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Introduction: There are two main mechanisms of stone ablation with long-pulsed infrared lasers: photothermal and photomechanical. Which of them is primary in stone destruction is still a matter of ...

Introduction The SuperPulse Thulium (Tm) fiber laser (wavelength of 1.94 m) has been recently introduced as a directed-energy source for urology. Preclinical studies have shown a significant potential of the SuperPulse Tm fiber laser (SP TFL) for lithotripsy. However, clinical reports of using SP TFL to treat urolithiasis are still few and limited. Of special interest are challenging cases, e.g., lower pole stones, when extreme deflection of the instrument is required. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the SuperPulse Tm fiber laser in the management of lower pole small calyceal stones during flexible ureteroscopy (F-URS). Method s. The SuperPulse Tm fiber laser device (Urolase 2, IRE Polus, Fryazino, Russia) has been cleared for clinical use by the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation. Study protocol has been approved by the Ethical Review Committee. Between January 2018 and February 2019, 130 patients with kidney stones have undergone Thulium fiber laser lithotripsy during F-URS. We retrospectively analyzed 15 of this patients with a single radiopaque lower pole calculus that were included in the present study. Stone size, stone density, lithotripsy time (from the first to last footswitch press) and "lasering" (laser emission) time were measured. The SP TFL was used for stone disintegration with different settings in dusting and fragmentation modes (0.1 - 4J, 7-300Hz, 6-40W) via a fiber with a 200-m core diameter. Low dose CT scanning was performed on POD 90 to assess SFR. Results Stone size ranged from 4 to 17 mm and stone density varied from 350 to 1459 HU. The average lithotripsy time was 12 min (3-30 min). The average "lasering" time was 1.3 min (0.4-2.5 min) and the mean hospital stay was 1.1+/-0.3 days. In all cases we reached the lower pole stone containing calyx with a laser fiber. The complication rates were evaluated by using the Clavien-Dindo grading system and did not exceed GII (6.6%). SFR on POD 90 was achieved in 86.6% of cases. Conclusions F-URS with SuperPulse Tm fiber laser is safe and effective option in the management of lower pole small calyceal stones. The possibility of using small laser fibers gives better instrument deflection which make possible to reach lower pole calyceal stones even with acute lower pole infundibulopelvic angle (IPA).

Introduction: Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) is a safe method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, regardless of prostate volume and type of applied energy. To date, however, there has been no study that examines complication rates with respect to the type of applied energy. This study aims to address this problem by providing a retrospective analysis of >1400 patients who have undergone prostate enucleation. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing EEP between 2013 and 2018 at a single tertiary institution. This analysis included patients who had undergone one of three forms of EEP: holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), thulium fiber laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuFLEP), or monopolar enucleation of the prostate (MEP). We compared intraoperative and early postoperative complications, as well as complications at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Results: A total of 1413 patients were included in this study; 36% patients underwent HoLEP, 57.5% had ThuFLEP, and 6.5% MEP. The most frequent complication in the early postoperative period was a mild fever (2.76% of the cases). The morcellation was delayed to a separate stage because of intensive hemorrhaging in 1.4% of the cases. Bladder tamponade was found in 1.1% of the cases. We found no correlation between complication rate and either prostate volume or energy source. Stress urinary incontinence was found in 3.9% of patients at 3 months and in only 1.4% of patients at 6 months after the operation. Urethral stricture at 6 months after the surgery was found in 1.4% of patients, whereas bladder neck sclerosis was found in only 0.9% of these cases. No significant difference was observed between these complication frequencies and any preoperative factors or energy source. Conclusions: All EEP types are safe with equal rates of complications intraoperatively, postoperatively, and at 6 months follow-up.

