A cadaveric anatomical study of the adrenals: vascular relationship

The adrenal gland is a retroperitoneal organ with intimate relationships with neighboring organs but also with the large retroperitoneal vessels. Our aim was to study the vascular relationships of the adrenal gland with the large abdominal vessels. Our work is an anatomical dissection of 80 fresh cadaveric adrenals. The subjects didn't have a history of retroperitoneal surgery. Dissection conditions were similar to those in the living. All measurements were made in situ. On the right side, the average distance between the adrenal gland and the renal vein (DR) was 13 mm (0-20). In one case, the adrenal gland laid directly on the right renal vein (DR = 0). The average length L, over which the right adrenal gland entered behind the inferior vena cava (IVC), was 8 mm (0-12). In 4 cases, the right adrenal was lateral to the IVC and in 6 cases the length L exceeded 10 mm. On the left side, the mean distance DL, separating the adrenal gland from the left renal vein was 8 mm with extremes ranging from 0 mm to 18 mm. In eleven cases, the adrenal gland laid directly on the left renal vein. The right adrenal gland has a close relationship with the IVC and is often located behind it. This close relationship helps to explain the increased incidence of IVC lesions during surgery. The left adrenal gland has an intimate relationship with the left renal vein and often lies on top of it. This explains the risk of injury to the left renal pedicle during left adrenal surgery.

Risk factors for sepsis and mortality in patients with emphysematous pyelonephritis : a series of 68 cases (case series)

Background

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a rare and severe necrotizing infection of the kidney with a high rate of complications and mortality. Our aim was to investigate risk factors of urosepsis and mortality in case of EPN.

Materials and methods

Between January 2010 and December 2022 the charts of patients diagnosed with EPN were retrospectively reviewed. Patients medical records were collected and data including demographics, BMI, EPN type, the organism causing the infection and biochemical variables were registered. The authors performed an univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis for sepsis, septic shock, and mortality. Statistical significance was defined as a P-value of <0.05.

Results

Our study included 68 patients (63% females, mean age 58.6 years old). Forty-eight patients (70.6%) had diabetes. Half of the patients (50%) presented with sepsis and 11 patients (16.2%) developed a septic shock. The following factors were associated with sepsis by univariate analysis: diabetes (P=0.01), higher blood sugar on admission (P=0.01), higher leukocytic count (P<0.001), higher lymphocytic count (P<0.001), and lower platelet to leukocytes ratio (P<0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the main risk factors of urosepsis were the leukocytic (OR: 85.7; 95% CI: 9.177-800.486; P<0.001) and lymphocytic count (OR: 6.65; 95% CI: 1.228-36.050; P=0.028). Neither of the variables was significantly associated with a higher risk of mortality.

Conclusion

Leukocytic and lymphocytic count on admission are independent simple predictors for sepsis in patients with EPN.

Isolated ureteral injury from multiple stab wounds: A case report

This is a case report about a 44-year-old woman who sustained multiple stab wounds, resulting in an isolated right ureteral injury. Despite a precise diagnosis from an urgent CT scan showing contrast material extravasation, the patient's stable vital signs allowed for a thorough surgical exploration, leading to an accurate diagnosis. Immediate surgical repair of the right ureter using an end-to-end anastomosis following precise surgical principles achieved complete restoration of the initial injuries. The case highlights the accuracy of CT scan assessment, the unreliability of hematuria in diagnosing ureteral injuries, and the need for a high index of suspicion during surgical exploration to avoid overlooking such cases.

Can radiological scores predict difficulties in removal of encrusted ureteral stents?

In the present study, we aimed to report our single-center experience in encrusted ureteral stent management and to compare the utility of two different scoring systems in patient management. This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent various surgical procedures to remove encrusted ureteral stent. Encrusted stent grading was performed using KUB and FECal grading sytems. FECal grading system scored from Grade 1 to Grade 5 according to stone size, location, and degree of stent incrustation and the KUB score is the sum of the stone burden scores of three different parts of an encrusted stent within the kidney, ureter, and bladder determined using a scale from 1 to 5 according to the maximal diameter of encrustation. We compared these two classifications for the prediction of perioperative outcomes. Fifty patients were included in the study (52% female, mean age 48 years). The mean time from ureteral stent insertion until diagnosis of encrustation was 11.4 ± 13.6 months. High-grade incrustations (FECal Grade 3, 4, and 5) accounted for 62% of cases. The mean KUB score was 9.8 ± 2.7. The average number of procedures required to remove the stent was 1.71 ± 1.38. Multimodal surgery was required to remove 42% of the stents. Both, a total KUB score ≥ 9 and high-grade FECal classification were found to be significant predictors of longer operative time (> 100 min), need for multiple surgeries, and need for invasive surgery. While high-grade FECal classification showed a significant association with need for multimodal surgery (OR 6.92, p = 0.008), a total KUB score  ≥  9 showed no association (OR 2.91, p = 0.086). These two scores seem to be good indicators in predicting difficulties for surgical management of encrusted ureteral stent with a clear advantage of the FECal score in terms of prediction of multimodal surgery.

