Failure of mature kidney to reach its natural location in renal fossa is termed as renal ectopia. Ectopic kidney can be found in pelvic, iliac, abdominal, and thoracic location. Pelvic ectopia has been estimated to occur in 1 of 2100 to 3000 autopsies. In contrast, ectopic ureters are commonly associated with complete renal duplication. Commonest presentation in females in continuous urinary incontinence with normal voiding habits as ectopic ureter open below the bladder neck in urethra or vagina. An ectopic kidney with ectopic ureter is extremely rare congenital anomaly. We report a 36-year-old woman presenting with left lower abdomen pain with no history of fever, dysuria, or urinary incontinence. On evaluation, she was found to have left nonfunctioning ectopic pelvic kidney with ectopic ureter opening in the vestibule of the vagina, which was managed with laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. One should suspect an ectopic ureter in a female presenting with continuous urinary incontinence since birth. However, diagnosis is challenging when clinical presentation is unusual with no urinary incontinence as seen in the index case. Detailed local examination in correlation with imaging is key for diagnosis and rule out other congenital anomalies. Laparoscopic approach in such clinical scenario is a safe and feasible option.
Background: Straight catheters are usually used for clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). Patients perform CIC without much difficulty. Spontaneous knotting of catheter is rare in large bore straight catheters and female patients. Case Presentation: A 50-year old lady, case of neurogenic bladder on CIC inserted a 14F straight catheter, drained some urine but was unable to remove the catheter. She presented in emergency with retention of urine. Her X-ray and ultrasound examination revealed a knotted catheter. Conservative measures to remove the catheter such as forceful injection of radio-opaque contrast and passage of hydrophilic guidewire did not work. She was taken in the operating room. The knot was ablated using holmium laser through transurethral passage of an 8F ureteroscope. Conclusions: Spontaneous knotting of urethral catheter is rare in adults. It should be suspected whenever a straight catheter cannot be removed. Inserting excessive length of catheter is an important risk factor. Holmium laser is an excellent tool to cut the catheter in a least invasive way when conservative measures have failed.
Background: Paraganglioma of the organ of Zuckerkandl (OZ) is a rare surgically challenging tumor because of its critical location and the nature of catecholamine secretion. We describe the technique of laparoscopic excision as well as provide a literature review to confirm its feasibility. Case Presentation: In a 23-year-old male patient, laparoscopic excision of a 5 × 4 cm tumor located at the aortic bifurcation and indenting the vertebral column was performed. Preoperatively, the patient received α- and β-adrenergic blockers as well as underwent sperm banking. The patient was put in the lateral position, five ports were used: four in the midline and one in the left iliac fossa. The tumor was approached by the reflection of the colon. Ureter, gonadal vein, and sympathetic chain were preserved. Dissection of the tumor from the inferior mesenteric artery was done followed by control of three feeding arteries and two draining veins posteriorly and inferiorly. The procedure was completed laparoscopically with minimal blood loss. Intraoperatively, three episodes of hypertension developed and required stoppage and the administration of vasodilators. The patient recovered on the second day postoperatively and all antihypertensive medications were stopped. At 1 year of follow-up, the patient is tumor-free but developed anejaculation for which he is under current treatment. Conclusion: Laparoscopic excision of paraganglioma located at the OZ is safe and feasible.
Background: Delayed proximal ureteral stricture (DPUS) after nephron-sparing treatment (partial nephrectomy [PN] and image-guided percutaneous ablation) of renal masses is a rare complication that occurs because of an unrecognized injury to the proximal ureter and/or its associated vascular supply. We present a multi-institutional series of patients who developed DPUS after nephron-sparing treatment and review relevant tumor characteristics, timing of DPUS presentation, presenting symptoms, and outcome of stricture management. Case Presentation: Between 2000 and 2019, nine patients (five PN and four ablation) were found to have DPUS diagnosed at an average of 9 (6-119) months after PN and 5.5 (1-6) after ablation. Average tumor size was 4.5 (2.9-7.3) cm and 3.6 (3-4.1) cm for those treated with PN and ablation, respectively. Nephrometry score was 8.3 (6-11) and 6.5 (5-8), respectively. For resected tumors, all were located in the lower pole, but uniformity was not found as far as medial vs lateral (3 vs 2), anterior vs posterior (2 vs 2, 1 N/A), and right vs left (3 vs 2). For ablated tumors, all four tumors were right sided, anterior, medial, and lower pole. Initial signs and symptoms include sepsis (2), flank pain (5), and asymptomatic hydronephrosis (2). Concomitant urinoma (2) and retroperitoneal abscess (1) was found on imaging. Initial management included ureteral stenting (5) and percutaneous nephrostomy tube (4). Three underwent nephrectomy. Two had spontaneous resolution of DPUS after a course of ureteral stenting. Conclusion: Potential risk factors associated with DPUS after nephron-sparing treatment, including medial and lower pole tumors, and particularly right-sided anterior masses for ablation and higher complexity nephrometry score for PN. Recognition of delayed symptoms and imaging abnormalities in the surveillance period should cue clinical suspicion to DPUS.
