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Introduction: Transposition of the gracilis has been used in a large number of reconstructive procedures. Its advantage is its proximity to these defects and a good blood supply. Traditionally, the gracilis mobilization is performed by open surgery with one or more incisions. We describe our initial experience with the video-endoscopic mobilization of gracilis. Method: We described a retrospective review of all patients who underwent gracilis muscle mobilization for treatment of rectourethral fistula, performed by video-endoscopy, between March 2013 and September 2017, for treatment of rectourethral fistula. Also, our surgical technique is described in detail. Results: Three patients, with a mean age of 66.6 years, underwent the procedures. The mean time for mobilization of the gracilis was 107 min (range 60–145). There was no case of donor area infection, no change in the sensitivity of the medial aspect of the thigh or chronic pain. Conversion to open surgery was not necessary in any case. The hospital discharge occurred in average after 4 days. The bladder catheter was removed after 4 weeks after cystography was performed without evidence of leakage. One patient had a recurrence of the fistula. Discussion: The gracilis is an excellent choice of tissue to be interposed in reconstructive procedures of the perineal region, especially in the treatment of rectourinary fistulas. However, endoscopic harvest of the gracilis muscle has not yet found its way into everyday practice. The results in the treatment of rectourinary fistulas are excellent, with a success rate of 87.7%. Our rate of 67% is below, probably due to the small number of cases. In open surgery, complications are uncommon; however, approximately half of the patients expressed concern about the painful scar, which can be reduced by minimally invasive access. Conclusion: Video-endoscopic mobilization of gracilis muscle for the treatment of rectourethral fistula is feasible and safe. Studies comparing this technique with the conventional mobilization are required.

Background and Objective: To evaluate risk factors and complications of retroperitoneoscopic procedures of upper urinary tract and adrenal gland. Methods: From 1994 to 2016, 1,000 retroperitoneal laparoscopies were performed – 476 nephrectomies, 201 adrenalectomies, 103 partial nephrectomies, 91 pyeloplasties, 70 nephro-ureterectomies, and 59 miscellaneous surgeries (diverticulectomy). Data collection was prospective. We analyzed age, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, operative time, blood loss, hospitalization stay and complications. Risks factors were explored with univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The mean BMI was 25 and median ASA 2. The mean operative time was 136 mn, mean blood loss 149 mL. There were 49 conversions. Of the patients, 41 required re-interventions, predominantly due to urinary fistula or post-operative bleeding. Post-operatively, 145 complications were recorded. In multivariate analysis, partial nephrectomies (OR 2.12, p = 0.031, 95% CI [1.07–4.22]) and pyeloplasties (OR 1.97, p = 0.02, 95% CI [1.11–3.48]) were significantly more at risk of complication than nephrectomies. An ASA score of 3 was also a significant risk factor of complications (OR 2.3, p = 0.014, 95% CI [1.17–4.47]) and an increased BMI carried a higher risk of conversion. There was no significant difference of conversion or complication rates between the first and last 500 patients. Conclusions: Upper urinary tract and adrenal surgeries can be performed by retroperitoneal laparoscopy. This surgical technic is safe and reproducible. The choice of the technic must be oriented by ASA, BMI and the type of surgery.

