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Objective To evaluate if renal function loss and hydronephrosis due to a silent ureteral stone might be reversed. Materials and Methods We prospectively selected patients with silent ureteral stones between January 2006 and January 2014. A silent case was considered if there were no specific or subjective symptoms related to the ureteral stone. Patient, stone, and kidney characteristics were evaluated preoperatively, 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Renal function was accessed in the same intervals with serum creatinine (SCr), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and 99m Tc-dimercaptosuccinic acid. Patients without complete pre- and postoperative evaluation were excluded. Primary end point was midterm progress of global and ipsilateral renal function. Secondary end points included the evaluation of renal and collecting system anatomy from diagnosis to 12 months after treatment. Analysis of variance with repeated measures and marginal homogeneity test were used to evaluate renal function and hydronephrosis progression. Results Twenty-six patients met our inclusion criteria. Mean preoperative SCr and GFR were 1.24 mg/dL and 72.5 mL/min, respectively. At initial scintigraphy, mean renal function was 33.4%. Laser ureterolithotripsy was performed in 84.6% of cases and all patients were rendered stone free. Two patients (8%) developed ureteral stenosis. There was no difference regarding SCr ( P = .89), GFR ( P = .48), and renal function at scintigraphy ( P = .19) during follow-up. Hydronephrosis significantly improved from preoperatively to 3 months postoperatively ( P P = .065). Conclusion Patients with silent ureteral stones present with significant impairment of ipsilateral renal function and hydronephrosis at diagnosis. On midterm follow-up evaluation, renal function of the affected unit remains stable whereas hydronephrosis improves after treatment.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) can be performed in the prone or in the supine position. Comparisons between the two techniques in obese patients are rare in the current literature.The records of obese patients (body mass index30) who underwent PCNL in the prone or complete supine positions were reviewed. All patients had a noncontrast CT before and after the procedure. Stones were graded according to the Guy stone score and complications according to the Clavien grading. The stone-free rates, operative time, surgical complications, and hospital stay were analyzed.A total of 56 PCNL were performed in 42 patients. Twenty-four PCNL were performed in the prone and 32 in the total supine position. Stone-free rate on the first postoperative day was 50% in the prone and 46.9% in the supine position (P=1.0). Final stone-free rates were 83.3% and 78.1%, respectively (P=0.74). Mean operative time was 164.6 minutes in the prone and 120.3 minutes in the supine position (P=0.0017), and hospital stay was 4.38 and 2.68 days (P=0.014), respectively. The transfusion rate was 20.8% in the prone and zero in the supine position patients (P=0.01). Excluding Guy IV stones, transfusion rate was 8.3% in the prone position (P=0.1). Significant surgical complications rate was 12.5% in the prone and 3.1% in the supine position (P=0.302).PCNL performed in the prone or in the complete supine position in obese patients presents similar outcomes. The supine decubitus position has the advantages of a significantly shorter operative time and hospital stay.

Chronic unilateral hematuria is characterized by intermittent or continuous gross hematuria that cannot be diagnosed using standard radiology and hematology methods. In the past, it was managed with partial or total nephrectomy. In the age of minimally invasive procedures, however, endoscopy has enabled more accurate diagnosis and management. We analyzed our experience with transurethral ureterorenoscopy using a flexible ureteroscope to determine the feasibility and success of endoscopic management of renal hematuria.We reviewed the records of 13 patients who presented with chronic unilateral hematuria, in whom radiologic and laboratory tests failed to reveal the source of bleeding. In the cases in which the lesion was identified, after complete inspection of the collecting systems, the bleeding site was treated ureteroscopically with a holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser.Follow-up ranged from 4 to 60 months (mean 26 mos). During the follow-up of the 13 patients, 11 remained symptom-free, with only one session of flexible ureterorenoscopy necessary. Relapse occurred in two patients after 4 months and 6 months, respectively; during a second session of flexible ureteroscopy, the bleeding site was successfully identified and cauterized with a holmium:YAG laser. No surgical complications occurred.Conservative treatment of patients with chronic unilateral hematuria should always be considered. Laser ureteroscopic treatment is an excellent method and should be considered as the first option for the management of chronic unilateral hematuria.

OBJETIVO. Atualizar aspectos do diagnóstico e do tratamento da litíase urinária. MÉTODOS. Uma revisão dos principais artigos publicados sobre o tema em revistas indexadas no "Medline" entre 1979 e 2009. RESULTADOS. A ocorrência de cálculos é maior em pacientes com IMC > 30. A TC sem contraste promove o diagnóstico correto em até 98% dos casos. O uso de bloqueadores alfa-adrenérgicos aumenta a eliminação de cálculos ureterais menores que 8 mm em 29%. O índice de pacientes livres de cálculo após LEOC varia entre 35% e 91%, conforme seu tamanho e localização. Cálculos renais maiores que 2 cm são eliminados pela NLPC entre 60% e 100% dos casos. Cálculos de ureter distal são tratados com sucesso em até 94% dos casos pela ureteroscopia semirrígida contra 74% da LEOC. Já para cálculos de ureter superior as taxas de sucesso situam-se entre 77% e 91% para ureteroscopia e 41% e 82% para a LEOC. CONCLUSÃO. A associação da calculose urinária com obesidade e Diabetes mellitus está bem estabelecida. A TC sem contraste é atualmente o padrão-ouro no diagnóstico da litíase urinária. A LEOC é o método de eleição em nosso meio para tratamento de cálculos renais menores que 2 cm e com densidade tomográfica < 1000 UH, exceto os do cálice inferior, onde o limite ideal de tratamento é 1 cm. A nefrolitotripsia percutânea é o melhor método para o tratamento de cálculos renais maiores que 2 cm e a ureteroscopia semi-rígida para o tratamento dos cálculos de ureter distal. A ureteroscopia flexível é uma alternativa para cálculos de ureter superior e renais menores de 1,5 cm que não respondem a LEOC ou com contraindicações para a realização de NLPC.OBJECTIVE. To review developments in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary lithiasis. METHODS. A review of the most important articles on the subject published in Medline indexed periodicals between 1979 and 2009.RESULTS. Stones occur with greater frequency among people with BMI > 30. Computerized tomography without contrast provides the correct diagnosis in up to 98% of cases. Alpha-adrenergic blockers increase elimination of ureteral calculi smaller than 8 mm by 29%. The proportion of patients free from calculi after ESWL varies from 35% to 91%, depending on size and location. In between 60% and 100% of cases, renal calculi larger than 2 cm are eliminated with PCNL. Calculi of the distal ureter are successfully treated in up to 94% of cases using semi-rigid ureteroscopy, compared to 74% using ESWL. For calculi of the upper ureter success rates are around 77% and 91% for ureteroscopy and 41% and 82% for ESWL. CONCLUSION. The association between urinary lithiasis and Diabetes mellitus, is well-established. Computerized tomography without contrast is currently the gold standard for diagnosis of urinary lithiasis. In Brazil, ESWL is the method of choice for treating renal calculi smaller than 2 cm and with tomographic density < 1000 HU, except those of the lower pole, where the ideal limit for treatment is 1 cm. Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy is the best method of treating renal calculi larger than 2 cm and semi-rigid ureteroscopy is the best treatment for calculi of the distal ureter. Flexible ureteroscopy is an option for calculi of the upper ureter and renal calculi smaller than 1.5 cm that do not respond to ESWL or where PCNL is contraindicated.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is the procedure of choice for large renal stones. Since its introduction in 1976, many aspects of the operative technique and the endoscopic equipments have had constant evolution, increasing the success rates of the procedure. We performed a literature search using Entrez Pubmed from January 2000 to July 2007 concerning PNL and many aspects related to all steps of the procedure. We could verify that PNL in supine position has been proved as an acceptable option, but more worldwide experience is necessary. Urologists must be trained to gain their own renal tract access. Minipercutaneous PNL still needs equipments improvements for better results. Tubeless PNL is increasing in popularity and different tract sealants have been studied. Medical prevention is proved to be effective against stone recurrence and should be always used after PNL. Although the evolution of the technique in the last 20 years, urologists must continue to improve their skills and develop new technologies to offer to the patients more and more a safe and effective option to treat large renal stones.

