Treatment Of Urinary Tract Obstruction Research Articles

Percutaneous Nephrostomy as a Procedure in the Treatment of Urinary Tract Obstruction - Experiences in the University Clinic of Urology in Skopje.

Obstructive uropathy encompasses various urinary tract obstructions, leading to changes in urine flow, kidney pressure, and impaired kidney function. Predicting renal recovery from obstructive uropathy, can be challenging and necessitates treatment, as in percutaneous nephrostomy (PNS) drainage. The choice of drainage method depends on patient-specific factors and local expertise. According to the data for the Republic of North Macedonia, in the register of the European Renal Association, in the last few years, there has been an increase in the percentage of patients with obstructive nephropathy from 7.6% to 8.9% who end up on a chronic hemodialysis program. Prompt relief from urinary tract obstruction is essential to preserve renal function and prevent complications. The aim of this study is to present our initial data analysis of recent experience in the use of nephrostomies as a method for temporary or long-term resolution of obstructive nephropathy, in terms of safety and success in preserving kidney function and reducing the number of patients on hemodialysis. This study analyzed the medical records of 24 patients with obstructive uropathy who underwent PNS placement. Data were collected for the type and degree of obstruction from the ultrasonographic examination. A pig tail nephrostomy was used, with a dilator, guided under ultrasound and controlled with contrast and fluoroscope. Obstructive nephropathy was defined as an elevation of the serum creatinine > 109 µmol/L, before the intervention. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated according to the formula CKD epi in ml/min. Each placement of the PNS was considered as an individual procedure and the data of 38 placed nephrostomies were analyzed. We compared the laboratory analyses from the day before (D0) PNS placement and on the seventh day (D7) after PNS placement. The reduction of values for red blood cells (RBC) and hemoglobin (Hb) baseline values from D0 to D7 and the need for transfusion after the procedure were defined as a complication-bleeding. The increase in total counts of the white blood cells (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) from the baseline values from D0 to D7 were defined as a complication-infection. Standard statistical methods were used for data processing. Most patients, 17 (70%), had malignant disease as the cause of obstruction. Unilateral obstruction was more common, detected in 24 (63%) of procedures, with a high degree of hydronephrosis. Obstructive nephropathy, marked by elevated serum creatinine, was observed in 23 (60%) cases before PNS placement. Complications included bleeding and infection but did not result in any fatalities. When comparing the laboratory analysis before PNS placement (D0) and seven days later (D7), a statistically significant decrease in serum creatinine (225±161 vs. 162±145, p=0.005) and an increase in GFR (47±39 vs.59±34, p= 0.005) were observed. Percutaneous nephrostomy is a safe and effective treatment option for urinary tract obstruction, especially in patients with malignancies. Continuous monitoring is essential to assess long-term complications and the longevity of PNS functionality. This procedure offers a significant benefit in preserving renal function and minimizing the need for hemodialysis in these patients.

In Vitro Degradation of Absorbable Zinc Alloys in Artificial Urine.

Absorbable metals have potential for making in-demand rigid temporary stents for the treatment of urinary tract obstruction, where polymers have reached their limits. In this work, in vitro degradation behavior of absorbable zinc alloys in artificial urine was studied using electrochemical methods and advanced surface characterization techniques with a comparison to a magnesium alloy. The results showed that pure zinc and its alloys (Zn–0.5Mg, Zn–1Mg, Zn–0.5Al) exhibited slower corrosion than pure magnesium and an Mg–2Zn–1Mn alloy. The corrosion layer was composed mostly of hydroxide, carbonate, and phosphate, without calcium content for the zinc group. Among all tested metals, the Zn–0.5Al alloy exhibited a uniform corrosion layer with low affinity with the ions in artificial urine.