Objective: The aim of the study was to describe our experience in patients who underwent nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) with tumor thrombectomy. Patients and Methods: Three consecutive patients who underwent NSS and tumor thrombectomy for localized single/multifocal renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) in conjunction with tumor thrombus between 2007 and 2011 were included. Open partial nephrectomy and thrombectomy was performed. Reconstruction included main renal vein, collecting system, and remaining parenchymal closure. One of the cases required additional artery repair and flushing with preservation solution. Results: Ischemic time was kept for 30–40 min. Mean estimated blood loss was 183.3 cc (range:100–300). One patient required the transfusion of 1 packed red blood cells unit. One of the patients developed a urinary fistula requiring double-J stenting. Hospital staying ranged between 5 and 8 days. None of the patients required renal replacement therapy either postoperatively or in the follow-up. Serum creatinine level at last follow-up (mean 83 months) ranged from 0.8 to 2.8 mg/dL. Conclusion: Our experience supports the feasibility of imperative partial nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy for cases of RCC with renal vein involvement by tumor thrombus. In experienced hands, this approach may offer the patient a low morbidity postoperative course and long-term freedom from disease while maintaining the renal function, thus avoiding the need of renal replacement therapy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the clinical effects of allogeneic acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in the surgical therapy of anterior urethral stricture (AUS). Methods: We retrospectively collected the clinical data of 49 patients with AUS who underwent urethral repair surgery with ADM in the Department of Urology of the Peking University People’s Hospital, and in the First Affiliated Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army, from September 2015 to January 2019. The changes in urine flow rate and conditions of urethral mucosal coverage were observed as well as complications and outcomes, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: The average maximum urine flow rates at the 1st, 6th, and 12th month post-surgery were 16.3 ± 1.5, 15.0 ± 1.9, and 14.6 ± 2.1 mL/s, respectively. These values were significantly higher than the preoperative maximum urine flow rate, 1.3 ± 0.5 mL/s (p < 0.05). Cystoscopy was performed in 11 patients 12 months after surgery, with microscopic assessment revealing good urethral epithelial mucosal coverage. Only 2 patients developed infection 2–4 weeks after surgery, while 7 patients developed noninfective urethral restricture 6–10 months after surgery and 1 patient developed urinary fistula 5 months after surgery. All of these statuses improved after receiving appropriate treatment. Conclusions: Use of ADM represents a new option for the surgical management of AUS repair and reconstruction, with positive clinical effects. In addition, it has the advantages of convenient for operation procedures and access, with no need for additional sampling surgery.

Objective: Urethrocutaneous fistula, which occurs after hypospadias surgery, is often a baffling problem and its treatment is challenging. The study aimed to evaluate the results of the simple procedure (Durham Smith vest-over-pant technique) for this complex problem (post-hypospadias repair fistula). Methods: During the period from 2011 to 2015, 20 patients with post-hypospadias repair fistulas underwent Durham Smith repair. Common age group was between 5 and 12 years. Site wise distribution of fistula was coronal 2 (10%), distal penile 7 (35%), mid-penile 7 (35%), and proximal-penile 4 (20%). Out of 20 patients, 15 had fistula of size 5 mm (25%). All cases were repaired with Durham Smith vest-over-pant technique by a single surgeon. In case of multiple fistulas adjacent to each other, all fistulas were joined to form single fistula and repaired. Results: We have successfully repaired all post-hypospadias surgery urethrocutaneous fistulas using the technique described by Durham Smith with 100% success rate. Conclusion: Durham Smith vest-over-pant technique is a simple solution for a complex problem (post hypospadias surgery penile fistulas) in properly selected patients.

Introduction: The study aimed to present our experience of surgical treatment for urorectal fistulas (URF) that develop after cancer surgery. Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients with URF who were treated at our institution from 2005 through 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these, 7 patients had previous surgical treatment of prostate cancer (PC) and the other 7 had been treated for rectal cancer (RC). The fistula was resected through a perineal incision, and the urinary and fecal defects were separately closed with the hinge flap method followed by interposition of a muscle flap transfer. Results: The overall fistula closure rate was 79%. Although the closure rate of the URF was lower in patients with previous RC surgery compared to the PC patients (57 vs. 100%), it did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: URF treatment using an interposition muscle flap offers a high success rate of fistula closure. However, complicated fistulas occurring after RC surgery involving the prostate or the seminal vesicle might be difficult to repair by this surgery alone.

