Differences in left and right laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Background And Objectives: The classic belief is that right-sided laparoscopic adrenalectomy is technically more difficult to perform than left-sided. The purpose of this study was to determine whether objective outcomes are different for the right- versus left- sided operation.

Methods: A retrospective review of 163 laparoscopic adrenalectomies was performed to compare outcomes.

Decision tree for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy versus laparoscopic renal cryoablation for small renal masses.

Purpose: We propose an algorithm to help guide surgeons' decisions between laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and renal laparoscopic cryoablation (LCA) based on preoperative parameters and outcomes defined in the literature.

Patients And Methods: From July 2004 to December of 2007, we performed 51 LPNs and 22 LCAs. We formulated an algorithm between LPN and LCA based on outcomes from published series.

A preliminary report on combined penoscrotal and perineal approach for placement of penile prosthesis with corporal fibrosis.

Purpose. This paper aims at describing the combined penoscrotal and perineal approach for placement of penile prosthesis in cases of severe corporal fibrosis and scarring. Materials and methods.

IL-6 does not predict current urolithiasis in stone formers.

Introduction: Interleukin-6 (IL-6), an inflammatory marker, has previously been found to be elevated in the urine of patients with urolithiasis. Oxalate and other stone precursors have been shown to increase IL-6 production in proximal tubular epithelial cells in vitro. We examined whether urinary IL-6 could be used as a screening test to determine current urolithiasis in individuals who are known to form urinary stones.

Sacral neuromodulation: cost considerations and clinical benefits.

Objectives: To demonstrate the efficacy of sacral neuromodulation and compare voiding-related health care utilization costs before and after receiving an implant.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients receiving InterStim therapy (Medtronic Neurological, Minneapolis, Minn) was completed. Health care utilization was determined for the year before and the year after implantation, and included hospital and clinic visits, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and prescriptions.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma in unreconstructed exstrophic bladder.

Bladder exstrophy is associated with an increased incidence of primary adenocarcinoma of the bladder. We report a rare case of squamous cell carcinoma occurring in the unreconstructed, exstrophic bladder of a 53-year-old woman treated with radical cystectomy and radiochemotherapy. This case represents the oldest patient to present with squamous cell carcinoma of an unreconstructed exstrophic bladder.