Purpose:To describe our experience with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients with solitary kidneys and analyze factors that can impact on intra-operative bleeding and postoperative complications.Materials and Methods:We reviewed our stone database searching for patients with solitary kidney who underwent PCNL from Jan-05 through Oct-13. Demographic data, stone characteristics, and intra- and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Spearman correlation was performed to assess which variables could impact on bleeding and surgical complications. Linear and logistic regressions were also performed.Results:Twenty-seven patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age and BMI were 45.6 years and 28.8Kg/m2, respectively; 45% of cases were classified as Guys 3 (partial staghorn or multiple stones) or 4 (complete staghorn) – complex cases. Stone-free rate was 67%. Eight (29.6%) patients had postoperative complications (five of them were Clavien 2 and three were Clavien 3). On univariate analysis only number of tracts was associated with increased bleeding (p=0.033) and only operative time was associated with a higher complication rate (p=0.044). Linear regression confirmed number of access tracts as significantly related to bleeding (6.3, 95%CI 2.2-10.4; p=0.005), whereas logistic regression showed no correlation between variables in study and complications.Conclusions:PCNL in solitary kidneys provides a good stone-free rate with a low rate of significant complications. Multiple access tracts are associated with increased bleeding.

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 177 RADIOLOGY PAGE A 43 years-old man presented to our stone clinic complaining of back pain for the last 3 months. He had sig-nificant past medical history for nephrolithiasis: he had undergone unsuccessful SWL for left renal calculi five years ago and also presented with several episodes of pyelonephritis in the last months, requiring hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics. Initial laboratory work-up revealed normal serum creatinine (0.92 mg/dL) and hemoglobin levels (15.3 g/dL); urine culture was negative. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a 140 mm² stone in the left renal pelvis with 1500 Hounsfield Units (Figure-1a); thickening of the urothelium surrounding the stone was suspected after contrast infusion (Figure-1b) and confirmed in the excretory phase (Figure-1c). Nonenhanced CT is the gold standard for detecting urinary calculi in the acute setting with reported sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 98% (1). Nearly all stones are visible on CT and secondary signs of obstruction are easily identified. Contrast-enhanced CT may be indicated if there are findings that suggest renal or other pathology which requires further evaluation (2). Our patient presented with significant edema surrounding the renal stone, fact correctly pointed-out by the radiologist reading the image exam. The patient underwent a percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) in the complete supine position as previously described (3). A single puncture in the middle calyx provided access to the collecting system. Tract dilatation was performed

Introduction: We performed a multicentre validation of a nomogram to predict uric acid kidney stones in two populations. Methods: We reviewed the kidney stone database of two institutions, searching for patients with kidney stones who had stone composition analysis and 24-hour urine collection from January 2010 to December 2013. A nomogram to predict uric acid kidneys stones based on patient age, body mass index (BMI), and 24-hour urine collection was tested. Receiver-operating curves (ROC) were performed. Results: We identified 445 patients, 355 from Cleveland, United States, and 90 from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Uric acid stone formers were 7.9% and 8.9%, respectively. Uric acid patients had a significantly higher age and BMI, as well as significant lower urinary calcium than calcium stone formers in both populations. Uric acid had significantly higher total points when scored according to the nomogram. ROC curves showed an area under the curve of 0.8 for Cleveland and 0.92 for Sao Paulo. The cutoff value that provided the highest sensitivity and specificity was 179 points and 192 for Cleveland and Sao Paulo, respectively. Using 180 points as a cutoff provided a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5% and 68% for Cleveland, and 100% and 42% for Sao Paulo. Higher cutoffs were associated with higher specificity. The main limitation of this study is that only patients from high volume hospitals with uric acid or calcium stones were included. Conclusion: Predicting uric acid kidneys stone based on a nomogram, which includes only demographic data and 24-hour urine parameters, is feasible with a high degree of accuracy.

OBJECTIVES: urinary fistula is a morbid complication after renal transplantation leading to graft losses and patient death. We review and update our data on urinary fistula after renal transplantation and the outcome after surgical and conservative management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: the charts of 1046 renal transplants were reviewed. Transplants were performed through an extended inguinotomy; vascular anastomoses to the iliac vessels and urinary reconstruction accomplished through the Gregoir technique. Fistulae were diagnosed by urinary leaks through the incision or by the occurrence of a collection in the iliac fossa. Patient was treated surgically or conservatively according to the characteristics of the fistula and patient clinical status. RESULTS: Thirty one fistulae were diagnosed (2.9%). Twenty nine leaks due to ureteral necrosis and 2 due to reimplantation fault. The incidence of leaks among cadaver and live donor transplants was 3.22% and 2.63%, respectively (p = 0.73). Among diabetic and non diabetic patients the incidence of urinary leaks was 6.4% and 2.6%, respectively (p = 0.049). Treatment consisted in anastomosis of the graft ureter or pelvis with the ureter of the recipient in 17 cases with success in 13 (76.5%). Prolonged bladder drainage was employed in 7 cases and the fistula healed in 4 (57%). Ureteral reimplantation was performed in 3 cases and did not work in any of them. Ureteral ligature plus nephrostomy was employed in two cases and worked in one (50%). Percutaneous nephrostomy and ureteral stenting with double J catheter were employed in one case each and worked in both. CONCLUSIONS: The anastomosis of the graft ureter with the ureter of the recipient is a good method for treating urinary fistulae after renal transplantation when local and systemic conditions are good. Ureteral ligature associated to nephrostomy should be applied in cases of unfavorable local conditions or clinically unstable patients.

