Tomography Urogram Research Articles

Radiomics-Based Computed Tomography Urogram Approach for the Prediction of Survival and Recurrence in Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. The accurate prediction of survival and recurrence in UTUC is crucial for effective risk stratification and guiding therapeutic decisions. Models combining radiomics and clinicopathological data features derived from computed tomographic urograms (CTUs) can be a way to predict survival and recurrence in UTUC. Thus, preoperative CTUs and clinical data were analyzed from 106 UTUC patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy. Radiomics features were extracted from segmented tumors, and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) method was used to select the most relevant features. Multivariable Cox models combining radiomics features and clinical factors were developed to predict the survival and recurrence. Harrell's concordance index (C-index) was applied to evaluate the performance and survival distribution analyses were assessed by a Kaplan-Meier analysis. The significant outcome predictors were identified by multivariable Cox models. The combined model achieved a superior predictive accuracy (C-index: 0.73) and higher recurrence prediction (C-index: 0.84). The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant differences in the survival (p < 0.0001) and recurrence (p < 0.002) probabilities for the combined datasets. The CTU-based radiomics models effectively predicted survival and recurrence in the UTUC patients, and enhanced the prognostic performance by combining radiomics features with clinical factors.

Chronic back pain in untreated gout

A 41-year-old man with a 10-year history of untreated chronic tophaceous gout presented with acute flare of gouty arthritis. He has chronic low back pain which has become more severe for the past 1 year. Clinically he has tenderness at lower lumbar spine although there was no neurological deficit. Laboratory test revealed raised inflammatory markers (ESR 70mm/hour) and C-reactive protein 287.1 mg/L, reactive thrombocytosis and leucocytosis, renal impairment and elevated serum uric acid (780 μmol/L). He had microscopic hematuria and ultrasound showed right mild hydronephrosis without any calculi identified. Computerized Tomography Urogram (CTU) confirmed the findings of an obstructive right hydronephrosis and hydroureter due to a right ureteric calculus. Incidentally, CTU revealed a lobulated, heterogenous hyperdense soft tissue ossified mass measuring (4.6x7.3x8.1 cm) at lumbar vertebral bodies (L2-L4) with overhanging edge erosions of adjacent vertebra mainly involving the facet joints, pedicles and lamina (Figure 1).

Urothelial Malignancy After Normal Hematuria Clinic Investigations: Does Non-visible Hematuria Need Reinvestigation?

Hematuria is the most common referral to Urology. Most initial evaluations are normal; however there are few medium- to long-term studies about these patients after they are discharged. This study was a retrospective observational case-control study. Patients with normal initial investigations in our hematuria clinic (HC) over a 2-year period in 2012-2013 were included. We reviewed the electronic records of patients choosing January 1, 2021, as our reference date providing a median follow-up of 99 months. The primary aim of this study was to assess the missed urothelial malignancy (UM) rate in this cohort and also the UM rate in those re-referred to the HC. The study included 573 patients of whom 24.6% (141/573) were re-referred to urology during the study period. The overall missed UM cancer rate was 0.5% and 0.2% died as a result in this follow-up period. The UM cancer rate in those re-referred was 4.3% and of those re-referred with visible hematuria (VH) the UM cancer rate was 5.7%. No patients re-referred with non-visible VH (NVH) were diagnosed with UM. The only urological death during this time was due to UM. All urological malignancy and mortality remain very low even at mediumto long-term follow-up after an initial normal HC investigation. In this study, no patients with recurrent NVH developed UM; therefore, recurrent NVH is unlikely to need reinvestigation. The risk of UM in those re-referred with VH is low but more substantial and warrants reinvestigation, which should include computed tomography urogram imaging.

Toward the Deimplementation of Computed Tomography Urogram for Patients With Low- to Intermediate-risk Microscopic Hematuria: A Mixed-method Study of Factors Influencing Continued Use.

Toward the Deimplementation of Computed Tomography Urogram for Patients With Low- to Intermediate-risk Microscopic Hematuria: A Mixed-method Study of Factors Influencing Continued Use.

