Initial Experience of Self-Expanding Metal Ureteral Stent in Recurrent Ureteral Stricture After Ureteroplasty

Background: The aim of this prospective study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of self-expanding metal ureteral stent (MUS) for the treatment of recurrent ureteral stricture after ureteroplasty.Methods: We prospectively included 24 patients who underwent MUS implantation between February 2019 and August 2020. The inclusion criteria for the procedure were recurrent ureteral strictures after ureteroplasty. A paired T test was used to compare continuous variables before and after surgery.Results: A total of 24 patients were finally included in this study. The stricture site was most common on the proximal ureter 19 (79.2%), followed by distal ureter 4 (16.7%) and middle ureter 1 (4.2%). The median length of ureteral stricture is 2.5 (range 1–18) cm. The median operative time was 51.5 min, and the median hospital stay time after surgery was 3 days. Post-operative complication included pain 1 (4.2%), urinary tract infection 2 (8.3%) and hematuria 2 (8.3%). After a median follow-up of 12 months, 19/24 (83.3%) patients were clinically and radiologically successful. We endoscopically adjusted or exchanged the failed stents. The volume of hydronephrosis (124.7 ± 132.5 vs. 66.4 ± 73.2 cm3, P = 0.015), blood creatinine level (104.5 ± 45.4 vs. 80.1 ± 23.2 μmol/L, P = 0.044) and urea nitrogen level (6.9 ± 2.4 vs. 4.8 ± 1.5 mmol/L, P = 0.003) decreased significantly after a median follow-up of 12 months.Conclusions: MUS is a safe and effective way to manage recurrent ureteral strictures after ureteroplasty. This technique provides a new choice for the treatment of recurrent stricture.

Segment IV Approach is Useful for Whole-Layer Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Gallbladder Polyps

Background Whole-layer laparoscopic cholecystectomy (W-LC) has recently been advocated as a total biopsy for potentially malignant neoplasms of the gallbladder; however, it is not an injury-proof procedure. This study reports W-LC using the segment IV approach (technique for securing the whole-layer gallbladder at the medial origin of the cystic plate).MethodsTwenty among twenty-five patients diagnosed with potentially malignant gallbladder polyps underwent this technique.ResultsMostly, W-LC was performed successfully (median operative time 135 min) without intraoperative and postoperative complications. Pathological findings indicated that cholesteric polyps was the most common type (n=13), followed by adenomatous polyps (25%) and carcinoma in situ (5%).ConclusionsWe conclude that the segment IV approach is appropriate for performing total biopsy in patients diagnosed with potentially malignant gallbladder polyps.

Evaluation of parallel endplate osteotomy for severe rigid spinal deformities: a retrospective analysis of 36 cases with a minimum 2-year follow-up

Background To report on the technique and results of parallel endplate osteotomy (PEO) for severe rigid spinal deformity. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 36 patients with severe rigid spinal deformities who underwent PEO between July 2016 and December 2018 and who were followed up for at least 24 months. Results Following PEO, the kyphosis and scoliosis correction rates reached 77.4 ± 14.0% and 72.2 ± 18.2%, respectively. The median intraoperative estimated blood loss was 1500 mL and the median operative time was 6.8 h. The SF-36 scores of physical function, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social function, role-emotional and mental health changed from 62 ± 28, 51 ± 26, 49 ± 29, 35 ± 30, 53 ± 28, 45 ± 30, 32 ± 34 and 54 ± 18 at baseline to 81 ± 16, 66 ± 41, 72 ± 40, 64 ± 44, 75 ± 25, 71 ± 46, 66 ± 34 and 76 ± 28 at 12 months postoperatively, 82 ± 32, 67 ± 42, 81 ± 30, 71 ± 41, 80 ± 30, 74 ± 36, 68 ± 35 and 85 ± 33 at 18 months postoperatively, and 86 ± 21, 83 ± 33, 88 ± 26, 79 ± 39, 86 ± 36, 86 ± 48, 80 ± 47 and 91 ± 39 at 24 months postoperatively, respectively. Conclusions PEO is an effective technique for successful correction of spinal deformities. At the two-year follow-up visit, all patients achieved better clinical results based on the SF-36 scores.