Background. We reviewed our experience with third, fourth, and fifth renal transplants performed by the extraperitoneal access. Methods. The charts of 21 third and subsequent transplants performed extraperitoneally were reviewed. Surgical aspects, the occurrence of rejection episodes, delayed graft function (DGF), graft and patient survival were evaluated and compared with 1560 first transplants in adults with nonmanipulated fossa performed in the same period. Results. Transfusion was necessary in 52% of the retransplants and in 5.7% of the first transplants (P

Introduction Infected incisional hernias are common in kidney transplant patients. Treating them in immunosuppressed patients can take months, increasing costs and implying loss of working productivity. Abdominal wall prostheses have not been used in infected immunosuppressed patients because of poor infection control. We evaluated the outcome of the surgical treatment of these patients with polypropylene mesh to shorten the hospitalization time and patient recovery. The records of 462 consecutive kidney transplant patients (March 2000 to February 2004) were reviewed. Of these 462 patients, 13 (2.8%) had infected or contaminated herniations at the transplant incision. They developed between 2 and 60 days (mean 14) after transplantation. The racial distribution was not significant, but herniations were more common in patients from cadaveric donors (4.5% versus 0%, P = 0.005). Predisposing factors were found in 6 patients (46.2%) and included complications from transplant surgery in 2, obesity in 1, leukopenia in 3, sepsis in 1, diabetes mellitus in 1, and wall weakness in 1 patient (3 had more than one risk factor). Technical Considerations A prospective protocol of surgical correction with polypropylene mesh was established. After wound cleansing with normal saline, repair was done by primary fascial approximation and polypropylene mesh reinforcement. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and large-bore drains were used. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 40 months (mean 14.5). All patients did well except for one recurrence, 14 months after correction. Conclusions Surgical repair with polypropylene mesh is safe and effective in treating infected or contaminated herniations in kidney transplant patients, with an acceptable (9.1%) incidence of recurrence.

INTRODUCTION: Renal transplantation with multiple arteries appears, in literature, associated to a major index of surgical complications. This study compared the surgical complications and short-term outcome renal transplants with multiple arteries and single artery grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 64 renal transplants with multiple arteries performed between January 1995 and December 1999 were compared to the ones of 292 transplants with single renal artery. The aspects analyzed were number of arteries of the graft, donor type, vascular reconstruction technique, the occurrence of surgical complications, the incidence of delayed graft function, graft function 1 month after transplantation, graft loss and the patients' deaths. RESULTS: The incidence of surgical complications in grafts with multiple arteries and single renal artery was respectively: vascular - 3.1% and 3.1%; urological - 6.3% and 2.7% and other surgical complications - 15.6% and 10.6%, respectively. The incidence of lymphoceles was 3.1% in grafts with a single artery and 12.5% in grafts with more than 1 artery (p = 0.0015). The incidence of delayed graft function in grafts with multiple arteries and with a single renal artery was respectively 35.1 and 29.1% (p = 0.295). Mean serum creatinine at the 30th postoperative day was 2.46 and 1.81 in grafts with multiple and with 1 artery, respectively (p=0.271). CONCLUSIONS: Kidney transplantation using grafts with single and multiple arteries present similar indexes of surgical complications and short-term outcome; lymphoceles were more frequent among grafts with multiple arteries.

Objectives To assess the surgical and long-term results of renal transplantation in 25 patients with bladder dysfunction and augmentation cystoplasty. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the evolution and surgical outcome of 25 renal transplants in 24 recipients with augmentation cystoplasty. The mean patient age at transplantation was 27.6 years. The etiology of bladder dysfunction was neurogenic bladder with detrusor hyperreflexia (11 patients), tuberculosis (5 patients), vesicoureteral reflux (4 patients), posterior urethral valves (3 patients), and interstitial cystitis (1 patient). Seventeen transplants were from living donors. Augmentation cystoplasty was performed before transplantation in 21 patients. The bowel segments used in the augmentation cystoplasty included ileum in 16, ileocecal segments in 2, and sigmoid in 5 patients. The donor ureter was anastomosed to the native bladder in 16 patients, to the bowel segment in 6, and to the native ureter in 3. Results Twenty kidneys (80%) were functioning at a mean follow-up of 53.2 months (range 6 to 118). The mean serum creatinine was 1.56 mg/dL (range 0.7 to 2.6). Three patients died of unrelated causes and 1 of adenocarcinoma that originated at the vesicointestinal anastomosis. The actuarial graft survival at 1, 2, and 5 years was 96%, 92%, and 78%, respectively. Complications included symptomatic urinary infection, ureteral stenosis, and lymphocele. Conclusions Augmentation cystoplasty is a safe and effective method to restore function in noncompliant bladders. Renal transplantation can be performed safely after augmentation cystoplasty.

To evaluate kidney/adjacent organs positional changes in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) in prone and supine positions.Patients scheduled PCNL were prospectively enrolled in the study and underwent NCCT in supine and in prone position (with boosters). Two imaginary lines for the posterior calyx of upper/mid/lower poles of both kidneys in prone and supine decubitus were considered and compared. Line I (LI): drawn horizontally in the coronal plane in contact with the posterior edge of the kidney. Line II (LII): drawn from the antero-lateral edge of the vertebra through the middle of the posterior calyx (ideal puncture line). Renal depth (d) was measured from LI to the anterior extremity of the vertebra. The maximum access angle (a) considered the window available in the axial plane to perform a secure approach to each calyx.Thirty-seven patients were analyzed; 56.7% were female; mean BMI was 28.3±4.9 kg/m(2). For the right kidney, prone position was associated with more organs crossed by LI (54.1% vs 18.9%; p0.01) and LII (56.8% vs 27%; p=0.03) in the upper calyx. For the left kidney, LII crossed more organs in prone in the upper calyx (54.1% vs 29.7%; p=0.03). Both kidneys showed a tendency to be deeper in the supine position, which provided a wider access angle.Supine NCCT is not accurate to plan PCNL access in prone position. Prone decubitus is associated with more potential organ injuries in the upper pole. In supine, the kidney situates deeper in the abdomen but the access angle is wider than in prone.

The use of certain technical principles and the selection of favorable cases can optimize the results of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). The aim of this study is to review how ESWL works, its indications and contraindications, predictive factors for success, and its complications. A search was conducted on the Pubmed® database between January 1984 and October 2013 using "shock wave lithotripsy" and "stone" as key-words. Only articles with a high level of evidence, in English, and conducted in humans, such as clinical trials or review/meta-analysis, were included. To optimize the search for the ESWL results, several technical factors including type of lithotripsy device, energy and frequency of pulses, coupling of the patient to the lithotriptor, location of the calculus, and type of anesthesia should be taken into consideration. Other factors related to the patient, stone size and density, skin to stone distance, anatomy of the excretory path, and kidney anomalies are also important. Antibiotic prophylaxis is not necessary, and routine double J stent placement before the procedure is not routinely recommended. Alpha-blockers, particularly tamsulosin, are useful for stones >10mm. Minor complications may occur following ESWL, which generally respond well to clinical interventions. The relationship between ESWL and hypertension/diabetes is not well established.