To compare the short-term postoperative functional outcomes and severity of irritative symptoms following holmium and thulium fiber laser enucleation (HoLEP and ThuFLEP).This prospective randomized single-blinded study was performed in accordance with CONSORT. The inclusion criteria were IPSS 20 or Qmax 10 ml/s. Patients were randomized between HoLEP and ThuFLEP. Demographics, objective data (PSA, prostate volume, etc.), data on urinary and sexual function (IPSS, IIEF, QoL, QUID, Qmax, ICIQ-MLUTS) were collected. Detailed perioperative information and postoperative data on functional outcomes at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 weeks and 6 months were collected.Data on 163 participants were included (77-HoLEP, 86-ThuFLEP). No differences were found in surgery duration; number of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo I-III), catheterization time and hospital stay. Functional outcomes up to 6 months didn't differ between the groups (IPPS, IIEF, QoL, QUID, ICIQ-MLUTS, Qmax, p 0.05). Total ICIQ-MLUTS, bother and voiding scores at 1 and 3 months significantly increased compared with the baseline in both groups (p 0.05). No difference between the groups were observed. In HoLEP the SUI series rate was 1.3% and 1.3% after 3 and 6 months following the procedure; in ThuFLEP: it was 3.5% and 2.3% respectively (p = 0.35 and p = 0.54).The preliminary results of the study showed no apparent differences in functional outcomes (IPSS, Qmax), rate of SUI or irritative symptoms. Both ThuFLEP and HoLEP are efficient ways of treating benign prostatic obstruction. Both surgeries are comparable in terms of duration and postoperative complication rates.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Local treatment in generalized disease is a controversial strategy in terms of cancer control and complications. The aim of our systematic review is to analyze the availa...

Introduction Laparoscopic preparation of the ureter is a challenging part of upper urinary tract reconstruction, due to limited depth perception provided by the camera and lack of wristed motion of most laparoscopic instruments needed for adequate spatulation and scar tissue removal. One solution has been to perform the more difficult portions of the surgery in an extracorporeal manner. A hybrid intracorporeal-extracorporeal approach to upper tract ureteral reconstruction facilitates ureteral preparation at the stage of mastering the technique. Material and methods This retrospective study included 100 patients with primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction, who underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty from 2014 to 2017. The patients were stratified into 2 groups: those who underwent conventional laparoscopic surgery and those who were managed with the hybrid approach. For the hybrid approach, externalizing the ureter to skin level required additional mobilization of the upper urinary tract. Results A total of 47 patients underwent conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty and 53 - hybrid surgery. The maximum body mass index was 32. The hybrid approach was 8.5 minutes shorter compared to the conventional approach (p

Background and objectives To evaluate the feasibility of using a novel blue diode laser (blue laser), a thulium fiber laser (Tm laser), and their combination as a directed-energy surgical tool in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Study design/materials and methods The blue laser emitting at 442 nm, the Tm laser emitting at 1,940 nm wavelengths, and the combination of them were tested. First, cutting and coagulative abilities of the lasers were characterized ex vivo on porcine kidney in air and CO2 . Histological staining was performed to assess the efficiency of ablation and coagulation. Next, experimental LPN was performed on a porcine model at zero ischemia. Upper and lower segments of both kidneys were resected. Total operation time and resection time were measured; bleeding and carbonization were evaluated. Results Ex vivo data show that laser-induced ablation and coagulation processes do not differ substantially between CO2 and air environments. Histological analysis of ex vivo incisions demonstrates that the blue laser produced deep ablation with relatively narrow coagulation zone, whereas Tm laser was less efficient in terms of ablation but possessed excellent coagulative properties. Experimental LPN revealed that the blue laser provided fast cutting with minimal carbonization, whereas Tm laser induced slow cutting with strong carbonization. The combination of the blue and Tm lasers provided the most promising results demonstrating the highest resection rate, almost carbonization free resection surface and clinically acceptable hemostasis enabling LPN without the need for vessel clamping. Conclusions The blue laser can be efficiently utilized in LPN. Furthermore, the combination of the blue and Tm lasers into a single modality may be beneficial for further development of successful laser-assisted LPN. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Introduction The aim of postoperative examination, treatment and follow-up of patients with urinary stone disease is a prevention of recurrence. A choice of method of prevention is based on the results of postoperative examination with consideration of etiological factors of urinary stone disease. An analysis of influence of osteoporosis and its causative factors on the recurrence of urinary stone disease is presented in the article. Aim to clarify the influence of osteoporosis and its causative factors on excretion of calcium, uric acid and recurrence of urinary stone disease. Materials and methods A total of 86 patients after surgical treatment of urinary stone disease were included in the study. A physicochemical analysis of stones and their fragments, excretion of calcium and uric acid were done postoperatively. The risk factors for osteoporosis were identified using specific questionnaire. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by X-ray densitometry. After X-ray phasic analysis of the stones and studying of the daily excretion of calcium and uric acid, 10 and 7 patients were prescribed to thiazide diuretics and allopurinol, respectively. In 69 patients (80.2%) there were no indications to the treatment and all of them were included in control surveillance group. Results Calcium oxalate stones were predominated in patients who were under surveillance (=0,0254). A prevalence of risk factors for osteoporosis was similar in all groups (=0,2156), as well as rate of decrease in BMD (=0,64). In patients taking thiazide diuretics, a significant decrease in daily calcium excretion was found (=0,0054) without significant changes in excretion of uric acid and diuresis volume. Among patients receiving allopurinol there was a significant decrease in daily uric acid excretion (=0,021), without significant changes in excretion of calcium and diuresis volume. There were no significant changes of these values in the control group. A recurrence of urinary stone disease in treatment group was detected in 4 patients with a decrease of BMD after 381+/-61 days, while in control group there were 5 recurrences in patients with decreased BMD and I recurrence in patient with normal BMD after 836+/-64 days. Conclusion Treatment aimed at prevention of recurrence of urinary stone disease allows to correct detected metabolic disturbances. However, such factor as the decrease in BMD can influence on the rate and frequency of recurrence of urinary stone disease. A clarifying of risk factors for osteoporosis and diagnosis of osteoporosis allow to give reliable recommendations for its treatment and to decrease risk of recurrence of urinary stone disease.

