URINARY BACTERIOLOGY OF CONTINENT URINARY RESERVOIRS AND CALCULUS FORMATION

In order to investigate urinary bacteriology in relation to calculus formation in continent urinary reservoirs, a retrospective study was conducted of 19 patients with the Kock pouch and 23 patients with the Indiana pouch. Analysis of a total of 151 urine-cultures showed that asymptomatic bacteria (any bacterial count) were present in 92% of urines from the Kock pouch and 74% from the Indiana pouch. The incidence of organisms and total bacterial counts were similar for both pouches. The most prevalent organisms were Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella sp., Proteus sp., Enterobacter sp., and Enterococcus sp. Urinary calculi developed in 42% of the Kock pouch patients and 13% of the Indiana pouch patients. More than half of the patients had multiple stone recurrence. Infectious stones developed in 32% of the Kock pouch patients, usually on the foreign materials, and 9% of the Indiana pouch patients. In general, no clear relationship was established between urinary bacteriology and calculus formation although Proteus sp. or Providencia sp. was determined to be the causative organism in some infectious stones. Furthermore, metabolic stones developed in 32% of the Kock pouch patients and 9% of the Indiana pouch patients. Because calcium phosphate was a constituent of 80% of the metabolic stones, the presence of urinary factors promoting calculus formation was suspected.     

Complications of the Afferent Antireflux Valve Mechanism in the Kock Ileal Reservoir

Purpose

Since 1982 the Kock ileal reservoir has been the primary form of urinary diversion in patients requiring lower urinary tract reconstruction at our institution. The intussuscepted afferent nipple valve of the Kock ileal reservoir is designed to prevent reflux and protect the upper urinary tract. Problems associated specifically with the afferent antireflux valve have been few. We defined and characterized all complications associated with the Kock pouch antireflux nipple valve.

Materials and Methods

From November 1984 through July 1992, 802 patients underwent construction of a continent Kock ileal reservoir. All complications associated with the afferent antireflux valve in this group and their management were identified.

Results

Overall, 79 of 802 patients (9.8 percent) had a total of 84 complications of the afferent antireflux valve (10.4 percent), including formation of stones on staples securing the afferent nipple valve in 42 cases (5.2 percent), stenosis of the afferent valve in 35 (4.3 percent) and prolapse of the valve in 7 (0.9 percent). A total of 81 patients required surgical intervention to correct the afferent valve complication: 56 (7.0 percent) were treated endoscopically and 25 (3.1 percent) required open surgical revision.

Conclusions

We report an overall complication rate of 10.4 percent associated with the afferent antireflux nipple valve in the Kock ileal reservoir. Most complications can be treated endoscopically without difficulty on an outpatient basis with the use of local sedation. With these results, and only a 3 percent incidence of open surgical correction of all afferent nipple problems, we encourage the continued use of the intussuscepted afferent nipple valve whenever continent urinary diversion is performed.     

Long-Term Incidence and Risks for Recurrent Stones Following Contemporary Management of Upper Tract Calculi in Patients with a Urinary Diversion

Purpose

The long-term rate of stone recurrence following contemporary minimally invasive management of calculi was determined in patients with urinary diversion and to identify specific risk factors for these recurrences.

Materials and Methods

We followed for a minimum of 12 months 25 patients (29 renal units) with upper tract calculi associated with urinary diversion, and treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and/or percutaneous nephrostolithotomy. The risk of recurrent stones at 5 years was determined by a Kaplan-Meier estimate, while potential risk factors for recurrence were analyzed using a log-rank comparison.

Results

Stones recurred in 8 patients (32 percent) 18 to 61 months (mean 27.0) after treatment. The risk of new stone formation after 5 years was estimated to be 63.3 percent and was significantly greater in patients with recurrent bacteriuria after treatment. Neither stone history, type of procedure used, stone composition nor radiographic status of completion of treatment significantly influenced this risk.

