosis of carcinoma of bladder remains a challenge. Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein family, is frequently activated in bladder carcinoma. The objective of this study was to investigate urinary survivin as a marker for diagnosis of urinary bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined urinary survivin concentration in 28 healthy individuals, 46 positive controls and 117 cases of histologically proven TCC prior to transurethral resection, using ELISA, and compared values with findings for urinary cytology. RESULTS Survivin was found to be significantly higher in the cancer group (P<0.05). A cut off value of 17.7 pg/ml was proposed, with an approximate sensitivity of 82.9% and specificity of 81.1% (P<0.0001), whereas urine cytology had a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 96.0%. CONCLUSIONS Urinary survivin can be used as a non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for TCC bladder, both for primary and recurrent disease.

Donor site morbidity in oral mucosa graft urethroplasty: implications of tobacco consumption

BackgroundThe purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the donor site morbidity in patients who have undergone oral mucosa graft urethroplasty for stricture of the urethra. The impact of smoking and oral consumption of tobacco and/or paan masala on the donor site was also assessed. This study is probably the first of its kind where the affect of smoking, paan masala and tobacco chewing on the donor site morbidity has been documented.MethodsForty-eight patients suffering from stricture of the urethra underwent oral mucosa graft urethroplasty between July 2005 and December 2007. The patients were divided into two groups (users or non-users) based on tobacco consumption and oral hygiene. The donor site was evaluated at frequent intervals for pain, swelling, numbness, bleeding, salivation and tightness of mouth.ResultsDonor site morbidity was more in users with poor oral hygiene. Pain scores were higher amongst the users and the morbidity persisted longer in the users compared to non-users with good oral hygiene.ConclusionPatients who consume tobacco and have poor oral hygiene should be warned regarding poorer outcomes after oral mucosa graft urethroplasty.

Significance of obesity markers and adipocytokines in high grade and high stage prostate cancer in North Indian men – A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (CaP) in India is the 10th most common malignancy affecting men. CaP incidence in India is low, but rising like other countries. The reasons for this racial disparity are uncertain. The foremost reasons that may underlie regional/ethnic differences are genetic polymorphisms, altered hormonal status, socioeconomic status, and obesity. This study aimed at investigating the role of adipocytokines in stimulating the promotion and progression of CaP. METHODS A cross-sectional study on histopathologically proven prostate cancer (N=95) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (N=95) patients was undertaken. CaP patients were classified into high-grade (N=62) and low-grade (N=33), and high stage (N=31) and low stage (N=64) groups. The level of body mass index (BMI), waste to hip ratio (WHR), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leptin, and adiponectin were compared between BPH and CaP groups and between grades and stages of prostate cancer. RESULTS The level of BMI was significantly (p<0.001) higher in CaP patients (26.58±4.76) in comparison to BPH (22.15±2.90). Similarly, WHR was significantly (p<0.0001) higher in the CaP patients (1.08±0.37) in comparison to BPH (0.86±0.15). Leptin (BPH: 25.60, CaP: 56.00) and II-6 levels (BPH: 9.90, CaP: 32.30) were significantly higher, but adiponectin was significantly lower in CaP patients as compared to BPH. High grade CaP patients had significantly higher BMI and WHR in comparison to low grade, and WHR was also higher in high stage CaP. Leptin and IL-6 level were higher in high stage and high grade, but adiponectin was low in high stage and high grade groups in comparison to low stage and low grade groups. CONCLUSIONS Higher BMI and WHR correlate with prostate cancer independently, suggesting obesity to be a promoter of poor prostate health. Leptin and IL-6 appear to have stimulating effect on prostate cancer cells inducing the promotion and progression of CaP, but adiponectin appears to be protective against prostate cancer.

A critical appraisal of complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in paediatric patients using adult instruments

To evaluate the complications (using the CROES Clavien scoring system) and various factors affecting them in children undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Antiplatelet drugs and the perioperative period: What every urologist needs to know.

Antiplatelet agents like aspirin and clopidogrel are widely used for indications ranging from primary and secondary prevention of myocardial infarction or stroke to prevention of coronary stent thrombosis after percutaneous coronary interventions. When patients receiving antiplatelet drugs are scheduled for surgery, urologists commonly advise routine periprocedural withdrawal of these drugs to decrease the hemorrhagic risks that may be associated if such therapy is continued in the perioperative period. This approach may be inappropriate as stopping antiplatelet drugs often exposes the patient to a more serious risk, i.e. the risk of developing an arterial thrombosis with its potentially fatal consequences. Moreover, it has been seen that the increase in perioperative bleeding if such drugs are continued is usually of a quantitative nature and does not shift the bleeding complication to a higher risk quality. We, in this mini review, look at the physiological role and pathological implications of platelets, commonly used antiplatelet therapy and how continuation or discontinuation of such therapy in the perioperative period affects the hemorrhagic and thrombotic risks, respectively. Literature on the subject between 1985 and 2008 is reviewed. The consensus that seems to have emerged is that the policy of routine discontinuation of antiplatelet drugs in the perioperative period must be discouraged and risk stratification must be employed while making decisions regarding continuation or temporary discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy. Although antiplatelet drugs may be discontinued in patients at a low risk for an arterial thrombotic event, they must be continued in patients where the risks of bleeding and complications related to excessive bleeding are less than the risks of developing arterial thrombosis.

