[Decrease in time of transurethral laser litotripsy due to micro-drainage applications]

INTRODUCTION

The length of the operation to remove urinary concernments has a marked effect on the occurrence of postoperative complications in the time of the postoperative patients in the hospital. A significant factor contributing to the increase in time is the clouding of the fragmentation region, which increases the operation time and the number of complications.

PURPOSE

to develop a method of reducing the time of additional costs in contact lithotripsy with a holmium laser in order to reduce the risk of postoperative complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The paper presents the own results of in vivo measurements of time intervals spent on fragmentation of stone. Fragmentation of stones in kidney was carried out by a holmium lithotripter of Triple type with the help of semirigid and flexible ureteroscopes. In the case of severe clouding of the fragmentation region, the author s technique of percutaneous micro-drainage of the kidney was used. The evaluation of the duration of the fragmentation procedure is based on statistical processing of the obtained measurement data using Excell Data Analysis tools.

RESULTS

In the process of analysis of literary sources and results of own studies it was revealed that with increase in duration of contact laser lithotripsy the number of postoperative complications significantly increases. In order to reduce the time of transurethral contact holmium lithotripsy, the author s technique of percutaneous micro-drainage has been developed. By in vivo measurements and statistical processing of the data, it was found that by using the micro-drainage technique, the average additional washing time of the fragmentation region was reduced by an average of 4 times compared to the conventional technique.

CONCLUSION

By further washing the fragmentation region, it is possible to reduce the time of additional crushing costs by at least 4 times and reduce the number of postoperative complications.

Plasma Kinetic Enucleation Vs Holmium Laser Enucleation for Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Randomized Controlled Trial with a 3-Year Follow-Up

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of plasma kinetic enucleation of the prostate (PKEP) with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: A total of 160 patients with indications for the surgical treatment of BPH were randomly assigned to receive either PKEP or HoLEP prospectively. Baseline characteristics, perioperative data, and postoperative outcomes of the patients were recorded. One hundred twenty-six (78.75%) patients (PKEP 64 vs HoLEP 62) completed the 3-year follow-up assessment. Results: Patients in both groups had similar baseline characteristics. Compared with PKEP, HoLEP was associated with shorter operative time as well as take-out time, lower perioperative hemoglobin decrease, and shorter bladder irrigation time, catheterization time, and hospital stay time. PKEP was superior to HoLEP in terms of the noise of the machine and hospitalization expenses. There were no significant differences in enucleating time, resected weight, and serum sodium levels. Both groups achieved satisfactory results and maintained improvement from baseline in terms of maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), International Prostatic Symptomatic Score, quality of life, and postvoid residual at 3-year follow-up, with no significant differences between the two procedures. Except for re-catheterization rate, postoperative data such as transrectal ultrasound volume, International Index of Erectile Function-5, and follow-up scores of the flexible cystourethroscopy results, as well as the acute and mid-to long-term complications after surgery, were statistically similar. Conclusion: The 3-year follow-up data of this randomized trial confirmed that both PKEP and HoLEP were effective and safe surgical procedures for the transurethral management of BPH. HoLEP presented certain advantages compared to PKEP, such as reduced operative duration, decreased risk of blood loss, and less bladder irrigation, hospital stay time, and re-catheterization rate, whereas PKEP had lower noise and no additional laser cost. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-TRC-13004468).

En bloc enucleation technique during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: An analysis of its efficiency

OBJECTIVE

Despite the acknowledgment that holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a safe, efficacious procedure with benefits over traditional treatments, it is not widely adopted. Its steep learning curve is considered responsible, and the new en bloc technique (EBT) aims to improve this.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 268 consecutive patients (215 lobe technique [LT] and 53 EBT) who underwent HoLEP between May 2016 and April 2020 was performed. Data were collected on patient demographics, prostate volume, enucleation time, prostatic weight, and length of stay.

RESULTS

There was no difference in mean prostate volume and enucleated prostatic weight between the LT and EBT (99.2 mL vs 98.5 mL, P = .95216, and 71.7 g vs 69.3 g, P = .92034, respectively). There was a reduction in mean enucleation time with the EBT to 37.7 minutes compared with 53.3 minutes (LT) (P < .00001). This translated to an improved operative efficiency of 1.84 g/min (EBT) compared to 1.33 g/min (LT) (P < .00001). The EBT demonstrated a continuous improvement in operative efficiency with increasing prostate size unlike the LT where efficiency plateaus.

CONCLUSIONS

The EBT for HoLEP demonstrates a significant improvement in operative efficiency which has the potential to reduce the surgeons' learning curve and lead to more widespread adoption.