Biopsy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of conditions affecting the function of renal allografts. Obtaining representative tissue in biopsies is critical but these procedures are associated with up to 9% of complications and 20% of inadequate material. Although ultrasound guidance allows perfect control of depth and location of the graft, there is controversy regarding the cost-benefit of its use and reports of unsuitable material in ultrasound-guided biopsies are still high. Purpose: To compare ultrasound with the palpation method to guide biopsies in order to see if there is any difference between both methods and which one is better. Patients and methods: The casuistic consisted of 82 renal transplant patients (32 female and 50 male patients, age ranging between 5 and 64 yr; m = 31.2 yr) randomized into two groups: GI, palpation-guided; GII, ultrasound-guided. Fifty-six biopsies were performed in GI and 66 in GII. Results: Number of glomeruli, arcuate, and interlobar arteries and arterioles were compared in the two groups and were 503 (m = 10) vs. 801 (m = 12.9), 24 (m = 0.5) vs. 38 (m = 0.6), 104 (m = 2.1) vs. 154 (m = 2.5), and 174 (m = 3.5) vs. 264 (4.3), respectively (p < 0.05). Inadequate material for analysis in GI and GII was 7.1 and 7.6%, respectively (p = 0.72). Conclusions: Although ultrasound guidance improves the number of glomeruli, arcuate, and interlobar arteries, as well as arterioles, compared with palpation-guided biopsies, there is no difference in the rate of adequate material between the two methods.

Purpose: We present our experience with kidney transplantation in children weighing 20 kg. or less. Surgery was done via extraperitoneal access while preserving the peritoneal cavity intact with special attention given to technical feasibility and the complication rate.Materials and Methods: Included in our study were 46 children with a median age of 7 years weighing 20 kg. or less (mean 16.6), of whom 16 weighed less than 15 kg. (median 13.2). The 25 boys and 21 girls underwent a total of 49 kidney transplants, including 2 in 3 during the study. Donors were living related in 44 cases and cadaveric in 5. Surgical access was obtained by making a J-shaped pararectal incision in a curvilinear fashion from the symphysis pubis to near the costal border.Results: Mean hospital stay was 22.9 days (range 6 to 83) and mean followup was 55.8 months (range 12 to 131). All patients received water on day 1 and food on day 2 postoperatively. In 6 patients 7 surgical complications developed, including urinary fistula in ...

Background. Several studies comparing the response of acute cellular rejection (ACR) episodes to different corticosteroid regimens have been conducted. However, in most of them, the histological evaluation of the infiltrate and its correlation with clinical response was not studied. The clinical and histological outcomes of 37 episodes of ACR treated with methylprednisolone (MP) were studied, with the aim to determine how long the infiltrate takes to be cleared after therapy. Methods. A total of 37 patients with biopsy-proven ACR were treated with 8 or 16 mg of MP/kg/day. Allograft biopsies were repeated at 5 and 10 days after the end of corticotherapy. Clinical and histological outcomes were compared. Results. Six patients were excluded; 15 (48.4%) patients responded to therapy; the mean serum creatinine of these patients reached normal levels in the 2 weeks that followed treatment. Nine patients (60%) of this group had signs of ACR on biopsies done 5 days after corticotherapy, and four (26.7%) maintained them on the 10th day. Among 16 patients with no clinical response, none reached normal serum creatinine levels; 15 (93.7%) had signs of rejection 5 days after treatment and maintained them on the 10th day. Histological signs of ACR disappeared in 73.3% of patients with clinical response 10 days after therapy, but in only 6.3% of patients with no response (P=0.001). Conclusions. Biopsies performed 5 days after treatment show a high incidence of features of ACR; such features take on average 10 days to disappear in nearly 75% of cases with successful therapy with MP.

A shortage of organs for transplantation has forced surgeons to optimize the use of marginal organs, such as kidneys with arterial disease. We present a retrospective study of the outcome of donors with renal artery disease and recipients of kidneys from living related and unrelated donors.Kidneys with vascular abnormalities from healthy living donors were grafted into 11 recipients. These kidney transplants comprised 1.8% of those performed at our institution. The vascular abnormalities were aneurysms in 3 cases, atherosclerotic lesions in 4 and fibromuscular dysplasia in 4. After nephrectomy all abnormalities were corrected under hypothermic conditions during bench surgery except in 3 cases of ostial atherosclerotic plaque, which was left in the donors. The renal artery was anastomosed to the external iliac artery in 5 cases and to the internal iliac artery in 6. The ureter was reimplanted using an extravesical technique.All patients had immediate diuresis and no delayed post-transplant graft dysfunction was observed. One patient died of an unrelated cause and 3 had post-transplant graft function loss due to acute vasculopathy in 1, post-diarrhea with acute arterial thrombosis in 1 and recurrence of the hemolytic-uremic syndrome in 1. All remaining patients are well with median serum creatinine of 1.4 mg./dl. (normal 0.4 to 1.4). All donors are well and normotensive with normal renal function.The use of kidneys with arterial disease from living donors with unilateral disease is safe. Complete informed consent regarding the risks and benefits by donor and recipient is mandatory.

OBJECTIVES: Objective parameters in computed tomography (CT) scans that could predict calyceal access during percutaneous nephrolithotomy have not been evaluated. These parameters could improve access planning for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. We aimed to determine which parameters extracted from a preoperative multiplanar reconstructed CT could predict renal calyceal access during a percutaneous nephrolithotomy. METHODS: From January 2009 through April 2011, 230 patients underwent 284 percutaneous nephrolithotomies at our institution. Sixteen patients presented with complete staghorn calculi, and 11 patients (13 renal units) were analyzed. Five parameters were extracted from a preoperative reconstructed CT and compared with the surgical results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. RESULTS: Fifty-eight calyces were studied, with an average of 4.4 calyces per procedure. A rigid nephroscope was used to access a particular calyx, and a univariate analysis showed that the entrance calyx had a smaller length (2.7 vs. 3.98 cm, p = 0.018). The particular calyx to be accessed should have a smaller length (2.22 vs. 3.19 cm, p = 0.012), larger angles (117.6 vs. 67.96, p

