Iatrogenic colon and rectal injuries associated with urological intervention: report of 14 patients

An adverse event of suprapubic catheter SPC insertion. A call for updating the existing guidelines

The suprapubic catheter (SPC) is a useful and widely used tool in urological practice. However, complications can arise from its insertion or ongoing care. We add to the literature a case of an adverse event of its insertion where it has gone through a vascular graft and recommending updating the SPC insertion guidelines.

Management of a colon perforation during pediatric percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is one of the most common treatment options in the management of kidney stones in children. While colon perforation during PCNL is reported as a rare complication in adults, there are scarce data regarding colon perforation during pediatric PCNL. We report the successful management of colon perforation occurring during PCNL and of a renal stone in a 6-year-old child. Moreover, we describe the procedure to be followed for colon perforation in children.

Lower pole calculi larger than one centimeter: Retrograde intrarenal surgery

Controversy remains on how to treat lower pole calculi between 1 and 2 cm of size. Treatment options like shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) or percutaneous stone treatment (PCNL) are associated with poor stone-free rates or high morbidity.

Due to the ongoing development in endourologic technology, especially in flexible renoscopy, laser technique and grasping devices (tipless Nitinol baskets) retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) has become an option in treating these patients.

Based on personal experience and an overview of the published literature we discuss RIRS as a valuable alternative to PCNL in treating patients with larger calculi of the lower pole.

The technical developments in laser technology as well as significant improvement in flexible renoscopes have made RIRS for larger lower pole stones possible. The low complication rate gives RIRS for lower pole stones superiority over the invasive percutaneous approach, which is associated with significant morbidity, even in experienced hands.

Management of injury to the bowel during percutaneous stone removal

Percutaneous endoscopic renal surgery is usually a safe and effective treatment for patients with complex renal calculi, tumors of the collecting system, and ureteropelvic junction obstruction. A unique set of complications, however, can occur with this surgical approach that may involve the targeted kidney and surrounding structures. Bowel injuries represent a very rare complication. Methods of preventing colonic and small intestine injuries, diagnosing their occurrence, and management strategies are reviewed in this article.

Contemporary role of suprapubic cystostomy in treatment of neuropathic bladder dysfunction in spinal cord injured patients

BACKGROUND

The management of neuropathic bladder dysfunction secondary to spinal cord injury is controversial. With the introduction of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and anti-cholinergic medication, urinary tract deterioration in this population has declined. Nevertheless, this strategy is problematic for patients who are unable to perform CIC. Suprapubic cystostomy (SPC) is widely viewed as a secondary option, which has a high satisfaction rating among patients, with acceptable clinical efficacy. Despite early reports of long-term renal and bladder complications, recent evidence has demonstrated that improved anti-cholinergic pharmacotherapy and bladder maintenance strategies can enhance SPC efficacy, with diminished morbidity. We set out to review the current literature on SPC in the neuropathic bladder setting and to clarify future management direction.

MATERIALS

This investigation consisted of a literature search of the MEDLINE and PUBMED databases. Inclusion criteria were related to SPC, indwelling catheterization, urodynamics, spinal cord injury and bladder dysfunction. Our analysis comprised 56 studies, including retrospective analyses and case reports. Investigations regarding surgical technique as well as short and long-term efficacy were also included.

RESULTS

Early studies reported accelerated renal deterioration and lower urinary tract complications, including stones, recurrent infections and blocked catheters. Procedural complications were generally rare. In contrast, recent investigations, in which patients were managed with anti-cholinergics, frequent catheter changes and bladder washing, and volume maintenance procedures demonstrated similar morbidity profiles to CIC.

Renal access by urologist or radiologist for percutaneous nephrolithotomy--is it still an issue?