Outcomes of thulium fibre laser for treatment of urinary tract stones: results of a systematic review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Lasers have become a fundamental aspect of stone treatment. Although Holmium:Yttrium-Aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser is the current gold-standard in endoscopic laser lithotripsy, there is a lot of buzz around the new thulium fibre laser (TFL). We decided to evaluate the latest data to help create an objective and evidence-based opinion about this new technology and associated clinical outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Sixty full-text articles and peer-reviewed abstract presentations were included in the qualitative synthesis of this systematic review performed over the last 2 years. Current super pulsed TFL machines are capable of achieving peak powers of 500W and emit very small pulse energies of 0.025 Joules going up to 6 Joules, and capable of frequency over 2000 Hz. This makes the TFL ablate twice as fast for fragmentation, 4 times as fast for dusting, more stone dust of finer size and less retropulsion compared to the Ho:YAG laser. Because of the smaller laser fibres with the TFL, future miniaturization of instruments is also possible.

SUMMARY

Based on the review, the TFL is a potential game-changer for kidney stone disease and has a promising role in the future. However larger multicentric prospective clinical studies with long-term follow-up are needed to establish the safety and efficacy of the TFL in endourology.

Acute Urinary Retention from Knotted Urethral Catheter Treated with Holmium Laser Ablation

Background: Straight catheters are usually used for clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). Patients perform CIC without much difficulty. Spontaneous knotting of catheter is rare in large bore straight catheters and female patients. Case Presentation: A 50-year old lady, case of neurogenic bladder on CIC inserted a 14F straight catheter, drained some urine but was unable to remove the catheter. She presented in emergency with retention of urine. Her X-ray and ultrasound examination revealed a knotted catheter. Conservative measures to remove the catheter such as forceful injection of radio-opaque contrast and passage of hydrophilic guidewire did not work. She was taken in the operating room. The knot was ablated using holmium laser through transurethral passage of an 8F ureteroscope. Conclusions: Spontaneous knotting of urethral catheter is rare in adults. It should be suspected whenever a straight catheter cannot be removed. Inserting excessive length of catheter is an important risk factor. Holmium laser is an excellent tool to cut the catheter in a least invasive way when conservative measures have failed.

Real-World Experience of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate with Patients on Anticoagulation Therapy

Background: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a highly effective procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia that is size independent and has been recommended for patients necessitating antiplatelet (AP) and anticoagulant (AC) medications. Although HoLEP is feasible in AP/AC patients, there is a lack of published results on real-world outcomes of patients on AP/AC therapy undergoing HoLEP. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of our institutional HoLEP database of demographics, perioperative and postoperative data, and outcomes of patients on AP and AC therapy compared with none. We also further stratified patients on warfarin compared with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Results: Of 472 patients who underwent HoLEP at our institution from July 2018 to December 2019 with data on AP/AC drugs, 30 (6.3%) were on AP and 65 (17.2%) were on AC. One patient continued AP (3.3%), six patients (9.2%) were bridged on AC, and one patient (1.5%) continued AC through the time of HoLEP at the discretion of the prescribing provider. Preoperatively, only age was significantly different among the three groups (p < 0.001). There were no intraoperative differences. Postoperatively, there was a higher 90-day complication rate in AP and AC groups (p = 0.035), but not an increase in emergency department (ED) visits (p = 0.557) or Clavien ≥3 complications (p = 0.16). In comparison of patients on warfarin with DOAC, there was a lower rate of successful voiding trial (p = 0.009), higher 90-day complications (p = 0.003), and more ED visits (p = 0.003) in the warfarin group. Conclusions: HoLEP is safe and effective for patients who require AP or AC therapy. There is no increase in serious complications or worsened postoperative voiding parameters. Of patients on AC, those on DOAC have better outcomes compared with warfarin.

Interventional therapy via flexible bronchoscopy in the management of foreign body-related occlusive endobronchial granulation tissue formation in children

BACKGROUND

Occlusive granulation tissue formation, as one of the most common sequelae of chronic foreign body aspiration, can cause tracheobronchial obstruction and delayed fixed airway stenosis necessitating interventions. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical efficacy and safety of interventional therapy via flexible bronchoscopy for treatment of granulation tissue related airway obstruction secondary to foreign body aspiration in children.

METHOD

Patients with long-term foreign body related granulation tissue were treated with flexible bronchoscopy therapeutic modalities, including forceps, cryotherapy, holmium laser, and balloon dilatation. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by clinical symptoms and endoscopic manifestations.