Acute Urinary Tract Obstruction

Abstract The kidneys are paired organs with the primary function of helping to remove toxins from the body and regulate water balance. They are vital to survival. After urine is produced in the kidneys, it must pass into the bladder, where it can be stored before being eliminated from the body through the urethra. Urinary tract obstruction is a common problem encountered by urologists, primary care physicians, and emergency medicine physicians. Urine can become obstructed at any point in this pathway. There are three groups of urinary tract obstructions: 1) obstruction of the urinary tract lumen; 2) obstruction of the urinary tract wall; and 3) extrinsic obstruction, which can press on the urinary tract lumen. An obstruction can be present from birth or develop later in life. The most common causes of obstruction include stones, strictures, tumours, and bladder dysfunction. These obstructions may result in the hydronephrosis of one or both kidneys, which, if left untreated, may lead to the deterioration of renal function. The goal of an initial treatment of urinary tract obstruction is to remove the obstruction. Later, we treat the cause that led to the obstruction. The bottom line is that all efforts should be made to preserve kidney function to avoid the need for dialysis or renal transplantation.

Urethral catheterization of the male ferret for treatment of urinary tract obstruction

Male ferrets are used in various biomedical research studies and generally thrive in laboratory conditions. Urethral obstruction can occur in male ferrets of all ages, and urethral catheterization may be needed to relieve the obstruction. This column describes urinary catheter selection, placement and monitoring in the male ferret.

Use of Inverted Fluoroscope's C-arm During Endoscopic Treatment of Urinary Tract Obstruction in Pregnancy: A Practicable Solution to Cut Radiation

To describe the use of pulsed fluoroscopic guidance, to perform endoscopic procedures in pregnant women, by inverting the fluoroscope's c-arm using a lead thyroid collar to shield the fetus from the direct X-ray beam. The use of radiation during treatment of pregnant patients with urolithiasis remains a recurring dilemma. Between May 2006 and December 2008, endoscopic treatment due to ureteral stones was attempted in 8 pregnant women. In all cases, we use an inverted fluoroscope's c-arm during endoscopic treatment associated with 2 lead neck thyroid collars to shield the uterus, protecting the fetus from direct radiation. Indication for treatment was symptomatic ureteral stones unresponsive to medical treatment in 7 and persistent fever in 1. Mean ureteral stone size was 8.1+/-4.8 mm, located in the left ureter in 5 (62.5%) cases. Three (37.5%) patients had stone located in the upper ureter, 2 (25%) in the middle ureter, and 3 (37.5) in the distal ureter. In 6 cases, ureteral stones were treated using the semi-rigid ureteroscope, whereas in 1 case a flexible ureteroscope was needed. One woman was treated with insertion of a double-J stent due to associated urinary infection. No women has early delivery related to the endoscopic procedure, and all neonates were perfectly normal. We present a technique for endoscopic procedures in pregnant women inverting the fluoroscope's c-arm and protecting the fetus from the direct X-ray beam. This practical approach should be specially considered when no portable ultrasound and radiologic assistance in available in the operating room.

Paediatric Urolithiasis in Northern Nigeria

Background. The incidence of paediatric urolithiasis varies according to geographic areas. In Nigeria, there is paucity of literature on urinary stone diseases in childhood. Materials and Methods. In the period between January 1993 and December 2003, 67 Nigerian children with urinary stones were retrospectively reviewed. Results. There were 63 (94.0%) boys and 4 (6.0%) girls. The mean age at presentation was 6.9 years. Thirty one (46.3%) were in the age group less than 5 years. The commonest presenting symptoms were dysuria 42 (62.7%) and abdominal pain in 30 (44.8%). Pulling on the penis is characteristically present in 26 (38.8%) patients. The stones were located in the lower tract in 57 (85.1%) cases. Anatomic obstruction along the urinary tract was responsible for stone formation in 12 (17.9%) patients. Sixteen (23.9%) patients had associated urinary tract infection. All the stones analyzed were mixed and 75% contained urate. In 7 (10.4%) patients the stones were passed spontaneously. Open surgical technique was employed in the remaining 60 patients. There was no death recorded. Post-operative complications occurred in 15 (25.0%) of the operated patients. The commonest complications were wound infection 3 (5.0%) and vesicocutaneous fistula in 3 (5.0%) patients. The average duration of hospital stay was 16.0 days. Conclusion. In our practice lower tract stones are common and congenital urinary tract obstruction is the commonest identifiable cause for stones. The age and sex distribution and chemical composition are in keeping with historic and endemic stones. Early detection and treatment of urinary tract obstruction will further reduce the durden of stones disease. Key Words: Children, Morbidity, Northern Nigeria, Urinary stones, Pattern African Journal of Paediatric Surgery Vol.(1)1 2004: 2-5