Conclusions

Contemporary management of upper tract calculi in patients with a urinary diversion is associated with a high recurrence rate, especially among those with recurrent bacteriuria, regardless of whether the patient is initially rendered stone-free. Continued close surveillance and antibiotic prophylaxis seem to be essential in this high risk patient population.     

The Kock Ileal Neobladder: Updated Experience in 295 Male Patients

Purpose

Since 1986 orthotopic lower urinary tract reconstruction using the Kock ileal neobladder has been our diversion of choice in patients undergoing cystectomy. We report on the first 295 male patients undergoing this procedure from May 1986 through December 1993.

Materials and Methods

Complications were assessed, tabulated, subdivided into early (3 months or less postoperatively) and late types, and further categorized with respect to relationship to neobladder construction. Continence was individually evaluated via a detailed patient questionnaire.

Results

The pouch related early and late complication rates were 7.2 and 11.6 percent, respectively, and pouch related abdominal reoperation rates were 0.0 and 1.4 percent, respectively. Analysis of late pouch related complications revealed 4.1 percent stone formation and 2.4 percent afferent nipple stenosis rates, and only 1 case (0.3 percent) of ileal urethral anastomotic stricture. Of the patients 87 and 86 percent reported good or satisfactory daytime and nighttime continence, respectively. With regard to age, while overall continence was similar, a significantly greater percentage of patients younger than 70 years experience good daytime and nighttime continence relative to the older counterparts. Of the patients 5 percent perform regular intermittent catheterization and 2.7 percent required an artificial urinary sphincter due to unacceptable continence.

Conclusions

The Kock orthotopic ileal neobladder can be constructed with minimal morbidity and extraordinary functional results. We strongly advocate its use when possible.     

Excisional Plication of the Ileocecal Valve: A Useful Adjunct for the Construction of Continent Urinary Diversions

Purpose

A variety of techniques exist to reinforce the ileocecal valve for use as a nonrefluxing mechanism in continent urinary diversion. We report short-term and long-term followup for a new technique of excisional plication of the valve.

Materials and Methods

Since 1988 we performed 16 procedures in 15 patients. The technique was used for repair of an incompetent ileocecal valve to restore continence in 2 patients in whom continent cutaneous diversion failed, and to correct a massively refluxing ileocecal valve following previous augmentation with an ileocecal segment in 1. The remaining patients underwent the procedure in conjunction with continent cutaneous ileocecal diversion with a modified Indiana pouch.

Results

To date no patient undergoing continent cutaneous diversion required reoperation to correct incontinence. Two patients wear a protective pad during the day, while the remainder have been completely dry during followup.

Conclusions

Excisional plication is a versatile and simple procedure that may be used to assist construction and repair of ileocecal valves in conjunction with continent urinary diversion.     

Management of Late Complications of Continent Urinary Diversion Using the Kock Pouch and the Indiana Pouch Procedures

Background: Continent urinary diversion (CUD) is performed on patients after total cystourethrectomy due to invasive bladder cancer or other diseases requiring urinary diversion. Since 1984, we have performed CUD using either the Kock pouch procedure or a modified Indiana pouch method. During the long-term follow-up, increasing numbers of late complications occurred, especially after the Kock pouch procedure. We summarized the frequency of postoperative complications, their management, and outcome of CUD using these 2 methods. Methods: Between 1984 and 1995, CUD using the Kock pouch method was performed on 102 patients, and on 61 patients using the Indiana pouch method, with a mean follow-up period of 83 and 50 months, respectively. The patients were between 24 and 82 years old, with a mean age of 59 years. In most patients, the Kock pouch was constructed according to the original method, except for the use of a Dacron fabric collar, and the Indiana pouch was made using the ileal patch method. Results: Of 95 patients followed up for more than 3 months after CUD using the Kock pouch method, efferent and afferent nipple valve malfunction occurred in 21 (22%) and 26 (27%) patients, respectively. Efferent complications occurred during the first year after surgery, whereas afferent complications occurred several years after surgery. Open repair surgery (excluding ileus) was necessary for 36 (38%) patients. Of 59 patients followed for more than 3 months after CUD using the Indiana pouch method, 7 patients with stomal stenosis, 2 patients with stomal prolapse, and 1 patient with stricture at the ureterocolonic anastomosis were treated surgically. An hourglass-like deformity of the pouch was seen in 2 patients, on whom the original Indiana pouch method was performed. As a whole, 13 patients (22%) were retreated with open surgery. Urinary calculi occurred in 42 (44%) patients after CUD using the Kock pouch method and in 11 patients (19%) using the Indiana pouch method. The outcome was excellent, good, fair, and poor in 31, 37, 24, and 8% of the patients after CUD using the Kock pouch method, and in 36, 17, 42, and 5% of the patients after CUD using the Indiana pouch method. Conclusions: We performed CUD using either the Kock pouch or the Indiana pouch method with a success rate of approximately 90%. The rates of revision, reoperation and stone formation were higher with the Kock pouch procedure than with the Indiana pouch procedure, while varying degrees of incomplete incontinence and difficulty in catheterization were seen more often in the latter.     

