Evangelos Aravantinos

Ultrasound-Guided Transrectal Placement of a Drainage Tube as Therapeutic Management of Patients with Prostatic Abscess

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A novel approach for continuous drainage of prostatic abscesses is presented and discussed. PATIENTS AND METHODS We present seven cases diagnosed with prostatic abscess during 2001-2007. The diagnosis was based on either clinical or transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) findings. All patients were initially treated as prostatitis cases by intravenous antibiotics, a1 blockers, and a suprapubic catheter. Those diagnosed with an abscess had a drainage tube placed transrectally under TRUS guidance, and it was left in place for 24-36 hours. RESULTS Past medical history most often included previous urinary infection (n = 4), bladder outlet obstruction (n = 1), and diabetes mellitus (n = 4). In all patients, prostatic abscess was greater than 1.5 cm, and in two patients the abscess was multifocal. All abscesses were completely resolved by transrectal continuous drainage, and the average hospitalization period was 10 days. No patient required a second intervention. All patients received antibiotics for 1 month following the procedure. CONCLUSION Although rare, prostatic abscess is a serious condition that needs quick diagnosis and treatment. In our experience, TRUS-guided transrectal placement of a drainage tube is a feasible and safe treatment alternative for prostatic abscess; it is also easy to perform and well tolerated by the patients.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Under a Multimodal Analgesia Regime

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the possibility of performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) under a multimodal analgesia regime. PATIENTS AND METHODS During a period of 3 years, 51 patients requiring PCNL were enrolled in the study. All patients received a multimodal analgesic regime that included paracetamol, a COX(2) inhibitor, epidural morphine, and infiltration of the surgical field with local anesthetics. Percutaneous renal tract access was created with ultrasound guidance. All patients were informed about the possibility of experiencing short periods of discomfort or pain, and all patients completed a visual analog pain scale questionnaire postoperatively. RESULTS All 51 patients completed the study, and the procedure was well tolerated. Intraoperative problems or postoperative complications were attributed mainly to the procedure itself (PCNL) rather than to the analgesic regimen administered. We observed no morphine-related side effects. Patients were transferred directly back to the ward immediately after the operation. The use of analgesics postoperatively was minimal. CONCLUSIONS The use of our multimodal analgesia regime is a well-tolerated and safe alternative to general or regional anesthesia for patients undergoing PCNL.

Bladder Stone Formation after a Tension-Free Vaginal Tape Procedure: Report on Two Cases

We present 2 cases of large bladder stones formed on a tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) which was inadvertently passed through the bladder during the continence procedure. The stones together with the intravesical portion of the slings were removed using a suprapubic approach. High clinical suspicion of bladder complications is necessary when evaluating patients with urinary symptoms after a TVT operation.

A giant inguinoscrotal bladder hernia as a cause of chronic renal failure: A rare case

INTRODUCTION Giant inguinoscrotal bladder hernias are very rare and require surgical intervention. They usually do not cause any specific symptoms and thus, they are often misdiagnosed. If left untreated though, they might lead to severe medical conditions, such as renal failure. PRESENTATION OF CASE We present the case of a 71-year-old male patient suffering from a giant inguinoscrotal mass, accompanied by symptoms of the lower urinary track (LUTS) and chronic renal failure. DISCUSSION In our case, the patient presented with bladder hernia causing non specific symptoms of renal failure. In contrast to acute renal failure, a chronic renal impairment most often comes with no specific symptoms and thus, it can be present for many years before the diagnosis is made. It is evident that such serious conditions should be suspected and treated. CONCLUSION Inguinoscrotal bladder hernias may be associated with severe medical conditions, such as renal deterioration, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of renal failure, when accompanied by any inguinal, scrotal, or low abdominal wall hernia.

‘Single Puncture’ Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy under Assisted Local Anesthesia

Objective: To evaluate the possibility of performing minipercutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) under assisted local anesthesia in a selected group of patients. Patients and Methods: Twenty-one patients with unilateral renal obstruction requiring mini-PCNL were enrolled in the study. Prior to surgery, all patients received: a) paracetamol 1.2 g intravenous (i.v.); b) parecoxib (COX2 inhibitor) 40 mg i.v., and c) infiltration of the surgical field with local anesthetic (20 ml of 1% lidocaine). Prior to the dilatation, all patients received midazolam 2 mg i.v. and fentanyl 100 mg i.v. Percutaneous renal tract access was created with ultrasound guidance. All patients were informed of the possibility of experiencing short periods of discomfort or pain, and all patients completed a postoperative visual analogue pain scale questionnaire. Results: All 21 patients completed the study, and the procedure was well-tolerated. Only three patients complained of mild pain and received additional fentanyl. Intraoperative problems and postoperative complications were mainly attributed to the mini-PCNL procedure itself rather than to the analgesic regimen administered. No complications related to the modality of anesthesia were encountered. The mean visual analogue pain scale score at the end of the procedure was 2.9 ± 0.9. Patients were directly transferred back to the ward immediately after the operation. Conclusions: Our study indicates that mini-PCNL can be performed safely and effectively under assisted local anesthesia in a selected group of patients.