METHODS: We enrolled all patients referred for SCI rehabilitation from 2012 to 2015 that fulfilled our study criteria. Data that were retrospectively reviewed included demographic and clinical characteristic data; and US KUB surveillance studies.
RESULTS: Out of 136 electronic medical records reviewed, 110 fulfilled the study criteria. The prevalence of NB in our study population was 80.9%. We found 22(20%) of the patients showed evidence of US diagnosed NB complications with the mean detection of 9.61±7.91 months following initial SCI. The reported NB complications were specific morphological changes in the bladder wall 8(36.4%); followed by unilateral/bilateral hydronephrosis 7(31.8%); bladder and/or renal calculi 5(22.7%); and mixed complication 2(9.1%) respectively. Half of the patients with NB complications had urodynamic diagnosis of neurogenic detrusor overactivity with/without evidence of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. We found co-existing neurogenic bowel, presence of spasticity and mode of bladder management were significantly associated factors with US diagnosed NB complications (p<0.05), while spasticity was its predictor with adjusted Odds Ratio value of 3.93 (1.14, 13.56).
CONCLUSION: NB is a common secondary medical impairment in our SCI population. A proportion of them had US diagnosed NB complications. Co-existing neurogenic bowel, presence of spasticity and mode of bladder management were its associated factors; while spasticity was its predictor.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June 2011 and May 2012, 20 patients with upper urinary tract stones were included in this prospective randomized study. The patients were assigned into the LESS group or CL group in a one-on-one manner using a random table. The clinical parameters were evaluated in the immediate postoperative period, and the stone clearance rate was evaluated via non-contrast computer tomography at one month postoperatively.
RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient demographics or preoperative stone sizes between the two groups. The perioperative parameters, including operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative pain scores, length of hospital stay, and changes in renal function, were comparable. No transfusions or open conversions were required in either group. The incidence of residual stones was lower in the LESS group (1 case) than in the CL group (2 cases). However, this difference was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS: For large and impacted upper ureteral stones, the effectiveness and safety of LESS were equivalent to those of CL. Further randomized control trials with larger sample sizes are needed to strengthen the conclusions of this study. .