THE T POUCH: AN ORTHOTOPIC ILEAL NEOBLADDER INCORPORATING A SEROSAL LINED ILEAL ANTIREFLUX TECHNIQUE

Purpose

At our institution the Kock ileal neobladder has been the primary form of urinary diversion after cystectomy. The few associated complications are primarily related to the intussuscepted antireflux afferent limb, including stones, stenosis and extussusception of the afferent nipple. We present a novel orthotopic ileal neobladder, the T pouch, with an innovative antireflux technique designed to prevent complications of the intussuscepted afferent nipple.

Material and Methods

From November 1996 through August 1997, 40 patients an average of 67 years old underwent construction of an orthotopic ileal neobladder (T pouch). Mean followup is 10.5 months (range 8 to 14). The T pouch incorporates an antireflux mechanism using a serosal lined ileal tunnel technique. Urinary reflux is prevented without ileal intussusception and with complete preservation of the blood supply to the afferent ileal segment. Followup in all cases includes clinical and functional results, and radiographic evaluation of the urinary reservoir and upper urinary tracts.

Results

One perioperative death (2.5%) and 5 early complications (12.5%) were unrelated to urinary diversion. There have been no late complications. All T pouch reservoirs had excellent capacity without evidence of urinary reflux. The upper urinary tracts remain unchanged or improved in all patients.

Conclusions

The T pouch is an orthotopic ileal neobladder that incorporates an effective, innovative antireflux mechanism created by a serosal lined ileal tunnel. Early clinical and functional results of this type of urinary diversion have been excellent. Furthermore, we suspect that this antireflux technique may eliminate the complications associated with an intussuscepted afferent nipple and maintain an effective antireflux mechanism.     

URETEROSCOPIC MANAGEMENT OF INTRARENAL CALCULI

Purpose

To determine its potential role in stone therapy, we evaluated our experience with the ureteroscopic removal of intrarenal calculi in 100 patients. We review the indications, techniques, stone-free and overall success rates, and complications.

Materials and Methods

From July 1994 to December 1996 ureteroscopic stone removal was attempted in 100 patients a mean of 52 years old who had renal calculi. Indications for treatment included concurrent ureteral stones in 56 cases, and failed extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, medical or percutaneous management as well as obesity and anatomical anomalies. There were 2 or more calculi in the affected kidney in 68 patients and stones greater than 6 mm. in 67. Treatment of intrarenal calculi was performed with flexible ureteroscopes, a laser or electrohydraulic lithotriptor and endoscopic graspers. The number and size of calculi were noted in each patient. Stone-free and overall success rates defined as 1 residual fragment less than 3 mm. were noted at 1 and 3-month followup visits.

Results

The overall success rate was 89%. Ureteroscopic treatment of intrarenal calculi resulted in a 77% stone-free rate. Of the 23 patients with residual calculi 12 (52%) had a single residual fragment less than 3 mm. The targeted stone was removed or fragmented in 98 patients (98%) and no ureteral calculi remained postoperatively. As expected, the number and size of the original stones inversely correlated with the success rate. There were no intraoperative complications, and only 3 urinary tract infections and 3 fevers were noted postoperatively.

