Recently, the global endourology scene has witnessed a resurgence of interest in supine PCNL (sPCNL). The number of urologists who are attracted to this “simplified method” of PCNL is growing and its promoters are suggesting to abandon the standard prone approach. Debates on the two positions have become commonplace in endourology scientific meetings. The advocates consistently emphasize that when compared to the prone position, sPCNL has multiple advantages for the surgeon, the anesthesia team and the patient. In spite of these, it is evident that many still favor prone PCNL (pPCNL) because of its time-tested proven efficacy and safety. In fact, up to this present day, majority of PCNLs are still done in the prone position. This review article intends to analyze the “current state of affairs” of the two PCNL positions, describing their advantages and disadvantages. Presently, applying the principles of “what is safe and efficacious in one’s hands” dictates the choice of which technique is utilized to treat a patient. Conversely, it is more clinically sound if this choice was made instead, in consideration of, the interplay of the following factors such as the patient’s clinical demographics, the anatomical features of the renal collecting system, the stone burden and characteristics and ultimately, the physician’s training, skills and experience.
Nephrolithotomy, Percutaneous

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the demographics, clinical characteristics of patients, and the sensitivity and specifity of the clinical, laboratory, radiologic, diagnostic parameters in detecting histopathologically-proven urinary tract involvement in primary colorectal cancer patients referred to the urology service in the Philippine General Hospital. METHODS: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study. The study included patients referred to the Division of Urology from the Division of Colon, Rectal and Anal Surgery January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. All patients diagnosed with colorectal malignancy and referred to the Urology service were included in the study, including their cystoscopy, axial tomography, CEA and symptom assessment scores. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were included in the study and, 43% were rectal cancers and 33% were sigmoid cancers. Sensitivities and specificities were as follows. Symptoms 40%, 84%, Cystoscopy, 45%, 100%; Axial tomography 75%, 79%. Surgical involvement correlated with histopathologic involvement with a specificity of 52%. CEA did not discriminate between cohorts of positive or negative involvement. CONCLUSION Cystoscopy, axial tomography and symptom assessment had high positive predictive values. All diagnostics had low negative predictive values when taken in isolation. Surgical assessment correlated with histopathologic findings in half of the population. CEA did not discriminate between those with surgical involvement and those without. A multi-modality assessment strengthens detection of surgical involvement preoperatively.
Cystoscopy ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Diagnostic Tests, Routine

: The current standard in the management of large burden renal stones is conventional percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) is a procedure developed to decrease complications of standard PCNL by decreasing the size of access. Recent studies have shown high stone free rates with minimal complications in utilizing mini-PCNL in larger stones. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of mini-PCNL for stones with sizes 2 cm and above versus standard PCNL. METHODS: This is a meta-analysis comparing mini-PCNL and standard PCNL in the management of renal stones 2 cm and above. A PUBMED search was done to acquire randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective studies of mini-PCNL and standard PCNL assessing large burden renal stones, defined as 2 cm and above. Two authors independently assessed the studies for selection. Comparison of mini-PCNL and standard PCNL was done according to following parameters: stone-free rate, operative time, postoperative decrease in hemoglobin levels, length of hospital stay, rate of transfusion, occurrence of fever, postoperative pain scores, and occurrence of urine leakage. RESULTS: Results of this meta-analysis showed that standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy has an advantage over mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy only in terms of having a shorter operative time for larger stones (MD: 8.44 min, 95% CI 6.36 – 10.52 min, p < 0.00001). No difference was found in the outcomes of postoperative pain scores (MD 0.19 VAS score, %CI 0.16 – 0.54, p = 0.29), occurrence of postoperative fever (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.18 – 0.61, p = 0.06) and the stone-free rate (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.67 – 1.41, p = 0.88). Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy has advantage over standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy for large-burden stones in terms of shorter length of postoperative hospital stay (MD 1.44 day, 95% CI 1.22-1.66, P <0.00001), lower hemoglobin drop (MD 0.48 mg/dl, 95% CI 0.39–0.66, p < 0.00001), lower rate of transfusion (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.20 – 0.99, p = 0.01), urine leakage (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03 – 0.39, p = 0.0008) and an overall lower occurrence of complications (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.28 – 0.62, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a safe and effective intervention in large-burden stones 2 cm in size and above.
Nephrolithotomy, Percutaneous

