Initial clinical experience with use of ureteral access sheaths in the diagnosis and treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Objective: To describe our experience with ureteral access sheaths in the diagnosis and treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Methods: We retrospectively identified a patient cohort who underwent ureteroscopy for suspicion of upper tract urothelial carcinoma and identified those with placement of a ureteral access sheath. Records were reviewed for demographic information, comorbidity data, operative complications, and pathology results.

Outcomes after concurrent inguinal hernia repair and robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Inguinal hernias occur more frequently following radical prostatectomy. Simultaneous inguinal hernia repair during open and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer has been described previously. The emergence of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP) has necessitated the evaluation of concomitant herniorrhaphy in this new setting.

Diagnostic yield of renal biopsy immediately prior to laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation: a multicenter study.

Introduction: Ablative therapy is increasing for the management of small renal masses. Laparoscopic as well as percutaneous cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have been utilized. Herein we review our experience with renal biopsy immediately prior to laparoscopic RFA.

Preparation of artificial kidney stones of reproducible size, shape, and mass by precision injection molding.

Purpose: To prepare artificial kidney stones of defined shape, size, mass, and material composition via precision injection molding of Ultracal 30 cement slurries into an inexpensive biodegradable mold.

Materials And Methods: A calcium alginate and silica-based mold was used to prepare casts of varying shapes in a reproducible manner. Ultracal 30 cement slurries mixed 1:1 with water were injected into these casts and allowed to harden.

HAS1 expression in bladder cancer and its relation to urinary HA test.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) levels are elevated in bladder cancer tissues and regulate tumor growth and progression. Urinary HA levels measured by the HA test are an accurate marker for bladder cancer. In cells, HA is synthesized by one of the 3 HA-synthase(s) i.