Background: Appropriate surgical management of ureteral strictures is dependent on not only the etiology of the stricture but also its location and characteristics. Stricture length and location play a significant role in potential surgical options, yet accurate evaluation of these features is limited. We present a case of a complex ureteral stricture where employment of an endoscopic tool in a novel manner helped to better evaluate the patient and provide more precise counseling in the preoperative setting. Case Presentation: A 65-year-old Caucasian man with a history of nephrolithiasis developed a complex ureteral stricture secondary to his calculus disease and prior instrumentation. His stricture was causing obstruction of his left collecting system and the patient was interested in a reconstructive procedure. We present a novel use for a pre-existing endoscopic tool that helped to more accurately delineate the characteristics of his ureteral stricture and improved preoperative planning. Conclusion: Determination of precise stricture length and location is of utmost importance for preoperative patient counseling and surgical planning. Where more sophisticated calibration technology is not available, use of an angiographic catheter during diagnostic endoscopy can improve preoperative assessment and surgical planning for complex ureteral reconstructive procedures.
Background: Pheochromocytoma is a rare cause of hypertension in pregnancy, which is often overlooked; especially in late pregnancy because of more prevalent pre-eclampsia. It has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates in both mother and fetus, if not diagnosed and treated in time. Minimally invasive surgery has been infrequently used for surgical management of pheochromocytoma in pregnancy, with <20 reported cases in English literature. Case Presentation: A 26-year-old pregnant woman presented at 9 weeks of gestation with complaints of palpitations, sweating, and headache; with past history of first trimester spontaneous abortion caused by accelerated hypertension. She was found to have hypertension and diabetes, but no pedal edema, weight gain, or proteinuria. Ultrasonogram and MRI of abdomen revealed a left adrenal mass and 24 hours urinary catecholamines levels were increased, suggesting a pheochromocytoma. After preoperative optimization in consultations with obstetricians, endocrinologists, and anesthetists, she underwent laparoscopic left adrenalectomy during 15th week of gestation. Perioperative hospital course was uneventful for both mother and the fetus. After adrenalectomy, her diabetes was cured and hypertension was controlled with single antihypertensive. She was readmitted at 31 weeks of gestation with accelerated hypertension and underwent emergency caesarean for impending eclampsia at 32 weeks, and delivered a healthy female baby. 131I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan and 68Ga-[1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid]-1-NaI(3)-octreotide positron emission tomography-CT (68Ga-DOTANOC PET-CT) scan was obtained in postpartum period to rule out any extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma, both of which did not reveal any abnormality. At 1 year follow-up, she is normoglycemic and hypertension controlled on single antihypertensive. Conclusion: Pheochromocytoma in pregnancy is a rare but potentially lethal condition, and high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis. Multidisciplinary coordination is required for effective management of this rare condition. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is safe in second trimester of pregnancy for both mother and fetus.
Introduction: Surgical management of long-segment radiation-induced distal ureteral strictures (RIDUS) is challenging. Pelvic radiation can damage the bladder, inhibiting the utilization of typical reconstruction techniques such as a psoas hitch and/or Boari flap. Also, radiation can cause scarring that can make ureterolysis difficult. Case Presentation: We present a case series of patients undergoing robotic ureteral bypass surgery with appendiceal graft for management of strictures in this setting. This novel procedure utilizes the patient's appendix as a bypass graft to divert urine away from the strictured portion of ureter and into the bladder; this technique does not require dissection of the strictured ureteral segment. Conclusion: Robotic ureteral bypass surgery can be effective for management of long-segment RIDUS.
