The impact of measuring split kidney function on post-donation kidney function: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Studies have reported agreement between computed tomography (CT) and renography for the determination of split kidney function. However, their correlation with post-donation kidney function remains unclear. We compared CT measurements with renography in assessment of split kidney function (SKF) and their correlations with post-donation kidney function.

Effect of pneumoperitoneum on renal tissue oxygenation and blood flow in a rat model.

Objectives: To determine the correlation between the renal blood flow (RBF) and tissue oxygenation (PO(2)) at varying intra-abdominal pressures (IAPs) and to compare the effects on renal blood flow from carbon dioxide-induced pneumoperitoneum.

Methods: Carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum was established in Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6). Licox oxygen/temperature tissue probes were laparoscopically inserted into the renal parenchyma, with the renal PO(2) and RBF recorded every 30 seconds while the IAP was gradually increased.

Survey of senior resident training in urologic laparoscopy, robotics and endourology surgery in Canada.

Introduction: We determined the status of Canadian training during senior residency in laparoscopic, robotic and endourologic surgery.

Methods: Fifty-six residents in their final year of urology residency training were surveyed in person in 2007 or 2008.

Results: All residents completed the survey.

Impact of arterial and arteriovenous renal clamping with and without intrarenal cooling on renal oxygenation and temperature in a porcine model.

Background: As laparoscopic partial nephrectomy increases in prominence, more needs to be understood about the combined effect of the pneumoperitoneum and renal ischemia during tumor resection. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of combined renal hilar clamping (arterial only versus arteriovenous) and retrograde intrarenal cooling on renal temperature and oxygenation in a porcine laparoscopic partial nephrectomy model.

Materials And Methods: Under general anesthesia, laparoscopic access with intra-abdominal pressure of 15 mm Hg to the left renal hilum was obtained.

Practical comparison of four nitinol stone baskets.

Background And Purpose: The use of stone baskets for repositioning of stones or removal of fragment in conjunction with ureterorenoscopy has become widespread. We tested the performance of the ACMI Sur-Catch NT, Bard Dimension, Boston Scientific Zero-tip, and Cook N-Circle in a pig kidney model of flexible ureterorenoscopy.

Materials And Methods: Opening characteristics of the basket were measured with mechanical calipers at 1-mm increments and compared with published reports to ensure the tested baskets were representative.

The laparoscopic experience of recently trained Canadian urologists.

Objective: While laparoscopy represents an increasingly important aspect of operative urology, the experience of Canadian urology trainees is poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of laparoscopic training of Canadian urology trainees during residency as well as their comfort level with various laparoscopic techniques.

Methods: An e-mail-and web-based questionnaire was administered to the two most recent cohorts of Canadian-trained urologists (residencies completed in 2003 or 2004).

Laparoscopic simple prostatectomy.

Classically, surgical options for very large prostate glands, not amenable to transurethral resection, include suprapubic or retropubic simple prostatectomy and Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). We present a case managed with a laparoscopic simple prostatectomy. Technical considerations are discussed as well as possible advantages of this approach including decreased blood loss, faster patient recovery and improved visualization.

Comparison of Peditrol irrigation device and common methods of irrigation.

Background And Purpose: The Peditrol is a novel hands-free irrigation device that delivers a bolus of irrigant through the ureteroscope when the foot pedal is deployed. The purpose of this study was to compare the flow and pressures created by the Peditrol with those of commonly used methods of irrigation.

Materials And Methods: Flows through a flexible 6.

Semirigid ureteroscopy of the proximal ureter can be aided by external lower-abdominal pressure.

Background And Purpose: Smaller semirigid ureteroscopes with large working channels and excellent optics are widely available. Ureteroscopic treatment of upper-ureteral stones has become increasingly popular, although flexible ureteroscopy is more frequently the method of choice. Access to the upper ureter with a semirigid ureteroscope (SR-URS) can be challenging and hazardous, especially when negotiating the iliac vessels.