The role of point-of-care ultrasound in the assessment of pelvic urine leakage and diagnosis of urinoma

BackgroundUrinoma, a rare condition resulting from urine leakage due to trauma to the kidney, bladder, or urethra, is typically diagnosed using enhanced computed tomography urogram with delayed imaging. This report presents two cases of urinoma likely caused by overdistention of the renal pelvis following excessive fluid intake and the presence of a ureteral stone.Case presentationWe present two cases of 36-year-old and 38-year-old patients who presented with flank pain. point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) played a pivotal role in identifying perinephric fluid in Morrison’s space and the splenorenal space, respectively. These ultrasound findings guided further investigations, leading to definitive diagnoses via abdominal pelvic CT scans. Treatment involved prophylactic antibiotics and the successful placement of a double J stent into the renal pelvis over the wire under fluoroscopic guidance, which resulted in significant clinical improvement for both patients.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the rare occurrence of urinoma from urolithiasis, the use of POCUS in expediting diagnosis and treatment, and the importance of interpreting sonographic images in the correct clinical setting.

RARE PRIMARY CLEAR CELL CARCINOMA OF BLADDER OF MULLERIAN ORIGIN: MORPHO- IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL PROFILING

Abstract Introduction/Objective Primary clear cell carcinoma of urinary bladder (PCCCUB) is a rare and aggressive cancer variant with uncertain and debatable histogenesis. The hypotheses include origins from the urothelium, pre-existing Müllerian precursors, or mesonephric remnants. Definitive diagnosis is achieved through histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). We present an unusual case of PCCCUB in a sexagenarian woman. Methods/Case Report Patient with history of diabetes, hypertension, and smoking presented with gross hematuria. Computed tomography urogram revealed a 2.3 x 1.2 cm enhancing mass at the base of the urinary bladder. Patient underwent transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT). Histopathology revealed features of tubulo-papillary, solid, glandular structures with hyalinized stroma. Cytologic features varied from flat, hobnail, to polygonal with abundant clear to eosinophilic cytoplasm and prominent nucleoli. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong reactivity for PAX8, CK7, ER, and racemase; focal reactivity for vimentin, napsin A, p53, CA125; and non-reactivity for PAX2, WT1, PR, GATA3, pCEA, CK20, p63, p40, CD10, RCC, BRST-2, and mammaglobin. P53 showed a wild type staining pattern and Ki-67 was 10%. Combined morphologic and IHC features confirmed PCCCUB, and in the absence of muscularis mucosal invasion, tumor was staged pT1N0. PAX8 positivity and urothelial marker negativity excluded clear cell pattern of urothelial carcinoma. IHC also excluded nephrogenic adenoma, and metastasis. The female gender, and CK 7 (+)/CK 20 (−) profile supported Müllerian origin. Restaging TURBT showed consistent results. Subsequently, anterior pelvic exenteration and bilateral pelvic lymph nodes dissection was performed revealing muscularis propria invasion upstaging to mpT2 N0. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Poor prognosis, aggressive behavior, and advanced stage at the time of diagnosis warrants accurate diagnose of PCCCUB. Ambiguous origin, limited literature, and lack of clear management guidelines merit reporting in order to enhance knowledge of this rare and intriguing entity.

Radiological Anatomy Quiz: Reconstructed coronal image from a computed tomography (intravenous) urogram

Not abstract available

Role of 3-dimensional Imaging in the Management of Ureteric Fistula

A patient in her late 20s presented with a month-long history of continuous dribbling of urine associated with right flank following suction-evacuation for an incomplete abortion. Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) abdomen and Computerised Tomography (CT) urogram demonstrated a 1cm focal defect in the right lateral wall of the uterus communicating with a collection in the right hemipelvis and right paracolic region. Fluid was demonstrated in the uterus and cervix. The right ureter narrowed abruptly at the level of the S1 vertebra, with prominence of the proximal ureter. An opacified tract was seen between the right ureter and the uterus [Figures 1, 2 and 3] diagnosed as a fistula. The patient had a total laparoscopic hysterectomy with ureteric reimplantation into a Boari flap surgery and psoas hitch of the urinary bladder, with the clinical application of pre-operative 3D CT imaging allowing for surgical improved planning to optimise the outcome [Supplemental Figure 1].

