EAU Guidelines on Iatrogenic Trauma

What can go wrong when doing right? A pictorial review of iatrogenic genitourinary complications

A growing number of treatments for genitourinary diseases can result in various iatrogenic complications. Multimodality imaging in the post-procedural setting is essential for early and accurate diagnosis to limit morbidity and mortality. We review common and uncommon treatment-induced pathologies affecting the genitourinary system via a case-based approach. We illustrate notable complications affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra induced by percutaneous procedures, external beam radiation, immunotherapy, laparoscopic/robotic pelvic surgery, and intravesicular BCG. Finally, we provide guidance on optimal imaging techniques for diagnosis and highlight the role of image-guided interventions for mitigation of complications.

Utility and challenges of ureteral visualization using a fluorescent ureteral catheter in high risk surgeries for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Ureteral injury occurs in 0.3-1.5% of colorectal cancer surgeries. Devices to visualize the ureteral course and avoid ureteral injury are required for minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The NIRC™ fluorescent ureteral catheter (FUC) is a versatile ureteral visualization device currently available in Japan that can be used in combination with a variety of laparoscopic and robotic systems. In this study, we examined the outcomes of high-risk patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery with FUC insertion.

METHODS

One hundred forty-one patients who underwent MIS for colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer recurrence at our institute between January 2021 and May 2024 underwent preoperative FUC insertion because of the high risk of ureteral injury and surgical difficulty. For these patients, patient background data and short-term outcomes were examined. The results are expressed as the median and interquartile range.

RESULTS

Age, 70 [60-78]; M:F(n), 84:57; BMI, 22.1 [19.7-24.7]; T4 (TNM classification), 52 cases (36.9%); preoperative intestinal obstruction, 45 cases (31.9%); abscess formation, 30 cases (21%); surgical history, 70 cases (50%); recurrent cancer, 14 cases (9.9%); preoperative chemo-radiotherapy, 28 cases (19.9%); time required for FUC insertion, 12 [9-19] minutes; operation time, 412 [309-552] minutes; blood loss, 10 [5-30] ml; open conversion, 0 cases; postoperative hospitalization, 12 [9-17.5]; circumferential resection margins < 1 mm (rectal surgery), 4/87 cases (4.6%); comorbidities, 0 ureteral injury, 1 urethral injury during FUC insertion (0.7%) and 16 CD Grade 3 or higher cases (11%).

CONCLUSIONS

FUC may improve the safety of MIS and reduce blood loss in addition to preventing ureteral injury and is expected to have oncological advantages for ensuring the margin of the tumor without fear of ureteral injury. However, the time required for and complications associated with FUC are challenging. New methods for less invasive and easier ureteral visualization may be needed.

Management of penile fracture with complete urethral transection in a resource-limited setting: A case report

Key Clinical Message

Penile fracture is a urological emergency that requires prompt surgical intervention for optimal outcomes. Early diagnosis based on clinical presentation and imaging if needed is crucial. Timely repair ensures the preservation of penile function and minimizes complications.

Abstract

Penile fracture (PF) is a rare but significant urological emergency characterized by the rupture of the tunica albuginea, often resulting from blunt trauma during sexual intercourse or other activities. The typical presentation includes sudden and severe penile pain, an audible "cracking" sound followed by swelling and deformity. While PF generally does not involve the urethra, bleeding from the urethral meatus suggests an associated urethral lesion. Imaging such as ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can assess the extent of the injury. We report a case of a 28-year-old male who presented with sudden-onset penile pain, swelling, and blood dripping from the urethral meatus after a traumatic sexual encounter. The injury occurred during vigorous intercourse when his erect penis struck his partner's buttocks. He heard a cracking sound followed by immediate detumescence, penile curvature, and urethral bleeding. At the hospital, the patient exhibited tachycardia and elevated blood pressure. Examination revealed deviation of the penis to the right, urethrorrhagia, and a tender, swollen penis. A clinical diagnosis of bilateral corpora cavernosa injury and partial rupture of the penile urethra was made. A urethral catheter was placed with difficulty, draining initially reddish urine followed by clear urine. Laboratory tests showed normal hemoglobin and coagulation profiles with mild bacteriuria and hematuria. Due to clear clinical signs, no radiological imaging was performed before surgery. Surgical exploration performed 48 h postinjury revealed a PF involving the right corpus cavernosum and a complete rupture of the spongy urethra. The corpus cavernosum was repaired using Vicryl 2-0 sutures followed by urethroplasty with Vicryl 5-0. Postoperative care included antibiotics and analgesics. The patient had an uneventful recovery with preserved penile sensitivity and function. PF is a rare urological emergency that necessitates prompt diagnosis and management to prevent long-term complications. Although clinical presentation often suffices for diagnosis, imaging can be valuable in ambiguous cases. Surgical intervention is the preferred treatment, offering the best functional and cosmetic outcomes. This case underscores the importance of timely surgical repair to ensure favorable recovery and preservation of penile function.

Application of root cause analysis and TEAMSTEPPS post intravesical gas explosion during transurethral resection of the prostate: a rare case report

BACKGROUND

An intravesical gas explosion is a rare complication of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). It was first reported in English literature in 1926, and up to 2022 were only forty-one cases. Injury from an intravesical gas explosion, in the most severe cases appearing as extraperitoneal or intraperitoneal bladder rupture needed emergent repair surgery.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of a 75-year-old man who suffered an intravesical gas explosion during TURP. The patient underwent an emergent exploratory laparotomy for bladder repair and was transferred to the intensive care unit for further observation and treatment. Under the medical team's care for up to sixty days, the patient recovered smoothly without clinical sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

This case report presents an example of a rare complication of intravesical gas explosion during TURP, utilizing root cause analysis (RCA) to comprehend causal relationships and team strategies and tools to improve performance and patient safety (TeamSTEPPS) method delivers four teamwork skills that can be utilized during surgery and five recommendations to avoid gas explosions during TURP to prevent the recurrence of medical errors. In modern healthcare systems, promoting patient safety is crucial. Once complications appear, RCA and TeamSTEPPS are helpful means to support the healthcare team reflect and improve as a team.

Characteristics and management of iatrogenic urinary tract injuries in teaching hospital: A single-centered study

Context and Aims

Despite its rarity, iatrogenic urinary tract injury can cause severe morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of urinary tract injuries caused by medical treatment in a hospital in Medan, Indonesia.

Settings and Design

This retrospective descriptive study was conducted at H. Adam Malik General Hospital and Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital in Medan from March to August 2022.

Subjects and Methods

Medical data of individuals who had iatrogenic urinary tract injuries in a Medan teaching hospital from 2018 to 2022 were obtained using total sampling. SPSS version 25 was utilized to analyze patient characteristics, the type of surgery, urinary tract injuries, and urologic procedures.