Background: Alkaline-encrusted pyelitis (AEP) is rare and most often stems from a triad of immunodeficiency, urogenital tract trauma, and alkaline urinary infection. Corynebacterium Group D2 is the most common organism. It results in encrusting calcifications that adhere to most of the urothelial lining of the pelvicaliceal system and ureter. Left unchecked, or unrecognized, the disease process can progress to renal compromise. Studies suggest that management is based on elimination of the bacterium, acidification of the urine, and elimination of calcified plaques and encrustations. Herein, we report a case of a 56-year-old woman who developed AEP in her second transplanted kidney, and detail the diagnosis and treatment of the uncommon, yet potentially devastating, disease. Case Presentation: A 56-year-old woman with a history of lupus, end-stage renal disease, who was on her second renal transplant presented with symptoms of urinary tract infection. Urine was consistently alkaline with cultures repeatedly growing urease-splitting Corynebacterium. Subsequent imaging showed large obstructing ureteral and renal stones concerning for AEP. She was treated with transplant kidney percutaneous nephrolithotomy, culture-specific antibiotics, and urinary acidification. Conclusion: Clinical presentation, urinalysis, culture, and renal imaging, often with CT, are the mainstays for diagnosing AEP. If not addressed, AEP can advance to renal failure. Management often includes a multimodal approach involving treatment and prevention of the underlying infection, urinary acidification, and percutaneous or endoscopic removal of obstructing and large burden stones and encrustation.
Background: The presence of intra-calcular gas might indicate the coexistence of gas-forming bacterial infections, which are potentially severe and life threatening. Gas-containing renal stones are rare. Herein, we present a case of gas-containing renal matrix stone that was associated with emphysematous pyelitis and reflect on its management. Case Presentation: A 30-year-old woman, with no underlying comorbidities, presented at 30 weeks of pregnancy with symptoms of pyelonephritis. Imaging showed no renal stones. Postdelivery, she presented again with similar symptoms in addition to pneumaturia. Imaging showed several large gas-containing renal matrix stones associated with emphysematous pyelitis, pneumoureter, and pneumobladder. She improved with oral antibiotics and underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy 6 weeks later. Conclusion: The presence of intra-calcular gas does not necessarily indicate a serious condition and the treatment can be planned according to the patient's symptoms and the presence and type of any emphysematous renal infection.
Background: Urolithiasis of transplant kidneys usually encompasses a challenging clinical situation due to specific anatomical conditions and the patients' immunological status. In this case report, we describe the treatment of a rare Proteus mirabilis matrix staghorn stone applying percutaneous nephrolithotomy in combination with matrix stone extraction by morcellation while utilizing endo-urological equipment designed for transurethral prostate surgery. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 44-year-old Caucasian woman who had undergone a post-mortal kidney transplant at age 37. After recurrent urinary tract infections, symptomatic obstructions of the transplant ureter, and multiple surgical interventions (73 Double-J stent and nephrostomy placements and three ureter re-implantations), permanent percutaneous nephrostomy drainage was established 6 years after her kidney transplantation. The patient was referred to our department due to recurrent dysfunction of the nephrostomy tube caused by blockage due to stone-matrix material and a staghorn calculus in the transplant kidney's collecting system. Microbiological examination of the stone material retrieved from the nephrostomy tube revealed massive P. mirabilis contamination. In this work, we present a novel percutaneous technique of matrix stone removal by relying on endoscopic equipment usually employed during prostate surgery by urologists. Conclusion: Percutaneous matrix stone morcellation is a technically challenging but feasible method that might be considered as a salvage treatment strategy in situations described earlier and in highly selective cases. However, for this extremely rare stone entity and individual clinical presentations, matrix stone morcellation seems to be a reasonable alternative before considering more radical interventions such as open nephrolithotomy. Selection criteria are a very soft stone, large-caliber percutaneous access to the collecting system, and enough space in the collecting system to execute morcellation.
Background: Persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a rare disorder of sexual development that results in the presence of internal female reproductive structures in male children who are otherwise phenotypically normal. The removal of the Mullerian structures is suggested, as they pose a risk for future malignancy. Case Presentation: In this study, we present the case of a 14-month-old male infant who initially presented with bilateral nonpalpable undescended testes and was later diagnosed with PMDS. The effective removal of the Mullerian structures and bilateral orchiopexy was performed using robot-assisted laparoscopy, a novel approach for such a scenario. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report of using robotics for management of this syndrome.
We report the case of a 49-year-old woman affected by bilateral urinary stones. Bilateral semirigid ureteroscopy was performed followed on the left side by a flexible ureteroscopy, caused by localization of the stone. Unfortunately, disinsertion of the left ureter occurred during the intervention. Open conversion was performed in the same single procedure for left ureteral reimplant. After an easy recovery, the patient was rehospitalized on day 9 postintervention for left pyelonephritis. This case report discusses the management of this rare but serious complication, including the necessity for quick thinking and decision making.
