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Introduction: Combination of abiraterone with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has better survival outcomes than ADT alone in metastatic Hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in the Western population. In this prospective (Clinical Trials Registry-India [CTRI] registered) observational study, we present the comparative oncological outcomes of ADT alone and ADT + abiraterone in Indian patients, which is not available currently. Methods: This study (CTRI-number-CTRI/2020/07/026545) included newly diagnosed mHSPC patients from January 2020 to June 2023 in a tertiary care hospital, urology department. Patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were advised ADT with abiraterone (A + ADT), and those not affording received ADT monotherapy (ADT). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline >90%, radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), and PSA progression-free survival (pPFS). Results: Out of 278 patients with mHSPC, 163 patients were excluded and 115 were analyzed (ADT = 40 vs. A + ADT = 75). After a median follow-up of 20.3 months, 11 of 40 (27.5%) in ADT-only arm and 15 of 75 (20%) in ADT + abiraterone arm had died (Hazard-ratio of death 0.72; 95% confidence interval 0.68–0.88; P < 0.001). A PSA decline of >90% was seen in 85% in the ADT alone group and 93.3% in the ADT + abiraterone group. Significantly better outcomes of the ADT + abiraterone were seen in the secondary endpoints of rPFS (P < 0.001) and pPFS (P < 0.001). The OS benefit was 28% reduction in risk of death in our study versus 37% and 38% in STAMPEDE and LATITUDE, respectively. pPFS and rPFS were also poorer in Indian subsets. Conclusions: Abiraterone with ADT improves OS, PSA response, rPFS, and pPFS in the Indian population akin to the Western data but with poorer OS, rPFS, and PSA progression-free survival on comparison.

Background: Renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) are rare in children, accounting for around 2% of all pediatric renal tumors. Paragangliomas are extra-adrenal locations of phaeochromocytomas. They originate from chromaffin cells arising along the sympathetic paraganglia and are secretory in most cases. Sequential imaging is often required to ascertain the etiology of a renal mass; ultrasound (USG), contrast-enhanced computerized tomography scan (CECT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tissue diagnosis is confirmatory. Clinical Description: An 11-year-old girl presented with a right-sided abdominal and flank pain that was dull aching and nonradiating. She had no history of jaundice, hematuria, dysuria, bowel symptoms, sweating, palpitations, or syncope. The vitals were stable, without tachycardia or hypertension. No abnormal findings were found on clinical examination. Initially, the possibility of a renal stone was considered. Management and Outcome: Baseline blood tests were normal. Abdominal USG detected a heterogeneous mass in the right kidney. CECT ascertained that it was very vascular and exhibited contrast enhancement, suggesting a renal tumor. MRI showed that the right renal artery was acting as the feeding vessel to the tumor. RCC was suspected based on imaging. The vascular nature prevented us from performing a Tru-cut biopsy. A right-sided nephrectomy was planned, preceded by angiography and embolization of the right renal artery to reduce vascularity. Intraoperative episodes of hypertension were noted. Gross appearance suggested RCC; however, histopathology revealed evidence of an intrarenal PGL. Conclusions: Diagnosing a nonfunctional PGL in an asymptomatic patient is challenging and may only be possible by intraoperative histopathology.

INTRODUCTION Recto urethral fistula is relatively rare condition with worldwide incidence rates of less than 3%, and have a wide range of clinical presentations. Treatment involves surgical correction with various techniques described in literature. Here we look at a case series of complex recto urethral fistulae and their management involving local tissue flaps.CASE PRESENTATIONThree patients with complex recto urethral fistulae underwent surgical repair with a pedicled gracilis muscle flap. All patients underwent a pelvic magnetic resonance scan and a flexible antegrade and retrograde cystoscopy prior to their repair. For two patients, the gracilis muscle flap was harvested from the left thigh and the right thigh for the third patient. CONCLUSION: Trauma and radiation are the two most common causes of recto urethral fistulae. Most of these patients have a poor quality of life and require surgical repair with some form tissue interposition. The failure of a prior RUF repair results in worsening of the patient’s quality of life and makes the subsequent surgery more challenging. Diversion of both the urine and faeces as the initial treatment results in better outcomes of the final repair, and hence should always be included in the management protocol of this rare entity.

Abstract Background Hydatid disease is an infectious disease that affects several organs. Isolated renal involvement is very rare. The treatment for renal hydatid cyst ranges from minimally invasive percutaneous aspiration techniques to laparoscopic and open techniques. We describe five cases of isolated renal hydatidosis with varied presentations who were treated successfully by various methods. Case presentation The presenting symptoms included flank pain (n = 5), mass abdomen (n = 2), and hydaturia (n = 1). In 4 patients, the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst was known preoperatively, but one patient with a preoperative diagnosis of a simple cyst was found to harbor hydatidosis intra-operatively. Eosinophilia as a marker for the active disease was present in 60% (3/5), while echinococcal serology was positive in only 25% (1/4). Two cases were approached laparoscopically, while three required an open approach. Two patients were treated with nephrectomy due to the high bulk of the disease, while the other three underwent renal preserving cyst excision. Conclusions The presence of eosinophilia in the preoperative workup may indicate an infective/active hydatid disease. Echinococcal serology is representative of past hydatid infection but cannot reveal about current disease status. Cysts with varied attenuations and residence in an endemic region may support a renal hydatid cyst diagnosis. A holistic approach including clinical history, laboratory parameters, and imaging is needed for diagnosis. Surgical treatment requires cyst excision, along with precautions to prevent spilling. Nephrectomy may be preferred in cases with minimal residual function.