Results

There were 11 ureteral injuries and 23 bladder injuries in 32 iatrogenic urinary tract injuries. The average age of the patients was 40.5 ± 13.3. Patients who received obstetrical care had the highest rate of iatrogenic urinary tract injury (56.3%), followed by patients who received gynecological care (21.9%) and surgical care (21.9%). The procedure most likely to cause iatrogenic urinary tract injury was hysterectomy (40.6%). Bladder rupture (65.5%) and ureteral transection (28.1%) were common types of iatrogenic bladder and ureteral injuries. Majority of iatrogenic urinary tract injuries were treated with bladder repair (68.8%).

Conclusions

Obstetrical and gynecologic procedures, especially hysterectomy, were the most common causes of iatrogenic urinary tract injury; bladder repair was the most common treatment. Iatrogenic urinary tract injury is best managed by knowing the anatomical position of the urinary tract inside the operative field.

Can preoperative ureteral stent placement help in the intraoperative identification of iatrogenic ureteral injury?

BACKGROUND

The benefits of prophylactic ureteral stent placement during colorectal surgery remain controversial. This study aimed to determine the incidence of ureteral injury in colorectal operations, assess the complications associated with stent usage, and determine whether their use leads to earlier identification and treatment of injury.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients undergoing colorectal abdominal operations between 2015 and 2021. Variables were examined for possible association with ureteral stent placement. The primary study endpoint was ureteral injury identified within 30 days postoperatively.

RESULTS

Of 6481 patients who underwent colorectal surgery, 970 (15%) underwent preoperative ureteral stent placement. The use of stents was significantly associated with a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, wound classification, and longer duration of surgery. A ureteral injury was identified in 28 patients (0.4%). Of these patients, 13 had no stent, and 15 had preoperative stents placed. After propensity matching, stent use was associated with an increased risk of hematuria and urinary tract infection. Ureteral injury was identified intraoperatively in 14 of 28 patients (50.0%) and was not associated with ureteral stent use (P = .45).

CONCLUSION

Iatrogenic ureteral injury was uncommon, whereas preoperative stent placement was relatively frequent. Earlier recognition of iatrogenic ureteral injury is not an expected advantage of preoperative ureteral stent placement.

Ureter position and risk of ureteral injury during lateral lumbar interbody fusion

BACKGROUND

Ureteral injury during lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is uncommon. However, it is a serious complication that may require additional surgery should it occur. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there was any change in the position of the left ureter between preoperative biphasic contrast-enhanced CT scanned in the supine position and intraoperative scanning in the right lateral decubitus position after stent placement, to assess the risk of ureteral injury in the actual surgical position.

METHODS

The position of the left ureter scanned with the O-arm navigation system with the patient in the right lateral decubitus position and its position on preoperative biphasic contrast-enhanced CT images scanned with the patient in the supine position were investigated comparing their positions at the L2/3, L3/4, and L4/5 levels.

RESULTS

The ureter was located along the interbody cage insertion trajectory in 25 of 44 disc levels (56.8%) in the supine position, but in only 4 (9.5%) in the lateral decubitus position. The proportion of patients in whom the left ureter was located lateral to the vertebral body (along the LLIF cage insertion trajectory) at each level was 80% in the supine position and 15.4% in the lateral decubitus position at the L2/3 level, 53.3% in the supine position and 6.7% in the lateral decubitus position at the L3/4 level, and 33.3% in the supine position and 6.7% in the lateral decubitus position at the L4/5 level.

CONCLUSION

The proportion of patients in whom the left ureter was located on the lateral surface of the vertebral body when the patient was in the actual surgical position (lateral decubitus position) was 15.4% at the L2/3 level, 6.7% at the L3/4 level, and 6.7% at the L4/5 level, suggesting that caution is required during LLIF surgery.

Preventing iatrogenic ureteral injury in colorectal surgery: a comprehensive and systematic review of the last 2 decades of literature and future perspectives

Iatrogenic ureteral injury (IUI) during colorectal surgery is a rare complication but related to a serious burden of morbidity. This comprehensive and systematic review aims to provide a critical overview of the most recent literature about IUI prevention techniques in colorectal surgery. We performed a comprehensive and systematic review of studies published from 2000 to 2022 and assessed the use of techniques for ureteral injury prevention and intraoperative localization. 26 publications were included, divided into stent-based (prophylactic/lighted ureteral stent and near-infrared fluorescent ureteral catheter [PUS/LUS/NIRFUC]) and fluorescent dye (FD) groups. Costs, the percentage and number of IUIs detected, reported limitations, complication rates and other outcome points were compared. The IUI incidence rate ranged from 0 to 1.9% (mean 0.5%) and 0 to 1.2% (mean 0.3%) in the PUS/LUS/NIRFUC and FD groups, respectively. The acute kidney injury (AKI) and urinary tact infection (UTI) incidence rate ranged from 0.4 to 32.6% and 0 to 17.3%, respectively, in the PUS/LUS/NIRFUC group and 0-15% and 0-6.3%, respectively, in the FD group. Many other complications were also compared and descriptively analyzed (length-of-stay, mortality, etc.). These techniques appear to be feasible and safe in select patients with a high risk of IUI, but the delineation of reliable guidelines for preventing IUI will require more randomized controlled trials.

Bladder trauma: a guideline of the guidelines

OBJECTIVES

To identify and review the most up-to-date guidelines pertaining to bladder trauma in a unifying document as an updated primer in the management of all aspects relating to bladder injury.

METHODS

In accordance with the PRISMA statement, the most recent guidelines pertaining to bladder injury were identified and subsequently critically appraised. An electronic search of PubMed and Scopus databases was carried out in September 2023.

RESULTS

A total of six guidelines were included: European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on urological trauma (2023), EAU guidelines on paediatric urology (2022), Urotrauma: American Urological Association (AUA) (2020), Kidney and Uro-trauma: World Society of Emergency Surgery and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (WSES-AAST) guidelines (2019), Management of blunt force bladder injuries: A practice management guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) (2019), and EAU guidelines on iatrogenic trauma (2012). Recommendations were summarised with the associated supporting level of evidence and strength of recommendation where available.

CONCLUSION

Several widely recognised professional organisations have published guidelines relating to the diagnosis, investigation, classification, management, and follow-up related to bladder injury. There is consensus amongst all major guidelines in terms of diagnosis and management but there is some discrepancy and lack of recommendation with regards to the follow-up of bladder injuries, iatrogenic bladder injury, paediatric bladder trauma, and spontaneous bladder rupture. The role of increasing minimally invasive techniques seem to be gaining traction in the select haemodynamically stable patient. Further research is required to better delineate this treatment option.

The Japanese Urological Association's clinical practice guidelines for urotrauma 2023

The Japanese Urological Association's guidelines for the treatment of renal trauma were published in 2016. In conjunction with its revision, herein, we present the new guidelines for overall urotrauma. Its purpose is to provide standard diagnostic and treatment recommendations for urotrauma, including iatrogenic trauma, to preserve organ function and minimize complications and fatality. The guidelines committee comprised urologists with experience in urotrauma care, selected by the Trauma and Emergency Medicine Subcommittee of the Specialty Area Committee of the Japanese Urological Association, and specialists recommended by the Japanese Association for the Surgery of Trauma and the Japanese Society of Interventional Radiology. The guidelines committee established the domains of renal and ureteral, bladder, urethral, and genital trauma, and determined the lead person for each domain. A total of 30 clinical questions (CQs) were established for all domains; 15 for renal and ureteral trauma and five each for the other domains. An extensive literature search was conducted for studies published between January 1, 1983 and July 16, 2020, based on the preset keywords for each CQ. Since only few randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses were found on urotrauma clinical practice, conducting a systematic review and summarizing the evidence proved challenging; hence, the grade of recommendation was determined according to the 2007 "Minds Handbook for Clinical Practice Guidelines" based on a consensus reached by the guidelines committee. We hope that these guidelines will be useful for clinicians in their daily practice, especially those involved in urotrauma care.