PurposeWe developed a stereotactic device to guide the puncture for percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, which uses the distance from the target calyx to its perpendicular point on skin (SCD) to calculate the needle´s entry angle. This study seeks to validate the use of measurements obtained by ultrasound (US) and computerized tomography (CT) for needle´s entry angle calculation and to study factors that may interfere in this procedure.Materials and MethodsHeight, weight, abdominal circumference, CT of the urinary tract in dorsal decubitus (DD) and ventral decubitus (VD), and US of the kidneys in VD were obtained from thirty-five renal calculi patients. SCD obtained were compared and correlated with body-mass index (BMI).ResultsBMI was 28.66 ± 4.6 Kg/m2. SCD on CT in DD was 8.40 ± 2.06cm, in VD was 8.32 ± 1.95cm, in US was 6.74 ± 1.68cm. SCD measured by US and CT were statistically different (p < 0.001), whereas between CT in DD and VD were not. SCD of the lower calyx presented moderate correlation with BMI.ConclusionSCD obtained by CT in ventral and dorsal decubitus may be used for calculation of the needle´s entry angle. SCD obtained by US cannot be used. A rule for the correlation between BMI and the SCD could not be determined.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard treatment for patients with renal stones larger than 2 cm. In this article, we aim to describe our modified technique with the patient in a complete supine position for PCNL (csPCNL).A total of 117 patients (120 renal units) who underwent csPCNL for large stones from November 2008 to November 2011 were prospectively evaluated. One surgeon worked in two different institutions and performed all operations. All patients underwent CT preoperatively, and the stones were classified according to the Guy score. Patients were placed in the supine decubitus position with the posterior axillary line located just outside the border of the surgical table, and the flank was extended to increase the space between the last rib and the iliac crest. The csPCNL was performed without a rolled towel under the flank, and the patients remained in the same position during the entire procedure. Success was evaluated based on CT findings at the end of follow-up.There was no failure of access. The median operative time was 100 (20-240) minutes. The immediate and final success rates were 72.5% and 90.4%, respectively. The complication rate was 16.8% (12.7% of Clavien I or II and 4.1% of Clavien III or IV). There were no colon injuries or deaths. The median hospital stay was 48 (24-840) hours.Modified csPCNL is a safe and effective procedure with excellent outcomes and a low rate of major complications. It provides a good area for renal puncture and surgical instrumentation.

Bladder stones are rare and most cases occur in adult men with bladder outlet obstruction. Currently, there are few data on the best treatment of this disease. The aim of this review is to discuss some aspects of pathogenesis and treatment approaches for bladder lithiasis. A comprehensive search of the database of the "National Library of Medicine" /pubmed was conducted with the following key words and descriptors: "bladder" or "vesical" associated with "calculus", "stone" or "lithiasis", and "cistolithotripsy ". One hundred and seventy-one articles were identified. The articles were independently assessed by two reviewers with expertise in urolithiasis. They were included in the study when the results, complications and follow-up were clearly reported. In the end, 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. Several options for the treatment of bladder lithiasis are available, but no randomized trials comparing them. Different rates of calculus-free patients are described in each of them, as follows: extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (75-100%), transurethral cistolithotripsy (63-100%), percutaneous cistolithotripsy (89-100%) and open surgery (100 %). The percutaneous approach has lower morbidity, with similar results to the transurethral treatment, while extracorporeal lithotripsy has the lowest rate of elimination of calculi and is reserved for patients at high surgical risk.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence of metabolic disorders in elderly men with urolithiasis. METHODS: We performed a case-control study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) men older than 60 years of age and either (2) antecedent renal colic or an incidental diagnosis of urinary lithiasis after age 60 (case arm) or (3) no antecedent renal colic or incidental diagnosis of urolithiasis (control arm). Each individual underwent an interview, and those who were selected underwent all clinical protocol examinations: serum levels of total and ionized calcium, uric acid, phosphorus, glucose, urea, creatinine and parathyroid hormone, urine culture, and analysis of 24-hour urine samples (levels of calcium, citrate, creatinine, uric acid and sodium, pH and urine volume). Each case arm patient underwent two complete metabolic urinary investigations, whereas each control arm individual underwent one examination. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01246531. RESULTS: A total of 51 subjects completed the clinical investigation: 25 in the case arm and 26 in the control arm. In total, 56% of the case arm patients had hypocitraturia (vs. 15.4% in the control arm; p = 0.002). Hypernatriuria was detected in 64% of the case arm patients and in 30.8% of the controls (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Hypocitraturia and hypernatriuria are the main metabolic disorders in elderly men with urolithiasis.

Objective To report our experience with silent ureteral stones and expose their true influence on renal function. Methods We analyzed 506 patients who had undergone ureterolithotripsy from January 2005 to May 2010. Silent ureteral stones were calculi found in the absence of any specific or subjective ureteral stone-related symptoms. Of the 506 patients, 27 (5.3%) met these criteria (global cohort). All patients were assessed postoperatively with dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy (DMSA). A difference in relative kidney function of >10% was considered abnormal. Pre- and postoperative comparative DMSA analyses were electively obtained for 9 patients (kidney function cohort). A t test was used to assess the numeric variables, and the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables. Two-tailed P Results Stones were diagnosed by radiologic abdominal evaluation for nonurologic diseases in 40% and after previous nephrolithiasis treatment in 33%. The primary therapy was ureterolithotripsy in 88%. The mean follow-up time was 23 months. The overall ureteral stone-free rate after 1 and 2 procedures was 96% and 100%, respectively. In the global cohort, the mean pre- and postoperative serum creatinine levels were similar (P = .39), and the mean postoperative function on DMSA was 31%. In the kidney function cohort, no difference was found between the pre- and postoperative DMSA findings (22% ± 12.1% vs 20% ± 11.8%; P = .83) and serum creatinine (0.8 ± 0.13 mg/dL vs 1.0 ± 0.21 mg/dL; P = .45). Conclusion Silent ureteral stones are associated with decreased kidney function present at the diagnosis. Hydronephrosis tends to diminish after stone removal, and kidney function remains unaltered.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of nephrolithiasis is increasing worldwide. The purpose of this paper is to report our experience managing silent ureteral stones and to expose its’ true influence on renal function. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 506 patients who underwent ureteroscopy for ureteral stone removal between January 2005 and May 2010. Silent ureteral stone definition: ureteral stone found in a patient without any specific or subjective ureteral stonerelated symptom. 27 (5,3% Global Cohort) patients met those criteria. All patients were assessed postoperatively with Dimercaptosuccinic Acid scintigraphy (DMSA). We considered abnormal a kidney relative function 45%. Pre and postoperative comparative DMSA analysis was electively obtained for 9 (34%) patients (Renal Function Cohort). We used the T-test for numerical variables and Chi-Square Test or Fisher’s Exact Test for categorical variables. Two-tailed values of P 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Demographic data is exposed on table 1. There were no statistically significant differences between Global Cohort and Renal Function Cohort. Primary therapy was ureteroscopic lithotripsy in 88%. Double J insertion was required in 90% and mean time to retrieval was 39 (7–100) days. Stone was considered impacted in 70%. Mean follow-up time was 23 (3–54) months. Overall ureteral stone-free rate after one and two procedures were 96% and 100%. Ureteral stenosis was seen in 2 patients during ureteroscopy and 2 after stone treatment. In the global Cohort, mean postoperative serum creatinine was not different from preoperative levels (p 0,39). Mean postoperative kidney relative function on DMSA was 31% (0–77%). In 17 (63%) patients, postoperative DMSA revealed impaired renal function. Hydronephrosis improvement was seen in 19 and stabilization in 7 patients, with one case showing worsening. In the Renal Function Cohort, all patients presented with impaired renal function preoperatively. There was no difference between pre and postoperative DMSA (22 12,1; vs. 20 11,8; p 0,83) and Cr (0,8 0,13; vs. 1,0 0,21; p 0,45). CONCLUSIONS: Silent ureteral stones are associated with decreased kidney function already at diagnosis. Although hydronephrosis tends to diminish after stone removal, renal function is likely to remain unaltered. Source of Funding: None

