Multi-institutional assessment of ureteroscopic laser papillotomy for chronic flank pain associated with papillary calcifications.

Purpose: We evaluated the long-term safety, efficacy and durability of ureteroscopic laser papillotomy for chronic flank pain associated with renal papillary calcifications.

Materials And Methods: We reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent ureteroscopic laser papillotomy in the absence of free urinary calculi at our institutions from 1998 through 2008. Success was defined as patient report of significant pain relief.

Patient and pathologic correlates with perioperative and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy.

Objectives: To comprehensively analyze and compare patient and pathologic correlates with perioperative events and with the long-term results of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy.

Methods: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed in 255 patients with renal cell carcinoma. Mean follow-up time was 35.

Approach and specimen handling do not influence oncological perioperative and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy.

Purpose: We assessed the impact of approach (standard vs hand assisted) and specimen handling (morcellation vs intact extraction) on laparoscopic radical nephrectomy short-term recovery and long-term oncological outcome.

Materials And Methods: Of 255 patients with pathologically confirmed and presumed localized renal cell carcinoma 147 underwent standard and 108 underwent hand assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. Specimen handling was done by intact extraction in 132 cases and morcellation in 123.

Radiographic surveillance of minimally and moderately complex renal cysts.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of radiographic surveillance for managing minimally and moderately complex renal cysts.

Patients And Methods: Forty-three patients with 50 minimally or moderately complex renal cysts underwent radiographic surveillance at our institution. Study inclusion criteria were surveillance for >2 years (36 patients, mean follow-up 3.

Success of laser endoureterotomy of ureteral strictures associated with ureteral stones is related to stone impaction.

Purpose: Since the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser is the flexible lithotrite of choice for ureteral stones, its application to ureteral strictures associated with ureteral calculi is convenient. The results of Ho:YAG laser endoureterotomy in this specific setting have not been defined. We report our experience with Ho:YAG laser endoureterotomy of ureteral strictures associated with ureteral stone treatment, with or without a history of stone impaction.