PURPOSE

Despite evidence that urologists can safely acquire percutaneous renal access for percutaneous nephrolithotomy, many centers still rely on interventional radiologists to obtain renal access. In this study we evaluated percutaneous access for percutaneous nephrolithotomy obtained by interventional radiologists or urologists, and compared access outcomes and complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The surgical records of 1,121 patients with 1,155 stone bearing kidneys treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy between 1999 and 2003 were reviewed. Patients were stratified according to percutaneous renal access into 509 patients with 661 access procedures performed by urologists and 612 patients with 612 access procedures performed by interventional radiologists.

RESULTS

Both groups were comparable except there was a higher incidence of multiple stones in the urologist access group. Urologists had a significantly greater rate of using multiple and supracostal tracts compared to radiologists. The stone-free rates were 83.4% and 86.1% for urologist and radiologist access groups, respectively (p = 0.1). Major complications were seen in 74 patients (6.6%). Both groups had similar complication rates except for significant bleeding in the urology group (4.3%) compared with 2.1% in the radiology cohort (p = 0.02). Further multivariate analysis showed that bleeding was not related to the type of access whether performed by urologist or radiologist.

CONCLUSIONS

The urologist is able to safely and effectively obtain percutaneous renal access for percutaneous nephrolithotomy as a single stage procedure. Despite more complex stones and higher access difficulty in the urology access group, access related complications and stone-free rates were comparable. We recommend percutaneous access training in urology training programs.

Colonic perforation during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: study of risk factors

OBJECTIVES

To identify the risk factors implicated in colonic perforation during percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

METHODS

From 1985 to 2004, 5039 percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures were performed in our center. Colonic perforation complicated 15 procedures (0.3%). The patient files were retrospectively reviewed for detection of preoperative risk factors as shown by multivariate statistical analysis. The operative details and postoperative course were also studied to determine the time and mode of diagnosis of colonic injury and treatment strategies and outcome.

RESULTS

All injuries were retroperitoneal. The mean patient age was 57 +/- 8.4 years. Of the 15 patients, 11 were men and 4 were women. The left side was affected in 10 patients (66.6%). The right side was injured only in those with horseshoe kidneys or with recurrent disease. Colonic perforation complicated lower caliceal puncture in 12 procedures (80%) and complicated upper caliceal punctures in those with horseshoe kidneys or chronic colonic distension. Significant independent risk factors were advanced patient age and the presence of a horseshoe kidney. The diagnosis was established intraoperatively in 5 patients and postoperatively in 10, 5 of whom presented with colocutaneous fistula. The diagnosis was confirmed with abdominal computed tomography or opacification of the colon during antegrade or retrograde pyelography. Conservative treatment was successful in all but 2 patients who required colostomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant independent risk factors for colonic perforation during percutaneous nephrolithotomy were advanced patient age and the presence of a horseshoe kidney. Early diagnosis and proper treatment represent the key to minimizing patient morbidity and avoiding serious complications.

Laparoscopic Management of Cecal Injury From a Misplaced Percutaneous Suprapubic Cystostomy

Iatrogenic bowel injury is a recognized complication of percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy. In the present report, we describe a case of misplacement of suprapubic catheter into cecum, in which laparoscopic technique was used successfully to identify and treat this condition. A 72-year-old woman with severe multiple sclerosis underwent her fourth change of suprapubic catheter 3 months after initial insertion. At the time of catheter change, the urologist performed a cystoscopy via the suprapubic tract and found feculent material in the presumed bladder. A diagnosis of colovesical fistula was made, and patient was referred to the acute surgical service. Cystogram via suprapubic catheter showed passage of contrast straight into colon in the region of cecum with no evidence of a fistula. Computed tomography of abdomen and pelvis confirmed the position of the catheter in the cecum. At laparoscopy, the cecum was seen to move when tension was applied to the suprapubic catheter, confirming the catheter tip and balloon in the lower pole of cecum. Laparoscopic transection of the cecum above the point of entry of the catheter was performed using an Endo GIA linear stapler. Under laparoscopic visualization, a new suprapubic catheter was inserted into the bladder. Intraoperative bleeding was minimal and the postoperative course was uneventful.