OBJECTIVE: Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSPBx) is the recommended method for the histopathologic confirmation of prostate cancer. However, the overall cancer detection rate is low; hence, patients are potentially exposed to multiple biopsies and their attendant morbidity. Multiparametric MRI of the prostate followed by MRI-Ultrasound fusion-guided prostate biopsy (FBx) is an emerging diagnostic pathway that has been established and recommended in men with a persistently elevated PSA despite a previous negative biopsy. However, evidence regarding its value in the biopsy-naïve setting is scarce. The objective is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of MRI fusion-guided prostate biopsy against TRUSPBx in biopsy-naïve men. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study involving biopsy-naïve men with a PSA of 3 to 20 ng/ml. Primary outcomes of the study include overall cancer detection rate (CDR) and detection of clinically-significant prostate cancer (csPCa). Subgroup analyses were performed based on PSA level and prostate volume. Independent t-test, Mann Whitney U test and Chi square test were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 185 biopsy-naïve men with a PSA level of 3 – 20 ng/mL were included in the study. Median pre-biopsy PSA level was 7.07 ng/mL (5.06 – 11.0) and 9.02 ng/mL (5.8 – 13.8) in the FBx arm and TRUS-guided biopsy arm, respectively. Ninety-nine (n=99; 53%) underwent MP-MRI of the prostate followed by MRI fusion-guided prostate biopsy and eighty-six (n=86; 46%) underwent the standard TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. Compared to TRUSPBx, FBx significantly detected more prostate cancer (CDR: 68% vs 30%, p<0.0001) and csPCa (46% vs 22%, p=0.001). The diagnostic yield of FBx was distinctly superior in the subgroup of men with a PSA of 4 – 10 ng/mL (CDR: 64% vs 7%, p<0.0001; csPCa: 43% vs 2%, p<0.0001) and a prostate volume of <40grams (CDR: 82% vs 36%, p<0.0001; csPCa: 53% vs 21%, p=0.006). CONCLUSION Compared to the current standard, the diagnostic yield of MRI fusion-guided prostate biopsy is significantly better in biopsy-naïve men. FBx detected more men with prostate cancer, with a higher proportion of men having clinically-significant disease. This advantage is strongly evident in men with a PSA level of 4 – 10 ng/mL and an average prostate volume of 40 grams. Hence, Multiparametric MRI of the prostate followed by MRI fusion-guided prostate biopsy is an effective first-line diagnostic modality for prostate cancer in men presenting with elevated PSA levels.
Male ; Image-Guided Biopsy ; Prostatic Neoplasms

OBJECTIVE: To compare the value of intraoperative stone culture (IOSC) and intraoperative pelvic urine culture (IOPUC) versus pre-operative urine culture (POBUC) in the early detection of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: This is a prospective clinical study which includes all adult patients undergoing PCNL. All patients who were operated on should have a negative preoperative urine culture (POBUC) results. Intraoperative pelvic urine culture (IOPUC) and stone culture (IOSC) were extracted and results were interpreted if they were contributory in acquiring SIRS post operatively. RESULTS: The demographics of each patient such as age, sex, having diabetes, laterality, location of calculi had no correlation to the development of SIRS. Patients with positive IOPUC and IOSC results yielded a significant value with odds of having SIRS 4.71 and 13.74, respectively. CONCLUSION In the study, all patients underwent PCNL with negative preoperative urine culture findings. Having intraoperative cultures, IOPUC and IOSC, can definitely help predict the occurrence of SIRS and ultimately be one step ahead in the management of these patients to decrease overall morbidity and mortality.
Nephrolithotomy, Percutaneous ; Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome ; Postoperative Period

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of periprostatic nerve block (PPNB) alone versus periprostatic nerve block plus oral Tramadol+Paracetamol Tablet for pain control during and after transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy of the prostate gland. METHODS: This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. The authors randomized 40 male patients each to either PPNB or PPNB plus oral tramadol and paracetamol (37.5mg/325mg) an hour prior to prostate biopsy. A ten-point visual analog scale was used to measure pain intensity and was recorded upon insertion of the ultrasound probe, during the biopsy, and one hour after the procedure. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in terms of baseline characteristics. Reductions in pain scores were statistically significantly different (p<.001) for each group when comparing pain from at point of insertion of the probe versus during biopsy and versus one-hour post-operatively. However, when comparing the two groups, the pain scores were not statistically significantly different upon insertion of the probe (p=.68), during the biopsy (p=.26) and one-hour post-operatively (p=.54). CONCLUSION Tramadol and paracetamol combination in addition to periprostatic nerve block produces pain relief similar to standard periprostatic nerve block alone.
Male ; Prostate ; Nerve Block ; Biopsy ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE: Traditionally, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for a lower pole stones are directly removed through an inferior polar access. The authors preferentially treated inferior pole calculi with an upper polar access and evaluated the clinical outcomes.
METHODS: Between January 2010 and April 2016, 32 patients with inferior calyceal stones were treated uPPCNL. All stones were diagnosed using an unenhanced CT scan. The efficacy (stone-free rate) was determined by comparing the preoperative and postoperative imaging. Clinical safety was assessed based on intraoperative parameters pertaining to operative time, blood loss, urinary extravasation, calyceal injury, pelvic perforation and other untoward events. These complications were summarized using the Clavien-Dindo grading system.
RESULTS: The male to female ratio is 1.1:1. All stones included in the study were pure inferior calyceal in location. The average stone size was 1.65±0.84cm (Range:0.6-4.4) with a mean durility of 936±298HU (Range: 350-1500). Stone-free rate was 96.8% (31/32) after a single session of PCNL. The mean operative time was 97±43 minutes (Range:40-230). According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, 26(81.3%) had no complication, 5 (15.6%) had Grade 1 (fever), and 1 (3.1%) had Grade 2.
CONCLUSION: uPPCNL is effective and safe for patients with inferior calyceal stones and confers the following advantages 1) shorter skin-to-calyceal distance 2) straight line to the UPJ and inferior pole 3) a panoramic view of the collecting system 4) less stone migration 5) minimal torque of the nephroscope. This minimally invasive procedure achieves a high stone clearance rate with acceptably low complication rates.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Hemorrhage ; Kidney ; Kidney Calculi ; Kidney Calices ; Nephrostomy, Percutaneous ; Operative Time ; Tomography, X-ray Computed ; Torque