Conclusions

The use of smaller diameter ureteroscopes, better working instruments and more effective lithotriptors allow calculi in all parts of the collecting system to be engaged and treated. Success rates throughout the whole collecting system are comparable to if not better than those of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and percutaneous approaches.     

A Prospective Study of the Intake of Vitamins C and B6, and the Risk of Kidney Stones in Men

Purpose

The association between the intake of vitamins C and B6, and kidney stone formation was examined.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a prospective study of the relatioship between the intake of vitamins C and B6 and the risk of symptomatic kidney stones in a cohort of 45,251 men 40 to 75 years old with no history of kidney calculi. Vitamin intake from foods and supplements was assessed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire completed in 1986.

Results

During 6 years of followup 751 incident cases of kidney stones were documented. Neither vitamin C nor vitamin B6 intake was significantly associated with the risk of stone formation. For vitamin C the age-adjusted relative risk for men consuming 1,500 mg. daily or more compared to less than 250 mg. daily was 0.78 (95 percent confidence interval 0.54 to 1.11). For vitamin B6 the age-adjusted relative risk for men consuming 40 mg. daily or more compared to less than 3 mg. daily was 0.91 (95 percent confidence interval 0.64 to 1.31). After adjusting for other potential stone risk factors the relative risks did not change significantly.

Conclusions

These data do not support an association between a high daily intake of vitamin C or vitamin B6 and the risk of stone formation, even when consumed in large doses.     

Intracorporeal Lithotripsy With the Holmium:YAG Laser

Purpose

Preliminary evaluations of the holmium:YAG laser have demonstrated a variety of potential urological applications, including ablation of soft tissue lesions as well as stone fragmentation. We present our experience with the holmium:YAG laser for intracorporeal lithotripsy of urinary calculi.

Materials and Methods

During a 24-month period 75 patients underwent 79 laser procedures, including retrograde ureteroscopy for ureteral calculi (71) and fragmentation of caliceal stones remote from the nephrostomy tract during percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (8).

Results

Complete stone fragmentation without need for additional procedures or lithotripsy was achieved in 85 percent of the cases. Treatment failures included 1 case of stone migration, 7 incomplete fragmentation requiring other lithotripsy devices and 3 laser malfunction. One ureteral perforation occurred when the laser was activated without direct visual guidance.

Conclusions

The holmium: YAG laser has demonstrated its efficacy as a method of intracorporeal lithotripsy. Advantages include ability to fragment stones of all composition, and the multipurpose, multispecialty applications of the holmium wavelength. This laser has potential soft tissue effects, and careful attention to technique during lithotripsy is required to avoid ureteral wall injury.     

Long-Term Stone Recurrence Rate After Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Purpose

We followed patients who were stone-free after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL^*) to investigate the factors that contributed to recurrent calculi.

Materials and Methods

For longer than 5 years 903 patients without residual fragments 3 months after ESWL were enrolled in this study. Plain abdominal films and/or excretory urograms were evaluated every 6 months for recurrent stones on the side of ESWL. Patients who presented with colic pain or other complaints and who were suspected of having recurrent stones were also examined. Stone recurrence rates were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method. We assessed the influence of patient age; size, location, composition and configuration of the original stones, and pyuria after ESWL on stone recurrence.

Results

Mean followup was 25 months and stones recurred in 183 of 903 renal units (20.3 percent). Kaplan-Meier recurrence rates were 6.7, 28.0 and 41.8 percent after 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. There was a significant correlation between stone recurrence and multiple stones on one hand, and pyuria after ESWL on the other hand. Stones recurred most frequently in the lower calix. Recurrent stones were passed without intervention in 33 cases, while ESWL was repeated in 53.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate the importance of long-term followup and the search for an effective prophylactic therapy to prevent recurrence.     