Objectives: The study aims to report the method and outcome of using scrotal-septal fasciocutaneous flap as a multifunctional coverage for prior failed hypospadias repair. Methods: From January 2014 to June 2015, 18 hypospadias patients who have undergone repeated failed surgeries were enrolled. Their penile skin, urethral plate and dartos fascia are not enough to reconstruct the urethra, but have well-developed scrota. We performed urethroplasty by buccal mucosa free grafting and tubularized anastomosis 6 months after the urethroplasty. Then, scrotal-septal fasciocutaneous flap was used to be a multifunctional coverage on the surface of anastomotic urethra, which was a waterproof layer and cutaneous coverage. Results: The skin flaps survived and the incisions healed in 18 patients. No fistula and stricture occurred. The scar of donor site seemed like a new scrotal raphe. The flap can slip slightly along with the preputial movement and retain the original sense of touch. All patients were followed up at 1 and 6 months by telephone or in person and gained good recoveries. Conclusion: Scrotal-septal fasciocutaneous flap, including sufficient fascia tissue, reliable blood supply and skin coverage, is a good choice for the coverage of anastomotic urethra as both the waterproof layer and skin coverage, especially for hypospadias patients who have undergone several failed operations.

Introduction: Most commonly ureterovaginal fistula occurs due to surgical injury inflicted to the distal ureter and because of gynaecological procedures. Open surgical repair is a standard procedure and commonly involves ureteroneocystostomy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of 9 patients, who underwent laparoscopic extravesical Lich-Gregoir ureteroneocystostomy using the psoas hitch procedure for ureterovaginal fistulas following hysterectomy during the period December 2012-August 2014. Transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy was performed in all cases. Results: The mean operative time was 212 min (range 170-310) and estimated blood loss was 108 ml (range 70-150). Average hospital stay was 5.7 days. Follow-up time was from 6 to 26 months. Postoperative intravenous urography was done after 3 months, which showed patent anastomosis in 8 patients except for 1 patient who had nonvisualization of the ipsilateral renal moiety. Voiding cystogram done at 3 months showed no leakage in all patients. In the postoperative period, 1 patient had recurrent ipsilateral pyelonephritis 2 weeks after surgery, while another patient had febrile UTI. Apart from these no major complications were observed. Conclusion: Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy with psoas hitch can be performed safely with a success rate compared to that of open surgery but with less morbidity and quick convalescence.

Congenital posterior urethral-perineal fistula is an abnormal communication extending from the posterior urethra to the perineal skin. We present the case of an 11-year-old boy who had recurrent febrile urinary tract infections and abnormal dribbling of urine from the perineum. Fistulogram showed a paraescrotal fistula tract, which was then surgically excised. During the 10 months of follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic without recurrence of urinary pathology.

Background/Aims/Objectives: To report the outcome of staged urethroplasty with buccal mucosa and vascularised scrotal flap after failed hypospadias surgery. Methods:n = 35. Inclusion criteria: destroyed urethral plate, deficient local skin, fistula and penile deviation. Five out of 35 patients also had a secondary proximal stricture. Stage 1: excision of scarred tissue and fistulae, correction of the penile deviation through dorsal plication and the ventral placement and quilting of buccal graft. Stage 2: tubularisation of the neourethral plate; in 20 patients with deficient penile skin a vascularised scrotal flap was developed and transferred on the tubularised urethra. In 5 patients, the proximal stricture was repaired during a separate operation by using buccal graft, the distal urethra was marsupialised. The repair of the distal urethra was performed later as described above. Results: Thirty-three patients are recurrence-free without further interventions; successful reoperation was done in 2 cases. Complications: 1 graft necrosis; 1 coronary fistula; 1 scrotal flap necrosis and 1 case of hematoma. Conclusions: Complicated strictures after multiple failed hypospadias repair are well managed by using buccal graft. The vascularised scrotal flap is a very useful tool in case of deficient and scarred penile skin and could explain the low rate of fistula formation in our series.