Modified vein clamping technique for renal cell carcinoma complicated with level I–II IVC thrombi: a study at a single centre

Objectives To share our initial experience with the modified vein clamping technique for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma complicated with level I–II IVC thrombi. Methods From March 2018 to April 2021, 11 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) involving an IVC tumour thrombus were admitted to our hospital. They all underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy (LRN-IVCTE) using a modified vein clamping technique. Results All procedures were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. The median operative time was 185.00 min (145.00–216.00 min); the median estimated blood loss was 200.00 ml (155.00–300.00 ml), and four patients received an intraoperative transfusion. In addition, the median IVC clamping time was 18.00 min (12.00–20.00 min); the median postoperative hospital stay was 6.00 days (4.00–7.00 days), while the median follow-up period was 28.00 months (4.00–34.00 months). Conclusions The modified vein clamping technique for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma complicated with level I–II IVC thrombi may be a safe and technically feasible alternative technique.

O-B02 Robotic versus Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A comparison of short-term outcomes and weight loss

Background The benefits of robotic over laparoscopic surgery for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are debatable, with current evidence suggesting no significant differences in short-term outcomes. This study compares short-term outcomes and excess weight loss (EWL) % difference between these two techniques. Methods A retrospective study of patients undergoing RYGB between January 2016 and November 2020 at a single centre. Demographic, peri-operative and EWL% data were analysed. Results 424 RYGB procedures were performed by three surgeons including 77 robotic (RRYGB) and 347 laparoscopic (LRYGB) operations. The first 8 RRYGB were excluded being early in the learning curve and the operative technique was modified afterwards. There were no statistically significant demographic differences. The median operative time was 179 (151 – 195) and 149 (123 -171) minutes in the RRYGB and LRYGB groups respectively (P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between both groups in complications, length of stay, 30-day readmission and EWL% at 6 and 12 months. The EWL% at 2 years was 88.5 (+/-19.1) and 66.6 (+/-29.8) in the RRYGB and LRYGB groups respectively (P = 0.003). Conclusions RRYGB increases the operative time with no significant short-term outcome differences. The EWL% was higher at 2 years, probably due to a narrower hand-sewn gastro-jejunal anastomosis.

Comparison of two different methods of establishment of canine urethroplasty model: an experimental trial

Background Graft substitute urethroplasty is recommended for patients with long segment anterior urethral stricture. The therapeutic effects of the grafts need to be validated on the animal models. Therefore the aim of this study was to compared the operative time, blood loss, intra- and post- operative complications of two different methods of establishment of canine urethroplasty model. Methods Twelve Beagle dogs were randomly separated into control and experimental group using a random number table. Six animals in the control group received the conventional urethroplasty, while the other 6 in the experimental group received the modified procedures. Tube cystostomy and urethroplasty were performed in the control group. The cystostomy not the tube cystostomy were performed in the experimental group, and the testes were simultaneously removed with the scrotum. Per- and postoperative outcomes, complications were evaluated. Results The urethroplasty were successfully performed for all dogs and all of these procedures were done by the same surgeon. The median operative time in the control and experimental groups was 186.8 min and 188.7 min respectively. The blood loss in the control and experimental groups was 40.8 ml and 45.8 ml respectively. No intraoperative complications occurred. 3 animals in the control group developed acute urinary retention after the accidental removal of suprapubic bladder tube and the cystostomy was done again. There was no occurrence of urinary retention in the experimental group. 4 animals in the control group developed the perineal hematoma, in which one animal had the urine leakage and incision infection. Perineal hematoma occurred in only one animal in the experimental group. Conclusion The occurrence of urinary retention and perineal hematoma decreased in the modified group, in which the cystostomy not the tube cystostomy were performed and the testes with the scrotum were simultaneously removed.

Importance of the vessel distribution at splenic hilum for laparoscopic Warshaw procedure

The laparoscopic Warshaw procedure (LWP) is a considered to carry a risk of splenic infarction and perigastric varices formation. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes and relationship between the distribution of the splenic hilum vessels and splenic infarction in patients who underwent LWP from February 2007 to February 2017. A total of 19 patients underwent LWP, and the median follow-up duration was 78 months. The median operative time and blood loss were 295 min and 200 gr. Six patients with splenic partial infarction and 3 with gastric varices were detected, but they have not needed any treatments. According to the classification by Michels, the distribution of splenic vessels were divided as distributed type and magistral type at the splenic hilum. In our study, 16 patients were distributed type and 3 were magistral type. Three of the 16 patients developed splenic infarction in distributed type. In contrast, all of magistral patients showed splenic infarction. Although LWP is a safe procedure, there is a high risk of splenic infarction if the splenic vessel distribution is a magistral type. Understanding the type before surgery leads to the identification of an appropriate vascular dissection position and reduces postoperative complications.