GERIATRIC UROLITHIASIS

Purpose

We define the differences between geriatric patients with urinary stone disease compared to a younger cohort.

Materials and Methods

A data base, including serum biochemical profiles, 24-hour urinalyses and standardized questionnaires, was retrospectively evaluated from more than 6,000 consecutive patients with urinary stone disease.

Results

Geriatric stone formers comprised 12% (721) of all stone patients. Two-thirds of these elderly patients had aberrant urinary values and 29% had isolated hypocitraturia compared to 17% in the younger group. Of geriatric stone forming patients 76% had recurrent urinary stones (mean 3.5 stone episodes), which was similar to the younger comparable group (77%, mean 3.3 stone episodes). The severity of urinary stone disease was similar between the 2 groups based on the need for urological intervention. Geriatric stone patients, in general, experienced the first stone episode later in life (after age 50 years) compared with younger patients. Elderly patients had an increased incidence of uric acid stones, but had a similar incidence of struvite calculi. Geriatric stone patients underwent parathyroid surgery more frequently (2.7 versus 0.7%). Geriatric stone forming patients rarely had renal failure.

Conclusions

The incidence, recurrence and severity of recurrent urinary stone disease were similar between geriatric and younger stone forming patients. Geriatric stone patients had an increased incidence of isolated hypocitraturia, uric acid calculi and previous parathyroidectomy. The geriatric stone population is not merely an extension of younger stone forming patients presenting at an older age. Rather, geriatric patients commonly experience the first symptomatic stone episode later in life.     

Urinary tract stones: a complication of the Kock pouch continent urinary diversion

Urinary tract stone disease has been found to be a later complication associated with the construction of the Kock pouch continent urinary diversion. Of 383 patients who underwent Kock pouch diversion between August 1982 and December 1986 stones developed in the pouch in 64 (16.7%), usually on exposed staples or eroded Marlex used to construct the nipple valves. Stones have recurred in 13 of the 64 patients (22%). Most stones were removed endoscopically with techniques similar to those used for percutaneous stone removal. Risk factors for stone formation include Marlex collar erosion and acute pyelonephritis. Changes in surgical techniques with elimination of the Marlex collar and a reduction in the number of staples have reduced the incidence of this later complication to 10%.     

The Le Bag Orthotopic Urinary Diversion

Purpose

We reviewed our experience with Le Bag orthotopic urinary diversion in 38 cases.

Materials and Methods

Between April 1990 and January 1995, 38 men underwent radical cystectomy and Le Bag urinary diversion for treatment of bladder cancer. Approximately 20 cm. each of detubularized ileum and cecum were used to construct the pouch. A total of 22 pouches was fashioned with absorbable staples. In 21 cases freely refluxing Bricker ureterointestinal anastomoses were used.

Results

There was no significant difference in major complication rates in the hand sewn versus stapled anastomosis groups, and there were no complications specifically related to the use of staples. There were 3 episodes of febrile urinary tract infection: 2 in the Bricker group and 1 in the tunneled anastomosis group. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with respect to ureteral obstruction. The daytime continence rate was 91 percent, and 80 percent of the patients are completely dry or have only mild incontinence at night. Most patients had mild hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis postoperatively as evidenced by a decrease in median serum bicarbonate level (28 versus 24 mmol./l.). This difference appears to be related to pouch length (r = 0.58, p = 0.0002).

Conclusions

We conclude that the Le Bag technique is a technically feasible form of urinary diversion with functional results similar to other forms of orthotopic diversion. Use of absorbable staples simplifies pouch construction without increasing complications. This form of urinary diversion is associated with hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, which is related to pouch length.     

Colonic Conduit in Children: Protection of the Upper Urinary Tract 16 Years Later?

Purpose

Complication rates of up to 86.6 percent have been reported after creation of an ileal conduit. In contrast to others, we construct an antirefluxing isoperistaltic colonic conduit for incontinent diversion in children.

