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A woman in her 30s had robotic pyeloplasty done for right ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Incidentally she developed dengue viral fever starting on postoperative day 1 itself, which progressed to dengue haemorrhagic shock by 1 week, complicating pyeloplasty due to pelvicalyceal haematoma. Dengue associated shock was superimposed with subsequent gram-negative bacterial sepsis, further complicated later with Trichosporon fungal sepsis. She was managed under multidisciplinary care, involving urology, infectious disease and ICU care. Her diagnostic and difficult management issues due to these rare sequential medical issues in an otherwise usually uncomplicated postsurgical phase are discussed along with short review of literature. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, timely supportive care and appropriate management in such tropical infections with significant associated mortality.

Objective To present our ‘ureter-first’ approach as a standardized step-wise incision-making technique to deal with all types of uretero-pelvic junction (UPJ) anatomy during pyeloplasty. Pyeloplasty is a common surgery performed for UPJ obstruction, with Anderson-Hynes’ pyeloplasty being the commonest. However, there is great variability in handling UPJ and incision-making among the surgeons with no detailed standardized description that can be followed in all cases, notwithstanding broad descriptions of incision lines. We underscore this aspect of pyeloplasty and present our universal technique with a goal to minimize surgical errors. Methods A standardized step-by-step handling of UPJ and sequential incision-making was developed for pyeloplasty. It avoids unwarranted loss of any pelvis tissue before confirming individual UPJ anatomy, emphasizes preservation of lower lip of pelvis and minimizes tension on anastomosis. This standardized technique was uniformly used in all cases over 5 years. The peri-operative and functional outcome results are presented. Results 51 consecutive cases were done using ureter-first approach. UPJ was >1 cm in 8 cases. 3 of these had UPJ >2 cm. 8 other cases had a low-insertion below level of kidney while 3 had high insertion of ureter. There were no cases which were deemed to be done under tension or unsatisfactory repair by the surgeon. There were no failures requiring any kind of redo repair at mean follow up of 39 months. Conclusions A uniform standardized approach saves the surgeon from unwarranted or wrongly designed incisions on the pelvis and thus has the potential to reduce surgical mistakes.

To validate the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (Gleason's score ≥7) by PI-RADS v2 and to assess the ability of quantitative MRI parameters to detect clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPCa) in Indian men.Adult men (n = 95) with serum PSA4 ng/ml were prospectively evaluated with multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) followed by histopathological evaluation using systematic 12-core prostate biopsy in 69 patients and prostatectomy specimens in 26 patients, performed within six weeks of mpMRI. The imaging and the pathology were divided into 12 sectors per prostate. For the validation of PI-RADS v2, a cut-off of PI-RADS v2 score ≥ 3 and PI-RADS v2 score ≥ 4 were compared to histopathology as a reference standard. Further, quantitative parameters, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), KPI-RADS score ≥ 4 showed higher specificity (89%) than PI-RADS score ≥ 3 (72.2%) at the cost of mild but not significant reduction of sensitivity (sensitivity-87.6% vs 91.9), (n = 1,140 sectors, 95 patients). PI-RADS v2 and quantitative parameters demonstrated the ability to discriminate sectors positive vs negative for CSPCa: AUC (area under the curve) for ADC was 0.928, PI-RADS v2 was 0.903, KPI-RADS v2 is a reliable method for the detection and localization of clinically significant prostate cancer in Indian men, suggesting applicability beyond European or American demographics. Quantitative mpMRI parameters can detect clinically significant prostate cancer with similar test characteristics as PI-RADS v2.

To evaluate the anatomical changes in kidney orientation in prone position with use of horizontal or vertical bolster alignment. Patients having renal stone(s) on ultrasonogram or X-ray underwent split bolus computed-tomo-urography (CTU) in prone position with horizontal and vertical bolster positions. CTUs were read by a single radiologist to quantify the cranio-caudal, antero-posterior, side to side and rotational movements of kidneys as relevant to prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy. 19 adult patients with 38 renal units and mean basal metabolic index of 25.6 kg/m2 underwent CTU. Greater inferior displacement of both kidneys was seen with horizontal bolsters as compared to vertical bolsters. The right upper calyceal-diaphragm distance was 2.1 ± 1.5 cm and the lower calyceal-diaphragm distance was 2.0 ± 1.6 cm greater with the horizontal bolsters (p