Iatrogenic ureteral injury: What should the digestive surgeon know?

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Iatrogenic ureteral injury (IUI) is a rare but formidable complication of any abdominal or pelvic surgery. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of IUI in colorectal surgery in the Basse-Normandie region over the period 2004-2022, as well as to review the literature on the management of this complication.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This multicenter retrospective analysis of clinical data (medical records and operative reports) concerned 22 patients (13 men and 9 women) who suffered an IUI during colorectal surgery between 2004 and 2022. Ureteral resections for oncological purposes and endoluminal instrumental injuries (post-ureteroscopy) were excluded from the study. We also carried out a review of the literature concerning the incidence of IUI in colorectal surgery.

RESULTS

The incidence of IUI was 0.27% over the study period (22 ureteral injuries out of 8129 colorectal procedures). Colorectal cancer and sigmoid diverticulitis were the dominant surgical indications (85% of cases). Proctectomy and left colectomy were the most performed resection procedures (75% of cases). Surgery was scheduled in 68% of cases. The approach was open laparotomy in 59% and laparoscopy in 41% of cases. The IUI involved the left ureter in 63% of cases and the pelvic ureter in 77% of cases. Conservative endoscopic treatment by insertion of a double-J catheter stent had a success rate of 87.5%. Surgical repairs consisting of re-implantation techniques and uretero-ureteral anastomosis had a success rate of 75%. The nephrectomy rate was 13.6% (3/22) and the mortality rate 9% (2/22). A literature review identified sixteen studies, where the incidence of IUI varied from 0.1 to 4.5%.

FINDINGS

IUI occurring during colorectal surgery is a rare occurrence but remain a formidable complication. No means of prevention has proven its effectiveness to date, but guidance devices using illuminated ureteral catheters or dyes seem to constitute a promising approach. Injuries to the left pelvic ureter are the most common, and the majority can be treated endoscopically if diagnosed early.

Bladder malignancy as a cause of spontaneous bladder rupture: A systematic review

Objectives

To characterise cases of spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder in the context of bladder cancer.

Methods

A systematic review was performed to characterise cases of spontaneous bladder rupture in patients with bladder cancer. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) system was utilised, with databases being searched for relevant cases. Patient characteristics were extracted, including age, sex, presenting signs and symptoms, management modalities, tumour histology and mortality.

Results

Thirty cases were included. Seventeen (57%) were male, and the median age of presentation was 59. Abdominal pain and peritonism were the most common presenting symptoms, in 80% and 60% of patients, respectively. Most patients (n = 16, 53%) had urothelial cell carcinoma. Nine patients (30%) died during their initial hospitalisation.

Conclusion

Spontaneous bladder perforation in the context of bladder cancer is a rare cause of acute abdomen. The diagnosis is associated with high mortality, highlighting the aggressive nature of the malignancies that cause spontaneous bladder rupture. This raises important questions about the role of emergency cystectomy, the timing of systemic therapy and the appropriate involvement of palliative care.

A case of one-stage laparoscopic drainage and ureterocystoneostomy for iatrogenic ureteral injury associated with infected urinoma

Introduction

Iatrogenic ureteral injury is a rare but often encountered complication of abdominal and gynecological surgery. This is a case of iatrogenic ureteral injury with infected urinoma treated with one-stage laparoscopic drainage and ureterocystoneostomy.

Case presentation

An 80-year-old man with rectal cancer had robot-assisted low anterior rectum resection and left lateral lymph node dissection after colostomy and preoperative chemoradiotherapy. On the 14th postoperative day, he had a fever, and a noncontrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed a low-density polycystic area in the left pelvic cavity. Retrograde pyelography revealed contrast medium leaking from the left lower ureter, preventing ureteral stent placement. We identified it as a delayed ureteral injury with infected urinoma and performed laparoscopic one-stage drainage and ureterocystoneostomy.

Conclusion

This study reported a case of one-stage laparoscopic drainage and ureterocystoneostomy for iatrogenic ureteral injury with infected urinoma.

Rectus Urinoma Leading to Abscess Following Urethral Perforation From Self-Catheterization: A Case Report

Urinomas are an accumulation of urine in the perirenal or paraureteral space due to urinary tract leakage. Stimulation of an inflammatory response results in the formation of a thick wall that encapsulates the urine. Etiologies of urinomas include trauma, surgery, or spontaneous occurrence. Complications when untreated vary and include peritonitis, fibrosis, abscess formation, and septic shock. We present a 52-year-old male with a neurogenic bladder who developed a rectus urinoma from the thorax to the scrotum. This likely developed from urethral trauma from intermittent self-catheterization. The patient received antibiotic therapy and percutaneous drainage catheters were placed in the rectus and pelvis, resolving the urinoma. We conclude that patients who perform intermittent self-catheterization may be more susceptible to formation of urinomas due to improper catheter usage. The intricate fascial connections between the pelvis and abdomen make proper interventions for suspected urinary tract injury crucial in patients who self-catheterize.

2023 WSES guidelines for the prevention, detection, and management of iatrogenic urinary tract injuries (IUTIs) during emergency digestive surgery

Iatrogenic urinary tract injury (IUTI) is a severe complication of emergency digestive surgery. It can lead to increased postoperative morbidity and mortality and have a long-term impact on the quality of life. The reported incidence of IUTIs varies greatly among the studies, ranging from 0.3 to 1.5%. Given the high volume of emergency digestive surgery performed worldwide, there is a need for well-defined and effective strategies to prevent and manage IUTIs. Currently, there is a lack of consensus regarding the prevention, detection, and management of IUTIs in the emergency setting. The present guidelines, promoted by the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES), were developed following a systematic review of the literature and an international expert panel discussion. The primary aim of these WSES guidelines is to provide evidence-based recommendations to support clinicians and surgeons in the prevention, detection, and management of IUTIs during emergency digestive surgery. The following key aspects were considered: (1) effectiveness of preventive interventions for IUTIs during emergency digestive surgery; (2) intra-operative detection of IUTIs and appropriate management strategies; (3) postoperative detection of IUTIs and appropriate management strategies and timing; and (4) effectiveness of antibiotic therapy (including type and duration) in case of IUTIs.

Robotic Simultaneous Repair of Rectovesical Fistula With Vesicourethral Anastomotic Stricture after Radical Prostatectomy: Step-by-Step Technique and Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience and outcomes using a novel robotic technique for the simultaneous repair of rectovesical fistula (RVF) with vesicourethral anastomotic stricture (VUAS) after radical prostatectomy (RP).