Materials and Methods

Between 1968 and 1989 a colonic conduit was created in 105 patients up to age 20 years for neurogenic bladder (76), bladder exstrophy (16)and other reasons (13). Long-term followup (minimum 5 years, mean 16.3 years, range 5 to 26) was possible in 84 patients (159 renal units).

Results

Early and late stenosis at the ureterocolic anastomosis, and stomal stenosis occured in 7.6 and 15.5 percent of the cases, respectively. Renal calculi developed in 8.2 percent of the renal units. Eight kidneys without function after recurrent pyelonephritis, calculi or stenosis at the ureterocolic anastomosis were removed during followup. Compared to preoperative status 3 of the remaining 151 renal units had increased dilatation of the upper urinary tract at the last followup. A total of 31 patients had complications during followup and 18 underwent conversion to continent urinary diversion.

Conclusions

When incontinent urinary diversion is necessary in children, a colonic conduit with the option of continent conversion should be created before deterioration of the upper urinary tract.     

New Stone Formation: A Comparison of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Purpose

There is theoretical concern that stone recurrence rates may be higher following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL*) compared to other techniques because of residual stone debris.*Dornier Medical Systems, Inc., Marietta, Georgia.

Materials and Methods

We documented all new stone formations in 298 consecutive patients who initially achieved a stone-free status following ESWL for renal calculi less than 2 cm. in largest dimension, and compared the findings to those of 62 patients treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy without ultrasonic fragmentation. Stone-free status was assessed by a centrally reviewed plain abdominal film and renal tomograms at 3 months. A plain abdominal film was repeated at 12 and 24 months to detect recurrence.

Results

New stones formed in 22.2 percent of patients after ESWL and 4.2 percent after percutaneous nephrolithotomy at 1 year (p = 0.004), and in 34.8 percent versus 22.6 percent, respectively, at 2 years (p = 0.190). Furthermore, more new stones recurred in the lower and mid calices compared to baseline location in the ESWL group (chi-square less than 0.0001), which was not observed in the percutaneous nephrolithotomy group.

Conclusions

Our data support a trend toward higher stone recurrence rates in ESWL treated patients, which may be due to microscopic sand particles migrating to dependent calices and acting as a nidus for new stone formation.     

Influence of Continental Ileal Urinary Diversion on Vitamin B12 Absorption

Purpose

Because vitamin B12 is mainly absorbed in the terminal ileum, we evaluated potential absorption deficiencies in continent ileal reservoirs.

Materials and Methods

Eight to 25 months (mean 13) after surgery we evaluated 25 patients with a Kock pouch and 29 with an ileal neobladder. A Schilling test and red blood count were done, and serum levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid were determined.

Results

Absorptive capacity was decreased in 20 of the 25 Kock pouch patients but none of the 29 ileal neobladder patients. Four patients in each group had low vitamin B12 levels. No patient had megaloblastic anemia. Folic acid levels were normal in all patients.

Conclusions

A loss of 50 cm. of terminal ileum seems to be the critical margin for sufficient vitamin B12 absorption.     

Dual energy can accurately differentiate uric acid-containing urinary calculi from calcium stones

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate the accuracy of dual-energy CT (DECT) in the detection of the chemical composition of urinary calculi in correlation with infrared spectroscopic stone analysis.

Methods

We reviewed the CT scans of 255 patients who underwent DECT due to a clinical suspicion of urolithiasis. Out of this group, we included 64 patients with clinically symptomatic urolithiasis requiring stone removal. After surgical removal of the stone by ureterorenoscopy, chemical composition was analyzed with infrared spectroscopy. We correlated DECT stone characterization results with chemical stone composition based on dual-energy indices (DEI). A total of 213 renal and ureteral stones could be removed and chemically analyzed.