Background The drug Canephron N is a combination of extracts of centaury, lovage and rosemary. Moderate antispasmoic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic and antimicrobial effects are of great interest for urological practice. The optimal combination of components that were made of herbal medicine allows to use their synergistic effect for prevention of recurrence of urinary stone disease. The experience of using the drug Canephron in clinical practice is of great interest. Aim to clarify the clinical efficiency of Canephron N in patients with urinary stone disease after surgical treatment and to evaluate the changes in diuresis and calcium excretion. Materials and methods The results of using the drug Canephron after surgical treatment of urinary stone disease are provided. The changes in diuresis and calcium excretion in 75 patients undergone surgical treatment of urinary stone disease were studied. Patients after ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy and extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy were prescribed treatment to prevent stone formation including herbal drug Canephron N. Results At baseline, there was negative correlation between 24-hours diuresis and calcium excretion in all groups. During follow-up, a positive correlation between 24-hours diuresis and calcium excretion was found in patients receiving Canephron N and other types of treatment. The average follow-up was 390 days. During this period, recurrence was noted in 1 patient receiving Canephron, 4 patients in patients who took other drugs and in 5 patients who didnt receive any treatment. Conclusion Risk factors of stone formation persist after surgical treatment of urinary stone disease. This is reflected in a negative correlation between 24-hour diuresis and calcium excretion. During treatment, a positive correlation between diuresis and calcium excretion was noted in patients with urinary stone disease. The use of drugs that affect stone formation as well as herbal medicine Canephron N allow to obtain comparable ratio of diuresis and calcium excretion.

Irreversible electroporation is a treatment option used for focal therapy. In this systematic review, we summarise data on irreversible electroporation outcomes in patients with localised prostate cancer. We performed a literature search in 3 databases and included articles with own data on irreversible electroporation results in patients with localised prostate cancer. Primary outcome was procedure efficacy measured as the absence of cancer in the treatment area on the follow-up biopsy. Secondary outcomes were the absence of prostate cancer recurrence in the treatment area on MRI, out-of-field recurrence, complications and functional outcomes (erectile function and micturition). In-field recurrence rate was 0%-39% and out-field 6.4%-24%. In all studies, PSA level decreased: twice lower than baseline after 4 weeks and by 76% after 2 years. Most of the authors noted sexual and urinary toxicity during the first half year after surgery. However, functional outcomes recovered to baseline after 6 months with mild decrease in sexual function. Complication rates after irreversible electroporation were 0%-1% of Clavien-Dindo III and 5%-20% of Clavien-Dindo I-II. Irreversible electroporation has promise oncological outcomes, rate of post-operative complications and minimal-to-no effects on erectile and urinary function. However, medium and long-term data on cancer-specific and recurrence-free survival are still lacking.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:The SuperPulse Thulium (Tm) fiber laser (wavelength of 1.94 µm) has been recently introduced as a directed-energy source for urology. Preclinical studies have shown a sig...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is beneficial for patients with renal cell carcinoma of clinical stage T1 and T3. The main challenge of this approach is achieving ...