METHODS

Between 2019 and 2021, four consecutive patients who underwent robotic-assisted simultaneous repair of RVF with concurrent VUAS after RP were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were examined and reported. Complications were graded using the modified Clavien-Dindo classification system and the European Association of Urology Complications Panel Assessment and Recommendations.

RESULTS

Four cases with a median age of 68.5 (63.3-72.3) years were treated. Interposition omentum flaps were used in all our cases. One case had perineal urethral mobilization to reach healthy urethral margins and tension-free vesicourethral anastomosis. Surgeries were uneventful, with no intraoperative complications reported. Median operative time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 370 (291.3-453) minutes, 255 (175-262.5) mL, and 2.5 (2-3) days, respectively. Median Jackson-Pratt drains, Double-J stents and Foley catheter removal days were 6 (6-10), 38 (32-43), and 30 (27-41) days, respectively. No postoperative complications were reported. The median follow-up time was 16.25 (12-26) months, and no fistula recurrence was shown.

CONCLUSION

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair could represent an effective approach for the simultaneous repair of RVF with concomitant VUAS. More studies and management standardization are needed to assess the role of the robotic platform in the simultaneous repair of RVF with VUAS after radical prostatectomy.

Urethral Injuries: Diagnostic and Management Strategies for Critical Care and Trauma Clinicians

Urologic trauma is a well-known cause of urethral injury with a range of management recommendations. Retrograde urethrogram remains the preferred initial diagnostic modality to evaluate a suspected urethral injury. The management thereafter varies based on mechanism of injury. Iatrogenic urethral injury is often caused by traumatic catheterization and is best managed by an attempted catheterization performed by an experienced clinician or suprapubic catheter to maximize urinary drainage. Penetrating trauma, most commonly associated with gunshot wounds, can cause either an anterior and/or posterior urethral injury and is best treated with early operative repair. Blunt trauma, most commonly associated with straddle injuries and pelvic fractures, can be treated with either early primary endoscopic realignment or delayed urethroplasty after suprapubic cystostomy. With any of the above injury patterns and treatment options, a well thought out and regimented follow-up with a urologist is of utmost importance for accurate assessment of outcomes and appropriate management of complications.

Delayed bladder perforation due to screw loosening after pelvic ring injury surgery: a case report

Pelvic ring injuries have high mortality and morbidity rates, and they are difficult to treat because accompanying injuries to the pelvic organs, genitourinary organs, and neurovascular tissues are common. Genitourinary injuries are common comorbid injuries that have been reported to occur in 5% to 6% of all pelvic ring injuries. However, these injuries usually occur simultaneously with the pelvic ring injury, whereas relatively little research has dealt with genitourinary injuries that occur after treatment of a pelvic ring injury. To the best of our knowledge, only three cases of delayed bladder perforation due to screw loosening after symphyseal plate fixation in anterior pelvic ring injury have been reported worldwide, and no such cases have yet been reported in Korea. Since the authors experienced this very rare complication after pelvic ring surgery, we report this case along with a literature review.

Pseudorenal failure as a delayed presentation of a traumatic urinary bladder rupture

The urinary bladder is less susceptible to traumatic injury than other abdominal organs, due to its anatomical location behind the pubic bone. As a result, intraperitoneal urinary bladder ruptures are a rare consequence of blunt abdominal trauma and most often occur in the context of high energy and multitraumas. However, a distended bladder is more vulnerable to burst rupture even from a minor trauma, and in case of an isolated bladder injury, presentation can be delayed. We describe a case in which a patient presented 4 days after a minor blunt trauma, with an acute abdomen and pseudorenal failure as the main clinical signs of urinary ascites due to a significant bladder rupture. As an intraperitoneal bladder rupture is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and should be treated surgically, it should always be considered in patients presenting with anuria, ascites and increased serum creatinine after abdominal trauma.

[Renal Parenchyma Trauma and General Trauma Recommandations]

INTRODUCTION

Among trauma emergencies, kidney damage is uncommon. The urologist is frequently on the second line in the management of patients with multiple traumatic lesions. Knowledge of treatment is necessary to be able to integrate the different teams involved in an approach that is both vital in the context of damage control and functional with a concern for parenchymal preservation.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was carried out using the Medline database in order to identify the most relevant articles in English and French.

RESULTS

Kidney trauma occurs either by direct shock or by a deceleration mechanism. They are classified by severity according to the AAST classification. Management is mostly conservative by avoiding surgery and controlling bleeding by arterial embolization. Surveillance checks for complications occurrence in high-grade trauma. Traumatic dissection of the renal artery, with a poor functional prognosis requires a short delay before treatment.

CONCLUSION

The prognosis for trauma to the kidney, regardless of the grade, is currently good, with improvements of effective resuscitation and embolization in the event of bleeding.

Post-transurethral resection of prostate urethral strictures: Are they often underreported? A single-center retrospective observational cohort study

Objectives

Post-transurethral resection of prostate urethral stricture (PTS) is a well-documented delayed complication following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The aim is to analyze various risk factors of PTS and see if the overall incidence is underreported.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in our institution between January 2017 and December 2018 in men who underwent TURP. Data obtained from the medical records department were analyzed. Statistical analysis was done using Fisher's exact test. A two-tailed P < 0.05 is considered statistically significant.

Results

Of the 447 men who underwent TURP, 57 developed PTS. Fifteen of 334 patients who underwent calibration before the procedure developed stricture compared to 42 of 137 without calibration (P < 0.01). There was a significantly lesser incidence of stricture with 24 Fr resectoscope compared with 26 Fr sheath (P < 0.04). Two patients with 24 Fr Foley and 30 of 35 (86%) patients with 22 Fr Foley catheter developed stricture of urethra. Distal bulbar urethra was the most common site of narrowing following TURP. Eighteen patients had Salvaris swab placed for traction and 12 patients required full-thigh traction, of which majority developed meatal stenosis.

Conclusions

TURP is one of the common surgical procedures performed by urologists. Meatitis and meatal stenosis, if included as complications of TURP, would increase the overall incidence of PTS. Factors such as the size of resectoscope sheath used, size of catheter inserted, placement of Salvaris swab traction, and preoperative calibration of urethra have a significant impact on the ultimate outcome.

Scrotal self-inflicted gunshot injuries: report of two consecutive cases and literature review

Background

Isolated scrotal gunshot injuries are uncommon. Even more so when they are self-inflicted. The extent of the injury is determined by the caliber of the weapon. Established management protocols when followed yields excellent results.

Case presentations

We present two male patients, aged 41 and 51 years old, who sustained gunshot injuries to the scrotum following accidental discharges from hand guns stored in their trouser pockets. The first (41 years) sustained grade 5 American Association for Surgery of Trauma (AAST) left testicular injury and was managed by unilateral orchidectomy. The second (51 years old) sustained bilateral grade 4 AAST testicular injuries and had both testes salvaged by primary repair after meticulous debridement.