Objective: To evaluate the role of routine nephrectomy for tuberculous non-functioning kidney (TNFK) after receiving anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) by demonstrating whether live tubercle bacilli persist in nephrectomy specimens after treatment or not. Materials and methods: Patients with TNFK who underwent nephrectomy after completion of at least 6 months of ATT were included in this prospective cohort study. We sent tissue/pus from a nephrectomy specimen for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture to look for live bacilli. Bacilli were considered alive only if AFB culture was positive. Results: Twenty-four patients underwent nephrectomy for TNFK between April 2015 and October 2017 (18 laparoscopic and 6 open nephrectomy). Laparoscopic nephrectomy was associated with lower blood loss (225 ml versus 408 ml, p = 0.0003) and shorter hospital stay (3 versus 3.8 days, p = 0.06) compared with open nephrectomy; however, mean operative time and overall complications were similar. Eight specimens were AFB smear and/or tuberculosis PCR positive, out of which three showed viable bacilli upon culture. Drug sensitivity testing showed multi-drug resistant strain in all three patients who were treated with second-line ATT. Conclusion: It is preferable to do routine nephrectomy for TNFKs as they are more likely to harbour live bacilli and lead to disease recurrence. Viability testing for AFB must be performed on all operated specimens to identify drug resistant bacilli so that patients may be treated with second-line therapy if required. Level of evidence: 4.

To evaluate the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing open radical cystectomy for carcinoma bladder in a tertiary care center. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all patients undergoing open radical cystectomy with a urinary diversion from July 2014 to August 2019 was done. A total of 195 patients were included. A total of 172 patients (88.2%) underwent radical cystectomy with ileal or sigmoid conduit, 6 patients underwent orthotopic neobladder, and 17 patients underwent cutaneous ureterostomy. The mean American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) score was 1.4. On preoperative histopathology, 125 patients had the muscle-invasive disease. The mean operative time (± SD) was 303.6 ± 53.4 min and the operative time was significantly longer for neobladder (p = 0.033). The mean blood loss (± SD) was 977.5 ± 346.5 ml. Among the complications, a total of 350 events occurred in 96 patients (49.3%). Thirty-nine patients (20%) suffered grade I complications, 12 patients (6.2%) suffered grade II complications, 26 patients (13.3%) suffered grade III complications, and 9 patients (4.6%) suffered grade IV complications. Grade III, IV, and V complications were considered major complications and 46 patients (23.5%) had major complications. Among the grade III complications, the majority included fascial dehiscence (burst abdomen), i.e., 13.3%, and uretero-ileal leak, i.e., 2.6%. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 5.2% (10/195). On multivariate analysis, the presence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.047), operative time (p = 0.003), and low preoperative albumin (p = 0.009) were significant predictors for major preoperative complications. Diabetes mellitus, serum albumin, and operative time are significant predictors of postoperative complications. The ASA score, low preoperative hemoglobin, and blood loss are significant predictors of perioperative mortality. Though radical cystectomy has been associated with significant perioperative morbidity and mortality, the advancements in surgical techniques and intensive care tools have led to a significant decrease in morbidity and mortality in the contemporary era.

Novel energy devices such as ultrasonic shears (US) are widely used in laparoscopic surgery due to convenience and outcomes. However, these are expensive and add to the procedure cost. Electrocautery (EC) can often provide similar surgical outcomes and existing literature in unclear on the benefits of one over the other. We conducted a randomized trial between US and EC use in laparoscopic nephrectomy. Twenty patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy between January 2019 and January 2020 at our tertiary referral center were included. Patients were randomly allocated in 2 groups according to energy used, i.e., EC and US. We assessed operative time, blood loss, intra- and postoperative complications, drain output and duration, hospital stay, readmission rates within 30 days of discharge, and surgeon satisfaction with the instruments used. The mean operative time and estimated blood loss were 113 min and 170 ml in EC group while 106 min and 180 ml in US group (p > 0.05). The mean change in hematocrit values after surgery were 6.12% and 5.27% in EC and US group, respectively (p = 0.812). There were no significant differences in mean hospital stay (2.7 in EC group, 2 days in US group), drain output (35.6 ml in EC and 26.3 ml in US group), and drain duration (1.7 days in EC and 1.9 days in US group). One patient in EC group had retroperitoneal hematoma due to Veress needle injury. Similarly only 1 patient in US group had severe intraoperative bleeding requiring conversion to open procedure. Two patients in the EC group had postoperative complications, i.e., fever and purulent collection under surgical site. Electrocautery and ultrasonic shears appear to be comparable in efficacy and safety in laparoscopic nephrectomy. However larger prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.