Objective: To document our experience (at a tertiary health care center) of reconstruction of the urethra in 3 male patients suffering from aphallia and congenital urethrorectal fistula as well as their long-term follow-up. Methods: Extensive single-stage urethroplasty in 3 patients suffering from aphallia was performed. Prior to that, neophallus reconstruction was done in all 3 patients after puberty. In a single stage, we used oral mucosa and pedicled penile skin onlay for anterior urethra reconstruction and groin-based pedicle (Singapore) flap for posterior urethra substitution surgery. The current follow-up is between 2 and 5 years. During the last follow-up, the patients also answered questions from a validated patient-reported outcome measure and quality of life questionnaire. Results: All the 3 patients are voiding well in the standing position with a mean Qmax of 14 ml/s. None of them has any problems related to the neourethra as per their last follow-up. All 3 patients were satisfied with the surgical procedures related to the aphallia correction and stated that the surgery did not interfere with the quality of their lives. Conclusion: Reconstruction of the urethra from pedicled skin flap combined with buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty gives durable and satisfactory long-term results.

Background: The management of recurrent urethrocutaneous fistula (RUCF) is a challenging problem that poses a serious difficulty for the hypospadias surgeon. We report here a novel technique in which a double unfurled dartos subcutaneous flap is utilized in the treatment of patients with RUCF. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all our patients who underwent surgical treatment of urethrocutaneous fistula with this new operative method after previously failed fistula repair. The main novelty of this technique is the use of two opposite medium thickness flaps, unfurled from the inner surface of the dartos fascia and spread over the fistula and each other so as to cover the urethral suture line completely, and fixed to the surrounding corporal tissue. Results: Eight patients with 11 RUCFs (with localizations varying from subcoronal to penoscrotal fistula opening) underwent surgical correction with the new method. There had previously been at least 3 recurrences in 6 of these patients, and different closure techniques had been used. RUCF diameter was Conclusion: The double unfurled dartos subcutaneous flap method appears to be a simple and appropriate procedure with which to repair recurrent mid-shaft and proximal urethral fistulas after failed hypospadias repair.

We report on a 32-year-old man with a history of chronic lower abdominal pain and urogenital symptoms, leading to the diagnosis of coloseminal fistula complicating diverticular disease. We reviewed the literature on this rare clinical entity and would like to stress the role of pelvic imaging with rectal contrast to investigate complicated forms of diverticular disease.

Introduction: Our objective was to analyze the incidence, etiopathology, diagnosis and therapeutic aspects of the genitourinary fistula in an Indian population. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of the genitourinary fistulae repaired at the Department of Urology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, between January 1990 and December 2006. The surgical approach varied in each patient. Interposition grafts or flaps were used as and when required. The main outcomes analyzed were the incidence, etiology, surgical approaches, accessory procedure required, need for tissue interposition, cure rate per repair and overall success rate. Results: Out of 558 cases, 403 were vesicovaginal, 84 ureterovaginal, 43 urethrovaginal and 28 vesicouterine fistulae. The most common etiology was obstructed labor (72.2%), followed by hysterectomy. The transvaginal route was preferred for repair wherever possible. The transabdominal route was adopted for the repair of supratrigonal vesicovaginal, ureterovaginal and vesicouterine fistulae and if bladder augmentation was required. Conservative management was successful in 1.9% of the vesicovaginal fistulae and in 8 cases of ureterovaginal fistula. The remaining cases were managed surgically with excellent results. Conclusion: Genitourinary fistulae are not life-threatening but are socially debilitating. Surgical repair provides the definitive cure, but expectant treatment can be tried in selective patients.

Introduction: The effect of suture materials on urethroplasty complications is debated. Indeed, materials with a delayed absorption might either reduce the incidence of fistulas by ensuring a prolonged approximation of neo-urethral edges or increase the risk of urethral strictures due to a prolonged tissue reaction during suture absorption. We retrospectively evaluated the role of suture materials in the complication rate of urethroplasty procedures performed in our institution over a 10-year period. Patients and Methods: Three hundred and thirty-six boys undergoing a flap procedure (parameatal based, preputial tube, or onlay preputial flap) for hypospadias repair were considered for this study. The patients were stratified into two groups according to the suture material used for urethroplasty. Polyglactin (Vicryl®), a polyfilament with intermediate absorption, was used in 254 group A patients, whereas polydioxanone (PDS®), a monofilament with prolonged absorption, was used in 82 group B patients. The success of a one-stage repair and stricture and fistula rates were evaluated. Results: A successful one-stage repair was achieved in 82% of the group A and in 83% of the group B patients (p = 0.97). No statistically significant differences were noted in fistula and/or stricture rates in the two groups, even considering each procedure separately. Conclusions: This series suggests that suture materials do not affect the complication rate in flap urethroplasty procedures. Appropriate technique, meticulous surgery, and surgeon experience seem to be more crucial factors. A randomized trial is warranted.