Background: Radical prostatectomy for de novo prostate cancer (PCa) among kidney transplant (KT) recipients (KTRs) can be challenging because of the location of the renal allograft, which may make robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) difficult to perform. In this study, we present the first case of RARP in a patient with two renal allografts in both iliac fossae. Case Presentation: A 72-year-old KTR was found to have organ-confined PCa. He had a first KT (in the right iliac fossa) 20 years ago, which he lost because of chronic allograft nephropathy, followed by a second KT (in the left iliac fossa) 8 years ago, which is now functioning well. We performed RARP with a right-nerve sparing technique. The surgical duration was 208 minutes, with an estimated blood loss of 50 mL and no intraoperative complications. The postoperative course was unremarkable. During the 21-month follow-up period, there was no incontinence or biochemical recurrence and the allograft function remained normal. Conclusion: RARP is feasible and can be performed safely in KT patients with two renal allografts in the pelvis.
Background: Periureteral venous rings are a rare congenital anomaly involving the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the right ureter, where the ureter courses through a venous ring made by the duplication of the IVC during embryogenesis. This anatomic anomaly is also referred to as a transcaval ureter. Although most patients are asymptomatic and radiographic findings are incidental, some patients can be symptomatic. We present the first reported case of asymptomatic obstructive ureterolithiasis at the level of a periureteral venous ring that was effectively treated with endoscopic management. Case Presentation: A 47-year-old woman was found to have right hydroureteronephrosis on MRI. Further CT imaging showed an obstructing ureteral stone at the level of a periureteral venous ring. After initial decompression with ureteral stenting, she underwent ureteroscopy that revealed the ureteral stone at the level of the venous anomaly. The stone was fragmented and removed with laser lithotripsy and stone basket manipulation. After a period of ureteral stenting and removal, she had improved hydroureteronephrosis, no symptoms of ureteral obstruction, and stable renal function. Given these findings, she elected for surveillance with imaging in lieu of any reconstructive procedure to transpose the ureter around the venous anomaly. Conclusions: We present the first reported case of obstructive ureterolithiasis at the level of a periureteral venous ring. Our experience suggests that, with preoperative ureteral stenting, obstructing ureteral stones in the setting of an IVC anomaly can be managed with retrograde flexible ureteroscopy. Conservative laser settings and minimal torqueing of the ureteroscope are advised given adjacent vascular anomaly. Cases wherein the affected ureteral segment is too constricted or tortuous to allow for stone passage or for ureteroscopy may require management by percutaneous antegrade intervention. Surgical reconstruction of the ureter should also be considered.
Background: The type of the stent to be used after endoureterotomy is a matter of discussion and debate. Endopyelotomy stent is commonly used after endoureterotomy for the management of upper and the lower ureteral strictures. For the strictures in the middle segment of the ureter (lower part of upper ureter, midureter, and upper part of lower ureter), the bulbous portion of the endopyelotomy stent may not adequately cover the endoureterotomy site leading to early recurrence. Case Presentation: Presented here is a young man who underwent endoureterotomy for a postureteroscopy stricture at the L4-L5 vertebral level. The endopyelotomy stent that was placed after endoureterotomy upmigrated, and the bulbous portion of the endopyelotomy stent got stuck above the recurrent stricture site. This difficult clinical situation needed a percutaneous access for stent removal. Conclusion: We propose that tandem stents have an advantage over endopyelotomy stent postendoureterotomy for stricture in the middle portion of the ureter as it provides a good splint for healing without any risk of stent migration and complications.
Background: An uncommon cause of recurrent renal colic is mucous tissue passage secondary to renal papillae necrosis. Because of its low prevalence, the correct management of recurrent obstructive uropathy produced by renal papillary necrosis (RPN) is not well defined. Case Presentation: We present a case of recurrent renal colic associated with the expulsion of mucous tissue in a young woman's urine with a history of excessive consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The patient required multiple admissions to the emergency department because of recurrent episodes of renal colic. A retrograde pyelogram and histopathologic study of the expulsed tissue supported the diagnosis of RPN. The patient was managed with Double-J stents for 12 months, complete withdrawal of NSAIDs, and large volume intake of water. A satisfactory outcome was seen radiologically and endoscopically after treatment. The patient stopped experiencing new renal colic episodes because of the passive ureteral dilatation despite still presenting the mucous tissue expulsion in the urine. Conclusions: Passive ureteral dilatation with Double-J stents could possibly be an effective treatment for patients with recurrent renal colic secondary to persistent renal papillae necrosis.