Annual changes of the incidence and clinical characteristics of magnesium ammonium phosphate urinary stones.

Magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) urinary stones account for the majority of staghorn stones and frequently cause a non-functioning kidney. In the present study, we examined the annual changes of the number and clinical characteristics of MAP stones. The annual incidence of MAP stones was investigated in 2619 patients with urinary stones in whom composition of the stone was analysed at Chiba University Hospital between 1964 and 1999. In addition, the annual number of patients with MAP stones was examined at Funabashi Clinic. In a total of 644 patients with MAP stones, age and sex of the patients, location and size of the MAP stones, urinary cultures and etiological factors were analysed. The number of MAP stones in the lower urinary tract was relatively constant. In contrast, MAP stones in the upper urinary tract had dramatically decreased since 1989, resulting in an increase in the rate of MAP stones in the lower urinary tract. Age distribution of the MAP stone patients ranged from 10 years to > 80 years, with the majority aged 30-60 years. The proportion of larger MAP stones in the upper urinary tract increased. There was no significant difference in prevalence of urine cultures. Among etiological factors for MAP stones, difficulty on urination tended to be common in recent years. The number of MAP stones, especially in upper urinary tract, has been decreasing during the last decade. At present, treatment of urinary tract obstruction seems important for the management of MAP stones in lower urinary tract.

Alpha1-adrenoceptors in the guinea pig thoracic aorta.

In the present study, we tried to determine which alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes are involved in the guinea pig thoracic aorta by using in vitro functional analysis. In first, we tried to estimate the pA2 values of some key alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists (prazosin, 5-methylurapidil, WB4101, BMY7378 and tamsulosin) against responses to norepinephrine in the thoracic aorta of guinea pigs. The concentration-response curves of norepinephrine were rightward shifted by the presence of prazosin, 5 methylurapidil, WB4101, BMY7378 and tamsulosin. The pA2 values for these antagonists against norepinephrine were 7.83, 7.78, 8.20, 5.73 and 9.57, respectively. In second, we tried to compare the estimated pA2 values obtained in the present study with reported pKi and pA2 values for cloned and native alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes. In rabbit mesenteric artery, trigone, urethra, prostate and human lower urinary tract which were proposed to contain the putative alpha1L-adenoceptor, we obtained the good correlation for the pA2 values reported in these tissues with pA2 values estimated in guinea pig thoracic aorta. Moreover, regression lines were close to the line of identity. These results suggest that the alpha1-adenoceptors mediating contraction of guinea pig thoracic aorta are similar pharmacologically to the putative alpha1L-adenoceptor subtype in rabbit mesenteric artery, trigone, urethra, prostate and human lower urinary tract. As a final point, guinea pig thoracic aorta may be able to use as a tool to develop the new alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist which is therapeutically advantageous in the treatment of urinary tract obstruction (e. g., in benign prostatic hyperplasia).

In utero treatment of urinary tract obstruction

A male fetus (one of twins) was noted to have ascites at 17 menstrual weeks and during the following 13 weeks developed a dilated and hypertrophied bladder, hydroureters, and hydronephrosis. Placement of an indwelling suprapubic catheter in utero allowed drainage of urine from the fetal bladder and further in utero development. The infant was born vaginally at 34 weeks and had "prune belly" syndrome but had normal pulmonary and renal function.