Prospective comparison of magnetic resonance angiography with selective renal angiography for living kidney donor assessment.

Objectives: For years, the reference standard in the evaluation of living donor vascular anatomy has been selective renal angiography (SRA). Because of the potential morbidity associated with SRA, we prospectively evaluated magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in the assessment of renal donors.

Methods: All patients had SRA and 53 renal units were prospectively evaluated by MRA.

Robotic pyeloplasty: experience with three robotic platforms.

Purpose: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a technically challenging procedure. Currently, several robotic surgical systems exist to overcome laparoscopic technical challenges confronted during pyeloplasty. We present a clinical comparison between three robotic surgical systems (Aesop, Zeus and da Vinci) in assisting laparoscopic pyeloplasty procedures.

Treatment of renal transplant complications with a mesh hood fascial closure technique.

Early renal allograft dysfunction may be caused by a number of technical factors including thrombosis, kinking of vessels, and a Page kidney situation in which the allograft is compressed within a shallow false pelvis and limited retroperitoneal space. Without early recognition, compromised graft function, obstruction, or graft loss may ensue. We describe a technique using a polypropylene-assisted mesh hood fascial closure (MHFC) to prevent and treat this potential complication.

Minimally invasive intracorporeal incision of Peyronie's plaque: initial experiences with a new technique.

Objectives: Minimally invasive repairs represent an attractive treatment approach for the surgical correction of Peyronie's disease. We describe a novel intracorporeal incision technique and the results of our ongoing experience.

Methods: In selected patients who had consented to surgical treatment of a localized Peyronie's scar, saline erection confirmed the degree and location of penile deformity.

Laparoscopic robotic pyeloplasty using the Zeus Telesurgical System.

We present the initial clinical experience using a robot to perform a laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty at a Canadian centre. Five patients were confirmed to have ureteropelvic junction obstructions through nuclear renography, cross sectional imaging and intravenous pyelography. After performing a retrograde ureteropyelography and double J stent placement, laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty was performed by a single surgeon at a remote workstation using the ZeusTM Telepresence Surgery System (Intuitive Surgicala).

Laparoscopic versus open partial nephrectomy.

Objectives: To compare, retrospectively, the results of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) to open partial nephrectomy (OPN) using a tumor size-matched cohort of patients. Limited data are available comparing LPN to OPN in the treatment of small renal tumors.

Methods: Between September 2000 and September 2003, 27 LPNs and 22 OPNs were performed to treat renal masses less than 4 cm.

Upper tract imaging after ureteroscopic holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy: when is it necessary?

Introduction/objective: Advances in ureteroscope design and refinements of ancillary instrumentation have resulted in an expanded role for ureteroscopy in the management of urinary calculi. Technological enhancements coupled with improved endourologic skills have also been associated with a reduction in procedural-related complications. Historically, postoperative imaging with ultrasound (U/S) or intravenous pyelogram (IVP) had been advocated to rule out persistent obstruction due to retained stone fragments or ureteral stricture.