Management of blunt renal trauma on pre-existing diseased kidneys: a cross-sectional study

Pathological kidney trauma is a special entity. Congenital or acquired lesions may interfere with clinical presentation, radiological imaging, and the therapeutic approach.

Objective

Our objective was to determine the clinical, radiological, and therapeutic features of this entity.

Materials and methods

The medical records of 37 observations were retrospectively collected from January 1992 to February 2022. All cases were explored by a kidney ultrasound and/or a computed tomography scan, and classified according to the American Association of Surgery of Trauma. Pre-existing renal abnormalities were found in 37 patients among 203 (18.2%). The most common underlying lesion were urolithiasis (37.8%) followed by pyelo-ureteral junction syndrome (32.4%). Surgical abstention was decided in 11 cases, four nephrectomies were performed as a matter of urgency, and seven nephrectomies were performed remotely. The cure of uropathy was performed after an average delay of 3 months.

Conclusion

Kidneys with underlying pathology are habitually more susceptible to trauma. Contusions are often benign contrasting with a high nephrectomy rate.

Coexistence of multiple clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma with renal oncocytoma: a case report

Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma (CCPRCC) is a new entity, previously known as unclassified renal cell carcinoma, and initiallly identified in patients suffering of end-stage kidney failure. It is extremely rare to see this new entity associated with others renal malignant lesions.

Case presentation

The authors report a case of a female 65-year-old suffering from end-stage kidney failure for 10 years, who presented with a double left renal tumor, composed by an oncocytoma associated to multiple CCPRCC, a very rare entity. A radical left nephrectomy was realized by lumbotomy, with an uneventful postoperative course. Histological examination was challenging. Immunohistological examination showed diffuse positivity of cytokertain 7. No local recurrence nor metastatic progression were found during the 12 months of follow-up.

Clinical discussion

CCPRCC, is a new entity, previously known as the unclassified rena cell carcinoma, is a malignant renal tumor, initially reported in patients at end-stage kidney failure. Oncocytoma is a well-known rare benign renal tumor. The association of both is rare, and should be kept in mind, especially when scanoguided diagnosis biopsy is realized. Histopathological confirmation may be challenging, given the recent identification of CCPRCC. The nuclei disposal toward the luminal surface is a characteristic pathological landmark of CCPRCC. Immunohistopathological examination is of great help, showing a distinctive profile: diffuse staining for cytokertain 7 and carbonic anhydrase IX.

Conclusion

CCPRCC is a new malignant pathological entity in renal tumors. It can be associated with other benign renal lesions. This should be taken into consideration while histopathological examination, mainly of scanoguided biopsy cores.

Giant retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma: a case report

Retroperitoneal leiomyosarcomas are rare tumors, mostly malignant. They are silent slow growing, and at the time of diagnosis, they are often of a considerable size. Management necessitates en bloc resection of the mass with adjacent organs, which is often challenging due to large size of the tumor. Herein, we present a case of 59-year-old male patient presenting for surgical management of 190 × 150 × 140 mm retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma.

Retrovesical hydatid cyst: an unusual location of hydatid disease about a case series

Hydatid disease is an endemic zoonosis in regions with temperate climates where pastoral farming is common. Retrovesical localization is rare. Given the rarity of this entity, the lack of personal clinical experience, and the difficulty with detecting early symptoms, the diagnosis remains elusive for years.

Methods

This is a 30-year retrospective, descriptive and analytic study of seven patients who were hospitalized and operated on in the Department of Urology during 30 years (1990-2019).

Outcomes

The average patient age was 54 years (range: 28-76). Signs of bladder irritation were the predominant presenting complaint. No cases of hydaturia were noted. Preoperative diagnosis was based on ultrasonography and serology tests. Hydatid serology was positive for three patients. In three cases, a hydatid cyst of the liver was associated. A partial cystopericystectomy was performed for five patients, it was total for one patient. The resection of the prominent dome was realized once. No cystovesical fistula was found. The mean postoperative stay was 16 days. The postoperative course was uneventful for five patients. Urinary fistula occurred in one patient. One case of infection of the residual cavity was observed. One patient had a retroperitoneal cyst recurrence requiring reoperation.