Results

A total of 213 calculi were evaluated. Thirty eight out of sixty four (59 %) patients had >1 stone. DECT was used to differentiate stones by using DEI. Stones harboring calcium (CA) were color-coded in blue, while stones containing uric acid (UA) were colored red. Median DEI in UA-containing stones were 0.001. Non-UA-containing stones had a DEI between 0.073 for pure CA stones and 0.077 containing CA and other substances (p = 0.001; p = 0.03, respectively). Sensitivity of DECT was 98.4 % for differentiation of UA from non-UA-containing calculi. Specificity was 98.1 %. Mean effective radiation dose of DECT was 4.18 mSv (0.44–14.27 mSv), thus comparable to conventional CT scans of the abdomen. Conventional measurement of Hounsfield units did not correlate with stone composition.

Conclusion

DECT with image post-processing reliably discriminates UA-containing calculi from all other stones, but the study offered limitations. Discrimination within the non-UA stones cannot be reliably achieved but is clinically insignificant.

     

Infrared spectroscopy of urinary calculi before 1900 in votive offerings of the Bavarian pilgrimage church at Grafrath

Background

The old urinary calculi of the votive offerings in the pilgrimage church at Grafrath offer the possibility of analysing the components by infrared spectroscopy to give insights into factors that might influence their formation. A total of 166 specimens were taken from 139 objects (134 stones, 5 bones), in some stones from different layers.

Material and methods

Spectral analysis showed typical components for urinary calculi in 127 stones. These were compared with a control group of 98 urinary stones from carriers (77 male, 21 female) during 2007/2008 in Bavaria.

Results

The percentage of occurrence of ammonium acid urate (NH₄U) was high in the old stones (68.0%) versus the 2007/2008 group (1.0%). In uric acid (HS) there was no relevant difference between the two groups, whereas the occurrence of the oxalates whewellite (Whe) and weddellite (Wed) was much less in the old stones (Whe 18.1?C69.4%, Wed 7.9?C26.5 %). The phosphates differ in the components in favour of brushite in the old stones. The high occurrence of NH₄ in the old stones is comparable with (a) the old pre-1900 collection of Norwich (England), especially with the pre-1800 juvenile bladder stones, and (b) urinary stones in endemic areas of stone disease in children such as in North Thailand. Data about the Grafrath stone carriers (name, age, hometown) are not available but can indirectly be derived from the miracle books (1444?C1728) of Grafrath with 12,131 reports; 1,165 had urologic disease of which 70% were children with urinary calculi coming from areas of Upper Bavaria and Swabia.

Conclusion

The finding of a high NH₄U content indicates that this area might have been a stone belt for bladder stones in children. Under- or malnutrition with low protein and low fluid intake may be the aetiologic factor.     

La lithiase du bas appareil urinaire: Analyse rétrospective de 111 cas au CHU de Conakry

Objective

To analyze the epidemiologic, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of lower urinary tract calculi in the Urology Department of the University Hospital of Conakry, Republic of Guinea.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective study, carried out over a period of 5 years (January 2000 — December 2004), included 86 patients with a total of 111 lower urinary tract calculi. The parameters studied included the presenting symptoms, the findings on clinical, imaging and laboratory investigations and the methods of treatment.

Results

Lower urinary tract calculi represented 4% of the total admissions to the Urology Department of the University Hospital of Conakry during the study period. The patients’ mean age was 33 (range: 3 — 70) years. Men were more frequently affected (83%) than women. The socio-economic groups most affected by lower urinary tract calculi were farmers, pupils and university students, as well as workers accounting for 48%, 22% and 18%, respectively. Clinically, hypogastric pain and dysuria were the main presenting symptoms. Urinalysis performed in 55 patients revealed urinary tract infection in 15 with Staphylococcus aureus representing the most frequently isolated organism. Radiology helped in the diagnosis of 102 bladder calculi and 7 ureteric stones. The underlying uropathy causing stone formation could be identified in 75% of the patients. Treatment consisted of surgical removal of the calculi associated with the appropriate treatment of the underlying uropathy. Follow-up was uneventful in 91% of the cases.

Conclusion

Lower tract urinary calculi are not rare in our daily practice. Their diagnosis is based on clinical examination and radiology. Conventional surgery remains the treatment of choice in our environment.