Introduction: The aim of the study is to present our initial experience with ventral-inlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (VI-BMGU) in female urethral stricture disease (USD). Methods: Between May 2016 and June 2018, 12 women with USD underwent VI-BMGU. All women were evaluated preoperatively with the American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score, uroflowmetry, calibration with a 12 Fr catheter, and ultrasonography with postvoid residual (PVR) urine measurement. Intraoperative confirmation of stricture was done with a 6 Fr cystoscope. Postoperatively, the women were followed at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery with AUA symptom score, uroflowmetry, and PVR estimation. Increase in AUA symptom score, maximum flow rate (Qmax)

Adrenal Ganglioneuromas are rare. Evaluation for hormone secretion followed by complete excision is the treatment of choice for such masses. We present our experience of a symptomatic large Adrenal Ganglioneuroma, which was removed with laparoscopic procedure.A 44-year gentleman presented with a symptomatic adrenal tumor. Under the impression of Adrenal Pheochromocytoma, tumor was excised laparoscopically without any untoward event. And to our surprise Adrenal Ganglioneuroma was detected in biopsy. Hence,Ganglioneuromas should be considered as a differential for a functional or symptomatic adrenal mass. And by following proper technique even such large functional adrenal masses can be removedlaparoscopically.

Introduction: Transurethral resection of the prostate has been considered as the gold standard for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). LASER enucleation procedures have emerged as a size-independent gold standard. The flip side of LASER procedures is the initial cost of investment and a long learning curve. Transurethral enucleation with bipolar (TUEB) has emerged as an alternative prostatic enucleation procedure. We present our initial experience in TUEB. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with BPH and indications for surgery underwent TUEB from December 2014 to October 2015. Patients with prostate size> 40 g were selected. All surgeries were done by a single urologist. Various parameters such as preoperative and postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) scores, Qmax (peak flow) scores, duration of surgery, duration of enucleation, drop in hemoglobin, postoperative pain scores, weight of morcellated tissue, and the incidence of stress urinary incontinence were measured. Results: The mean age was 58 years and mean prostatic size was 84 g. Sixteen patients had refractory urinary retention. The mean IPSS score in remaining patients was 24.5. The mean preoperative maximal flow rate (Qmax) on uroflowmetry was 9.3 mL/s. The mean overall duration of surgery was 83 min. The mean drop in hemoglobin was 0.9 g/dl. The mean postoperative pain scores at 12 and 24 h after surgery were 2.1 and 1.3. The mean weight of morcellated tissue was 48 g. Twenty-six patients had de novo transient stress urinary incontinence after surgery. The mean IPSS score after TUEB was 8.3 showing significant improvement in all aspects of IPSS. The mean post-TUEB Qmax on uroflowmetry was 25 mL/s. Conclusions: TUEB is an effective surgical management of BPH. TUEB allows enucleation of large adenomas in a single sitting, mimicking conventional open enucleation of the prostate while having all the advantages of a minimally invasive surgery.

The solid-electrolyte interphase formed on Li-battery electrodes strongly affects their cycling performance, however the mechanical properties of the surface films are not well-known. Here the authors report a sensitive gravimetric/viscoelastic method to probe surface film formation on composite electrodes, coupled with Li-ion intercalation.

Introduction: A precise puncture of the renal collecting system is the most essential step for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). There are many techniques describing this crucial first step in PCNL including the bull's eye technique, triangulation technique, free-hand technique, and gradual descensus technique. We describe a novel puncture guide to assist accurate percutaneous needle placement during bull's eye technique. Methods: The mini access guide (MAG) stabilizes the initial puncture needle by mounting it on an adjustable multidirectional carrier fixed to the patient's skin, which aids in achieving the “bull's eye” puncture. It also avoids a direct fluoroscopic exposure of the urologist's hand during the puncture. Sixty consecutive patients with solitary renal calculus were randomized to traditional hand versus MAG puncture during bull's eye technique of puncture and the fluoroscopy time was assessed. Results: The median fluoroscopy screening time for traditional free-hand bull's eye and MAG-guided bull's eye puncture (fluoroscopic screening time for puncture) was 55 versus 21 s (P = 0.001) and the median time to puncture was 80 versus 55 s (P = 0.052), respectively. Novice residents also learned puncture technique faster with MAG on simulator. Conclusion: The MAG is a simple, portable, cheap, and novel assistant to achieve successful PCNL puncture. It would be of great help for novices to establish access during their learning phase of PCNL. It would also be an asset toward significantly decreasing the radiation dose during PCNL access.

