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Purpose: In this prospective study we evaluated the incidence of bladder perforation after transurethral bladder tumor resection., Materials and Methods: A total of 36 patients (33 male, 3 female, mean age +/- SD 65.6 +/- 11.43 [range 26 to 81]) with a solid mass in the bladder (mean 20.3 +/- 8.7 mm, range 5 to 40) were included in the study. Transurethral resections were performed with a 24Fr resectoscope. After the procedure an 18Fr Foley catheter was inserted into the bladder and 400 ml of 1/4 saline diluted contrast solution was instilled under gravity from 60 cm above the bladder. Complete filling and post-drainage radiographs were taken and examined for any evidence of extravasation. Regular evaluations with cystoscopy and ultrasound/computerized tomography were done to detect possible tumor recurrence and perivesical seeding., Results: Histopathological examination of the tumors showed transitional cell carcinoma in 35 patients and chronic eosinophilic cystitis in 1. Review of the cystograms revealed various degrees of extraperitoneal contrast extravasation around the resected area in 21 patients (58.3%). The only statistically significant difference between patients with and without extravasation was in tumor size (logistic stepwise regression p = 0.030,) among factors tested including patient age and localization, number of foci, tumor grade and stage. No apparent clinical problems requiring medical or surgical intervention other than urethral catheterization developed and no evidence of extravesical tumor seeding as per ultrasound and/or computerized tomography was seen during a mean followup of 21.9 months (range 7 to 40)., Conclusions: The extravasation of urine (asymptomatic perforation) after transurethral bladder tumor resection may occur much more frequently than believed or reported. It seems that this extravasation does not impose a significant risk of extravesical tumor seeding.

Purpose: We detected renal parenchymal damage after nephrolithotomy., Materials and Methods: We studied 12 patients with renal stones treated with nephrolithotomy. Renal function was determined with serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine values, and 99mtechnetium dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy of renal parenchymal tissue was performed before, and 7 days and 3 months after nephrolithotomy. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were done with the Wilcoxon signed rank test., Results: There was no visual difference in size and appearance of the nephrotomy site between preoperative and postoperative visual scintigraphic evaluations. Quantitative data did not reveal any significant difference between kidneys with and without a nephrotomy incision (p > 0.05), as well as between nephrotomy regions and intact parenchyma within the same kidney (p > 0.05) 3 months after nephrolithotomy. There was no significant difference in serum BUN and creatinine levels between values preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively (p > 0.05)., Conclusions: There was no significant change in renal cortical function and functioning renal parenchymal mass after nephrolithotomy as shown by serum BUN and creatinine levels, and 99mtechnetium dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy.

An alternative method for bilateral spermatic vein ligation is presented. With a retroperitoneoscopic approach, the vascular structures are clearly identified, and damage to the intraperitoneal organs, spermatic arteries and lymphatics is minimized. We believe that the potential complications of transperitoneal laparoscopic techniques may be decreased with a retroperitoneoscopic approach.