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is the most employed treatment for renal stones up to 20 mm. Adjuvant use of some drugs may increase the rates of success of the procedure and reduce its morbidity. This is the first trial that evaluate the effects of Tamsulosin and Nifedipine, compared to placebo, in the success rates, episodes of pain and velocity of clearance of fragments after treatment of radiopaque renal stones between 5–20 mm with only one session of SWL. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized and double-blind trial involving 136 patients with radiopaque renal stones between 2006 and 2009. Patients were divided in three groups to receive daily Tamsulosin 0.4 mg, Nifedipine Retard 20mg or placebo for up to 30 days after one session of SWL. The parameters assessed were success rate, analgesic requirements, pain intensity, velocity of elimination of fragments, adverse effects and occurrence of Steinstrasse. RESULTS: The rate of success was 60.5% (23 of 38) in Tamsulosin Group, 48.6% (17 of 35) in Nifedipine Group and 36.8% (14 of 38) in the Placebo Group. (p 0.118) Between the stones of 10 and 20 mm, the success rates were significantly higher in Tamsulosin (61.9%) and Nifedipine Groups (60.0%) than in the Placebo Group (26.1%) (p 0.024) but not so between the stones of 5–9 mm (p 0.128). The Number Needed to Treat (NNT) was 2.9 for Tamsulosin and 3 for Nifedipine. Occurrence of adverse effects was higher in Nifedipine Group than the Placebo Group (28.5% vs. 2.6% respectively, p 0.009). There was no difference among groups with respect to stone and demographic data, pain intensity (p 0.28), velocity of elimination of fragments (p 0.6) and occurrence of Steinstrasse (p 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant use of Tamsulosin or Nifedipine after SWL for renal stone 10 to 20 mm increases the success rates, but without reducing the intensity of pain or the need for analgesia neither the velocity of eliminations of fragments.

Objective To evaluate the effects of the adjuvant use of tamsulosin or nifedipine after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for nonlower pole kidney stones 5-20 mm in size. Methods We conducted a randomized double-blind trial involving 136 patients with radiopaque kidney stones. The patients received daily treatment with 0.4 mg tamsulosin, 20 mg nifedipine retard, or placebo for ≤30 days after 1 session of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Success was defined as plain film radiography showing the patient was completely stone free or with asymptomatic stone fragments ≤4 mm in size at any time during the weekly follow-up. Results The success rate was 60.5% (23 of 38) in the tamsulosin group, 48.6% (17 of 35) in the nifedipine group, and 36.8% (14 of 38) in the placebo group (P = .118). In the subgroup analysis, stones 10-20 mm had significantly greater success rates in the tamsulosin (13 of 21, 61.9%) and nifedipine (15 of 25, 60%) groups compared with the placebo group (6 of 23, 26.1%; P = .024), but not for stones 5-9 mm (P = .128). The number needed to treat was 2.9 for tamsulosin and 3 for nifedipine. Adverse events were more frequent in the nifedipine than in the placebo group (28.5% vs 2.6%, respectively, P = .009), but without a significant difference between the nifedipine and tamsulosin (28.5% vs 15.8%, P = .15) or the tamsulosin and placebo (P = .54) groups. No difference was found among the groups with regard to pain intensity, interval to clearance, or steinstrasse. Conclusion The stone-free rates after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with adjuvant tamsulosin or nifedipine were significantly increased only for nonlower pole renal stones 10-20 mm in size compared with placebo. Nifedipine was associated with more adverse effects than placebo.

PURPOSE: Two different regimens of SWL delivery for treating urinary stones were compared. METHODS: Patients with urinary stones were randomly divided into two groups, one of which received 3000 shocks at a rate of 60 impulses per minute and the other of which received 4000 shocks at 90 impulses per minute. Success was defined as stone‐free status or the detection of residual fragments of less than or equal to 3 mm three months after treatment. Partial fragmentation was considered to have occurred if a significant reduction in the stone burden was observed but residual fragments of 3mm or greater remained. RESULTS: A total of 143 procedures were performed with 3000 impulses at a rate of 60 impulses per minute, and 156 procedures were performed with 4000 impulses at 90 impulses per minute. The stone‐free rate was 53.1% for patients treated with the first regimen and 54.8% for those treated with the second one (p = 0.603). The stone‐free rate for stones smaller than 10 mm was 60% for patients treated with 60 impulses per minute and 58.6% for those treated with 90 impulses per minute. For stones bigger than 10 mm, stone‐free rates were 34.2% and 45.7%, respectively (p = 0.483). Complications occurred in 2.3% of patients treated with 60 impulses per minute and 3.3% of patients treated with 90 impulses per minute. CONCLUSION: No significant differences in the stone‐free and complication rates were observed by reducing the total number of impulses from 4000 to 3000 and the frequency from 90 to 60 impulses per minute.

To update some aspects of the diagnosis and management of urinary lithiasis.A review of the main articles published in PubMed indexed journals was performed.The occurrence of urinary stones is higher among patients with body mass index above 30. Urinary stones are correctly diagnosed by non-contrast CT in 98% of the cases. SWL is the best method for treatment of renal stones smaller than 2 cm with tomographic density under 1000 HU except for stones located at the lower renal pole where the limit is 1 cm. PCNL reaches a stone-free rate between 60% and 100% for renal stones larger than 2 cm. Semirigid ureteroscopy renders patients with distal ureteral stones free in up to 94% of the cases compared to 74% of SWL. Regarding upper ureteral stones, ureteroscopy promotes stone-free rates between 77% and 91%and SWL between 41% and 82%.The link between urinary stones, obesity and diabetes mellitus is well established. Non-contrast CT is the gold standard for diagnosis of urinary stones. SWL is the mainstay in the treatment of renal stones with less than 2 cm and density under 1000 Hounsfield Units, except for lower pole calculi where the limit is 1 cm. PCNL is the preferred method for treatment of renal stones larger than 2 cm. Semirigid ureteroscopy is the method of election for lower ureteral stones; flexible ureteroscopy is reserved for upper ureteral or renal stones with less than 1.5 cm non responsive to SWL or for those patients with contraindications to PCNL.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combined ureteroscopic holmium YAG lithotripsy for renal calculi associated with ipsilateral ureteral stones.Between August 2002 and March 2007, retrograde flexible ureteroscopic stone treatment was attempted in 351 cases. Indication for treatment was concurrent symptomatic ureteral stones in 63 patients (group I). Additional operative time and perioperative complication rates were compared to a group of 39 patients submitted to ureteroscopic treatment for ureteral calculi exclusively (group II).Mean ureteral stone size was 8.0 +/- 2.6 mm and 8.1 +/- 3.4 mm for groups I and II, respectively. Mean operative time for group I was 67.9 +/- 29.5 minutes and for group 2 was 49.3 +/- 13.2 minutes (p0.001). Flexible ureteroscopic therapy for renal calculi increased 18 minutes in the mean operative time. The overall complication rate was 3.1% and 2.5% for groups I and II, respectively (p = 0.87). Mean renal stone size was 10.7 +/- 6.4 mm, overall stone free rate in group I was 81%. However, considering only patients with renal stones smaller than 15 mm, the stone free rate was 88%. Successful treatment occurred in 81% of patients presenting lower pole stones, but only 76% of patients with multiple renal stones became stone free. As expected, stone free rate showed a significant negative correlation with renal stone size (p = 0.03; r = -0.36). Logistic regression model indicated an independent association of renal stones smaller than 15 mm and stone free rate (OR = 13.5; p = 0.01).Combined ureteroscopic treatment for ureteral and ipsilateral renal calculi is a safe and attractive option for patients presenting for symptomatic ureteral stone and ipsilateral renal calculi smaller than 15 mm.