Conclusion

The preoperative diagnosis of retrovesical hydatid cysts is based mainly on ultrasonography. Open surgery is the treatment of choice. Different approaches are possible. Given the rarity of this entity, management should be guided by experienced experts.

Paratesticular leiomyoma: A case report of a rare entity

Paratesticular leiomyoma is an extremely rare benign tumour. It is often asymptomatic. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish leiomyomas from malignant testicular tumours, which leads to radical orchidectomy, despite its benign nature. Magnetic resonance imaging can be helpful to make conservative management of this lesion.

Air gun accident: A case report of a penile injury

Air rifle, although considered as a toy, can cause injuries ranging from trivial to very grievous. The severity of injuries depends on the type of air rifle, the distance of firing, and the anatomic site at which the bullet hits. We present a case involving a young boy, who was accidently hit by an air rifle while playing. The Bullet penetrated the penis through the glans to be lodged in between the distal extremities of the corpus cavernosum behind the urethra. The surgical treatment was performed and the results were good.

Prostate adenocarcinoma metastasis to the testis: A new case report

Prostate cancer (PCa) in the second most common cancer in men worldwide. It commonly metastasizes to the bone, lymph nodes, liver and lungs. Synchronous or metachronous testicular metastasis is a rare finding, generally diagnosed incidentally after bilateral orchidectomy for hormonal management in patients with advanced PCa, or at autopsy. We report a case of a 55-year-old male, presenting a PCa and who developed a single testicular metastasis treated by radical orchidectomy, while he was under hormonotherapy.

Two brothers with congenital bulbar urethral stricture: case report of a very rare condition

Congenital urethral stricture is rare. It has been reported in only four sets of brothers. We report the fifth set of brothers. Cases of two brothers aged 23 and 18 years old diagnosed with low urinary tract symptoms are presented. We diagnosed an apparently congenital urethral stricture in both brothers. Internal urethrotomy was performed in both cases. Both are asymptomatic after 24 and 20 months of follow-up. Congenital urethral strictures are probably more frequent than we think. We suggest that a congenital origin should be considered if there is no history of infections or trauma.

Adult's Wilms tumor: A case report

Nephroblastoma is the most frequent renal tumor in childhood population. Rarely, it can occur in adults. In this case, the diagnosis is frequently challenging for pathologists. No standard guidelines are available for this neoplasm in adults. It needs multidisciplinary collaboration for optimal management. Herein we report a 26-year-old man presenting with a non-metastatic right nephroblastoma. He underwent a radical nephrectomy. He is currently in complete remission after a follow-up of 18 months.

Impact of Urinary Incontinence on the Quality of Life After Open Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy

Introduction

Radical retropubic prostatectomy is one of the standard treatments for localized prostate cancer. Evaluating the severity of postoperative urinary incontinence is primordial to guiding the treatment choice, and it still lacks standardization, hence the value of assessing the quality of life.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study between January 2014 and December 2018 in the Urology Department of La Rabta Hospital, involving 30 patients followed for localized prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy for at least one year. Our work aimed to study urinary incontinence after radical retropubic prostatectomy and to evaluate the quality of life of patients who underwent surgery for localized prostate cancer by three validated questionnaires: The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and the International Continence Society (ICS) scores.

Results

The preoperative IPSS score ranged from 5-22, averaging 11.13. After the surgery, it ranged between four and 23, with an average of 14.13. This increase was significant, with p = 0.001. The average preoperative ICIQ-SF score was 10.03, and the mean postoperative score was 14.23. The first question dealing with the frequency of episodes of urinary leakage has not demonstrated variation after surgery. In the second question, which deals with the amount of urine loss, we found a significant increase in this parameter with p=0.003. In the third question inherent to perceived discomfort, operated patients reported significant deterioration with p <0.001.

We observed an increase in patients with urinary stress incontinence and enuresis on the ICS score after radical retropubic prostatectomy. Wearing protection or padding was required in 23.3% of patients.

Conclusion

IPSS, ICIQ-SF, and ICS scores are helpful to perform before and after radical retropubic prostatectomy. It helps to study urinary incontinence better, propose to each patient with postoperative complications the appropriate treatment option, and improve the quality of the urinary status.

Upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma diagnosis by biopsy of a vaginal metastasis

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma presents 5% of urothelial cancers. The most frequent revealing symptom gross haematuria. Vaginal metastasis is rare revealing condition. The combination on these two symptoms should recall the diagnosis of this neoplasm. Biopsy of the vaginal mass can make the histologic diagnosis easily.

A cadaveric anatomical study: anatomy and anatomical variations of left adrenal vein

PURPOSE

Control of adrenal vein is the key of adrenal surgery. Its anatomy can present variations. Our aim was to study the anatomy of the main left adrenal vein (LAV) and its anatomical variations.

METHODS

Our work is based on dissection of 40 cadavers. We studied the number of LAV and the drainage of the main adrenal vein as well as its level of termination. We measured its length, its width and the distance between its termination level and the termination level of the gonadal vein (GV).

RESULTS

The average length of the LAV was 21 mm its mean width was 5 mm. It ended in 100% of cases at the upper edge of the left renal vein after an anastomosis with the lower phrenic vein in 36 cases (90%) and without anastomosis with the lower phrenic vein in four cases (10%). The left adrenal vein ended at the upper edge of the left renal vein either at the same level as the termination of the left GV in 14 cases (35%) or within the termination of the left GV in 26 cases (65%) by an average of 8 mm. The LAV was unique central vein in 22 cases (55%) and in 12 cases (30%), a major central adrenal vein with several small veins was found.

CONCLUSIONS

The LAV is usually unique but there are variations in number. There are also variations in the level of its termination in the left renal vein as well as its anastomosis. During surgery, in case of difficulty, the left GV and the adrenal-diaphragmatic venous trunk could be used as benchmarks.

Isolated prostatic tuberculosis and review of literature

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most important infectious diseases, particularly in the world. Amongst the genitourinary organs, prostatic TB is less common. We report an 68 year old patient, immunocompetent who presented obstructive and irritative symptoms of the lower urinary tract. A history of pulmonary tuberculosis was not present. The digital rectal examination was suspicious and PSA was a normal. The biopsy results did not reveal any malignant lesions but the transurethral resection of the prostate performed for voiding purposes showed prostatic tuberculosis. A very good clinical and biological improvement was observed after chemotherapy anti-tuberculosis.

A case report of testicular diffuse large B-cell malignant lymphoma with cutaneous metastasis: A rare entity

Introduction and importance

Primary testicular lymphoma (PTL) is a variety of extra-nodal lymphoma taking origin from testis. It accounts 5% of all testicular tumors. Metastasis may occur in contralateral testis, bone, central nervous system and rarely in skin. Herein, we present the case of testicular diffuse large B-cell malignant lymphoma with cutaneous metastasis.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old male presented with swollen painless solid right testis, with homolateral inguinal nodes. Testicular tumors markers were within normal range. Right radical orchidectomy was performed. Histopathological examination concluded to the diagnosis of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma. Four weeks later, the patient presented alteration of general condition and multiples cutaneous centimetric lesions located in the right inguinal region. Biopsy of this lesion confirmed the diagnosis of metastases from the testicular lymphoma. The patient deceased three days later, before starting further treatment.

Clinical discussion

Primary testicular lymphoma is a rare variety of testicular tumors. The prognosis is poor. Metastasis may occur in different sites such as contralateral testis, central nervous system, and skin. The prognosis is usually poor in the rare case of cutaneous metastasis.

Conclusion

Primary testicular tumor is an aggressive rare variety of testicular tumors with poor prognosis. Cutaneous metastasis is rarely reported. Cutaneous lesions should be explored and suspected to be malignant. Early treatment with rapid multidisciplinary management is the key for adequate approach.

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Primary testicular lymphoma is rare, aggressive testicular tumor.

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Skin metastasis is extremely rare, and if present, compromises the prognosis.

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Diagnosis may be comforted by 18F-PET-CT.

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Orchidectomy followed by chemotherapy is the recommended therapeutic options.

A case report of non-functional ectopic left kidney obstructing the right kidney in crossed fused kidneys: A rare entity

Introduction and importance

Crossed fused renal ectopia is a rare congenital condition that might pose some diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to clinicians. We report a patient with a non-functional crossed fused ectopic left kidney that obstructed the orthotopic kidney in a rarely observed situation.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old male presented a right flank pain with fever. The diagnosis of right obstructive pyelonephritis was dressed, after biological and radiological investigations. The obstacle was a crossed ectopic left kidney in its inferior variety. The ectopic kidney was non-functional as result of an obstructive ureteral calculus. The patient had right ureteral stenting with a double-J catheter. Three months later, left nephrectomy was performed by lumbotomy. Per operative difficulties were mainly the infiltration of peri renal fat, the anarchic vascularization and the multiple small pedicles of the ectopic kidney that was also malrotated with the hilum facing anteriorly. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and the patient left the hospital after three days.

