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

To investigate the clinicopathologic profile of testicular cancer at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City from January 2017 to December 2022.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study that analyzed data from a cohort of 33 patients using a combination of descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

RESULTS

The study revealed a mean patient age of 35 years, with the majority (82%) falling between 19 and 59 years. Cryptorchidism was associated with 9% of cases, and most tumors (55%) were located on the right side, with sizes between 3 and 10 cm (58%). The predominant symptom was a painless testicular mass (100%), underscoring the importance of self-examination. Pathologic stage distribution indicates a predominance of advanced stages, notably Stage IIIC at 24%. Germ cell tumors constitute 91% (52% seminoma, 39% non-seminoma), with no significant correlation between tumor stage at diagnosis and number of risk factors identified or body mass index (BMI). Symptom duration trends towards significance in association with advanced stages.

CONCLUSION

The study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of testicular cancer in the Philippines, aligning with global trends. It emphasizes the crucial role of early detection through selfexamination and timely consultation. The prevalence of advanced stages highlights the imperative for heightened awareness and intervention.

Human ; Testicular Neoplasms ; Epidemiology ; Germ Cell Tumor ; Neoplasms, Germ Cell And Embryonal

INTRODUCTION

Despite universal agreement on the application of antimicrobial prophylaxis, the optimum administration period of antibiotics for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) remains controversial and the risk for antimicrobial resistance due to prolonged antibiotic use as well as financial burden that may prove to be challenging for both the patient and the physician. This study therefore aims to determine the safety and effectiveness of a single dose antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing PCNL.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in PCNL patients between 2021-2023. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups: single dose prophylaxis 30 minutes before surgery arm (Group A), 30 minutes before and 12 hours after surgery arm (Group B), and continued antibiotics until removal of nephrostomy tube arm (Group C), respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 81 patients were included (Group A=27, Group B=28, and Group C=26). The rate of comorbidities did not differ significantly in the three groups: HTN (p=0.166), DM (p=0.121), and Others (p=0.405). The presence of hydronephrosis was seen in 70.4% of patients. About half had solitary stone type (54.3%) and had left area affected (51.8%). Also, 14.8% had history of UTI. The patient groups did not differ in clinical and operative characteristics (all p > 0.05) except in history of previous stone surgeries. Significantly more patients had previous history of stone surgeries in Group A (37.0%) than in Group B (3.6%) and Group C (15.4%) (p=0.006). The following proportion of no growth in preoperative urine culture was observed: Group A (92.6%), Group B (89.3%), and Group C (80.8%) (p=0.174). The estimated blood loss was significantly lower in Group A (130.7ml) than in Group B (235.7ml) and Group C (261.5ml) (p=0.032). Significantly less patients in Group A were free from stone (74.1%) compared to Group B (92.9%) and Group C (96.2%) (p=0.030). After surgery, only two patients (2.5%) had criteria consistent with SIRS and both belonged in Group C. No significant difference in incidence of SIRS was observed among the three groups (p=0.067).

CONCLUSION

Single dose antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of post-operative bacterial infection in patients undergoing PCNL is as effective as multiple dose antibiotic prophylaxis. Consistent with existing guidelines on PCNL, single dose antibiotic prophylaxis is highly recommended as it is more cost-effective and may lower the risk for antibiotic resistance in the future. More RCTs with larger sample size which can determine the effectiveness of single dose antibiotic prophylaxis in patients at high-risk for post-operative PCNL infections are recommended.

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To describe the demographics of patients undergoing supine PCNL (s-PCNL) and prone PCNL (p-PCNL) at Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) and to compare different data collected between the two approaches.

METHODS

Retrospective data collection was done through chart review of patients who underwent supine and prone PCNL at VMMC from 2018 to 2022. Information collected includes patient demographics, clinical profile, stone burden and laterality, surgical technique, hospital days, complications and management.