OBJETIVO. Atualizar aspectos do diagnóstico e do tratamento da litíase urinária. MÉTODOS. Uma revisão dos principais artigos publicados sobre o tema em revistas indexadas no "Medline" entre 1979 e 2009. RESULTADOS. A ocorrência de cálculos é maior em pacientes com IMC > 30. A TC sem contraste promove o diagnóstico correto em até 98% dos casos. O uso de bloqueadores alfa-adrenérgicos aumenta a eliminação de cálculos ureterais menores que 8 mm em 29%. O índice de pacientes livres de cálculo após LEOC varia entre 35% e 91%, conforme seu tamanho e localização. Cálculos renais maiores que 2 cm são eliminados pela NLPC entre 60% e 100% dos casos. Cálculos de ureter distal são tratados com sucesso em até 94% dos casos pela ureteroscopia semirrígida contra 74% da LEOC. Já para cálculos de ureter superior as taxas de sucesso situam-se entre 77% e 91% para ureteroscopia e 41% e 82% para a LEOC. CONCLUSÃO. A associação da calculose urinária com obesidade e Diabetes mellitus está bem estabelecida. A TC sem contraste é atualmente o padrão-ouro no diagnóstico da litíase urinária. A LEOC é o método de eleição em nosso meio para tratamento de cálculos renais menores que 2 cm e com densidade tomográfica < 1000 UH, exceto os do cálice inferior, onde o limite ideal de tratamento é 1 cm. A nefrolitotripsia percutânea é o melhor método para o tratamento de cálculos renais maiores que 2 cm e a ureteroscopia semi-rígida para o tratamento dos cálculos de ureter distal. A ureteroscopia flexível é uma alternativa para cálculos de ureter superior e renais menores de 1,5 cm que não respondem a LEOC ou com contraindicações para a realização de NLPC. OBJECTIVE. To review developments in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary lithiasis. METHODS. A review of the most important articles on the subject published in Medline indexed periodicals between 1979 and 2009.RESULTS. Stones occur with greater frequency among people with BMI > 30. Computerized tomography without contrast provides the correct diagnosis in up to 98% of cases. Alpha-adrenergic blockers increase elimination of ureteral calculi smaller than 8 mm by 29%. The proportion of patients free from calculi after ESWL varies from 35% to 91%, depending on size and location. In between 60% and 100% of cases, renal calculi larger than 2 cm are eliminated with PCNL. Calculi of the distal ureter are successfully treated in up to 94% of cases using semi-rigid ureteroscopy, compared to 74% using ESWL. For calculi of the upper ureter success rates are around 77% and 91% for ureteroscopy and 41% and 82% for ESWL. CONCLUSION. The association between urinary lithiasis and Diabetes mellitus, is well-established. Computerized tomography without contrast is currently the gold standard for diagnosis of urinary lithiasis. In Brazil, ESWL is the method of choice for treating renal calculi smaller than 2 cm and with tomographic density < 1000 HU, except those of the lower pole, where the ideal limit for treatment is 1 cm. Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy is the best method of treating renal calculi larger than 2 cm and semi-rigid ureteroscopy is the best treatment for calculi of the distal ureter. Flexible ureteroscopy is an option for calculi of the upper ureter and renal calculi smaller than 1.5 cm that do not respond to ESWL or where PCNL is contraindicated.

The objective was to describe the last 10 years’ experience of the diagnosis and treatment of renal, perinephric, and mixed abscesses in an academic reference center. The medical records of 65 patients with renal, perinephric, and mixed abscesses treated at our hospital from January 1992 to December 2002 were reviewed. The data collected included predisposing factors, symptoms, physical examination, initial diagnosis, laboratory and radiologic evaluation, treatment, and clinical outcome. Perinephric abscesses were found in 33 (50.8%) patients, renal abscesses were found in 16 (24.6%), and 16 (24.6%) had mixed abscesses. Urolithiasis (28%) and diabetes mellitus (28%) were the most common predisposing conditions. The duration of symptoms before hospital admission ranged from 2 to 180 days (mean 20 days). Urine culture was positive in 43% of patients and blood culture was positive in 40% of patients. Most of the perinephric abscesses received an interventional treatment: surgical drainage (24%), percutaneous drainage (42%) or nephrectomy (24%). Most patients were cured (73.3%) on discharge from hospital. Mixed (renal and perinephric) abscess treatment was similar: percutaneous drainage (37.5%), surgical drainage (18.75%) or nephrectomy (37.5%). Most patients were cured (60%) on discharge from hospital. Renal abscesses, however, were treated medically in 69% of patients and 73% were cured on discharge from hospital. Perinephric and mixed abscesses are successfully managed by interventional treatment. Renal abscesses can be managed by medical treatment only, reserving interventional treatment for large collections or patients with clinical impairment. Early diagnosis is an important factor in the outcome of renal and perinephric abscesses.