Laparoscopic splenectomy both for primary cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer and for secondary surgery for isolated spleen recurrence: feasibility and technique

Background This study investigated the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic splenectomy conducted in the contexts of both laparoscopic secondary surgery for isolated recurrence in the spleen and primary laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer. Methods We performed a perspective observational study including all consecutive patients with ovarian cancer who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy as part of primary cytoreductive procedures for advanced stage ovarian cancer or secondary surgery for isolated splenic recurrence between January 2016 and May 2020. Results We enrolled 13 consecutive patients, candidate to laparoscopic splenectomy as part of primary cytoreductive procedures for advanced stage ovarian cancer (6 patients) or secondary surgery for isolated splenic recurrence of platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer (7 patients). Median operative time (509 min [range, 200–845]) for primary cytoreductive surgery varied according to surgical complexity depending on the extensiveness of the disease. Median operative time for secondary surgery for isolated splenic metastasis was 253 min (90–380). Only 1 patient with isolated splenic recurrence required conversion to an open approach. No intraoperative complication occurred, and no intraoperative blood transfusions were required. Median hospital stay was 3 days (range, 2–5) for isolated recurrence and 9 days (7–18) for primary cytoreductive surgery. Complete tumor resection was achieved in all patients. Median time from surgery to adjuvant chemotherapy was 16 days (7–24). All six patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy during primary cytoreductive surgery remain alive, four of whom exhibit no evidence of disease (median follow-up 25 months [4–36]). Among patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy during secondary surgery for isolated splenic relapse, all patients are alive and only one had a central diaphragmatic relapse 2 years after surgery (median follow-up 17 months ([5–48 months]). Conclusions The laparoscopic approach to splenectomy is feasible and safe both in patients undergoing primary cytoreductive surgery for advanced stage disease and those with isolated recurrence of ovarian cancer, without compromising survival and allowing early initiation of postoperative systemic chemotherapy.

The Matryoshka technique in percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Objective: Miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) reduces the risk of haemorrhagic complications, but the limited field of work represents a drawback. To obtain the best outcomes, the percutaneous access size should be intraoperatively tailored. Our purpose is to describe the indications and the procedural steps of the Matryoshka technique and to report its clinical outcomes. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the data from consecutive Matryoshka PCNL procedures from October 2016 to January 2018. Collected data included patients’ history, stone characteristics, intra- and post-operative items, stone clearance and need for retreatment. The main indication to the Matryoshka technique is the inability to securely position a guidewire due to an obstruction or narrowness in the pyelocalyceal system. This technique begins by puncturing the calyx hosting the stone and advancing a hydrophilic guidewire through the needle. If the guidewire cannot proceed beyond the stone, the Matryoshka technique is employed for tract stabilization. The tract is carefully dilated with small-bore instruments and a cautious lithotripsy is performed to create enough space to introduce the guidewire beyond the stone under visual control. Once the access has been stabilized the surgeon can upsize the tract to the optimum to complete the procedure. Additionally, the technique can be employed when an intraoperative reassessment induces the surgeon to further dilate the tract to quicken the procedure. Results: Sixteen patients were included, with a median stone volume of 3.49 cm3. Median operative time was 112 minutes. Three Clavien I-II (postoperative fever) and one Clavien IIIB (colon perforation) complications were reported. No blood transfusions were recorded. Three patients underwent scheduled retreatment as part of a multistep procedure. Out of the remaining 13 patients, 10 (76.9%) obtained a complete stone clearance.Conclusions: The Matryoshka technique helps the urologist to obtain a secure percutaneous access and makes PCNL flexible and progressive, potentially minimizing the risk of access-related complications.

Endourological approach in patients with anatomical urinary tract challenges

Objective: This article reports our experience managing neoplasms, stenosis and urolithiasis in patients with anatomical variations of the urinary system, using an endourological approach, either with an antegrade access or with combined access. Patients and methods: A retrospective review was performed using medical records of all patients who underwent percutaneous endourological treatment at our institution between 2014 and 2019. Those with such urinary anatomical variations were selected. Results: Out of 185 patients, 10 were identified. The study group included patients with urinary diversion, renal transplantation and congenital anomalies. Patients were divided into two sets, A and B, based on the presence or absence of urolithiasis, respectively. In set A, the median operative time was 213 minutes (standard deviation ( SD)=65.91 minutes). Only one patient had lithiasis in the first postoperative evaluation. Two patients had postoperative complications graded ⩾II in the Clavien–Dindo classification. Regarding set B, the median operation time was 75 minutes ( SD=66.89 minutes). Two patients had postoperative complications graded ⩾II in the Clavien–Dindo classification. Conclusions: Patients with anatomical tract challenges currently have a longer life expectancy and are therefore prone to urological complications in their unusual structures. Treatment of urological complications is essential, and minimal invasive procedures should be considered to resolve them and to reduce morbidity. Level of evidence: Not applicable.