Conclusion

Isolated scrotal gunshot injuries can occur when low velocity guns are placed adjacent to the genitalia and accidentally discharged. The testes are endangered and can be devitalized requiring orchidectomy or salvaged by meticulous debridement and primary repair when viability is not compromised.

Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study to Evaluate Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Single Ascending Doses of ASP5354, an Investigational Imaging Product, in Healthy Adult Volunteers

Intraoperative ureter identification helps reduce the risk of ureteral injury. Currently, no suitable agents for real‐time ureter visualization are approved. ASP5354 (TK‐1) is a novel indocyanine green derivative. In this first‐in‐human phase 1, double‐blind, sequential ascending‐dose study, urethral catheters were placed in 6 healthy volunteers who were randomized to single‐dose, intravenous ASP5354 0.1 mg (n = 4) or placebo (n = 2). Sequential dose escalations to 0.5‐, 2‐, 8‐, and 24‐mg ASP5354 in new cohorts were contingent upon Dose‐Escalation Committee approval after review of pharmacokinetic (PK) and safety data. Blood and urine samples were collected over 24 hours following dose administration. Objectives were to assess the safety/tolerability and PK of ASP5354. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 3 (15%) and 2 (20%) participants in the ASP5354 and placebo groups, respectively. In the former, there were 6 TEAEs (5/6 grade 1‐2). One ASP5354 participant experienced grade 3 pyelonephritis, attributed to the catheter. No TEAEs were related to ASP5354. Mean plasma terminal elimination half‐life ranged from 2.1 to 3.6 hours, with near complete urinary excretion of unchanged ASP5354 within 24 hours after administration. Linear and dose‐proportional PK were observed. These results support further evaluation of ASP5354 at doses up to 24 mg for intraoperative near‐infrared fluorescence ureter visualization.

A Complex Case of Emphysematous Cystitis in a Peritoneal Dialysis Patient

Emphysematous cystitis (EC) is a relatively rare condition characterized by gas formation in the bladder wall and/or lumen. We report a case of emphysematous cystitis with a bladder perforation in an 84-year-old male on peritoneal dialysis who presented with fever, dysuria, hematuria, and hypotension. Gas in the bladder wall, as well as a small perforation in the roof of the urinary bladder, was seen on the abdominal CT scan. The causative organism identified was Escherichia coli. The patient recovered with broad-spectrum antibiotics along with bladder irrigation and drainage. After initial bladder washouts, peritoneal dialysis was continued with close monitoring. Early antibiotic therapy and a conservative approach to the management of small intraperitoneal bladder perforations were effective in this patient. Peritoneal dialysis was uninterrupted for the duration of the admission and after discharge.

Application of Nonvascular Interventional Radiology Procedures in the Treatment of Iatrogenic Ureteral Injuries

Introduction. He most common ureteral injuries are iatrogenic injuries. Diagnosis of ureteral lesions includes ultrasound, computer tomography, intravenous urography, anterograde and retrograde ureterography. For a definitive diagnosis it is necessary to determine the existence of the extralumination of contrast media from the ureter. Minor ureteral injuries can be treated with nonvascular interventional radiology procedures.

Case presentation. We have presented two patients with iatrogenic ureteral injuries. Injury in the first patient occurred at the sigmoid colon resection and partial resection of the bladder, whereas in the second patient the lesion was formed as a result of cesarean section. In both patients, there was a history of previously conducted interventions, clinical picture included fever and pain, a diagnosis was made by intravenous and anterograde urography. Patients were treated with interventional radiology procedures and they have been definitely cured.

Conclusion. Methods of nonvascular interventional radiology can be successfully applied in the treatment of minor iatrogenic ureteral injuries.

Intraoperative complications during laparoscopic total mesorectal excision

Intraoperative complication during laparoscopic mesorectal excision for rectal cancer is a common complication occurring in 11% to 15% of the cases. They are probably underestimated because not systematically reported. The most frequent intraoperative complications are haemorrhage (3-7%), tumour perforation (1-4%), bowel injury (1-3%), ureter injury (1%), urogenital injury (2%), other organ injury (<1%), and anastomotic complications (1%). The mechanisms, management and prevention of vascular port injury, inferior mesenteric artery bleeding, small bowel and colon perforation, ureteral and urethral injury, pelvic nerve damage, tumour perforation and anastomotic failure are described. This review underlines the necessity to prevent intraoperative complication to avoid operative death and severe side-effects.

Etiology and Ureteral Reconstruction Strategy for Iatrogenic Ureteral Injuries: A Retrospective Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the etiology, characteristics, and ureteral reconstruction strategies of iatrogenic ureteric injuries in a high-volume center.

METHODS

Between September 2010 and August 2019, we retrospectively collected patients who underwent ureteral reconstruction due to iatrogenic ureteric injuries. Patient profiles, laboratory data, imaging studies, perioperative data, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients were enrolled in this study. The upper, middle, and lower thirds of the ureter were affected in 30, 2, and 36 cases, respectively. Of the 68 ureteric injuries, 69.1% occurred during urological procedures, followed by gynecological procedures, general surgery, radiotherapy, and orthopedic surgery. The majority of urological injuries (41, 87.2%) occurred due to stone removal. There was a significant difference in the age, sex, and location of ureteric injuries between the urological and nonurological groups. The median follow-up time was 17.9 months. The overall symptom remission rate was 91.2% and ranged from 87.5 to 100% for different reconstructive surgeries.

CONCLUSIONS

Urological procedures were the most common cause of iatrogenic ureteric injury; thus, extra care should be taken. Timely detection and appropriate treatment of the ureteric injuries are necessary. Treatment strategies should be depended on the location and length of injury.

The role of perioperative ureteral stenting for urologic complications in radical surgery of cervical cancer

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to establish the urologic complications of radical type C2 hysterectomy in cervical cancer patients with or without ureteral stenting.

METHODS

This prospective randomized study included 76 (100%) patients with clinically and pathologically established cervical cancer stages I and II treated with radical type C2 hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection for the last 5 years (2014-2019). Patients were randomized into two groups (2:1 ratio): group II received perioperative ureteral stenting (n = 24, 31.6%) and group I did not (n = 52, 68.4%). Urologic complications observed during follow-up include intraoperative ureter and urinary bladder lesions and postoperative ureterovaginal and vesicovaginal fistulas.

RESULTS

Of the 52 patients in group I who underwent surgery for cervical cancer, urologic complications were observed in 8 (10.5%) patients, 2 (2.6%) of whom underwent preoperative radiation therapy. In group II, urologic complications were observed in 2 (2.6%) patients, of which 1 (1.3%) received preoperative radiation therapy. Intraoperative urologic complications in group I (6.6%) included 3 (3.9%) ureteral lesions cases and 2 (2.6%) cases of urinary bladder lesions, wherein 1 patient received preoperative radiation therapy. One case of (1.3%) urinary bladder lesion was observed in group II. Postoperative complications were observed in 3 patients (3.9%) in group I, including 2 (2.6%) ureterovaginal fistula cases, wherein 1 (1.3%) patient received preoperative radiation therapy, and 1 (1.3%) case of vesicovaginal fistula. In group II, 1 (1.3%) patient who received perioperative radiotherapy developed postoperative vesicovaginal fistula.