RESULTS

A total of eight patients with granulation tissue hyperplasia caused by foreign body in bronchus, with a median age of 29.5 (range, 18-54) months, underwent interventional therapy between January 2016 and December 2019. Four patients received forceps and CO₂ cryotherapy and one patient required forceps only. The remaining three patients received holmium laser combined with CO₂ cryotherapy, and one of them required additional balloon dilatation. Four cases required a second cryotherapy procedure, and one case received three cryotherapy procedures for extensive granulation tissue. The treatment efficacy was 100% without complications.

CONCLUSION

Interventional procedure via flexible bronchoscopy is a safe, reliable, and effective method in the management of tracheobronchial obstruction and stenosis caused by foreign body-related granulation tissue hyperplasia. It is worthy of clinical application.

Endourologic Treatment of Late Migration of Embolization Causing Nephrolithiasis in Two Patients

Background: Selective renal artery angioembolization is the first treatment option in case of significant bleeding after percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Migration of embolization material into the collecting system is extremely rare. The treatment of this condition is not standardized, but manual extraction, ultrasound fragmentation, and holmium laser lithotripsy have been described. Case presentation: We report the laser extraction of these coils in two patients at our center with two different approaches: retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS). They were young male patients aged 25 and 29 years at the time of surgery, and they were 2-5 years postembolization when they presented to our center for symptoms such as hematuria and passage of small stone fragments. The first patient was managed solely with RIRS, whereas the second patient required ECIRS because of significant bleeding after coil removal, which necessitated hemostasis using a resectoscope. Conclusion: For patients who present with recurrent stones or other symptoms such as pain, hematuria, or flank pain, the diagnosis of migrated embolization coils should be considered. Management can be via the retrograde or percutaneous approach, but in the setting of significant amount of migrated coils or significant bleeding after their removal, percutaneous access may allow more definitive hemostasis.

Simultaneous Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate with Removal of the Permanent Prostatic Urethral Stent Using the High-Power Holmium Laser: Technique in Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Background: Although the prostatic urethral stents are no longer used in the United States for treatment of prostatomegaly, urologists will encounter patients with complications of previously placed permanent prostatic stents. We report two cases of persistent bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after prostatic stent placement treated with simultaneous holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) with endoscopic removal of the prostatic urethral stent using high-power holmium laser. We also reviewed the literature regarding the removal of prostatic stents with holmium laser combined with surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Case Presentation: A 71-year-old man who presented with LUTS, recurrent gross hematuria, and urinary infection, which developed after placement of a prostatic stent 10 years prior for urinary retention secondary to prostatomegaly (80 g). He underwent combined HoLEP with endoscopic removal of the prostatic stent using 100 W holmium laser at a power setting of 2 J and 30 Hz. The surgical steps comprised fragmentation of the stent in situ by making incisions at 5, 7, and 12 o'clock positions followed by enucleation of the prostate. The stent was then separated from enucleated tissue in the urinary bladder. The remaining prostate adenoma was then morcellated and removed. The patient remained asymptomatic at 10-year follow-up. Another patient was 62-year-old man who developed recurrence of bothersome LUTS, 1 year after placement a prostatic stent for urinary retention. On investigation his prostate was 105 g and stent showed partial migration in the bladder with overlying calcification. HoLEP and stent removal was performed in a manner similar to the first patient. This patient also remained asymptomatic at a 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: Combined HoLEP with removal of a prostatic urethral stent using a high-power holmium laser is safe and effective with long-term durable outcome.

Ultrasonography-assisted flexible ureteroscope for the treatment of parapelvic renal cysts: A comparison between the 1470-nm diode laser and the holmium laser

The present study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of a flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser incision with flexible ureteroscopic 1470-nm diode laser incision for the treatment of parapelvic renal cysts. The current study collected and analysing the clinical data of 90 independent renal cysts cases retrospectively, including 43 renal cysts cases that received holmium laser surgery (holmium laser group) and 47 renal cysts cases that received 1470-nm diode laser surgery (1470-nm diode laser group). Each group was divided into a thin-walled cyst subgroup and thick-walled cyst subgroup according to cyst wall thickness. Intracapsular hematoma was significantly lower in the 1470-nm diode laser group compared with the holmium laser group (0/47 vs. 4/43; P=0.048). The incision diameter in the 1470-nm diode laser group was significantly larger than the holmium laser group in the thick-walled parapelvic renal cysts subgroup [1.70(1.50,1.90) vs. 1.30(1.25,1.70) cm; P=0.007]. The renal cystic diameter of the two groups was markedly reduced one and six months after surgery. The difference was non-significant in the diameter of the renal cyst in the thin-walled cysts subgroups between the two laser groups 6 months after surgery (1.01±0.38 vs. 1.03±0.53 cm; P=0.454). However, the diameter of the renal cyst in the thick-walled cysts subgroup treated with the 1470-nm diode laser was significantly lower compared with the thick-walled cysts subgroup treated with the holmium laser 6 months after surgery (1.21±0.57 vs. 1.88±0.94 cm; P=0.002). The results demonstrated that the use of a 1470-nm diode laser or holmium laser surgery under a flexible ureteroscope is a safe and effective treatment for parapelvic renal cysts. For thick-walled parapelvic renal cysts, the 1470-nm diode laser appears to exhibit a lower postoperative recurrence rate and better long-term postoperative effects due to its improved haemostatic effect and larger intraoperative incision diameter.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate versus bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate in management of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of holmium enucleation of the prostate and bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate.