Nowadays, various laparoscopic instruments for tissue dissection and vessel coagulation are available. However, there are ongoing studies dedicated to "ideal" type of energy suitable for this aim. Laser radiation has been used for many years in medical practice and it is established as reliable and effective method in surgical armamentarium. The ability to provide highly precision and well-controlled action on the tissues, improved hemostasis, easy adaptability to fiber-optic and minimally invasive delivery systems, as well as the possibility of facilitating complex dissection made lasers an important tool for surgeons. The mechanism and methods of laser energy using in urology have been studied since 1980s, but there is still no consensus on the optimal type of laser and its settings during urological surgeries, which determines the importance of further researches dedicated to this promising form of energy.

To assess the differences in the learning curve associated with different techniques of endoscopic enucleation of the prostate.Ninety patients were randomly assigned into 3 groups (30 patients in each): HoLEP, ThuFLEP or MEP. Inclusion criteria for the study included prostate volume80 cc, IPSS20, or Qmax10. The EEPs were performed by 3 surgeons experienced in transurethral resection of the prostate. Assignment of surgeons to surgical technique was also randomized. None of the surgeons had prior experience in EEP.ThuFLEP was slightly superior (with no significant difference [P.05]) to HoLEP and MEP in terms of overall enucleation rate-1.0 g/min vs 0.8 g/min and 0.7 g/min, respectively. We observed similar enucleation rates at the initial stages of training (first 20 surgeries) with insignificant increase in ThuFLEP efficiency. At next 10 surgeries ThuFLEP and HoLEP efficiency were higher than of MEP (P.001) without significant difference between techniques of laser EEP (P = .07).Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate can be adopted safely and effectively within 30 surgeries if the technique is learned with a mentoring approach. EEP is shown to be safe and effective even in the initial stages of learning. Laser EEP (HoLEP, ThuFLEP) appears to lend itself to quicker adaptation compared MEP.

Background The impact of number of endoscopic enucleation of the prostate techniques (holmium laser enucleation - HoLEP for example) on erectile function have already been investigated. However, the thulium-fiber laser, in this setting remains unstudied. In this study, we compared sexual function outcomes in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or thulium-fiber laser enucleation (ThuFLEP). Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent transurethral resection and endoscopic enucleation of the prostate for BPH; inclusion criteria was the presence of infravesical obstruction (IPSS > 20, Qmax

Relevance The prevalence of urolithiasis and osteoporosis (OP) indicates that these diseases may be found concurrently in the same patient. The detection of risk factors for OP and disorders of calcium metabolism in patients with urolithiasis is of interest in the context of primary stone formation and metaphylaxis. Aim To identify risk factors for osteoporosis and disorders of calcium metabolism in patients with urolithiasis. Materials and methods Osteoporosis risk factors were studied in 45 urolithiasis patients undergoing surgical treatment. Patients were asked to fill out the osteoporosis risk factor questionnaire, and urinary calcium excretion was measured in 24-h collections. Results Risk factors for osteoporosis were detected in 20 (44.4%) urolithiasis patients. Patients with osteoporosis risk factors identified by the questionnaire were statistically significantly older (p=0.032). Osteoporosis risk factors were found in 20% of patients with newly diagnosed urolithiasis and 24.4% of patients with recurrent urolithiasis. The study patients showed increased urinary calcium excretion and decreased diuresis. The negative correlation between urinary calcium excretion and 24-h diuresis was greater in patients who had than in those who did not have osteoporosis. Conclusion An increase in urinary calcium excretion and a decrease in diuresis can be a predisposing factor for the recurrence of urolithiasis. In patients with risk factors for osteoporosis, it can provide a rationale for administering drugs aimed at preventing stone formation (thiazide diuretics).