DISCUSSION

Urologic complications are extremely common during and after radical surgery (hysterectomy type C2) for cervical cancer. The cervical cancer stage had a significant effect on intra- and postoperative urologic complication rates in this study; however, no such effect was observed for preoperative radiation therapy and ureteral stenting, and significant differences were observed between the two study groups.

Does pain severity predict stone characteristics or outcomes in emergency department patients with acute renal colic?

OBJECTIVES

After initial emergency department (ED) management of acute renal colic, recurrent or ongoing severe pain is the usual pathway to ED revisits, hospitalizations and rescue interventions. If index visit pain severity is associated with stone size or with subsequent failure of conservative management, then it might be useful in identifying patients who would benefit from early definitive imaging or intervention. Our objectives were to determine whether pain severity correlates with stone size, and to evaluate its utility in predicting important outcomes.

METHODS

We used administrative data and structured chart review to study all ED patients with CT proven renal colic at six hospitals in two cities over one-year. Triage nurses recorded arrival numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores. We excluded patients with missing pain assessments and stratified eligible patients into severe (NRS 8-10) and less-severe pain groups. Stone parameters were abstracted from imaging reports, while hospitalizations and interventions were identified in hospital databases. We determined the classification accuracy of pain severity for stones >5mm and used multivariable regression to determine the association of pain severity with 60-day treatment failure, defined by hospitalization or rescue intervention.

RESULTS

We studied 2206 patients, 68% male, with a mean age of 49 years. Severe pain was 52.0% sensitive and 45.3% specific for larger stones >5mm. After multivariable adjustment, we found a weak negative association (adjusted OR =0.96) between pain severity and stone width. For each unit of increasing pain, the odds of a larger stone fell by 4%. Index visit pain severity was not associated with the need for hospitalization or rescue intervention within 60-days.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain severity is not helpful in predicting stone size or renal colic outcomes. More severe pain does not indicate a larger stone or a worse prognosis.

Efficacy of an educational program for medical staff in preventing incidents related to Foley catheter insertion and maintenance: A single-institution retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To analyze incidents related to Foley catheter insertion and maintenance, and to compare the rate of incidents before and after a medical staff education program.

METHODS

Data regarding Foley catheter insertion incidents and maintenance were collected at Toyama University Hospital, Toyama, Japan. The degree of harm for each incident was assessed. In the middle of the study period, a medical staff education program by urologists was implemented to help understand basic urological anatomy, urethral catheter insertion techniques and catheter safety. The incidents before and after the intervention were then compared.

RESULTS

During the study period, Foley catheter insertion was carried out in 12 476 patients. Related incidents were reported in 66 (0.53%), including 22 (0.18%) occurring during catheter insertion and 44 (0.35%) occurring during catheter maintenance. A total of 13 (0.10%) cases of urethral injury were reported. The degree of harm associated with catheter insertion incidents was moderate in 13. Nine of these incidents occurred before the education program (9/6799, 0.13%), and four were reported after the end of the program (4/5677, 0.07%, P = 0.4303). Transient suprapubic cystostomy was required in two due to urethral injury reported before the program. Among 44 incidents occurring during catheter maintenance, 37 catheters were removed or cut by the patient. Such incidents occurred regardless of the education program.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of incidents related to Foley catheter use at our institution is low. A specific medical staff education program might prevent iatrogenic catheter-related urethral injury requiring cystostomy.

Urinary System Iatrogenic Injuries: Problem Review

INTRODUCTION

From May to December 2019, a literature review of the urinary system iatrogenic injury problem was performed. The most cited, representative articles in PubMed, Scopus, and WoS databases dedicated to this problem were selected. Urinary system iatrogenic injuries include ureter, bladder, urethra, and kidney traumas. It is widely thought that the main causes of such injuries are urological, obstetric, gynecological, and surgical operations on the retroperitoneal space, pelvis, or perineum.

METHODS

The purpose of the study is to describe all aspects of the iatrogenic injure problem, under the established scheme and for each of the most damaged organs: the urethra, bladder, kidney, and ureter. The treatment of confirmed iatrogenic injuries largely depends on the period of its detection. Modern medical procedures provide conservative or minimally invasive treatment. An untimely diagnosis worsens the treatment prognosis. "Overlooked" urinary system trauma is a serious threat to society and a particular patient. Thus, incorrect or traumatic catheterization can lead to infection (RR 95%) and urethral stricture (RR ≥11-36%), and percutaneous puncture nephrostomy can cause the risk of functional renal parenchyma loss (median 5%), urinary congestion (7%), or sepsis (0.6-1.5%).

RESULTS

Lost gain, profits, long-term and expensive, possibly multistage treatment, stress and depression, and the risks of suicide put a heavy financial, moral, and ethical burden on a person and society. Also, iatrogenic injury might have legal consequences.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Thus, the significant problem of urinary tract iatrogenic injuries is still difficult to solve. There is a need to implement mandatory examining algorithms for patients at risk, as well as the multidisciplinary principle for all pelvic surgery.

Contemporary Management of Vesico-Urethral Anastomotic Stenosis After Radical Prostatectomy

Vesico-urethral anastomotic stenosis is a well-known sequela after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer and has significant impact on quality of life. This review aims to summarize contemporary therapeutical approaches and to give an overview of the available evidence regarding endoscopic interventions and open reconstruction. Initial treatment may include dilation, incision or transurethral resection. In treatment-refractory stenoses, open reconstruction via an abdominal (retropubic), transperineal or combined abdominoperineal approach is a viable option with high success rates. All of the open surgical procedures are generally accompanied by a high risk of developing de novo incontinence and patients may need further interventions. In such cases, subsequent artificial urinary sphincter implantation is the most common treatment option with the best available evidence.

A multidisciplinary approach to urinary system iatrogenic injuries

INTRODUCTION

Urinary system iatrogenic injuries appear because of urological, obstetric-gynecological, and surgical manipulations in the retroperitoneal space, pelvis, or perineum. The purpose of this research was to analyze and obtain knowledge about the issue of iatrogenic injuries, to apply injury prevention algorithms, and to assess multidisciplinary perspectives in modern surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The research was interdisciplinary and consisted of several modules: a prospective, single-centre study of urinary system iatrogenic injuries (476 patients) along with four interregional and international procedural types of research.

RESULTS

The analysis results indicate an extremely high significance of urinary system injuries evoking numerous negative consequences that are hard to eliminate. A comparative assessment of interdisciplinary interaction demonstrates the more effective interpretation of examination results, more comprehensive and credible clinical diagnosis, more qualitative evaluation of a patient's condition, more effective choice of initial treatment policy, and more satisfactory treatment in patients' opinion. The research allowed for the identification of a typical procedural mistake in the urethral catheter setting causing a high risk of urethra injuries followed by urethra strictures or consecutive infections of the urinary tract.