METHODS

In our randomized controlled trial, 120 patients were allocated into two equal groups representing holmium enucleation of the prostate and bipolar enucleation of the prostate. Operative parameters were recorded according to operative, enucleation and resection time in addition to the intraoperative complications. Patients were followed up at 1, 3 and 12 months postoperative to assess the prostate size, post-voiding residual urine, International Prostate Symptom Score, peak urine flow rate and quality of life, and compared with the preoperative parameters. Cost analysis was evaluated for both procedures.

RESULTS

We evaluated 107 patients who finished our follow up and their data were analyzed. The prostate size was 135.2 ± 34.8 mL and 125 ± 26.9 mL for holmium enucleation of the prostate and bipolar enucleation of the prostate, respectively. Holmium enucleation of the prostate was associated with a shorter operative time of 83.43 ± 6.92 min compared with 94.7 ± 12.2 min in bipolar enucleation of the prostate groups. Holmium enucleation of the prostate was associated with an earlier catheter removal time and shorter hospital stay compared with bipolar enucleation of the prostate. Postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, post-voiding residual urine, peak urine flow rate, prostate-specific antigen and prostate volume reduction were comparable between both groups, and they both showed statistically significant improvement compared with their preoperative parameters. In the cost analysis, holmium enucleation of the prostate was more cost-effective than bipolar enucleation of the prostate.

CONCLUSION

Both holmium enucleation of the prostate and bipolar enucleation of the prostate are safe and effective in the surgical management of large prostatic adenomas. Holmium enucleation of the prostate has a shorter operative time and hospital stay with earlier catheter removal time, and is more cost-effective than bipolar enucleation of the prostate.

Long-Term Outcomes of Two Ipsilateral vs Single Double-J Stent After Laser Endoureterotomy for Bilharzial Ureteral Strictures

Background: Laser endoureterotomy became a preferable choice for managing benign ureteral strictures. Ureteral stricture caused by bilharzias is characterized by focal destruction of ureteral musculature, ending by fibrosis, making it poor responder to endoureterotomy. There is no consensus about the ideal ureteral stent size after endoureterotomy. However, many researches recommend larger stents caliber (12-14F). We assess long-term efficacy of insertion of two ipsilateral Double-J stents vs single Double-J stent after laser endoureterotomy for bilharzial ureteral stricture. Materials and Methods: Within 4 years, 70 patients underwent retrograde laser endoureterotomy for bilharzial ureteral stricture (diagnosed by positive history of bilharziasis, positive serology test, and/or bilharzial cystoscopic finding). Patients with history of stone, urologic or pelvic surgery were excluded. Patients were randomized into two groups: the first group (35 patients) received ipsilateral two Double-J (7F each) postendoureterotomy, whereas the second group (35 patients) received one Double-J (7F). Double-Js were removed after 8 weeks. Follow-up was done regularly by clinical interpretation and imaging studies. Patients' characteristics, operative data, and postoperative outcomes (subjectively and objectively) were compared in both groups. Results: Sixty-three patients completed follow-up >18 months, mean follow-up 30 ± 4 months [19-41], and mean stricture length 1.4 ± 0.6 cm [0.5-3.0], with no statistical significance between both groups. Success proved by relief of symptoms and radiographic resolution of obstruction. The overall success rate was significantly better in 2-Double-J group than in 1-Double-J group (83.9% vs 53.1%) p = 0.009, and also for stricture >1.5 cm (85.7% vs 38.5%) p = 0.018, respectively. Conclusions: Insertion of two ipsilateral Double-J, after laser endoureterotomy for bilharzial ureteral stricture associated with long-term success rate better than insertion of 1-Double-J, especially for stricture segment >1.5 cm.