Level of evidence: 4

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:During prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) rolled blankets or foam or gel bolsters are often placed underneath the patient to allow for chest and abdominal wall exp...

Introduction: Very few randomized controlled trials are available globally to support routine use of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol after radical cystectomy (RC), and none so far has been conducted in the Indian subcontinent. The aim of the present study was to evaluate hospital stay and 30-day perioperative outcomes following RC with the implementation of the ERAS protocol. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four patients undergoing open RC were randomized to ERAS versus conventional surgical care (CSC) at our center from April 2017 to May 2018. Key interventions included avoidance of mechanical bowel preparation, early nasogastric tube removal, early enteral feeding, and early obligatory ambulation. Follow-up was done till 30-day postoperatively or till discharge, whichever longer. Results: Twenty-seven patients in each group were analyzed. The demographic profile of the groups was similar. Length of stay in each group (8 days [5–57] ERAS vs. 9 days [5–31] CSC group, P = 0.390) was similar, with time to recovery of bowel function being significantly less in ERAS group (12 h [12–108] vs. 36 h [12–60] for bowel sounds [P = 0.001], 48 h [12–108] vs. 72 h [36–156] for passage of flatus [P = 0.001], and 84 h [36–180] vs. 96 [60–156] for passage of stools [P = 0.013]). Perioperative complication rate (12 patients (44.4%) vs. 14 (51.9%), P = 0.786) was similar. Conclusions: ERAS protocol leads to faster bowel recovery compared to conventional care in patients undergoing open RC but fails to demonstrate a shorter length of stay and lower complication rate.

Background: Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) is the standard of care for small renal masses whenever feasible. This study aims to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of NSS performed by open (open partial nephrectomy [OPN]) or laparoscopic (laparoscopic PN [LPN]) or robotic (robotic PN [RPN]) approach over the past 6 years and to study the correlation of histopathological grade of renal cell carcinoma with the RENAL score. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all patients who underwent NSS was done. Results: A total of 135 patients underwent NSS. The mean tumour size was 4.4 cm. About 61 patients underwent OPN, 24 had LPN and 50 had RPN. Although tumour size was larger in OPN group (P = 0.01), tumour complexity based on the RENAL score was similar in OPN and RPN groups (P = 0.15). The OPN group had shorter operative time (P = 0.008) but more blood loss (P = 0.001) and length of hospital stay (P = 0.049) as compared to LPN or RPN group. Maximum radiological diameter of tumour (P = 0.017) appeared to be a significant predictor of operative time, while the open surgical approach (P = 0.003) and tumour stage (P = 0.044) were found to be significant predictors of blood loss. Hilar clamping time was similar in OPN and RPN groups (P = 0.054) but higher in LPN group (P = 0.01). However, post-operative decline in renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate) (P = 0.08) and margin status were comparable among the three groups. The most common histopathology was clear cell carcinoma (70%), and RENAL score was identified as a significant predictor of histopathological grade of tumour (P = 0.008). Conclusion: Open, laparoscopic and robotic approaches to PN provide similar patient outcomes. OPN was usually preferred for larger tumours. The post-operative decline in renal functions and complications were comparable among the three approaches. RENAL score correlated significantly with histopathological grade and hence could help in predicting tumour behaviour pre-operatively.

Objectives: Transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) is a standard procedure for both diagnosis and management of bladder cancer. Intravesical seeding of cells shed during TURBT supposedly plays an important role in tumor recurrences. This may be due to the inherent nature of the procedure, which refutes the basic oncological principle and demands for piecemeal resection. Additionally, high pressure of irrigation fluid during TURBT has the treacherous potential for systemic absorption of tumor cells into circulation and metastatic tumor seeding. By measuring circulating tumor cells (CTC) before and after TURBT, it may be possible to ascertain whether TURBT induces measurable seeding of cancer cells into the circulation. Methods: All consecutive patients undergoing TURBT for newly diagnosed bladder mass were enrolled. Cases with resection time less than 10 min, prior intravesical or radiation therapy, chronic cystitis, neurogenic bladder, metastatic disease at presentation, and final histology other than transitional cell carcinoma were excluded. Peripheral venous blood samples were drawn before and after (within 2 hours) of TURBT, and analyzed using flow-cytometry to ascertain the number of CTC. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated, suspended in FACSTM buffer, stained with specific antibodies to CD-45, EpCam, Cytokeratin 18 & 19, and immediately acquired on a FACSCantoTM II cytometer (BD Biosciences, 4-2 configuration). A cell positive for cytokeratins 18, 19 & EpCam and negative for expression of CD45 was defined as a CTC. The number of CTC in pre and postoperative samples were compared and correlated to the final histopathology. Results: 32 patients were studied. No perforations were encountered. 4/32 (12.5%) patients had raised CTC count following TURBT. All 4 of these patients had high grade and at least T2 (ie, muscle invasive) disease. Overall, rise in CTC count was seen in 4/8 patients (50%) with muscle invasion and 4/13 cases (30.79%) with high-grade disease. There was no significant difference in the average resection time between the group showing rise in CTC versus the other (34 vs 32 .5 minutes, respectively; P=.43). Conclusions: This study provides objective evidence that tumor cells are released into the circulation during TURBT and are detectable in peripheral venous circulation. This occurs predominantly in patients with higher grade and higher stage disease.