Aims: Spontaneous nephrocutaneous fistula (NCF) is a rare and severe condition. The aim of this study was to update the data of the literature about this disease and, reporting and considering also our experience in 1 case of NCF, to make a new clinical algorithm. Methods: This study was done with a review of all the literature and a comparison with our experience. Results: The characteristic sign of spontaneous NCF is a flank sinus discharging material. Physical examination and computed tomography usually lead to the diagnosis. The main predisposing factors are renal stones/staghorn calculi, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and renal tuberculosis. In the vast majority of the cases kidneys are poorly functioning or nonfunctioning. Surgical approach is the common management and usually consists of open nephrectomy. We create a clinical management algorithm obtained by a review of the literature and our experience with spontaneous NCF. Conclusions: Spontaneous NCF represents a very serious renal disease leading to loss of the kidney in the vast majority of cases. We propose a revised and user-friendly clinical diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm for spontaneous NCF based on the worldwide literature.

Introduction: Reconstruction of the urinary system during renal transplantation is usually performed with antirefluxive ureteroneocystostomy techniques and extravesical methods are usually preferred. Material and Methods: Between 1983 and 1997, 241 renal transplantations from living donors were performed at our institution. A variation of the Lich-Gregoir technique was used as the ureteroneocystostomy method in all cases. Results: A total of 12 (4.9%) urologic complications were observed. Urinary fistula developed in 5 (2%) cases and were explored surgically during the early postoperative period. Postoperative vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) to the transplanted kidney was identified in 7 (2.9%) cases. Either endoscopic or surgical interventions resolved VUR in 4 cases while the other 3 did not need further treatment. No ureteral stenosis was observed. There was no loss of graft due to urologic complications. Conclusions: Urologic complications after renal transplantation are reported to be about 7% and ischemia is blamed as the major contributing factor. Preparation of the native ureter during donor nephrectomy and preservation of distal periureteral fatty tissue, anastomosis technique variations in vascular anatomy, rejections and medications are the major factors determining the ischemia.

We report a case of cutaneonephrobronchial fistula secondary to an inadequately treated perinephric abscess associated with a staghorn calculus. The patient, a 72-year-old lady, was initially treated for a superficial flank abscess by incision and drainage. She returned 4 months later with a persistent discharging flank sinus, at which time the above complex pathology was diagnosed. We review similar cases in the literature and discuss pathophysiology and current management of perinephric abscesses.

Introduction: To assess the effectiveness of buccal mucosa patch graft in the treatment of recurrent large urethrocutaneous fistula after hypospadias repair. Materials and Methods: A free graft of buccal mucosa was used for closure in 7 boys (mean age 4.8 years) with large (>4 mm) urethocutaneous fistula. Four fistulas were in the midshaft, 2 of them penoscrotal and 1 coronal type. All patients had undergone at least two previous unsuccessful fistula repairs, and 3 of them had undergone three attempts for closure. Fistula repairs were similar in all cases. Results: The repair was successful in 6 out of 7 cases, and in these cases the urinary stream was good after the removal of the catheter. The unsuccessful case was the coronal one. Conclusion:Based on our experience it seems that in cases with recurrent large fistula after hypospadias reconstruction, the use of buccal mucosa patch graft for closure is a good treatment choice.

Two cases of colorenocutaneous fistula due to genitourinary tuberculosis are presented. They were successfully managed by single-stage surgery (nephroureterectomy, fistulectomy, and primary repair of the colon) and antitubercular treatment. The literature is briefly reviewed.