The clinical relevance of telomerase subunits (human reverse transcriptase - hTERT, and human telomerase RNA - hTR) and TERT promotor mutations as biomarkers in genitourinary cancers was reviewed through the systematic analysis of the current literature. We performed a systematic literature search using 2 databases (Medline and Scopus) over the past 20 years. Primary outcomes were sensitivity and specificity of hTR, hTERT and TERT promoter mutations. Secondary outcomes were the biomarkers predictive values for tumor characteristics. Regarding bladder cancer, hTERT in urine showed high sensitivity (mean values: 55%-96%), and specificity (69%-100%): it correlated with bladder cancer grade and/or stage. hTR sensitivity ranged from 77% to 92%. With adapted cut-off, it demonstrated 72% to 89% specificity. TERT promoter mutation rate was up to 80% both in tissue and urine, resulting in 62%-92% sensitivity for primary tumors and 42% for relapse. Specificity ranged from 73% to 96%, no correlations with stage were observed. In prostate cancer, hTERT in tissue, prostate secretion and serum showed high sensitivity (97.9%, 36%, and 79.2%-97.5%, respectively) and specificity values (70%, 66%, 60%-100%). hTR showed very high sensitivity (88% in serum and 100% in tissue) although specificity values were highly variable depending on the series and techniques (0%-96.5%). In RCC, hTERT sensitivity on tissue ranged from 90 to 97%, specificity from 25 to 58%. There was an association of hTERT expression with tumor stage and grade. hTERT showed high accuracy in genitourinary cancers, while the value of hTR was more controversial. hTERT and TERT promotor mutations may have predictive value for bladder cancer and RCC staging and grading, while no such relationship was observed in CaP. Although telomerase subunits showed clinically relevant values in genitourinary cancers, developing fast and cost-effective methods is required before contemplating routine use.

The latest guideline of the European Association of Urology (2016) for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms has a new term – endoscopic enucleation of the prostate. This term was introduced after the publication of latest meta-analyses showing that both laser enucleation and electroenucleation are effective in the treatment of infravesical obstruction caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Objective : to compare the methods of electroenucleation and laser enucleation (holmium and thulium) of the prostate according to the literature data and own observations. Materials and methods . A total of 624 patients with BPH were included in the study; of them, 459 participants underwent holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP), 35 – monopolar enucleation, and 130 – thulium laser enucleation (ThuLEP). All patients were followed up for one month. We assessed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), patients’ quality of life (QoL), peak flow rate (Qmax), and residual urine volume prior to surgery and 1 month after it. Results . Functional characteristics have significantly improved by one month post surgery in all three groups. Moreover, the data obtained indicate similar efficacy of different endoscopic enucleation methods. None of the tested parameters demonstrated significant difference across the groups (p >0.05) Conclusions. Our results of HoLEP and ThuLEP suggest high efficacy of these surgical techniques and low number of postoperative complications, which correlates with literature data and guidelines of the European Association of Urology. Monopolar enucleation of the prostate is as effective as ThuLEP or HoLEP; however it has higher frequency of postoperative complications.

A group of patients with high risk prostate cancer was identified in the late 1990s. Since then, management of this group of patients has undergone some serious changes. The article provides a brief overview of the most significant changes, primarily in surgical treatment, over the past 3 years. Besides, the authors present their views on perspective treatments and possible changes in the near future.

AIM To determine the place of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy in surgical management of nephrolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed 16 laparoscopic pyelolithotomies performed in our clinic over the last few years for large and stag-horn stones of anomalous kidneys (n=8), the "giant" (>30-40 cc) monolithic stones of the large extrarenal pelvis (n=3), multiple stones of PCS with the stone burden of more or equal 40 cm (n=2) and large recurrent (after PCNL) kidney stones in patients at risk of bacteriotoxic complications of percutaneous nephroscopy (n=3). The age of the patients ranged from 39 to 72 years (mean age 51+/-8 years). The average density of stones was 1012 (160-1483) HU. RESULTS There were no conversions to open surgery. The mean operating time of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy was 137 (96-255) minutes, flexible transabdominal pyelocalycoscopy 31.2 (12-110) min. The stone-free rate was 87%. Residual clinically insignificant stones were found in two (13%) patients with staghorn horseshoe kidney calculi and complex PCS. The preoperative hospital stay was 1 day, postoperative-from 2 to 18 (mean 6) days. DISCUSSION We believe that laparoscopic pyelolithotomy supplemented by transabdominal flexible pyelocalycoscopy may be recommended for surgical management of patients with "giant", multiple and infected kidney stones, because the length of their percutaneous removal is beyond the recommended time intervals and it is accompanied by an increased risk of septic complications.