To compare the outcomes between cutaneous ureterostomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion in patients with solitary functioning kidney, undergoing radical cystectomy. This study was a retrospective analysis of the patients, with solitary functioning kidney, who underwent radical cystectomy with either cutaneous ureterostomy or ileal conduit from January 2014 to May 2019. Baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and follow-up renal function were evaluated and compared. For renal function outcomes, we assessed the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and included patients with a follow-up of at least 2 years. A total of 43 patients were included in the study, 23 of them underwent cutaneous ureterostomy and 20 underwent ileal conduit urinary diversion. The two groups were similar with respect to their baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. Operative time (

Objectives: To qualitatively assess the clinical usefulness of patient-specific high-fidelity three-dimensional (3D) print model of kidney before partial nephrectomy (PN) and to identify subset dom...

To evaluate the anatomical changes in kidney orientation in prone position with use of horizontal or vertical bolster alignment.Patients having renal stone(s) on ultrasonogram or X-ray underwent split bolus computed-tomo-urography (CTU) in prone position with horizontal and vertical bolster positions. CTUs were read by a single radiologist to quantify the cranio-caudal, antero-posterior, side to side and rotational movements of kidneys as relevant to prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy.19 adult patients with 38 renal units and mean basal metabolic index of 25.6 kg/mHorizontal bolsters provide significantly more caudal displacement of the kidneys; the right kidney being displaced more as compared to the left. However, there is also an increase in the skin-calyceal distance with horizontal as compared to the vertical bolsters. These assessments may help the surgeons decide optimal bolster position individualized to the patient.

Female external genital anatomy is poorly understood, particularly with respect to its blending with physiological concepts of continence. There are several pertinent questions which remain poorly answered, even though of late there has been a relative surge of new procedures being described for female urethral reconstruction. Where exactly is the female external sphincter? What keeps continence preserved in dorsal approaches and what keeps it intact in ventral ones? Can the urethrotomy be extended into the bladder neck without jeopardizing the continence? Similarly, vascular supply of urethra and surrounding structural supports of urethra are important before one can safely understand various approaches to urethral reconstruction in females. After complete obliteration or transection, what keeps the two ends of the urethra vascularized? Which anatomical structures are responsible for female sexual function? What bed provides vascular support to the graft on dorsal and ventral sides?, etc. are all questions which are important to improve the results of urethral reconstruction in females. An effort has been made in this chapter to review the existing literature and present a contemporary understanding in this regard.

This chapter outlays the surgical steps for performing the dorsal onlay approach to female urethral reconstruction using a free graft. It is the most widely used technique, though the experience remains very limited due to the rarity of the disease itself. A success rate of 80% and above is expected in the intermediate term with minimal morbidity.

Management of female lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is often not well understood among general practitioners, gynecologists, and even urologists. There are no specific guidelines in this regard, particularly for management of voiding dysfunction. This chapter presents a broad outlook to stepwise rational management of female LUTS in outpatient clinic, based upon current literature and clinical practices. In general, any associated gynecological, neurological, or other co-morbid illnesses should be treated simultaneously. The diagnosis of voiding dysfunction requires a minimum of uroflowmetry and post-void residue, but the index of suspicion must be kept high for any patient coming with LUTS irrespective of the presence of voiding symptoms. A simplistic algorithmic approach to females presenting with LUTS is presented.

Pelvic fracture-associated urogenital injury is an important but uncommon cause of urethral stricture in females. Bladder neck is also frequently injured in such cases. Early repair of injury is recommended whenever feasible given the general condition of patient and availability of expertise. Patients presenting at a later stage with obliterate strictures have limited surgical options for repair. The length of available urethra, stricture characteristics, associated genital or pelvic floor injuries, and continence guide the choice of treatment in these cases. It is imperative that the surgeon be well versed with the surgical anatomy and principles of reconstruction for an optimum outcome before undertaking such repairs.