The incidence and mortality rates of urologic complications in renal transplantation have decreased significantly during the last decade. This was achieved by improved techniques of donor nephrectomy with preservation of the ureteric blood supply and refined procedures for the reconstruction of the urinary tract. Intra- and extravesical ureteroneocystostomies have shown to be the most reliable and preferred techniques to restore the urinary tract continuity. Beside ureteral ischemia and technical failure ureteral rejection is increasingly accepted as an important contributory factor for the development of ureteric fistula and stenosis formation. Controversy still exists concerning the pathogenesis of reflux into the graft and its impact on long-term graft function. Percutaneous and endoscopic procedures have supplemented and partially replaced open surgical management of ureteric fistulas and stenoses. By adherence to the principles described the frequency of urologic complications and its associated mortality rates can be minimized.

Modern LDR brachytherapy has drastically reduced rectal toxicity and decreased the occurrence of rectourethral fistulas to 125I seed implantation.

In 32 patients a tunica vaginalis free graft was used for closure of urethrocutaneous fistulas (n = 26) or complicated hypospadias repair (n = 6). All patients had at least one operation (average 3.9) for urethral reconstruction prior to this procedure. 12 patients had recurrent fistulas (average 2.2). The technique proved to be very successful. Only 2 patients had to undergo subsequent reoperation for recurrent fistulas. The use of a free tunica vaginalis graft interposed between skin and urethra is our method of choice in the repair of recurrent or complicated urethrocutaneous fistulas.

To investigate the risk of simultaneous repair of distal hypospadias and preputioplasty in one operation and its relevance to the clinical, functional and cosmetic outcomes.The medical files of all patients treated for distal hypospadias from 1998 to 2006 that underwent simultaneous preputioplasty were reviewed. Postoperative complications, clinical, functional and cosmetic outcomes were assessed.78 patients were found to have been operated for distal hypospadias repair and prepuce reconstruction in one operation. Mean age at operation was 1.8 years. The 'Mathieu' technique was used for the repair of distal hypospadias in all patients. We found 3.8% urethral or meatal stricture. Fistulas appeared in 6.4% of the patients. Phimosis appeared in 3 patients (3.8%) and foreskin dehiscence presented in 2 patients (2.5%).Preputioplasty together with distal hypospadias repair is feasible without risking the success of the main operation and guaranties a satisfactory cosmetic appearance.

Objectives: To assess surgical techniques applied after surgical correction of penoscrotal transposition and their complications. Methods: The medical records of 64 patients with a mean age of 4.1 years (range 1–24) who underwent surgical correction for penoscrotal transposition and subsequent Thiersch-Duplay urethroplasty in the last 21 years were evaluated retrospectively. Results: All cases underwent Thiersch-Duplay urethroplasty following reconstruction of penoscrotal transposition after a minimum interval of 6 months. Following Thiersch urethroplasty, 41 (64%) cases with successful outcomes had glandular meatuses. Of the remaining 23 (36%) patients 15, 7 and 1 patients underwent second operations for urethrocutaneous fistulas, meatal regressions and urethral diverticulum, respectively. Eleven of 15 patients underwent primary fistula repair and 4 patients, turnover fistula repair. These patients had glandular meatuses following fistula repair. Seven cases with meatal regression and breakdown of the neourethra were reoperated on by using double-face urethroplasty, onlay island flap urethroplasty and free-tube urethroplasty techniques. Finally, all patients had glandular meatuses. One patient with urethral diverticulum underwent successful diverticulum excision and meatoplasty. Conclusions: Thierch uretroplasty is the most commonly performed technique after surgical correction of penoscrotal transposition; however, additional procedures are needed for the management of its complications.

A 60-year-old woman with a grade IV trauma to a solitary kidney was referred to our hospital. After primary conservative management, a continuous decline of the renal function required surgical exploration with decompression and renal reconstruction on the 4th day after the trauma. Postsurgical anuria prompted insertion of a ureteral stent; thereafter the renal function recovered quickly. A urinoma caused by a urinary fistula emerged 6 months after the trauma and was treated by percutaneous drainage, ureteral stenting, and percutaneous occlusion with fibrin sealant. Twelve months after the trauma, the patient is symptom free with a normal renal function.

