Tips and Tricks to Improve Ergonomics, Efficacy, Versatility, and Overcome Limitations of Micro Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has evolved over the decades from Standard to Mini to Ultramini PCNL to Micro-perc, with miniaturisation being the dominant theme and supine approach gaining momentum world over.Aim: In literature, miniaturised PCNL with microperc needle access system has raised concerns of intrarenal pressure and has some limitations with its success for larger stones. Our tips and tricks explain how to overcome these pitfalls by utilising the full construct of the needle system to its maximum potential. These will in turn help make the procedure versatile, precise, ergonomical, and enhance a surgeon's experience with improved outcomes for patients especially in large renal stones.Materials and Methods: We describe the limitations of microperc needle access as stated in literature and proposals by the co-authors using microperc for miniaturised access on how to overcome the same.Results: A simplified table describing the limitations and tips and tricks on overcoming these is provided for quick reference.Conclusion: As Technological advancements and techniques for miniaturised access in urolithiasis improve, we believe our suggestions will help surgeons overcome the quoted limitations of microperc needle access for miniaturised PCNL, making this a versatile, safe and efficacious technique even in large and complex stones. A multi centre trial will be the best way to validate the suggestions proposed in this article.

The effect of the components of the renin-angiotensinaldosterone system on the development of diabetic nephropathy in type 1 diabetes (review)

One of the key roles in the development of diabetic nephropathy belongs to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which is involved in the regulation of hemodynamics, systemic and intrarenal pressure, production of profibrogenic and growth factors, vascular remodeling. At the end of the twentieth century, local (tissue) RAAS elements from renin to aldosterone were found in tissues and target organs (including kidneys). Tissue RAAS plays a leading role in the development of vascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM): cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, and retinopathy. It is this fact that explains in many ways the pathogenetic role of RAAS in the defeat of target organs even with normal or low plasma renin activity (ARP). RAAS activation occurs long before the clinical signs of diabetic nephropathy, which makes it possible for earlier prevention and correction of initial changes in the study of its components, as well as reducing disability and the output of patients in chronic kidney disease. Given the tendency to “rejuvenate” diabetes mellitus, the lability of the course of the disease in childhood, the high hormonal activity in this group of patients, and, therefore, the greater the risk of complications, the timely diagnosis of the initial manifestations of DN is of high relevance and relevance.

Fat depot of the heart: contribution to the development of cardiovascular diseases, visualization methods and the possibilities of it’s correction

Рresents the possibilities of various visualization methods for assessing heart fat depot in patients with cardiovascular disease, as well as the effect of adipose tissue on myocardial function. The prospects of using the heart fat depot as a therapeutic target are considered on the example of the successful use of various groups of antidiabetic drugs, in particular glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. Thus, it has been established that an ectopic fat depot makes a certain contribution to atherogenesis due to its effect on lipid metabolism, participation in the formation of a chronic inflammatory reaction of low intensity, potentiation of endothelial dysfunction, and activation of a coagulant shift. In addition, local organ dysfunctions, such as increased intrarenal pressure, mitochondrial disorders, increased lipogenesis, the formation of insulin resistance and lipotoxicity additionally create prerequisites for an increase in cardiovascular risk. Defines diagnostic and useful methods that not only quantitatively, but also qualitatively describe the relationship of fat depot and potential comorbid pathology. The effect of reducing cardiovascular risk, consisting in reducing the amount of epicardial adipose tissue in the studied, was observed when taking the preparation of the biguanide group, as well as its combination with drugs - analogues of glucagon-like peptide 1 and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor. A similar effect was also observed in the case of the use of type 2 sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors.

Massive retroperitoneal haemorrhage after retrograde pyelogram in end-stage kidneys: A case report

Severe retroperitoneal haemorrhage after retrograde pyelogram (RPG) is rare and has not been reported in the literature. One of the few indications for performing RPG in end-stage kidneys is evaluation of the upper urinary tract for malignancy. We present a rare case of massive retroperitoneal haemorrhage in a 58-year-old man, with a history of deceased donor kidney transplantation for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), following bilateral RPG for the evaluation of urothelial cancer. The bleeding was successfully stopped with renal artery angioembolisation. This case demonstrates the importance of exercising extra caution when performing endoscopic procedures in patients with ESKD and keeping the intrarenal pressure as low as possible.