Toward the Deimplementation of Computed Tomography Urogram for Patients With Low- to Intermediate-risk Microscopic Hematuria: A Mixed-method Study of Factors Influencing Continued Use.

Citing high costs, limited diagnostic benefit, and ionizing radiation-associated risk from CT urogram, in 2020 the AUA revised its guidelines from recommending CT urogram for all patients with microscopic hematuria to a deintensified risk-stratified approach, including the deimplementation of low-value CT urogram (ie, not recommending CT urogram for patients with low- to intermediate-risk microscopic hematuria). Adherence to revised guidelines and reasons for continued low-value CT urogram are unknown. With the overarching objective of improving guideline implementation, we used a mixed-method convergent explanatory design with electronic health record data for a retrospective cohort at a single academic tertiary medical center in the southeastern United States and semistructured interviews with urology and nonurology providers to describe determinants of low-value CT urogram following guideline revision. Of 391 patients with microscopic hematuria, 198 (51%) had a low-value CT urogram (136 [69%] pre-guideline revision, 62 [31%] postrevision). The odds of ordering a low-value CT urogram were lower after guideline revisions, but the change was not statistically significant (OR: 0.44, P = .08); odds were 1.89 higher (P = .06) among nonurology providers than urology providers, but the difference was not statistically significant. Provider interviews suggested low-value CT urogram related to nonurology providers' limited awareness of revised guidelines, the role of clinical judgment in microscopic hematuria evaluation, and professional and patient influences. Our findings suggest low-value CT urogram deimplementation may be improved with guidelines and implementation support directed at both urology and nonurology providers and algorithms to support guideline-concordant microscopic hematuria evaluation approaches. Future studies should test these strategies.

Utilization of Non-Transecting Pyeloplasty Techniques for Management of Recurrent Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

Introduction: Cases of recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in patients who underwent a prior failed pyeloplasty may pose a difficult challenge for urologists. The increased findings of periureteral fibrosis and scarring in a reoperative field may increase the risk of ureteral devascularization and stricture recurrence. The goal of this study is to demonstrate three robotic non-transecting pyeloplasty techniques for patients in this setting. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of our Collaborative of Reconstructive Robotic Ureteral Surgery (CORRUS) database for all consecutive patients between April 2012 and September 2019 who underwent a secondary pyeloplasty for management of a recurrent UPJO after prior failed pyeloplasty. Transecting (dismembered) and non-transecting pyeloplasty (YV plasty, buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty onlay, or Heineke–Mikulicz) were the techniques used for secondary pyeloplasty. YV plasty was utilized in patients with high insertion UPJO without a redundant renal pelvis. A buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty onlay was utilized for patients with nonobliterative long-segment UPJO and/or significant peri-ureteropelvic junction fibrosis. The Heineke–Mikulicz technique was utilized in patients with short-segment (≤1.5 cm) UPJO. Symptomatic absence of flank pain and radiographic obstruction (computed tomography urogram, renal scan, and/or renal ultrasound) were measures used to assess for postoperative success. Using a p < 0.05 for statistical significance, we used nonparametric independent sample median tests and chi-square tests to compare perioperative variables between transecting and non-transecting pyeloplasty. Results: Twenty-eight patients met the final inclusion criteria. Regarding preoperative variables, there was no difference in median operative time (p = 0.26) and estimated blood loss (p > 0.99) between both groups. In the non-transecting group, near-infrared fluorescence with indocyanine green was utilized more frequently (85.7% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.04). The non-transecting group also had a longer median stricture length (2.8 cm vs. 1.1 cm, p = 0.04). There was no difference in surgical success rates between both groups (85.7% for both groups, p > 0.99). Two patients who underwent a non-transecting buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty onlay required postoperative management with percutaneous nephrostomy tubes caused by recurrent obstruction. Regarding postoperative variables, there was no difference in surgical success rates between both groups (p > 0.99). Conclusions: In patients with recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction after prior failed pyeloplasty, non-transecting pyeloplasty techniques, including YV plasty, buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty onlay, and Heineke–Mikulicz pyeloplasty, are safe and feasible options. Given the potential technical challenges involved with secondary repair, non-transecting pyeloplasty techniques may offer benefits in reducing the risk of ureteral devascularization and preserving the fragile ureteral blood supply. J.J., M.L., J.K., and L.C.Z. have no conflicts of interest to disclose. M.D.S. is on the Scientific Advisory Board for Intuitive, a consultant for VTI Medical, and performs educational activities for Ethicon. D.D.E. is a paid speaker, consultant, and proctor for Intuitive Surgical, consultant for Johnson and Johnson, and founder/part owner of Melzi Corp. Authors have received and archived patient consent for video recording/publication in advance of video recording of procedure. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Temple University (protocol number 20793). Runtime of video: 7 mins 15 secs This material was presented at the American Urological Association Conference in 2021 (https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002052.04).

