Numerous inconsistencies exist between current theories of the initial event in nephrolithiasis formation and empirical observational data on stone disease. Our review of the literature and our study of the cholesterol content of renal stones support a new theory regarding the initial stone forming event. We base this novel hypothesis on multiple epidemiological, physiological, anatomical and clinical observations. Further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis and its clinical usefulness.

Our method of laparoscopic right donor nephrectomy yields excellent graft quality with adequate vascular length and without the need for elaborate modifications or hand assistance. Moreover, the right operation is technically easier and it achieved comparable donor morbidity and recipient renal function. With sufficient experience the right kidney should be procured laparoscopically when indicated.

Topiramate is a recently developed antiepileptic medication that is becoming more widely prescribed because of its efficacy in treating refractory seizures. Urologists should be aware that this medication can cause metabolic acidosis in patients secondary to inhibition of carbonic anhydrase. In addition, a distal tubular acidification defect may result, thus impairing the normal compensatory drop in urine pH. These factors can lead to the development of calcium phosphate nephrolithiasis. We report the first two cases of topiramate-induced nephrolithiasis in the urologic literature.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for kidney tumors has demonstrated durable oncologic and functional outcomes. The feasibility of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) has been demonstrated in several small, single-institution studies. We performed a large, multi-institutional analysis to determine early oncologic results and perioperative outcomes after RPN. Between October, 2002 and September, 2007, 148 patients underwent RPN at six different centers by nine different primary surgeons for localized renal tumors. Medical and operative records were reviewed for clinical characteristics, pathologic findings, and follow-up information. A total of 148 patients underwent RPN. Mean tumor size was 2.8 cm. Renal hilar clamping was utilized in 120 patients, with a mean warm ischemia time of 27.8 min. Positive surgical margins were identified in six patients (4%), of which two had cautery artifact obscuring the margin after off-clamp cautery excision and one underwent completion radical nephrectomy with no evidence of cancer. There is no evidence of tumor recurrence at mean follow-up of 7.2 months (range 2-54 months) overall, and mean follow-up of 18 months (range 12-23 months) for patients with positive surgical margin. Complications occurred in nine patients (6.1%), including hematoma requiring drainage (n = 1), prolonged ileus (n = 3), pulmonary embolus (n = 2), prolonged urine leak (n = 2), and rhabdomyolysis (n = 1). Two patients underwent open conversion for failure to progress, one patient with morbid obesity and one patient with adhesions from prior ureterolithotomy. Mean hospital stay was 1.9 days. In this multi-institutional series of surgeons beginning their initial experience in RPN, the procedure is a feasible option for minimally invasive, nephron-sparing surgery, with immediate oncologic results and perioperative outcomes comparable with more mature laparoscopic series.

This is a reliable method of right pure laparoscopic donor nephrectomy that maximizes donor benefit and cost-effectiveness. Right laparoscopic nephrectomy is likely easier with this technique and should not be avoided if it is the preferred kidney for transplantation.