Urethral stricture disease and urethroplasty in females have gained recent interest with newer urethroplasty techniques being described for various types of strictures. This chapter provides an insight into evaluation and management options for a woman with urethral stricture. Female urethral stricture remains a rare disease, and the clinical presentation overlaps with other functional causes of obstruction. The diagnosis is highly dependent on actual demonstration of a fibrotic ring on endoscopy. Results of minimally invasive options are dismal beyond one attempt. Many surgical reconstruction options are now available with good reported short-term outcomes. Given the anatomical and physiological differences between male and female urethra, female urethral stricture disease leaves a lot to be desired for improving our understanding of this disease.

While the anatomical closure rates of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) following transabdominal (TA) and transvaginal (TV) repairs seem comparable, studies comparing urinary and sexual outcomes following successful repair are lacking. We aimed to report patient-reported outcomes on sexual and urinary functions after long-term follow-up with successful repair. We retrospectively reviewed 81 women who had successful VVF repair at our institute. Pre-, intra- and post-operative details were retrieved from electronic data software. Patient-reported sexual and urinary function outcomes were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), respectively, at last follow-up. We also compared such outcomes among TA and TV repairs. Of 81 women, 28 (34.6%) had TA and 53 (65.4%) had TV repairs. Mean age was 37.5 years and mean fistula diameter was 12.9 mm. The most common aetiology was hysterectomy. Thirty-three patients (40.7%) had previous failed repairs. At a mean follow-up of 29.8 months, 24 (34.3%) women had sexual dysfunction and 15 (18.5%) women experienced urinary dysfunction. The TA and TV groups had comparable mean FSFI scores (28.7 ± 6.1 vs. 30.9 ± 5.2, p = 0.13) and ICIQ-SF scores (0.7 ± 1.7 vs. 0.5 ± 1.4, p = 0.59). In multivariate analysis, fistula size and site were significant predictors of urinary dysfunction whereas multiparity was the most significant predictor of sexual dysfunction. Sexual and urinary dysfunction is found in a considerable number of women after VVF repair. However, our data suggest comparable long-term sexual and continence outcomes between TA and TV repairs.

A 30-year-old woman presented with vesicovaginal fistula after a forceful intercourse. She was diagnosed as a case of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome 14 years ago and had underwent McIndoe’s vaginoplasty using amniotic membrane. Similarly, another 14-year-old girl presented with an iatrogenic urethral and bladder neck injury during an attempt at McIndoe’s vaginoplasty 4 months ago at another centre leading to urinary fistula with absent vagina. A laparoscopic salvage was done for both the cases along with repair of genitourinary fistula using sigmoid colon. There was no further requirement of vaginal dilation. Both patients remain fully continent at 1 year follow-up. Laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty is a worthy minimally invasive salvage method for the patients of MRKH who develop fistulous complication after a previous attempt at neovagina creation. The bowel wall provides a structurally strong layer to withstand the repeated sexual trauma of the vagina.

Objectives To report our single center experience in the management of untreated adult classical bladder exstrophy. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of 25 adults aged ≥18 years who underwent repair of the classical bladder exstrophy from April 2000 to February 2020 was performed. Patients with prior repair and neoplastic changes in the exposed bladder mucosa were excluded. The patients and primary caretakers were actively involved in the decision-making of the surgical procedures best suited them. Work-up included upper tract evaluation and random bladder mucosal biopsy. Results The mean age of presentation was 25 years. Primary schooling was completed by only 32% patients. The majority (72%) of the patients opted continent catheterizable pouch. Penn pouch was the most common pouch performed. In 3 patients, a complete primary repair was done in a single setting. In 4 patients with lack of education and difficult access to nearby health care settings, ileal conduit was performed. In all except 3 (13.1%), abdominal wall closed primarily. None of the patients required osteotomy. At a mean follow-up of 6.5 years, all patients with continent pouches were continent. One patient required revision of left ureteroneocystostomy at 20 months follow-up. All except one patient, who had complete primary repair were continent at a mean follow-up of 6 years. Conclusion Management of adult classical bladder exstrophy is challenging. The various pouches extend the surgical options. Ileal conduit may be a simple alternative to complex reconstructions in unmotivated patients with poor access to the hospital.