Analysis of the efficacy of holmium laser and pneumatic ballistic in the treatment of impacted ureteral calculi

To explore the safety and effectiveness of ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy (UHLL) and ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy (UPL) in the treatment of impacted ureteral calculi (IUC).Clinical data of 280 patients in our hospital from April 2016 to May 2019 were retrospectively collected and analyzed, including 136 cases of UHLL group and 144 cases of UPL group. The general clinical data, operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, hospital stay, stone-free rate (SFR), and surgical complications were collected and analyzed in 2 group.Compared with UPL group, the operation time of UHLL group was significantly reduced (27.25 ± 8.39 vs 34.32 ± 10.57, P < .05), but the hospitalization cost was significantly increased (9.25 ± 0.75 vs 8.24 ± 0.51, P < .05). In terms of total SFR, the UHLL group was significantly higher than the UPL group (93.38% vs 83.33%, P = .011). For proximal IUC, compared with the UPL group, the SFR of the UHLL group was significantly increased (88.33% vs 70.31%, P = 0.005). For distal IUC, there was no significant difference in SFR (97.37% vs 93.75%, P = .638) between the UHLL group and UPL group. There were no significant differences in the complications of local mucosal injury, hematuria, febrile urinary tract infection, ureteral perforation, and urinary sepsis in the 2 groups (P > .05). However, the UHLL group was significantly lower in stone residual rate than the UPL group (6.61% vs 16.67%, P = .001).This study found that UHLL and UPL are safe and effective in the treatment of IUC, but UHLL has the advantages of shorter operation time and high SFR in the treatment of IUC.

Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis in contemporary UK practice: Outcomes of phenotype-directed management

OBJECTIVES

Problem bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) is a heterogeneous disorder with variation in management worldwide. Phenotyping aims to personalize therapy and optimize outcomes. The most well-described phenotype is Hunner lesion disease (HLD). The prevalence of HLD and outcome of phenotype-directed management in the UK is not well-studied. We describe the management of a contemporary cohort of patients with BPS/IC in the UK.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all patients with BPS/IC from January 2015-November 2018. Outcomes of patients who underwent laser ablation to Hunner lesions were collected using the Global Response Assessment tool.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-three patients (mean age of 43 years [20-85]) were included. 78% were female and patients had experienced symptoms for an average 6 years (1-30) prior to specialist assessment. Eighty-three percent of patients had pelvic imaging (44% ultrasound, 42% magnetic resonance imaging and 14% computed tomography), and a relevant abnormality was found in five (4%). Twenty-two patients (14%) had HLD (International Society for the Study of BPS [ESSIC] 3), with a mean bladder capacity of 373 mL (175-650 mL); 77% were ESSIC C on histopathology. All patients with HLD underwent laser ablation, with 55% experiencing a moderate/marked improvement in symptoms, with a mean duration of effect of 10 months (3-36); 27% of patients had a repeat treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of HLD in patients with BPS/IC is not uncommon. Pelvic imaging rarely identifies any cause for pain and so cystoscopy under anesthesia is essential for accurate phenotyping. Phenotype-directed management with holmium laser ablation to Hunner lesions has good short-term efficacy in improving pain, but re-intervention is often required.

Treatment of Hyperkeratotic Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus with combination of holmium laser therapy and ALA-PDT:case report

A 72-year old woman who has a history of refractory vulvar lichen sclerosus(VLS) was treated with ALA-PDT for 3 times every other week,then holmium laser and ALA-PDT were combined to treat the same areas at a time.Satisfactory result was noted without any unbearable adverse effects.The combination of holmium laser therapy and ALA-PDT may further improve the efficacy with good tolerance of VLS patients.

'Top-Down' holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. Report of initial cases performed by a single surgeon

Objectives

To present the 12-month outcomes of ‘Top-Down’ holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP).

Patients and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of prospectively collected patients who underwent Top-Down HoLEP between 2017 and 2018. All cases were operated upon by a single urologist (H.E), using a 100-W holmium:YAG laser with a 550-μm laser fibre. We recorded the enucleation time, morcellation time, intraoperative, and postoperative complications. All patients had postoperative follow-up visits at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The evaluation included the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality-of-life (QoL) assessment, measurement of maximum urinary flow rate (Q_max) and the post-void residual urine volume (PVR).

Results

A total of 60 consecutive patients were recruited. The median (range) prostatic volume, resected prostatic weight, and percentage of resected prostatic tissue were 124 (70–266) mL, 90 (44–242) g and 76 (46–97)%, respectively. The median (range) enucleation and morcellation times were 80 (25–200) and 14.5 (4–58) min, respectively. One patient had a simple bladder mucosal injury and another developed clot retention. At 3 months, three patients (5%) had stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and eight patients (13.3%) presented with urge UI (UUI). At the last follow-up visit, one patient (1.7%) presented with persistent SUI, while three patients (5%) presented with UUI. The IPSS and QoL significantly improved during the follow-up period (P = 0.045 and P = 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion

The results of the Top-Down technique are comparable to those of traditional HoLEP. However, the Top-Down technique may reduce the complexity, operating time, and SUI rates.