CONCLUSIONS

More complicated treatment procedures cause a higher probability of urinary system iatrogenic injuries. The absence of unified algorithms and typical procedural mistakes cause such incidents. A partial solution to this issue could be found in a more profound interdisciplinary interaction in all treatment phases as well as in identifying and eliminating procedural mistakes.

Value of Angioembolization in the Treatment of Iatrogenic Renal Vascular Injury Assisted by 3-Dimensional Digital Subtraction Angiography

BACKGROUND This study was conducted to investigate the reliability and efficacy of polyvinyl alcohol combined with coils in the embolization of iatrogenic renal vascular injury with the assistance of 3-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (3D-DSA). MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-six patients with minimally invasive renal bleeding who underwent transarterial embolization from January 2012 to January 2019 in our hospital were included in the study. We obtained demographic data from these patients, as well as information on clinical presentation, renal procedures used for treatment, and perioperative details. The changes in renal function tests, serum hemoglobin, serum hematocrit, and technetium Tc 99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc-DMSA) levels pre- and postembolization were compared. In addition, the embolic area and the technical and clinical success rates were analyzed. Finally, an angiographic manifestation of the renal artery, 3D-DSA, and the effect of embolization were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS All patients achieved technical and clinical success after embolization (100%, 26/26). There were no significant differences between pre- and postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum parameters, and 99mTc-DMSA. The embolic area was 12%±10%. Patients did not exhibit severe complications during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Proximal embolization technique assisted by 3D-DSA for renal iatrogenic hemorrhage and vascular lesions is both safe and efficacious, offering high rates for both clinical and technical success. It maximizes the protection of the kidney and reduces the rate of renal resection.

Pelvic dimension as a predictor of ureteral injury in gynecological cancer surgeries

BACKGROUND

Ureteral injury is an intractable complication in gynecological cancer surgeries. Identifying risk factors can ensure safety of the ureters intraoperatively. A narrow pelvis is known to exert extra difficulties in pelvic surgeries. However, whether pelvic dimension can affect the risk of ureteral injury in gynecological cancer surgeries is poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the association between pelvic dimension and the risk of ureteral injury during gynecological cancer surgeries.

METHODS

All patients who had undergone gynecological cancer surgeries were searched from January 2011 to July 2017. We included patients with ureteral injury who had available data of abdominal and pelvic computed tomography for measuring pelvic dimensions. Multivariate condition logistic analysis was used to identify the risk factors independently correlated with ureteral injury in gynecological cancer surgeries.

RESULTS

A total of 43 cases with 86 controls were included in this study. We discovered that a longer anteroposterior diameter of the mid-pelvis (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.13, P = 0.019) and a shorter transverse diameter of the mid-pelvis (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86-0.98, P = 0.013) were associated with ureteral injury in gynecological cancer surgeries. In laparoscopic analysis, a longer anteroposterior diameter of the mid-pelvis (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00-1.24, P = 0.041) was a risk factor for ureteral injury. In the analysis of open surgery, a longer transverse diameter of the mid-pelvis (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.66-0.93, P = 0.006) was a protective factor for ureteral injury.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that mid-pelvis dimensions were associated with ureteral injury, but the observed differences were too small. In addition, pelvic inlet dimensions did not appear to relate with ureteral injury. Thus, these pelvimetry measures could not be beneficial in assessing the risk of ureteral injury in gynecological cancer surgeries.

[Complication management for TUR of the bladder]

Transurethral resection of bladder cancer is a standard procedure in urology which requires complete resection. Knowledge of the possible complications and their management is essential for practicing urologists. The most common complications are catheter related bladder symptoms, bleeding, infections and perforation of the bladder. Resection of the orifice and positional damage are seldom but severe complications which need immediate treatment. In this review, we summarise the above mentioned complications as well as their management.

Bladder perforation during transurethral resection of bladder tumour is not a result of a deficient structure of the bladder wall

Background

Transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TUR) is associated with a risk of bladder perforation. The underlying mechanisms and risk factors are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine if the bladder wall structure affects the risk of bladder perforation during TUR.

Methods

Fifteen patients who underwent TUR complicated by a bladder perforation (group 1) and fifteen matched controls who underwent uncomplicated TUR (group 2) were retrospectively enrolled in this morphological analysis. Surgical specimens were collected from all participating patients to describe the quality and architecture of urothelium and bladder submucosa. Immunohistochemical studies were performed with primary mouse anti-human E-cadherin, beta-catenin, type IV collagen, cytokeratin 20 and epithelial membrane antigen antibodies. The intensity of the immunohistochemical reaction was assessed using an immunoreactive score (IRS). Ultrastructural examinations were performed by transmission electron microscopy. The microscopic assessment was focused on the intensity of fibrosis in the bladder submucosa and the presence of degenerative changes in the urothelium.

Results

Patients’ age, sex distribution, tumour diameters, surgeon experience or cancer stage did not differ between study groups. The immunohistochemical analysis did not reveal statistically significant differences between group 1 and group 2. From a clinical point of view, ultrastructural analysis by electron microscopy showed a higher rate of severe fibrosis in group 1 (63.6% vs. 38.5%), with no differences in the rate and degree of urothelial changes. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.32).

Conclusions

Bladder perforation during TUR is not a result of a deficient structure of the bladder wall. Based on available evidence, the surgical technique seems to play the most important role in its prevention.

Difficult caesarean section: A literature review

BACKGROUND

Caesarean section (CS) is usually perceived as a simple and safe alternative to natural birth, but in some instances can be technically difficult with consequent health hazards for both the mother and the fetus. We have proposed an evidence-based literature review of the most common difficult CS scenarios, with the aim to provide useful information about their management, possible prevention and resolution of complications.

METHODS

We identified articles through a reserch in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Ovid MEDLINE for studies published between 1979 and 2019. We included the best available evidence, such as RCTs, non-randomised controlled clinical trials, case-control studies, cohort studies, and case series. About sixty articles were included in this review, four hundred and thirty-six were excluded after reviewing the title or abstract or because they weren't in English.

FINDINGS

The possible causes of "difficult" caesarean sections were divided into four categories: difficult access to the lower uterine segment; complicated fetal extraction, laceration or organ damage and abnormal placentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowing in advance the potential technical difficulties and resulting risks allows the surgeon to plan appropriate strategies.

Prediction of the risk of surgical complications in patients undergoing monopolar transurethral resection of bladder tumour - a prospective multicentre observational study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to identify predictors of surgical complications of transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We prospectively recruited 983 consecutive patients undergoing TURBT within 7 months in six academic institutions. All patients were followed up from the surgery up to 30 days postoperatively with at least one telephone contact at the end of the observation. The primary study endpoint was any intra- or postoperative surgical complication. For the identification of predictors of complications, univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03029663). Registered 24 January 2017.

RESULTS

Surgical complications were noticed in 228 (23.2%) patients, including 83 (8.4%) patients with more than one complication and 33 cases of Clavien-Dindo grade 3 complications (3.3%). The most common in-hospital complications were bleeding (n = 139, 14.1%) and bladder perforation (n = 46, 4.7%). In a multivariate analysis, nicotine use, high ASA score, and the presence of high-grade tumour were the most significant predictors of high-grade complications. The stage of the disease was the strongest predictor of bleeding, while the presence of muscle in the specimen and resident surgeon were the strongest predictors for bladder perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

TURBT poses a significant risk of surgical complications, the majority of which are of low grade.