RESULTS

A total of 176 cases, 132 s-PCNL and 44 p-PCNL, were included. Demographic data show no statistical difference as to age and sex. There is no statistical difference in the stone burden, stone density, and Guy’s stone scores between the two groups. There was no statistical difference in the mean operative time and stone free rates between the two groups. Mean hospital stay was 6.11 days for s-PCNL and 6.76 for p-PCNL, with significant statistical difference in favor of s-PCNL. Complication rates were 15.2% for supine PCNL and 13.6% for prone PCNL. There was no statistical significant difference in Clavien-Dindo complications between the two groups. There was no mortality reported for both groups.

CONCLUSION

There is an observed increasing trend in the number of supine PCNL versus prone PCNL from 2018 to 2022. Supine PCNL is as effective and safe as prone PCNL. Supine PCNL appears to be more beneficial in terms of hospital stay in days. However, one limitation of the study its being retrospective and collated data which is the cause of the discrepancy in sample population size between the two groups.

Human ; Renal Calculi ; Kidney Calculi

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer, a significant male health concern (ASR: 29.3/100,000), demands accurate diagnosis. Prostate biopsy, pivotal for clinical decisions, relies on transrectal biopsy as the norm, despite limitations like infection risk and incomplete sampling. An alternative, transperineal biopsy, grants broader access but demands more time and anesthesia. Escalating complications due to antibiotic resistance heighten apprehensions. Discrepancies in complications emerge from varied studies, while cancer detection rates stay consistent (45-49%). These conflicting outcomes raise vital safety issues. This study strives to bridge the information void by assessing complications within the local context, offering clarity for informed biopsy choices. With 150 words, the importance of evaluating biopsy methods in light of complications becomes evident, emphasizing the significance of this research in guiding clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

This research aims to compare ultrasound guided transrectal prostate biopsy and freehand ultrasound guided transperineal biopsy at a Quezon City government hospital. Specific objectives include describing patient profiles for each technique, assessing infection rates, evaluating pain tolerance, comparing hematuria levels, measuring dysuria immediately post-biopsy and 1 day after, analyzing hospitalization rates, evaluating the techniques’ effectiveness in detecting prostate cancer, and reviewing histopathologic differences in prostatitis between the two methods.

METHODS

The study was conducted at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center Urology Section from January to October 2023. Using a prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional design, male patients undergoing ultrasound guided transrectal or transperineal prostate biopsies were included. Inclusion criteria include males aged 45 and above with PSA above 4.0 ng/dl and abnormal prostate findings. Exclusion criteria cover repeat biopsy cases and prior prostate cancer diagnosis. With an assumed 50% detection and complication rate, a minimum of 109 patients for each biopsy type was required for a 95% confidence level and 5% margin of error, totaling 218 participants.

RESULTS

The study compared transrectal and transperineal prostate biopsies in terms of patient characteristics, complications, diagnostic accuracy, and cancer detection rates. Patients undergoing transrectal biopsy had higher mean PSA levels (53.41 vs. 28.59, p=0.024) and received more fosfomycin prophylactic antibiotics (27% vs. 18%, p=0.044) compared to transperineal biopsy patients. Complication rates varied significantly between the two techniques, with chronic prostatitis seen in 5% of transperineal cases (p < 0.01). Transrectal biopsy patients experienced more pain, gross hematuria, urinary retention, fever, and hospitalization (p < 0.01). Diagnostic performance, assessed through the ROC curve’s area under the curve, showed comparable sensitivity and specificity for transrectal (AUC=0.559) and transperineal (AUC=0.441) biopsies (p=0.108). Cancer detection rates did not significantly differ between transrectal (34.4%) and transperineal (45.9%) biopsies (p=0.114). These results provide insights into the differences and similarities between the two biopsy techniques, impacting patient demographics, complications, and diagnostic outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This comparative investigation of transrectal and transperineal prostate biopsies in a tertiary hospital setting yields impactful insights. Participant ages were similar, but transrectal patients had higher PSA levels. Complication rates varied, with more chronic prostatitis in the transperineal group. Transperineal biopsies reduced pain, while transrectal group faced more complications. Cancer detection rates remained comparable. Transperineal biopsies demonstrated advantages in alleviating discomfort and potentially reducing complications. Tailoring biopsy approach based on patient profiles is crucial for diagnostic efficacy and patient well-being. These findings guide informed decision-making, prioritizing safety and experience in prostate biopsy practices.

Human ; Complications