OBJECTIVE: Testicular size is an important determinant of sexual maturity in males. The authors determined the average testicular volume of patients in different age groups who underwent scrotal ultrasonography at the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC). METHODS: A database search was performed using the SoliPacs system from January 2016 to October 2020. Ultrasound reports including a scrotal examination were included. Testicular measurements, i.e., length, width, and height were recorded. Ultrasound reports with abnormal testes findings were excluded from the study. RESULTS: A total of 769 patients fulfilled the search criteria. A total of 1354 testes were included in the study after excluding 184 testes with ultrasonographic testicular abnormalities. Testicular size began increasing in size after the age of 10, starting at an average size of 1.9 ml, reaching adult size (15.1 ml) at 17 years of age. The average testicular size, around 17 ml remains the same throughout adulthood (17 to 60 years of age) and begins to decline during senescence (>60 years of age). CONCLUSION Scrotal ultrasonography is a useful and convenient tool in determining testicular volume. The results of this study demonstrate the average adult testicular volume (17 ml) among Filipinos sampled in JRRMMC, as well as the trends in volume growth and decline according to age.
ultrasonography

INTRODUCTION: Placement of ureteral access sheath (UAS) prior to retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS) is done to provide easier re- entries, shorter operation time and better vision. However, some studies have associated the placement of UAS to increased morbidity and complications. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to compare outcomes of patients with nephrolithiasis who underwent RIRS with versus without placement of UAS. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study among patients with nephrolithiasis who underwent RIRS with or without placement of UAS. The authors analyzed a total of 52 patients who underwent RIRS, 22 without, and 30 with UAS. Comparison of patients’ clinical profile, duration of post-operative hospital stay and the difference of their frequency were determined using Independent Sample T-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher’s Exact test, respectively. STATA 15.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in terms of clinical profile and operative outcomes. In terms of complications, there was one patient who had a failed surgery in the UAS group. Bleeding was reported in both groups. One-fourth of the patients had abdominal/bladder cramps and 13% had fever. Stone-free rate was 94% at 1 month and 92% at 3 months post-op. Readmission within 3 months was seen in four patients (8%) and retreatment was done on three patients (6%). CONCLUSION There is no significant difference in placing UAS or not prior to RIRS in terms of clinical profile and operative outcomes. Safety measures should be observed to prevent any bleeding and ureteral injuries during placement of UAS intra-operatively.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the standard of care for the treatment of renal stones >2cm and staghorn calculi. This minimally invasive procedure however has intraoperative hemorrhage as one of its most dreaded complications. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the rate of hemorrhage and transfusion requirements among patients undergoing either PCNL or open stone surgery (OSS). METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute Medical Records Department. Data were collected for the period of January 2018 to December 2019. RESULTS: One hundred forty cases were included, 102 patients in the PCNL group and 38 in the OSS. The mean age 50.84±11.89 vs. 50.50±10.09 with male to female ratio of 1.2:1 for PCNL and open surgery, respectively. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (89, 63.6%). As regards stone size, majority had >4 cm stone size (61; 43.9%). In PCNL, there was no significant change noted in the hemoglobin (14.69±13.3 vs 12.03±1.91, p= 0.099) as compared to OSS, where there was significant decline (12.77±2.64 vs. 11.06±2.52; = .000. The number of packed red cell units for transfusion was also significantly higher in OSS compared to PCNL group (.526±.861 vs. 159±.502, p .020.) CONCLUSION In the treatment of staghorn calculi, PCNL incurs less blood loss and lower transfusion requirements compared to open stone surgery.
percutaneous nephrolithotomy ; blood transfusion ; hemorrhage