The Canadian StoneBreaker trial: a randomized, multicenter trial comparing the LMA StoneBreaker™ and the Swiss LithoClast® during percutaneous nephrolithotripsy.

Background And Purpose: Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) is the treatment of choice for patients with large renal stones. The StoneBreaker™ (SB) is a novel handheld pneumatic lithotriptor, powered by a compressed carbon dioxide cartridge. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency of the SB to a standard pneumatic lithotriptor, the Swiss LithoClast(®) (LC).

Sarcomas of the spermatic cord: significance of wide local excision.

A respective review was performed of 18 patients presenting with spermatic cord sarcomas over a 28 year period to determine factors predictive of local recurrence and disease-specific survival. Factors assessed at predictors of local recurrence included tumor grade, histology, positive surgical margins, and inadequate excision, defined as scrotal violation or excisional biopsy. In addition to these factors, local recurrence and the presence of hematogenous metastasis were evaluated as predictors of disease-specific survival.