Abbreviations

BN: bladder neck; HoLEP: holmium laser enucleation of the prostate; PVR: post-void residual urine volume; Q_max: maximum urinary flow rate; QoL: quality of life; TOV: trial of voiding; (S)(U)UI: (stress) (urge) urinary incontinence

Efficacy and Safety of Holmium Laser Lithotripsy Under Local Anesthesia in the Treatment of Urethral Stones in Elderly Male Patients

The elderly population has been increasing significantly in our century. In our study, it was aimed to analyze the treatment results of elderly male patients who underwent holmium laser lithotripsy (HLL) for urethral stones under local anesthesia. We evaluated a total of 31 male patients, aged ≥65 years, diagnosed with urethral stones and treated with HLL under local anesthesia. We noted the demographic data and visual pain scores (VAS) of the patients and the duration of the operation and hospital stay. Our analysis involved both the success rates of the surgical procedure and the complication rates according to the modified Clavien classification. In addition. we determined the patients’ preoperative clinical status using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). The mean age of the patients was 71.65 ± 8.19 years. Acute urinary retention was the most common complaint (45.2%). Their mean scores were 7.68 ± 2.53 according to CCI. The average operation time was 15.48 ± 5.22 min and the VAS was 2.03 ± 1.08. All patients were stone-free and there was a marked improvement in their symptoms None of them stayed in the hospital for more than one day. We did not observe any Grade 3 or higher complications. In light of the data obtained in our study, we concluded that HLL is an effective and reliable method to treat urethral stones under local anesthesia in elderly male patients.

Double-Blinded Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Regular and Moses Modes of Holmium Laser Lithotripsy

Objective: To compare regular and Moses modes of holmium laser lithotripsy during ureteroscopy in terms of fragmentation/pulverization and procedural times in addition to perioperative complications. Patients and Methods: After obtaining ethics approval, a prospective double-blinded randomized trial was conducted for patients undergoing holmium laser lithotripsy during retrograde ureteroscopy. Patients were randomly assigned to either regular or Moses modes. Patients and surgeons were blinded to the laser mode. Lumenis 120W generator with 200 Moses D/F/L fibers were used. Demographic data, stone parameters, perioperative complications, and success rates were compared. The degree of stone retropulsion was graded on a Likert scale from 0-no retropulsion to 3-maximum retropulsion. Results: A total of 72 patients were included in the study (36 per arm). Both groups were comparable in terms of age and preoperative stone size (1.4 cm vs 1.7 cm, p > 0.05). When compared with the regular mode, Moses mode was associated with significantly lower fragmentation/pulverization time (21.1 minutes vs 14.2 minutes; p = 0.03) and procedural time (50.9 minutes vs 41.1 minutes, p = 0.03). However, there were no significant differences in terms of lasing time (7.4 minutes vs 6.1 minutes, p > 0.05) and total energy applied to the stones (11.1 kJ vs 10.8 kJ, p > 0.05). Moses mode was associated with significantly less retropulsion (mean grade was 1.0 vs 0.5, p = 0.01). There were no significant differences between both modes in terms of intraoperative complications (11.1% vs 8.3%, p > 0.05), with one patient requiring endoureterotomy for stricture in the Moses group. Success rate at the end of 3 months was comparable between both groups (83.3% vs 88.4%, p > 0.05). Conclusion: Moses technology was associated with significantly lower fragmentation/pulverization and procedural times. The reduced fragmentation/pulverization time seen using Moses technology could be explained by the significantly lower retropulsion of stones during laser lithotripsy.

[Bipolar and laser endoscopic enucleation for large benign prostatic hyperplasia]

BACKGROUND

endoscopic enucleation is a conventional minimally invasive method of surgical treatment for large prostates.

AIM

The aim of the study was to analyze preoperative, intraoperative, immediate postoperative outcomes and 12-month functional results of endoscopic enucleation of the prostate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

a total of 120 endoscopic enucleations were performed in the Department of Urology, City Clinical Hospital named after D.D. Pletnev in 2016-2017. Bipolar electroenucleation was performed in 63 cases, while laser enucleation was done in 57 patients (28 holmium and 29 thulium). Three-lobe, two-lobe and en-block electroenucleation was performed in 23, 24 and 16 patients, respectively. The technical advantages of laser enucleation included lesser need for mechanical traction during enucleation of the adenoma from the prostatic capsule and the predominant use of two-lobe technique (33 cases). En-block laser enucleation was done in 7 patients, while three-lobe technique was used in 17 patients. Both groups were comparable in terms of I-PSS, QoL, prostate volume, maximum urination rate, and residual urine volume.