Expression of PDZ-binding kinase/T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (PBK/TOPK) in human urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression pattern of PDZ-binding kinase/T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (PBK/TOPK) and its clinical significance in human bladder cancer (BC). We detected PBK/TOPK mRNA overexpression in BC and human normal testis tissues using RT-PCR. Using qRT-PCR revealed a higher expression of PBK/TOPK in BC tissues than their adjacent noncancerous tissues (ANCTs) (p<0.0001). Cytoplasmic expression of PBK/TOPK protein was found to be positive in 64.6% (42 of 65) BC patients. Expression of PBK/TOPK protein was found to be significantly higher in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) than in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) (86.1% vs. 37.9%, p<0.001). The immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of PBK/TOPK was found to be significantly (p<0.001) associated with the stage of disease. Study findings suggest that the PBK/TOPK mRNA/protein expression is specific to human BC and might be used as a novel target for development of cancer immunotherapy and diagnostic biomarker.

Expression and clinical significance of Centrosomal protein 55 (CEP55) in human urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma.

Bladder cancer (BC) is one among the most common and lethal urothelial malignancies worldwide. The expression of cancer-testis (CT) antigens in some tumours and restricted expression among normal tissues make CT antigens as attractive vaccine targets. In this context, we evaluated Centrosomal protein 55 kDa (CEP55), which is specifically expressed in normal human testis and various malignancies. Until the expression pattern of CEP55 in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of human urinary bladder and its clinical significance are not known. The aim of the present study is to evaluate mRNA/protein expression of CEP55 in TCCs of urinary bladder and correlate its expression with the clinicopathological characteristics of BC patients. In this study, the methods of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to investigate mRNA/protein expression of CEP55 in TCC. Independent Students t test, ANOVA and Chi-square (χ(2)) were used to analyze the data statistically. We observed CEP55 mRNA overexpression in testis and 48.7% of BC patients. Relative mean fold expression of CEP55 mRNA was found to be significantly (p<0.01) higher in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) as compared to non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients (7.88±3.88 vs. 4.75±2.30, p=0.01). CEP55 protein expression was evaluated using IHC and cytoplasmic staining pattern was recorded in formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) bladder tumour tissues. No significant difference was observed in protein expression of CEP55 between the two groups (NMIBC and MIBC patients) (72.2% vs. 69.0%, p=0.774). No significant protein expression of CEP55 was observed among adjacent noncancerous tissues (ANCTs) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) used as control. Our study results suggest that CEP55 mRNA/protein expression was observed is specific to TCC of human urinary bladder and might be used as a diagnostic biomarker and vaccine target in development of BC specific immunotherapy.

A Novel Midline Scroto-perineal Approach Facilitating Innervation Preserving Sphincteroplasty and Radical Corporal Detachment for Reconstruction of Exstrophy-epispadias

OBJECTIVE To report a novel surgical approach for single-stage repair of exstrophy-epispadias, with the specific aim of innervation, preserving sphincteroplasty corporal detachment for penile lengthening and ischio-pubic ramotomy for Linia-alba approximation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-five classic exstrophy with compliant bladder plate and 10 incontinent epispadias patients were selected. Preoperative magnetic resonance angiogram of urogenital diaphragm showed triangular space between ischio-cavernosus, bulbo-spongiosus, and transverse-perinei muscles containing sphincteric branch of perineal artery indicating the course of sphincteric nerve. Bladder plate was mobilized. Through a midline scrotal septal and transverse incision along the base of urogenital triangle, the urogenital diaphragm was exposed. Corpora were separated from the urethral plate while preserving the glanular continuity and innervation to striated urethral sphincter, using muscle stimulator and nerve integrity monitor. In the subperiosteal plane along the ischio-pubic rami, the corpora were detached. Repair included ureteric reimplantation; anatomic reconstruction of bladder, bladder neck, urethra, and striated sphincter; corporo-glanuloplasty; ischio-pubic ramotomy; and abdominal closure. Assessment included surgical problems, cosmetic satisfaction, erectile function, continence, and upper tract status at 2-year follow-up. RESULT There was no corporal loss. Postoperative complications included 4 perineal suture line infections, 11 peno-pubic fistula, and 1 adhesive intestinal obstruction. Erectile function was good in 33 patients. Penile length was gratifying in 25. Of 28 patients, 20 (71.4%) had dry interval of two hours. Dimercaptosuccinic acid study demonstrated upper tract scarring in 2 patients. CONCLUSION This approach facilitates innervation preserving sphincteroplasty and precise restoration of anatomy to near normal without operative accidents because of wide exposure gained, improving the functional and cosmetic results.