Background: Renal collecting system injuries are a rare occurrence during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). However, when they do happen, the potential for complications rises exponentially the longer the injury goes undetected. This case highlights a possible higher rate of injury when using continuous flow sheaths. Case Presentation: A 65-year-old woman with history of large volume obstructing left-sided renal pelvis stone had an emergent ureteral stent placed for infection and was referred for interval management. Patient was taken for PCNL in the prone split-leg position where a continuous flow ureteral access sheath and a continuous flow nephrostomy sheath was used. Puncture and dilatation were performed under endoscopic guidance to avoid collecting system injury during access. The anesthesiologist discovered abnormalities in the patient's pulmonary ventilation settings. This allowed the surgical team to quickly halt the procedure and place the patient supine where a distended abdomen was discovered consistent with irrigation fluid extravasation into the abdominal cavity. Given concern for abdominal compartment syndrome, interventional radiology was then called to assist in placing a drain in the right lower quadrant of the patient to evacuate the irrigation fluid. This is the second such occurrence in a span of 6 months when using continuous flow ureteral access and nephrostomy sheaths. Conclusion: Renal collecting systems injuries are infrequent when access is obtained under endoscopic guidance. Prompt recognition of physiologic breathing abnormalities allowed the surgical team to quickly treat the injury, preventing further complications from arising in the setting of a diagnosis where time to detection plays an important role in prognosis. However, given that this is the second such injury, the usage of continuous flow sheaths and their rate of associated complications and injuries must be thoroughly examined.
Purpose: To report a rare case of secondary adrenal tumor with tumor thrombus in inferior vena cava (IVC) managed by three-dimensional laparoscopy and review the relevant literature. Case Report: A 60-year-old male patient operated for left-sided renal cell carcinoma 7 years ago, presented with asymptomatic secondary right adrenal tumor with tumor thrombus extending into the IVC through the right adrenal vein. A three-dimensional laparoscopic adrenalectomy with en bloc tumor thrombus evacuation from the IVC was performed. Literature Review and Discussion: The available literature was scanned and reviewed. There was a paucity of literature on the secondary adrenal tumors with IVC thrombus and to the best of our knowledge so far there is no reported case of secondary right adrenal tumor with IVC tumor thrombus that has been managed by three-dimensional laparoscopy. Conclusion: Secondary adrenal tumors with IVC tumor thrombus are rare but challenging and can present after many years of primary surgery. The low-level vena cava tumor thrombus can be managed with three-dimensional laparoscopy.
Background: Ganglioneuroma is a rare tumor derived from the neural crest that can occur in any sympathetic tissue. It corresponds to 0.3% to 2% of incidental adrenal tumors and <250 have been reported in the literature so far. Case Presentation: We present a case of a 30-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a large bilobed adrenal tumor found on a CT scan during the investigation of acute abdominal pain. The image also showed a rare anatomic variation of a left-sided inferior vena cava. Biochemical work-up for adrenal incidentaloma showed normal markers. Since we could not rule out malignancy, the patient was subjected to laparoscopic adrenalectomy and the pathology report showed an adrenal ganglioneuroma, a rare nonfunctioning tumor of the adrenal. Conclusion: Ganglioneuroma can present as a large bilobed adrenal tumor. The laparoscopic approach is feasible and safe. Preoperative planning is needed and vascular variations can be challenging during the procedure.
This case report describes the novel use of ultrasound-guided MRI-fusion biopsy to sample an extraluminal perirectal mass. This is a 64-year-old man with a history of pT3N2b mucinous adenocarcinoma of the right colon with metastatic disease to the mesocolic lymph nodes. Two years after initial resection he was found on restaging CT to have a mass measuring ∼4.0 × 4.8 cm superior to the seminal vesicles. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) showed a moderately FDG avid soft tissue mass interposed between the prostate and the rectum. Multiparametric MRI revealed a 6.2 × 4.6 × 2.8 cm heterogeneous lobulated T2 hyperintense mass with enhancement just superior to the seminal vesicles. This mass was unable to be viewed using sigmoidoscopy. Using UroNAV technology, we were able to biopsy the mass in the clinic setting. Biopsy was confirmed as recurrent mucinous adenocarcinoma.