RESULTS

weight of the removed adenoma after electroenucleation was 105+/-24 g and 98+/-18 g after laser enucleation; the operation time was 118+/-10 and 132+/-25 min, duration of the catheterization 48+/-16 and 51+/-10 h, length of stay 3.6+/-1.2 and 3.8+/-1.3 days, respectively. Closed prostate perforation more often occurred after electrosurgical enucleation (6 vs. 1). There were no significant differences in the outcomes in both groups one year after the surgery. After removal of the urethral catheter, incontinence developed in 9% (6/63 and 5/57, respectively) of cases. During the period from 6 to 12 months, urinary incontinence persisted only in one patient, who subsequently was underwent to injection therapy with a partially positive effect. All 22 patients with urinary disturbances that occurred after enucleation had a short distance from the top of the verumontanum to the external sphincter (less than 1.5 cm; risk ratio (RR) = 3.5) and intravesical protrusion of more than 1 cm (RR=2.1).

CONCLUSION

endoscopic bipolar and laser enucleation is an effective and safe treatment method for large BPH. It should be noted that postoperatively there was an increased frequency of irritative symptoms, which disappeared by 6 months.

Our clinic's first experience with HoLEP

OBJECTIVE:

The present study reports a retrospective evaluation of the first Holmium laser prostate enucleation (HoLEP) cases and their results in our clinic.

METHODS:

Twenty four patients who underwent HoLEP surgery between April 2017 and November 2017 were evaluated for demographic characteristics, duration of operation, amount of hemorrhage, amount of energy used, tissue weight removed, catheterization time and complications. IPSS and uroflowmetry results were compared before and after the surgery.

RESULTS:

Patients with hemoglobin, IPSS, uroflowmetry, and voiding speeds (Qmean, Qmax) were compared before and after the surgery. There was a significant difference in IPSS, Qmean and hemoglobin values but not in Qmax, statistically. Our complications rates were correlated with the literature.

CONCLUSION:

HoLEP stands out as a surgical method that can be applied with high confidence in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and it has similar functional results to gold standard surgeries, causes fewer complications, improves patient comfort due to short catheterization and hospitalization and is more advantageous regarding cost.

[Features of thermal effect at high-frequency laser impact on biological tissue (experiment). Technique of laser ablation of a pharyngeal tonsil]

In the conditions of the experiment the peculiarities of thermal influence of Ho:YAG on biological tissue in the ablation mode were studied. In the experiment we used: surgical laser system LUMENIS VersaPulse PowerSuite 20, universal thermal imaging camera FLIR SC7000. The biological object (turkey meat) was remotely, at a distance of 5 mm, affected by a Holmium laser (E = 0.9 J and R = 12 Hz) for 6 seconds. The maximum temperature (Tmax, °C) in the ablation zone was measured in real time. As a result, it was found that laser ablation of a biological object is characterized by thermal effects, which largely depend on the state of irradiated tissue: the temperature of the irradiated object rises to critical values equal to 100.07-111.24 ° C, after which the surface layer of biological tissue is charred, and the process of laser "removal" stops; intact biological tissue reaches critical heating after 3.48 s, while under the influence of a high-frequency laser on the previously irradiated biological tissue development period It was also established that in order to continue laser ablation with controlled thermal effect it is necessary to remove charred areas of biological object. On the basis of the obtained data the method of laser ablation of pharyngeal tonsils was developed.

[Diaphanoscopy palatal tonsils with use of the diode laser]

For the purpose of decrease in intraoperative blood loss during a tonsillectomy the technique of a laser diaphanoscopy (DS) of the palatal tonsil (PT) and paratonsil space is developed. In the conditions of a transillumination of tissues of throat vessels paratonsil space which are preventively coagulated by the holmium laser are visualized. In carrying out DS of structures of a throat the 'pilot' red laser of the surgical laser LUMENIS Versa Pulse Power Suite 20W system was used. In a research there were 60 patients with chronic tonsillitis. Laser DS was carried out before tonsillectomy, at the same time 120 PT were subjected to raying. As result of the conducted research established that 60% of PT (n=72) anatomic were deeply shipped in a sidewall of a throat, 44,2% of PT (n=53) - had the expressed top pole, 0,8% of PT (n=1) - an additional segment. Also it was established that laser transillumination of paratonsil space is possible in the conditions of infiltration of fabrics isotonic physiological NaCl solution of 0,9%. Carrying out preventive coagulation of vessels of paratonsil space of Ho:YAG laser in the conditions of DS allows to reduce the volume of intraoperative blood loss to 4,17±0,37 ml that is 10,1 time less in comparison with the tonsillectomy which is carried out on traditional techniques.