Hourglass appearance in cystocele with an impacted vesical calculus.

A 62-year-old hypertensive female presented with a mass protruding from the vagina for the past 20 years. She complained of dysuria and urinary incontinence for the past 3 months. There was no history of surgical intervention in the past. The examination revealed a tender irreducible total uterine prolapse (procidentia) and cystocele with a decubitus ulcer. Computed tomography urogram showed a total uterine prolapse along with the prolapse of a part of urinary bladder, with a vesical calculus of size 2.8 cm × 2.7 cm in the prolapsed part of the bladder, below the level of the pubic symphysis, with minimal wall thickening. After optimization, vesical lithotripsy and bilateral ureteric stenting were performed, followed by hysterectomy after 2 days.

Editorial Comment.

No AccessJournal of UrologyReview Article23 Mar 2023Editorial CommentThis article comments on the following:Diagnostic Imaging in the Evaluation of Asymptomatic Microhematuria: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Elizabeth L. Koehne and John L. Gore Elizabeth L. KoehneElizabeth L. Koehne Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington More articles by this author and John L. GoreJohn L. Gore Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003395.01AboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail "Editorial Comment." The Journal of Urology, Publish Ahead of Print, pp. – REFERENCES 1. . Diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of asymptomatic microhematuria: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Urol.2023; 209(6):000-000. Google Scholar 2. . Can renal and bladder ultrasound Replace computerized tomography Urogram in patients investigated for microscopic hematuria?J Urol.2018; 200(5):973-980. Link, Google Scholar 3. . Stratifying risk of urinary tract malignant tumors in patients with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. Mayo Clinic Proc.2013; 88(2):129-138. Crossref, Medline, Google Scholar 4. . Diagnostic and cost implications of the 2020 aua microhematuria guidelines: modeling impact in a large public health care system. J Urol.2022; 207(1):52-60. Link, Google Scholar © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsRelated articlesJournal of Urology8 Mar 2023Diagnostic Imaging in the Evaluation of Asymptomatic Microhematuria: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Elizabeth L. Koehne Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington More articles by this author John L. Gore Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Ureteroureterostomy of an Obstructive Retrocaval Ureter

Clinical History: A 32-year-old woman without significant medical history presented with incidentally found right severe hydronephrosis from a computed tomography scan after car accident. Her symptoms include only intermittent right flank pain. She has no dysuria or hematuria. Physical Examination: Examination was notable for right-sided costovertebral angle tenderness. Diagnosis: A computed tomography urogram scan was performed, which revealed severe right hydronephrosis with abrupt transition point at proximal ureter. The transition point was located posterior to the inferior vena cava, consistent with retrocaval ureter anatomy. Renal nucleotide scan showed 40% right kidney split function as well as a t1/2 of 35 minutes in right kidney, suggesting obstruction. Intervention: Given symptomatic pain, radiologic evidence of ureteral obstruction, good residual right renal function, and performance status, decision was made to perform a right robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy. Follow-up/Outcomes: Patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged home the morning after surgery with drain removed. She had prompt return of daily activities and complete resolution of flank pain. Her ureteral stent was removed in clinic 6 weeks after the surgery. Repeat renal nucleotide scan 3 months after the surgery demonstrated resolution of obstruction with new t1/2 of 8.7 minutes. Patient Consent Statement: The author(s) have received and archived patient consent for video recording/publication in advance of video recording of procedure. The authors have no conflicts of interest that may alter the results of this study. Runtime of video: 4 mins 28 secs

Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy and Single-Use Digital Flexible Ureteroscope For Unilateral Large Ureteral Stone and Small Renal Stone.

BACKGROUND The removal of concurrent ureteral and renal stones within a single procedure has always been a challenge for urological surgeons. The incorporation of single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes into laparoscopic ureterolithotomy procedures has demonstrated effective removal of concurrent stones with a good clearance rate and decreased risk of bleeding and trauma. We report the successful removal of a unilateral upper ureteral stone and a smaller renal stone with this procedure. CASE REPORT A 60-year-old man visited the outpatient clinic with an ultrasonography report that revealed a large proximal ureteral stone with moderate hydronephrosis, accompanied by bilateral renal stones and prostatic hyperplasia. He had been experiencing urinary urgency for a year and was determined to undergo lithotomy. Due to his longstanding history of coronary artery disease and myocardial ischemia, the urologists decided that concurrent stone removal within an operation would be the best treatment. A preoperative computed tomography urogram measured the left ureteral and renal stones to be 2.0×0.8 cm and 0.6 cm, respectively. Both stones were successfully removed by laparoscopic ureterolithotomy using a single-use digital flexible ureteroscope. The patient had an uneventful recovery and remained well 1 month post-operation. CONCLUSIONS The application of single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes for laparoscopic ureterolithotomy has demonstrated safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The authors believe that it is a safe alternative for the removal of concurrent ureteral and renal stones, especially in patients with multiple comorbidities.

A 4 mm vesicoureteric junction stone causing rupture of pelvicoureteric junction - case report.

We discuss the case of a 67-year-old man who presented with a right-sided abdominal pain and on subsequent radiological imaging(s) in the form of an enhanced computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis followed by a delayed excretory phase (computed tomography urogram), found to have a distal 4 mm vesicoureteric junction stone which had caused a pelvicoureteric junction rupture which was evident on extravasation of contrast. This warranted an urgent surgical intervention in the form of ureteric stent insertion. This case clearly depicts that with even a small stone associated with severe flank pain, rupture or pelvicoureteric junction/calyces should be suspected and we should never overlook symptoms and push for medical expulsive therapy in patients who do not appear to be septic or obstructed. This work has been reported in line with the Surgical CAse REport (SCARE) criteria.

Feasibility of multi-section continuum robotic ureteroscope in the kidney.

Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of a multi-section continuum robotic ureteroscope to address the difficulties with access into certain renal calyces during flexible ureteroscopy. First, the robotic ureteroscope developed in previous research, which utilizes three actuated bendable sections controlled by wires, was modified for use in this project. Second, using phantom models created from five randomly selected computer tomography urograms, the flexible ureteroscope and robotic ureteroscope were evaluated, focusing on several factors: time taken to access each renal calyx, time taken to aim at three targets on each renal calyx, the force generated in the renal pelvic wall associated with ureteroscope manipulation, and the distance and standard deviation between the ureteroscope and the target. As a result, the robotic ureteroscope utilized significantly less force during lower pole calyx access (flexible ureteroscope vs. robotic ureteroscope; 2.0 vs. 0.98N, p = 0.03). When aiming at targets, the standard deviation of proper target access was smaller for each renal calyx (upper pole: 0.49 vs. 0.11mm, middle: 0.84 vs. 0.12mm, lower pole: 3.4 vs. 0.19mm) in the robotic ureteroscope group, and the distance between the center point of the ureteroscope image and the target was significantly smaller in the robotic ureteroscope group (upper: 0.49 vs. 0.19mm, p < 0.001, middle: 0.77 vs. 0.17mm, p < 0.001, lower: 0.77 vs. 0.22mm, p < 0.001). In conclusion, our robotic ureteroscope demonstrated improved maneuverability and facilitated accuracy and precision while reducing the force on the renal pelvic wall during access into each renal calyx.