Introduction The estimated recurrence rate of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) after transurethral resection of the prostate is about 5 to 15%. Laser enucleation of the prostate results in a much lower recurrence rate (not exceeding 1-1.5%). At the same time, laser enucleation of the prostate is still not widely used for recurrent prostatic hyperplasia since it believed to be technically difficult in cases. Aim To describe the distinctive features of thulium and holmium laser enucleations of the prostate in the management of recurrent BPH and show that the technical difficulties are not an obstacle to the wide application of this technique. Materials and methods This was a retrospective study comprising 676 patients aged 54 to 87 years with clinically pronounced infravesical obstruction due to prostatic hyperplasia (IPSS>20, Qmax Results The mean ThuLEP operating time was shorter than that of HoLEP (p=0.02). The mean duration of repeat and primary ThuLEP and HoLEP did not differ statistically significantly (p>0.05). There was no difference in the length of hospitalization and catheterization between the four groups (p>0.05). At six months after surgery, a statistically significant improvement in I-PSS, Qmax, QoL, and RUV was observed in all groups compared with preoperative values (p>0.05)). Conclusion We found that the technical difficulties of the re-operation, such as the difficult separation of adenomatous tissue from the prostate capsule, the multinodular nature of the adenoma, increased tissue density are easy to overcome and do not confer a significant complexity. In turn, better completeness of resection, low complication and recurrence rates and the possibility of surgery, even in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities - these features allow us to conclude that laser enucleation of the prostate is not only an effective treatment for infravesical obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, but is also a method of choice in the treatment of patients with recurrent BPH.

Introduction Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) allows to treat extremely large prostates (>200 cm3). The aim of the study was to compare the efficiency of HoLEP for prostates of different sizes. Methods Four hundred and fifty-nine patients were divided into three groups: group 1 included 278 patients (3); group 2 included 169 patients (100-200 cm3); group 3 included 12 patients (>200 cm3). Results The duration of enucleation in group 1 was 56.5 ± 10.7 min; in group 2 was 96.4 ± 24.9 min; in group 3 was 120.9 ± 35 min. The duration of morcellation in group 1 was 37.5 ± 7.3 min; in group 2 was 63.3 ± 11.2 min; in group 3 was 84.0 ± 25.6 min. The enucleation efficiency in group 3 (1.70 g/min) was higher (p0.05) in International Prostate Symptom Score, Qmax, quality of life and postvoid residual volume for 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after surgery. Conclusions HoLEP is a safe, highly efficacious and a size-independent procedure.

Introduction The article describes the first experience of performing percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided cryoablation of renal tumor and assesses the safety and short-term results of treatment. Materials and Methods Twelve patients were subjected to US-guided cryoablation of renal tumor in 2015. The tumor size in 11 patients was up to 3.0 cm (T1а); in one female patient, 4.5 cm (T1b). Tumors were assessed according to the PADUA score. In eight patients, it was 6-7 (low); in three patients, 8-9 (average); in one, 10 (high). All the patients underwent US examination using a FlexFocus 800 apparatus with convex abdominal transducers. Before surgery and 6 months later, all the patients underwent renal Doppler US and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Results The average cryoablation time was 60 min. Seven operations were performed under spinal anesthesia and five operations under local anesthesia. The follow-up period lasted 8 months on average. According to the ultrasonography and Doppler findings, after 6 months, the tumor (T1a) in 11 patients reduced in size by an average of 7-8 mm and had no blood supply. T1b patient's mass size reduces from 4.5 to 3.7 cm; however, a 1.5 cm area with a high attenuation gradient of the contrast medium was visualized. Later, the patient was subjected to laparoscopic renal resection. Histological finding revealed clear-cell carcinoma. Conclusions We consider percutaneous US-guided cryoablation as a method of choice for patients with stage T1a renal tumor localized on the posterior or lateral surface in the inferior or middle segment without sinus involvement and PADUA