Long-term outcome after flexible ureteroscopy with holmium laser for simultaneous treatment of a single renal cyst and ipsilateral renal stones

Objective

To assess the long-term outcome of simultaneous treatment of a single renal cyst and ipsilateral stones with transurethral flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) lithotripsy and internal cyst drainage.

Methods

Patients who underwent simultaneous treatment with FURS lithotripsy and internal cyst drainage in our institution between July 2014 and September 2017 were enrolled. The cyst wall was identified endoscopically and a 1–3-cm window was created in the wall using a holmium laser. The proximal end of a double-J stent was placed in the cystic cavity to facilitate internal drainage.

Results

Thirteen patients underwent simultaneous treatment. No intraoperative complications with Clavien grading score >2 were noted in any patients. Mean stone burden and cyst diameter were 1.6 (range: 0.9–2.5) cm and 5.8 (range: 3.0–7.1) cm, respectively. Stone-free rates after single and complementary procedures were 84.6% and 92.3%, respectively. During the mean 33.1-month follow-up period (range: 17–54 months), seven patients (53.8%) achieved full resolution of renal cysts, five patients (38.5%) maintained >50% size reduction, and one patient (7.6%) experienced recurrence at 18 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

FURS with a holmium laser may constitute a safe and effective alternative procedure for simultaneous treatment of a single renal cyst and ipsilateral stones.

Transurethral En bloc Excision of Pediatric Bladder Tumor using Holmium Laser

A 12-year-old male child, during evaluation of chronic constipation, was incidentally diagnosed to have a fronded bladder growth. Transurethral en bloc excision of the tumor was achieved using holmium laser. Histopathology confirmed it to be an inflammatory pseudotumor. This case is reported for its unusual presentation and management by holmium laser.

[Micropercutaneous laser nephrolithotripsy]

INTRODUCTION

The least invasive technique of PCNL is micropercutaneous nephrolithotripsy (micro-PCNL). A possibility of kidney puncture under direct endoscopic control with the creation of a working channel sized of 8-4.85 F is a characteristic feature of this system.

AIM

To study the possibilities of micro-PCNL and to determine its role in the treatment of kidney stones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 74 patients aged 49.8+/-16.3 years were included in the study. In majority cases an isolated kidney stone was diagnosed (86.4%). The most common stone localization was pelvis (51.5%), followed by lower pole (35.9%). Considering the technical aspects of microPCNL, all patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the stone burden. In 46 patients (62.1%), the stone size was < 1.5 cm, while in 28 patients (37.9%) stones were bigger than 1.5 cm. Prestenting was performed in 54.0% due to renal colic or obstructive pyelonephritis. For the purpose of passive flushing of stone fragments during the lithotripsy, in most patients with a stone size > 1.5 cm, as well as in some prestented patients a ureteral access sheath with a diameter of 10/12 F (56.7%) was placed under x-ray control. In most patients with stones less than 1.5 cm, a 4.85 Ch sheath was utilized. In patients with larger stones, working sheath of 8 Ch was put. For stone disintegration, 50 W and 100 W holmium lasers, as well as the Russian innovative thulium fiber laser were used.

RESULTS

The average duration of surgery from the puncture was 30.6+/-11.6 minutes. The effectiveness was determined by use of a non-contrast computed tomography, performed one month after the surgery. An overall stone-free rate after one-session was 89.1%, and it was 93.4% and 82.4%, respectively, in patients with stones sized less and more than 1.5 cm. In 32.4% cases the stenting was placed due to the large number of small residual fragments and risk of obstruction. In one case, a conversion into a mini-PCNL was done. Two patients (2.7%) required stenting because of renal colic caused by the migration of stone fragments into the ureter. There was no bleeding. In 8.1% of cases, acute pyelonephritis was developed that was treated conservatively. In 9.4% of patients, ESWL was required due to residual stones diagnosed one month after the surgery.

CONCLUSION

Micro-PCNL is highly effective and safe method for treatment of kidney stones. Placing of ureteral access sheath of size 10/12 F contributes to the passive flushing of fragments during lithotripsy, which, together with the use of the 8 F working sheath, makes it possible to effectively perform micro-PCNL in patients with kidney stones larger than 1.5 cm.