Introduction: Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) is a frequently used approach for localized carcinoma prostate. For intermediate and high-risk cancers, extended pelvic lymph node dissection (e-PLND), is often performed. Conventional e-PLND involves piecemeal retrieval of lymphatic tissue. We describe a novel technique of laparoscopic e-PLND, which involves en-masse removal of pelvic lymph nodes from each side, based on an overlying peritoneal scaffold. Materials and Methods: Fifteen cases of intermediate and high-risk carcinoma prostate underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) with peritoneal scaffold based e-PLND within a period of 1 year. We describe the surgical techqniue and outcomes in terms of operative time and lymph nodes retrieved. Results: The mean operating times for "peritoneal scaffold" lymphatic dissection was 48 min (38-64). The total number of lymph nodes retrieved was 18 (14-22). There were no cases with postoperative lymph collection or hematoma. Conclusion: The "peritoneal scaffold" technique of e-PLND is a novel technique, which involves having a peritoneal scaffold to bind and hold all the lymphatic tissues together in its anatomical orientation during dissection. This enables complete retrieval of specimen during LRP and RALP.

Introduction: Lower urinary tract symptoms in men, over age of 50 years is suggestive of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). Different alpha-blockers have been evaluated for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia for over last 30 years. This study was conducted in a tertiary care institution during the period of year between June 2011 and August 2013 to compare the effect of naftopidil and tamsulosin in reducing the obstructive and irritable symptoms of BPE. Subjects and Methods: A prospective randomized comparative study was carried on 60 patients of BPE by assigning half of them to treatment with tamsulosin and rest with naftopidil. Pre- and post-treatment uroflowmetry (UFM), post-void residue (PVR), International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), were obtained at 15 and 30 days after starting treatment. Results: The age of patients ranged from 51 to 78. At base line there was no statistical difference between UFM parameter, PVR and IPSS in the two groups. UFM and PVR showed significantly better response at both intervals with naftopidil. Comparison of IPSS showed better improvement in Group A both at 15 and 30 days. It was seen that the obstructive symptoms showed a significantly better response with tamsulosin and symptoms of irritability was seen better response with naftopidil. Conclusion: It was seen that during the period of follow-up of 30 days naftopidil had a better effect on UFM, PVR, IPSS compared with tamsulosin. In general, obstructive symptoms showed better improvement in tamsulosin and irritative symptoms showed better improvement in naftopidil.

Introduction: The correction of fossa navicularis strictures poses a distinct reconstructive challenge as it requires attention to cosmesis, in addition to urethral patency. Different graft and flap based repairs have been described with variable success rates. However, the ideal management remains unclear. The feasibility and efficacy of a single stage ventral onlay buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty (VOBMGU) for navicular fossa strictures (NFS) was evaluated in the present study. Subjects and Methods: All patients with NFS attending urology out-patient department from March, 2009 onward accepting VOBMGU were evaluated prospectively. Patients with minimum 1 year of follow-up were included for analysis. The technique involves opening the diseased stenosed meatus ventrally up to the corona. The diseased mucosa is excised leaving a midline strip of native urethral mucosa on the dorsal side. The buccal mucosal graft (BMG) is fixed on either side of this strip over a 24 Fr. silicone catheter. The glans wings are apposed in midline taking anchoring bites on the mucosal graft ventrally. Post-operatively patients were reviewed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter. Cosmetic acceptance and splaying of the urinary stream was assessed with individual questionnaires. Results: A total of six patients underwent VOBMGU. Average flow rate at 3 months post-operatively was 12 ml/s. The end result was cosmetically highly acceptable. There was no fistula in any of the cases. With a median follow-up of 37 months, only one patient had a recurrence of stricture in a proximal site. Conclusions: VOBMGU is a viable technique for reconstruction of NFS with promising short term results. However, long-term follow-up is necessary.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) co-secreting aldosterone and cortisol is extremely rare. We report the case of a 37-yearold female who presented with paresis and facial puffiness. Evaluation revealed hypertension, hyperglycemia, severe hypokalemia and hyperaldosteronemia with elevated plasma aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR). Urinary free cortisol estimation showed elevated levels. Computed tomography scan revealed a right adrenal mass. Radical adrenalectomy specimen revealed ACC (T3N1). Post-operatively, the patient became normotensive and euglycemic with normalization of urinary cortisol and ARR. This case highlights the need for a complete evaluation in patients of hyperaldosteronism if overlapping symptoms of hypercortisolism are encountered, to avoid post-operative adrenal crisis.

Retrocaval ureter (pre-ureteral vena cava) is an uncommon congenital anomaly that causes ureteral obstruction by external compression. Although right retrocaval ureter is a common entity, left retrocaval ureter is extremely rare. A left retrocaval ureter is usually associated with situs inversus or duplicated inferior venacava (IVC). An isolated left retrocaval ureter with single left-sided IVC is even rarer and only four cases have been reported in the literature. We present images of a case with isolated left retrocaval ureter with a single left-sided IVC without situs inversus.

Author(s): Singh Kirti [1]; Swarnendu Mandal (corresponding author) [1]; Das Manoj Kumar [1]; Nayak Prasant [1] We read with interest this prospective randomized clinical trial on the methods of pain [...]