Rectal injuries diagnosed during radical prostatectomy are readily treated with primary closure and omental interposition. However, once this fails and a fistula develops, the treatment gets more complex. Various surgeries have been described to manage these fistulae, but these are not done frequently and require a great deal of expertise. We report a patient with post-radical prostatectomy rectourethral fistula, treated with cyanoacrylate glue injected through a colonoscope as the fistulous tract was well visualized per rectum. The patient is voiding well per urethra with no rectal leakage 3 months post-catheter removal. Thus, use of cyanoacrylate glue as a minimally invasive non-surgical technique for management of rectourethral fistula appears to be a good option which can be tried before embarking on major surgery.

A unique case of spontaneous external drainage of a renal abscess through a persistent nephrostomy tract is reported in a patient with a history of two subsequent percutaneous nephrolithotomies 11 years earlier. Nephrostomy tracts can open up even after several years to provide an exit path for infected urine or renal abscess drainage.

Background/Aim: The indications of partial nephrectomy have expanded after the introduction of new techniques for preventing excessive blood loss and avoiding deterioration of the renal function after clamping the renal pedicle. We present our clinical experience of partial nephrectomy for renal tumors using a microwave tissue coagulator. Patients and Methods: Between April 1996 and January 2000, 34 patients underwent open partial nephrectomies in the Kobe City General Hospital. The microwave tissue coagulator was used for resection of the renal parenchyma, but in deeper lesions a sharp dissection was performed. Twenty-two patients (groups 1 and 2) underwent partial nephrectomy without vascular control (14 renal pedicles were not disturbed in group 1 patients, and 8 renal pedicles were dissected but not clamped in group 2 patients). Another 12 patients (group 3) underwent vascular control with ligation of the tumor-feeding segmental arteries before parenchymal resection. The patients of group 1 underwent wedge resections, while those of groups 2 and 3 underwent segmental or transverse partial nephrectomies. Results: Complete tumor resection was done in all 34 patients. In group 1, the microwave tissue coagulator was very effective to control the blood loss (mean 330 ml). In larger resections, this method only was inadequate to control the blood loss (mean 489 ml in group 2), so that we needed vascular control. However, despite vascular control, mean blood losses of about 943 ml because of deeper venous bleeding occurred in group 3, and, moreover, postoperative renal infarctions occurred in 2 patients. Other complications were urinary fistula formation in 16 patients (47%) and renal pelvic stenoses in 2 patients (5.8%). All of the urinary fistulas were easily repaired by simple suturing intraoperatively. Conclusions: Especially in wedge resection, the microwave tissue coagulator achieved safe resection without vascular control which differs from other new techniques. However, in larger resections, a combination with other techniques may be necessary to decrease blood loss and the rate of complications.

We report a case of neovesicocutaneous fistula following radical cystectomy with urinary diversion via an ileal neobladder. The fistula was closed with fibrin glue. The present case suggests that occlusion therapy with fibrin glue is useful as a treatment option to facilitate the closure of a fistulous tract in the case of prolonged urine leakage from the ileal neobladder.

A case of gossypiboma (retained surgical sponge) is described which caused ureteroappendiceal fistula 4 years after an open right ureterolithotomy operation. The patient was treated by removal of the retained sponges, appendectomy and ureteral stent insertion.