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibilities of ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing acute pyelonephritis (AP) and renal abscess. Patients and Methods Two hundred and seven patients with AP were followed up from 2010 throughout 2015. All the patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 included 113 (54.6%) patients with acute nonobstructive pyelonephritis; group 2 included 33 (15.9%) patients with acute obstructive pyelonephritis; and group 3 included 61 (29.5%) pregnant female patients with AP. All 207 patients with AP underwent ultrasound examination of the kidneys. Computed tomography (CT) was performed in 87 patients (42.0%). MRI was performed in 14 patients (6.7%). Results We identified the ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance (MR), and CT-signs of acute renal inflammation at different stages of the process. The main us-signs were decreased mobility of the kidney, its enlargement, thickened parenchyma, hydrophilic parenchyma and an impairment of corticomedullary differentiation. The typical CT-signs of AP were enlargement of the kidney with its thickened parenchyma and an impairment of corticomedullary differentiation. The main MR-signs of AP were enlargement of the kidney (>12 cm lengthwise), thickened parenchyma (Conclusions Assessment of the structural and functional state of renal parenchyma and the upper urinary tract using techniques such as ultrasonography, CT, MRI contributes to more efficacious treatment of patients at different stages of AP and timely drainage with properly adjusted pathogenetic therapy at the infiltrative stage is instrumental in preventing purulent destructive forms of AP.

The first medical application of lasers dates back to the mid-60s of the XX century. Since then, laser systems have undergone significant changes. No longer a science fiction, lasers are used in many medical fields as an indispensable tool in the hands of the modern physician. The article outlines advances in laser techniques (from the idea of laser radiation to the modern laser systems used as effective surgical tools). We also present our experience in using laser surgical techniques in treating patients with prostatic hyperplasia.

Objective: To assess the outcomes of surgical repair of anterior apical prolapse using the 6-strap mesh implant. Study Design: The prospective study included 100 patients with genitourinary prolapse. We used advanced 6-strap mesh implant. The results were assessed at 1 (n = 100) and 12 (n = 93) months after surgery. Maximum follow-up was over 4 years. The anatomical outcomes according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system and intraoperative and postoperative complications were assessed. Stage II and higher prolapse was considered to be a recurrence. The quality of life and sexual function were assessed using Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory 20, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire 7, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire 12. Results: Median age was 57 years (34–78 years (95% confidence interval)). All patients had stage III cystocele. The anterior vaginal wall descent in all the patients was associated with uterine descent: 37 (37%), stage II; 60 (60%), stage III; in 3 (3%), stage IV. In eight cases, postoperative de novo stress urinary incontinence developed. The quality of life improved in 93 (93%) women as judged by the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20 data and in 87 (87%) women, according to the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire 7 data. The desirable anatomical result (⩽stage I according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system) was achieved in 97 (97%) patients. With the exception of mesh fragment excision due to erosion (grade 3a), all the complications were classified as grade I according to the Clavien–Dindo classification. Conclusion: Genitourinary prolapse repair using 6-strap mesh is efficacious and relatively safe. The method demonstrates good anatomical results in relation to both anterior and apical prolapses with relatively short-term complications.

Objective To evaluate the pathologic response, safety, and feasibility of nephrectomy following receipt of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods Patients who underwent nephrectomy for RCC after exposure to nivolumab monotherapy or combination ipilimumab/nivolumab were reviewed. Primary surgical outcomes included operative time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS), readmission rates, and complication rates. Pathologic response in the primary and metastatic sites constituted secondary outcomes. Results Eleven nephrectomies (10 radical, 1 partial) were performed in 10 patients after ICI with median postoperative follow-up 180 days. Six patients received 1 to 4 cycles of ipilimumab/nivolumab, while 5 received 2 to 12 infusions of nivolumab preoperatively. Five surgeries were performed laparoscopically, and 4 patients underwent concomitant thrombectomy. One patient exhibited complete response (pT0) to ICI, and 3/4 patients who underwent metastasectomy for hepatic, pulmonary, or adrenal lesions exhibited no detectable malignancy in any of the metastases resected. No patients experienced any major intraoperative complications, and all surgical margins were negative. Median OT, EBL, and LOS were 180 minutes, 100 ml, and 4 days, respectively. Four patients experienced a complication, including 3 that were addressed with interventional radiology procedures. One patient died of progressive disease >3 months after surgery, and 1 patient succumbed to pulmonary embolism complicated by sepsis. No complications or readmissions were noted in 6 patients. Conclusion Nephrectomy following ICI for RCC is safe and technically feasible with favorable surgical outcomes and pathologic response. Timing of the nephrectomy relative to checkpoint dosing did not seem to impact outcome. Biopsies of lesions responding radiographically to ICI may warrant attention prior to surgical excision.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the treatment of choice and most frequently performed surgery for prostate glands over 80 cc. Thulium fiber l...