Diagnostic evaluation of upper tract urothelial carcinoma: can we safely omit diagnostic ureteroscopy?

To identify clinicopathological or radiological factors that may predict a diagnosis of upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UTUC) to inform which patients can proceed directly to radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) without the delay for diagnostic ureteroscopy (URS). All consecutive patients investigated for suspected UTUC in a high-volume UK centre between 2011 and 2017 were identified through retrospective analysis of surgical logbooks and a prospectively maintained pathology database. Details on clinical presentation, radiological findings, and URS/RNU histopathology results were evaluated. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of a final diagnosis of UTUC. In all, 260 patients were investigated, of whom 230 (89.2%) underwent URS. RNU was performed in 131 patients (50.4%), of whom 25 (9.6%) proceeded directly without URS - all of whom had a final histopathological diagnosis of UTUC - and 15 (11.5%) underwent RNU after URS despite no conclusive histopathological confirmation of UTUC. Major surgery was avoided in 77 patients (33.5%) where a benign or alternative diagnosis was made on URS, and 14 patients (6.1%) underwent nephron-sparing surgery. Overall, 178 patients (68.5%) had a final diagnosis of UTUC confirmed on URS/RNU histopathology. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, a presenting complaint of visible haematuria (hazard ratio [HR] 5.17, confidence interval [CI] 1.91-14.0; P = 0.001), a solid lesion reported on imaging (HR 37.8, CI = 11.7-122.1; P < 0.001) and a history of smoking (HR 3.07, CI 1.35-6.97; P = 0.007), were predictive of a final diagnosis of UTUC. From this cohort, 51 (96.2%) of 53 smokers who presented with visible haematuria and who had a solid lesion on computed tomography urogram had UTUC on final histopathology. We identified specific factors which may assist clinicians in selecting which patients may reliably proceed to RNU without the delay of diagnostic URS. These findings may inform a prospective multicentre analysis including additional variables such as urinary cytology.

Diode Laser for the Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) – Case Series.

Background and Objective: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is uncommon; however, at the time of diagnosis, they are usually more invasive than bladder urothelial carcinomas. Although nephroureterectomy (NU) has been the gold-standard treatment, guidelines have been set for kidney-sparing treatment in selected groups of patients. While these guidelines are aimed towards patients fit for salvage radical treatment, little has been published on managing the symptomatic patient not fit for NU. Various modalities of endoscopic ablation in managing UTUC have been described in the literature, but there is currently no reported use of the diode laser. Therefore, we aim to assess its efficacy and safety profile in the ablation of UTUC in patients unfit for major abdominal surgery in radical nephroureterectomy regardless of the tumour grade and size. Patients and method A single centre retrospective review of patients who underwent Diode Laser treatment for UTUC over 4 years was done. Follow up through 6 monthly ureteroscopy alternating with computed tomography (CT) urogram was done to assess the need for further treatment. Results: 30 patients were identified, with mean age 76 years (64-88) and variable tumour locations, including lower and mid ureter and renal pelvis, upper and lower calyces. 76.7% were ASA 3 and 20% ASA 4. The mean tumour size was 3.8 cm (2-7 cm). The mean number of sessions was 2.1 (1-6). 63.3% of the tumours were grade 2, while 30% were grade 3. A case of metastatic renal-cell carcinoma was diagnosed as a 4 cm filling defect in the kidney where the diode laser was used for resection biopsy and ablation. 16.7% experienced Clavien-Dindo grades 1-2 complications. A total of 6.7% of patients were converted to an inpatient stay. None of the patients needed blood transfusion nor did any develop a ureteric stricture on subsequent ureteroscopies. 48.3% of patients experienced clinical recurrences of which 57.1% were at a different site. Two of the patients developed metastatic disease. One patient died 3 years after initial treatment with disease progression. Conclusion: The management of UTUC with diode laser is a safe and efficacious conservative treatment for disease and symptom control in patients unfit for radical treatment.