Between January 1973 and January 1990 we carried out 1,038 kidney transplantations using a transvesical end-to-side implantation of the ureter in the bladder without an antireflux mechanism. Moreover, 30 transplantations were done in 26 patients with a urinary diversion. We examined the urological complications in these 1,068 consecutive transplants. Urinary leakage and obstruction were the two main urological posttransplant complications. Severe leakage occurred in 21 patients (2.0%), and was treated by open surgery; 2 patients had a urinary diversion. The treatment of choice is a pyeloureterostomy (anastomosis between the transplant renal pelvis and the native ureter). There were 35 patients (3.3%) with severe ureteral obstruction of whom 5 had a urinary diversion. In 30 patients open surgical treatment of the obstruction was necessary and in 7 patients a percutaneous endourologic treatment was done (dilatation of a confined ureteral stricture in 6 patients and percutaneous stone treatment in 1). The postoperative mortality in the patients treated for leakage or obstruction was low: 4 patients (7%) died, 3 of septicemia due to leakage and 1 of pulmonary embolism after repair of the obstruction. The results of surgical treatment were good. The graft survival after 2 years in the group of urologically complicated transplants was 68% for the patients with leakage and 80% for those with obstruction. The 2-year graft survival in the patients without complications was 67% and 71% for the patients with a urinary diversion. We conclude from these results that urological complications after renal transplantation can be treated successfully by surgical (or percutaneous) correction.

Seven cases of difficult urethrorectal fistulas complicated by posterior urethral stricture following accidental trauma were repaired successfully by a transpubic approach. This method makes urethroplasty of complex posterior urethral stricture, closure of urethrorectal fistulas and an omental interposition possible. This approach was considered after a review of all techniques described to treat the urethrorectal fistulas.

We report on a patient with an ureteroiliac artery fistula, which developed after double J stenting. The stent was introduced because of unilateral hydronephrosis 2 months after a Wertheim-Meigs operation preceded by cesium application. The presenting symptom of gross hematuria was initially misjudged to originate from the kidney. The diagnostic difficulties in this case are discussed.

An 8-year-old girl was born with crossed fused renal ectopia and neurogenic bladder due to sacral agenesis. Due to progressive upper tract deterioration and incontinence despite clean intermittent catheterization and pharmacotherapy with anticholinergic agents, the patient underwent augmentation colocystoplasty at the age of 4 years. Four years after surgery the girl was readmitted because of persistent febrile urinary tract infection, persistent metabolic acidosis, and intermittent watery diarrhea. A cystogram revealed a fistula between the dome of the augmented bladder and the transverse colon. The fistula was successfully resected. The presence of enterovesical fistula should always be suspected in a patient with augmented bladder who have late onset of urinary tract infection, metabolic acidosis, and diarrhea.

Haematuria from obscure lesions of the kidney sometimes pose both diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Recently, we managed a patient in whom a confident diagnosis of pyelovenous fistula was made.

We report a case of primary malignant melanoma of the male urethra in whom fistula formation was observed in the fossa navicularis.

The fistulae between the lower urinary tract and the rectum are a surgical challenge which have given rise to various surgical techniques. The transcoccygeal route allows an easy reconstruction of the urethral and rectal walls under clear vision.

Complications of surgical aspect and which may occur after renal homotransplantation following the classical techniques in the vascular anastomosis as well as in the reestablishment of the continuity of the urinary excretory tract, and which jeopardize the future of a transplanted kidney are analysed. The authors describe the technique followed in a series of cases consisting of the conservation in totum of the receiver’s excretory tract (ureter and renal pelvis) performing a pyelo-pyelic anastomosis. No urinary drainage has been used, no catheters, either ureteral or urethral. No urinary complications were observed of the fistulas, stricture, urinary infection, extravasation, anastomosis dehiscence or ureteral reflux type. Complications of the graft excretory tract of immunological type are thus avoided. The technique to be followed in cases of anomalies in the excretory tract of the donor are also described. Concerning the vascular chapter, instead of the classic reno-iliac venous anastomosis, they perform the reno-cava anastomosis of easier execution which provides a better return circulation and moreover situates the kidney in a better position. They prefer the right kidney particularly if it proceeds from a cadaver. Whichever kidney selected, they situate it in an inverted right lumbo-iliac position. The same method applies for the homotransplantation of an adult kidney to a child. According to the results obtained with this new operating method submitted, a major safety is obtained with better functional results thus allowing the attainment of optima hemo and urodynamic conditions in the renal homotransplantation while eliminating the postoperative complications which frequently occur when using the traditional techniques which are the cause of immediate surgical failures and of tardy complications of the renal homotransplant.