MVP (Micro Vascular Plug®) embolization of severe renal hemorrhages after nephrostomic tube placement

Background

We report our experience in managing iatrogenic renal bleedings after nephrostomic procedures by transarterial embolization using Micro Vascular Plug (MVP) (Medtronic, USA) as single or complementary embolization device with parenchimal sparing.

Materials and methods

Five patients have been treated in a single center with transarterial embolization because of renal hemorrhages occurring after positioning of nephrostomic drainages.

All patients presented with back pain, severe hematuria and/or bright red blood into the nephrostomic bag, with fall in hemoglobin value.

After contrast enhanced CT scan confirming arterial active bleeding, rescue embolization was performed using MVP.

The renal parenchimal loss was estimated on final postembolization DSA. Creatinine values were monitored before and after the procedure.

Results

Technical and clinical successes were obtained in all patients.

Two patients presented with extraluminal blush, one with multiple pseudoaneurysms, one with pseudoaneurysm with arterovenous fistula, one with extraluminal blush with arterovenous fistula.

MVP models were choosen oversized because of vasospasm that would underestimate the effective caliber of target vessel; MVP 3Q and MVP 7Q were adopted in one patient each, while MVP 5Q was released in three cases.

MVP was the sole embolizing agent in four patients; in one patient, MVP was employed after microcoils failed to obtain complete embolization.

The percentage of renal parenchimal lost was lower than 20%; no increase in Creatinine values was detected at dismission.

Conclusions

According to proposed data, MVP seems to be a safe, effective and fast embolizing device that interventionalists could consider when facing renal bleedings, even as sole agent.

Ureteral injury during abdominal and pelvic surgery: immediate versus deferred repair

Introduction

The incidence of ureteral damage during abdominal surgery is <1%. Repair of these lesions can be performed immediately when the injury is detected or deferred when it has been missed.

Material and methods

We retrospectively reviewed ureteral injuries that required surgical repair and were made during gynaecological and general surgery procedures between the years 2004 and 2016. We compared the clinical and functional outcomes between immediate and deferred repair.

Results

We registered 84 lesions after 4000 abdominal procedures (2.1%). A total of 20 injuries were noted during general surgery interventions (24%) and 64 during gynaecological procedures (76%). The approach was laparoscopic in 66 of these cases and open in the other 18. Mean time of follow-up was 24 months. Immediate repair was accomplished in 35 cases (41%) and deferred in 49 (59%), with a median time to repair of 5.7 months. The laparoscopic approach was more frequent in deferred repairs (76% vs. 16%), while the open approach was more common in immediate repairs (54% vs. 40%). Procedures used for ureteral repair included 62 ureteral reimplantations using a psoas hitch technique, 8 end-to-end ureteral anastomoses, 6 ureterorraphies and 6 ureteral catheterisations. Two nephrectomies were also performed. Success rates and complications were similar for both immediate and deferred procedures (68% vs. 73% and 26% vs. 23% respectively, both p >0.05).

Conclusions

The occurrence of ureteral injury during abdominal surgery is low. Immediate repair is preferred when feasible, but delayed recognition of the injury is more common. We found no difference between immediate and deferred repair in terms of success rates.

Iatrogenic injury to a vesicourachal diverticulum during laparoscopic appendectomy successfully managed conservatively

A vesicourachal diverticulum is a rare congenital anomaly that arises from the incomplete closure of the urachus at the bladder end. We describe a 12-year-old boy who presented with severe persistent right iliac fossa pain associated with subjective fever, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed findings consistent with appendicitis. The patient underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy; however, his postoperative course was remarkable for a low urine output and urine leakage from the suprapubic port site. A CT cystography showed a vesicourachal diverticulum and conservative management was offered. This management consisted of Foley catheter placement, hourly monitoring of the patient’s urine output, antibiotic prophylaxis, daily laboratory investigations and a cystography performed after 7 days. Overall, injury to the vesicourachal diverticulum is rare, and surgeons should be aware of this rare clinical entity and exercise caution during port placement. Surgeons should also have a high index of suspicion to identify these injuries and appropriately manage the condition early.

Selective transarterial embolization of acute renal hemorrhage: a retrospective study

Introduction: Selective transarterial embolization (STAE) is a minimally invasive treatment method developed as am alternative to surgery for acute renal haemorrhage (ARH). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and outcome of STAE in ARH patients.Material and methods: The data of patients who underwent STAE with signs of ARH were collected retrospectively. The etiology of renal haemorrhage, localization and type of lesion, embolizing agent used, the amount of contrast material given, duration of fluoroscopy and perioperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Lesions were classified as pseudoaneurysm (PA), arteriovenous fistula (AVF), arterio pelvic fistula (ACF), pathological tumoral vasculature and extravasation.Results: A total of 51 patients were included in the study. The most common symptom was gross hematuria (76.4%) and the most common underlying cause was iatrogenic renal injury (64.7%). Embolizing agents used were n-BCA-iodized oil in 29 patients, coils alone in six patients, coils + n-BCA in four patients, ethanol-iodized oil in three patients, combination of n-BCA-iodized oil and ethanol-iodized oil in two patients, polyvinyl alcohol particles in three patients and covered stent in one patient. Technical success was 100% in all patients and there was no need for reintervention.Conclusions: STAE is a safe, effective and minimally invasive method in emergency treatment of ARH.

Management of Iatrogenic Bladder Injury due to Vascular Surgery: Case Report and Literature Review

We report an unusual case of a 53-year-old male patient, previously undergone an extra-anatomic right-to-left iliofemoral bypass graft, who has developed gross hematuria after 4 months. The cystoscopic examination revealed a wall injury due to the presence of the graft crossing the bladder. Iatrogenic bladder injuries during vascular surgery are extremely rare. In the literature, only 11 cases of transvesical graft are reported. The complication has been resolved with the removal of the misplaced graft and the reconstruction of the bypass with silver-coated Dacron prosthesis. Despite the rarity of this complication, postoperative ultrasound of the bladder is recommended to timely detect any injury and adopt a correct surgical strategy.

Urological Injuries during Colorectal Surgery

The proximity of the colon and rectum to the organs of the urologic system virtually ensures that iatrogenic urologic injuries become a distinct possibility during complex colorectal surgical procedures. An intimate knowledge of urogenital anatomy as well as strategies for identification and repair of potential injuries is of paramount importance. Attention is mandated when operating within the narrow confines of the pelvis, as this is where these structures are most at risk. The ureters are at highest risk of injury, followed by the bladder and urethra. The nature of these injuries encompasses both functional and mechanical morbidities. Patient factors, including prior pelvic surgery, radiation, inflammatory bowel disease, infectious processes, and urogenital abnormalities all increase the risk of injury. As colorectal surgeons encounter an increasing number of patients with the above risk factors, it is important to be familiar with the various urologic injury patterns, their diagnosis, and appropriate management.