A descriptive study to analysis the ureteral length in adult population

Purpose: The ureteral stent is an essential in various urological procedures. Therefore, choosing an ideal ureteral stent is central to minimizing the incidence of stent related complications. This study aim was to identify the average length of ureteral in adult population as it would help to opt for optimal stenting according to the variability of age and gender. Materials and methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study at Teaching Hospital Jaffna and underwent to analysis the average length of ureteral among adults based on their CT urogram. This study was approved (Reg.No:S01/07/2021) on 30 September 2021 by the Ethics Review Committee of Teaching Hospital Jaffna and the patient informed written consent was received. A total number of 69 patients had been ordered for computed tomography urogram consecutively in last 4 months from 1st October 2021to 31st January 2022. All ureterals with pathological conditions were excluded from this study. The actual and linear lengths were calculated by using the Radiant DICOM viewer 3.2.3. Results: The gender distribution was men 69.6% and women 30.4%. Fifty seven (49.6%) were right ureterals and fifty eight (50.4%) were left ureterals. The average length of ureteral right and left were 23.03 (±3.15) cm and 23.48 (±3.17) cm respectively. The average length of right ureteral in male was 23.03 (±2.85) cm and left was 23.64 (±3.16) cm while it was estimated in female right 23.03 (±3.82) cm and left 22.98 (±3.26) cm. The multiple linear regressions showed that there is a no linear relationship between the ureteral length and age or gender. Conclusion: The average actual length of ureteral of Jaffna adult population is 23.03 (±3.15) cm in right and 23.48 (±3.17) cm in left. The median ureteral length is 23.26 (±3.15) cm. Therefore, it is prudent to use 24cm ureteral stent to Sri Lankan population.

Laparoscopic Heminephrectomy in Horseshoe kidney: single-center experience of four cases

BackgroundHorseshoe kidney (HSK) is the most common congenital fusion anomaly and found in 1 in 400 of the general population (Grainger et al. in Ir Med J 76:315–317, 1983 Jul). Impaired drainage due to anomalous anatomy leads to ureteric obstruction resulting in hydronephrosis and nonfunctioning kidney.Conventionally heminephrectomy is done by open technique; however, in the era of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic heminephrectomy in HSK has been described. Kidney location, aberrant vasculature and isthmus division are the most common obstacle encountered by the operating surgeon. Here we report our single-center experience in laparoscopic heminephrectomy in four patients with HSK.MethodsRetrospective data were analyzed for four cases of laparoscopic heminephrectomy for nonfunctioning moiety in HSK operated between 2012 and 2020. Of these four patients, one case was converted to open approach in view of intra-operative bleeding. Computed tomography urogram (CTU) was done pre-operatively in all patients. Laparoscopic surgery was performed via transperitoneal approach.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 37 ± 5.38 years. Flank pain was noted in all cases while dysuria seen in two patients and one patient had fever. Mean operative time was 145 ± 26.92 min and estimated blood loss was 85 ± 55 ml. Various techniques for isthmectomy and lower pole resection were used including use of monopolar hook in laparoscopic suite, Ligasure and bipolar scissor in minimal invasive milieu and monopolar cautery in laparoscopic conversion to open procedure. Histopathological examination revealed chronic pyelonephritis in three cases and squamous cell carcinoma of renal pelvis in one case which was converted to open.ConclusionsLaparoscopic heminephrectomy in HSK is doable. Preoperative CT urography along with CT angiography may provide important anatomical and vascular information which reduces intra-operative risks of vascular injury or calyceal entry. Vascular control of isthmus and transection of dilated and thinned out lower pole with cauterization of pelvicalyceal mucosa will provide uneventful surgical course.