Clinical discussion

Crossed Fused renal ectopy is rare. As shown in this case, the ectopic kidney might cause damage to the orthotopic kidney, by compression to urinary ducts. Surgery is the main treatment option. Some difficulties related to aberrant vascularization and possible malrotation is to preview.

Conclusion

Crossed fused renal ectopia is uncommon renal anomaly, mostly asymptomatic. However, it may be responsible of some complications, sometimes severe. Surgery can be delicate due to vascular complexity.

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Crossed renal fused ectopy is rare and asymptomatic congenital condition. Association to other malformations is possible.

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The ectopic kidney may be responsible of the obstruction and the mal function of the orthotopic kidney.

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This is the first case to be reported in literature.

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Surgery might be difficult due to aberrant vascularization and possible malrotation of the kidney.

Renal hydatidosis masquerading as xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: a new case report

Human hydatid disease is still endemic in pastoral and rangeland areas, with temperate climate, mainly in the southern shore of the Mediterranean, particularly in the Maghreb countries. Renal localization is rare although it is the most frequent site of the urinary tract. Its clinical evolution remains silent for long time, and the diagnosis is often elusive for years. Renal hydatid cysts may pose a problem of differential diagnosis. Our case concerns a renal hydatidosis misdiagnosed as a xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, treated by total nephrectomy.

Transformation of a prostatic adenocarcinoma into squamous cell carcinoma after luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist and radiotherapy treatment

Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate is rare and represents 0.5% to 1% of prostatic carcinomas. Transformation of prostatic adenocarcinoma into squamous cell carcinoma after LH-RH agonist intake has been reported in only 8 cases in the literature. To our knowledge, our case is the second pure squamous cell carcinoma observed after hormonotherapy and radiotherapy. We reported a case of a patient with prostatic adenocarcinoma treated by radical prostatectomy followed by radiotherapy. Eleven years later, he had a vesical recurrence of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Our patient had an endoscopic resection followed by injections of Triptorelin. Six months later, he developed a local recurrence of a squamous cell carcinoma.

Multiple unusual urological locations of hydatic cysts including kidney, retrovesical and spermatic cord. A new case report

Human hydatidosis is endemic in regions with temperate climate where pastoral farming is common.

It is frequent in the southern shore of the Mediterranean, particularly in the Maghreb countries. It remains asymptomatic for long period, and the diagnosis is often delayed. The most affected organs are the liver and lungs. Hydatic disease of the urinary tract is an unusual entity.

Our case concerns multiple unusual locations of hydatic disease in the urinary tract, including renal, retrovesical and spermatic cord, associated with splenic and intraperitoneal locations. Coexistence of hydatic cysts in such locations of urinary tract has not been previously reported.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Standard Technique Versus Tubeless - 125 Procedures

Introduction: Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the non-placement of a nephrostomy tube at the end of the procedure. The benefits of a nephrostomy tube placement are numerous as it provides adequate renal drainage. It may also tamponade bleeding and allow for an easier second-look nephroscopy. However, these advantages are mostly theoretical, and the majority of authors consider the nephrostomy tube as a source of morbidity.

Objectives: The aim of this report was to study the efficiency, safety, and morbidity of tubeless PCNL by comparing it to the standard technique.

Methods: This is a unicentric retrospective study of 125 patients who had undergone PCNL for renal lithiasis. We divided the patients into two groups: the standard PCNL group (n = 74) and the tubeless PCNL group (n = 51). The rates of good outcomes, complications, duration of hospitalization, and the degree of postoperative pain were compared between these two groups.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in age, gender, history, and the number of stones treated. There were more staghorn stones in the PCNL group with nephrostomy (p = 0.007) and more pelvicalyceal stones in the tubeless group (p = 0.037). Patients who had the standard PCNL had larger stones (p = 0.008). Patients who had a tubeless PCNL had more postoperative infectious complications than the standard PCNL group (p = 0.042). No statistically significant differences were noted for other complications, good outcomes (p = 0.13), postoperative pain (p = 0.51), and duration of hospitalization (p = 0.16).

Conclusion: According to the majority of authors, tubeless PCNL is considered a safe and efficient technique. It also provides advantages with less postoperative pain and duration of hospitalization. We believe that a selection bias may exist in most published work concerning routine nephrostomy tube placement.