The management of encrusted ureteral stents is costly, time consuming and may be risky for the patient and challenging for the urologist. Treatment modalities for encrusted stents include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, cystolithopaxy, rigid or flexible ureteroscopy with intracorporeal lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, open surgery, and a combination of those methods. In this study we describe the management of severe forgotten encrusted ureteral stents in 3 female patients using a prone splitleg position. This position allows us to effectively treat any site and degree of stent encrustation in a single-session approach with the patient in the same position during the whole procedure. All patients were rendered stent and stone free. No complications occurred.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os níveis circulantes do fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular em pacientes com câncer prostático comparados com uma população de indivíduos eutróficos. MÉTODOS: Vinte e seis indivíduos eutróficos e oitenta pacientes com câncer de próstata foram analisados nesse estudo. A coleta sangüínea foi realizada da mesma maneira em todos os pacientes e o plasma foi extraído para a determinação dos níveis do fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular, utilizando-se o método quantitativo ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). RESULTADOS: Os níveis de fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular plasmático encontraram-se significativamente elevados nos pacientes com doença metastática quando comparados com pacientes com doença localizada e com indivíduos sadios. Pacientes com PSA sérico maior que 20 ng/ml apresentaram níveis maiores de fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular plasmático quando comparados com pacientes com PSA menor que 20 ng/ml. Houve uma tendência dos pacientes com escore de Gleason de 8 a 10 apresentarem níveis maiores do fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular plasmático em relação a pacientes com escores de Gleason menores que 8. Não houve relação entre fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular plasmático e estado clínico, ou entre fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular e volume prostático em pacientes com câncer de próstata localizado. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados indicam que pacientes com câncer de próstata metastático apresentam níveis significativamente mais elevados de fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular plasmático quando comparados com pacientes com câncer localizado e com indivíduos normais. PURPOSE: This study focused on circulating levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with prostate cancer compared to a normal population. METHODS: We analyzed 26 normal individuals and 80 patients with prostate cancer. Blood was drawn from all subjects, and plasma was extracted to determine the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor using a quantitative immunoassay technique (ELISA-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). RESULTS: The median plasma level of vascular endothelial growth factor was significantly elevated in patients with metastatic disease compared to patients with localized disease and with healthy controls. Patients with serum prostate-specific antigen >; 20 ng/mL had significantly higher levels of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor than patients with serum prostate-specific antigen < 20 ng/mL. There was a trend for patients with a Gleason score of 8 to 10 to have higher levels of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor when compared to patients with lower Gleason scores. No relationship was found between plasma vascular endothelial growth factor and clinical staging, or between plasma vascular endothelial growth factor and prostate volume, in patients with localized prostate cancer. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that patients with metastatic prostate cancer have higher plasma vascular endothelial growth factor levels than patients with localized disease or in healthy controls.

We assessed clinical and surgical results in renal transplantation candidates with voiding dysfunction and end stage renal disease who underwent bladder augmentation.We analyzed 8 patients 3 to 30 years old with dilated ureters, voiding dysfunction and end stage renal disease who underwent renal transplantation following bladder augmentation from 1995 to 2003. The etiology of bladder dysfunction was neurogenic bladder in 3 patients, posterior urethral valves in 3 and vesicoureteral reflux in 2. All cases were assessed by ultrasonography, voiding cystourethrography and urodynamic studies.Mean followup was 50 months (range 4 to 93). Previous urodynamic evaluation revealed a bladder capacity of 75 to 294 ml (mean +/- SD 167.38 +/- 77.32) and an intravesical pressure of 28 to 100 mm H2O (mean 51.25 +/- 22.17). Urodynamic study after augmentation and kidney transplantation showed a bladder capacity of 191 to 400 ml (mean 335.25 +/- 99.01) and an intravesical pressure of 15 to 35 mm H2O (mean 28 +/- 9.45). Mean serum creatinine was 1.65 mg/dl (range 0.8 to 2.5). All patients remained continent. Three patients with neurogenic bladder empty the bladder by clean intermittent catheterization and the others empty by the Valsalva maneuver. None of the grafts were lost and the most common complication was asymptomatic urinary tract infection.Bladder augmentation is a well-known procedure for low capacity and poorly compliant bladders even in candidates for a renal transplant. Ureterocystoplasty combines the benefits common to all enterocystoplasties without adding to complications or risks.

Transplant nephrectomy has been considered a hazardous procedure throughout transplantation history. Better surgical techniques and clinical treatment of patients have improved the results of this surgery in the last decades. We report the surgical complications of nephrectomy of early and late failed kidneys performed at a referral center.The charts of 70 consecutive patients who underwent graft nephrectomy between May 1994 and April 2002 were reviewed regarding surgical complications. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the timing of graft removal. Early nephrectomy group 1 included 23 procedures performed in the first 60 days after transplantation and late nephrectomy group 2 included 47 performed after that interval. Groups were compared concerning outcome, blood loss and amount of blood transfused in the perioperative period, and the incidence of surgical complications according to the surgical technique, immunosuppressive regimen and timing of surgery.Mean blood loss was 434 ml (range 20 to 3,000) in group 1 and 546 (range 60 to 2,200) in group 2 (p = 0.02). Nine group 1 patients (39.1%) and 22 in group 2 (46.8%) received blood transfusion in the perioperative period (p = 0.62). The mean amount of blood transfused was 516.7 ml in group 1 and 436.3 ml in group 2 (p = 0.36). Four and 2 minor surgical complications occurred in groups 1 and 2 (17.4% and 4.3%, respectively, p = 0.09). Seven major complications were noted in group 2 (14.9%), while there were none in group 1 (p = 0.05). Three complications (25%) occurred in patients who received antirejection globulins or methylprednisolone and 1 (9.1%) developed when these agents were not administered (p = 0.33). The incidence of surgical complications after intracapsular and extracapsular nephrectomy was 20% and 17.6%, respectively (p = 0.58). Mean blood loss and the mean amount of blood transfused was 638 and 525 ml for intracapsular nephrectomy and 383 and 350 ml for extracapsular nephrectomy, respectively, respectively. Surgical complications occurred in 3 patients who received mycophenolate mofetil (23.1%) and in 6 (17.6%) who did not received this drug (p = 0.48).Blood loss and surgical complication rates were higher in late failed graft nephrectomies. Surgical complications in intracapsular vs extracapsular nephrectomies were similar but blood loss and transfusions were higher for intracapsular nephrectomy. Acute rejection treatment, or prophylaxis with methylprednisolone or globulins increased the incidence of surgical complications.

We evaluate the incidence of incisional hernia after kidney transplantation, predisposing factors and the results of surgical repair with polypropylene mesh.We reviewed the records of 371 consecutive kidney transplants performed between April 1995 and February 2000. Patients with clinical signs of hernia at the transplant incision site were included in the study. Predisposing factors for incisional hernia were also reviewed. A prospective protocol of surgical correction was established using polypropylene mesh and patient outcome was studied.We identified 14 patients (3.8%) with an incisional hernia at the transplant incision site. Hernias developed 3 to 840 days after transplant surgery and were significantly more common in white (p = 0.019) and cadaveric graft (p = 0.02) recipients. Predisposing factors in 11 cases included complications of transplant surgery in 7, bladder obstruction in 2, large polycystic kidneys in 1 and chronic pulmonary disease in 1. Surgical repair was performed by primary fascial approximation and polypropylene mesh reinforcement in 13 cases and by pre-peritoneal mesh placement in 1. Minor subcutaneous wound infection developed in 1 patient. No relapses were noted at a mean followup of 17.8 months.In the majority of cases incisional hernia develops in the first 3 months after transplant surgery. The incidence is significantly higher in white patients and after cadaveric donor transplantation. Surgical complications of transplant surgery are important predisposing factors for incisional hernia after kidney transplantation. Surgical repair using polypropylene mesh is safe and effective in this group of patients.