Suprapubic stab cystostomy: a safer technique

Suprapubic catheters have gained wide acceptance in urology. Although many regard their insertion a simple procedure, morbidity is significant and is probably underreported. We describe a percutaneous technique using intraoperative ultrasonography combined with flexible cystoscopy to ensure safe insertion, minimizing the risk to adjacent viscera.

Relative advantages and disadvantages of radical perineal prostatectomy versus radical retropubic prostatectomy

In recent years prostate cancer has become the predominant malignancy in men. With the introduction of prostate specific antigen (PSA) the disease can be diagnosed at an early stage, at which surgical therapy can be curative. In the past century, the retropubic and the perineal routes were established as alternatives of surgical access to the gland for clinically localized prostate cancer. The selection of the operative route is mostly decided individually on the basis of surgical training and experience. The revived interest in perineal radical prostatectomy is explained by the fact that this technique has been associated with low morbidity. The differences of both surgical approaches of radical prostatectomy are elucidated and compared regarding tumor control and short and long term complication rates. Taking these results into consideration, specific advantages and disadvantages of radical perineal prostatectomy are emphasized.

Conservative management of colon injury following percutaneous renal surgery

OBJECTIVES

Colon injury during percutaneous renal surgery is rare and can result in significant morbidity. Our objective was threefold: (1) to identify risk factors for colon injuries; (2) to optimize prevention of such injuries; and (3) to devise a treatment strategy for optimal management of such colon injuries.

METHODS

Between July 1990 and July 1995, all percutaneous renal procedures performed at three kidney stone centers were reviewed (Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Los Angeles; Hospital of the Good Samaritan, Los Angeles; and University of California at San Francisco). In addition, a review of the pertinent literature was performed.

RESULTS

Five patients who suffered colon injuries during percutaneous renal surgery were identified. All had undergone percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and all injuries were extraperitoneal. Mean age was 31 years (range 17 to 52). Three patients were considered lean, and the other two were of average body habitus. Four of 5 patients were male. Three injuries occurred on the left side and two on the right. Recognition of colon injury occurred postoperatively in 4 patients and intraoperatively in 1 patient. Presenting signs and symptoms included fever, fecaluria, abdominal pain, and leukocytosis.

CONCLUSIONS

High risk patients for colon injuries are young, lean males with minimal retroperitoneal fat, in whom a retrorenal colon is more likely. High risk patients should be accessed with a more superior and medial puncture. Retroperitoneal colon injuries can be successfully managed conservatively with early recognition and appropriate drainage of the urinary and intestinal tracts. A treatment algorithm is presented.

Iatrogenic and accidental colon injuries--what to do?

PURPOSE

This study was designed to formulate management guidelines for a variety of rare iatrogenic and accidental injuries to the colon and rectum.

METHODS

This review collates the available evidence in the literature.

RESULTS

Both investigative and therapeutic maneuvers involving the colon, particularly endoscopy and radiographic contrast studies, are the most common cause of significant injury although the incidence is low. Even less common are injuries produced, at open surgery and minimally invasive surgery, by foreign bodies, enemas, or compressed air. The mechanisms and management of these injuries are discussed in detail.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence exists to support that a nonoperative approach is safe for the majority of injuries, particularly when the colon is "clean" at the time of injury. Adequate resuscitation, observation, and repeated reassessment are mainstays of a conservative policy. Operation is essential for progression of abdominal signs. Patients with established peritonitis at the time of presentation or with an unprepared bowel are best served by prompt operation.

New technique for repair of rectal injury

Injury to the rectum is a potentially serious complication of pelvic surgery. The management of rectal injury is controversial. We present a technique of using flaps of endopelvic fascia to reinforce the repair and isolate the injury site. We have utilized this approach in 4 men undergoing retropubic prostatectomy without complications.