Background The exact etiology of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is unknown, and inadequate excision of the narrow segment has been proposed as a cause of failure in 5% to 7% of cases of pyeloplasty. Aims To study whether frozen section can be useful to detect normal ureter distal to UPJO during pyeloplasty. Methods Histological sections from 31 patients with UPJO were analyzed for collagen to muscle ratio (CMR) on conventional (formalin) and rapid (frozen section) Masson’s trichrome staining. Pathological findings were correlated with postoperative outcomes analyzed at 1-year follow-up and expressed as excellent, moderate, or mild improvement, static and deterioration based on ultrasound grade, differential renal function, and renogram drainage pattern. Results There was a very strong positive correlation ( r = .94; P = .001) between CMR by conventional and rapid frozen Masson’s trichrome staining. There was a very strong negative correlation between pyeloplasty outcomes and CMR on conventional staining ( r = −.94; P = .001) or rapid frozen Masson’s trichrome staining ( r = −.91; P = .001). Regression analysis revealed that a CMR of 1.2 or less (95% confidence interval: 1.9–0.7) was associated with a successful outcome. Conclusions It is feasible to intraoperatively identify normal ureter distal to UPJO using CMR analysis on the novel rapid frozen section technique reported.
Tuberculous epididymal mass is a condition that presents as a painless scrotal swelling. It resembles a testicular mass and is more often diagnosed after orchidectomy. About 22% of all genitourinary tuberculosis show epididymal involvement and 22% of epididymal tuberculosis are bilateral. This report reiterates the need for an increased awareness amongst the treating urologists that would enable an earlier diagnosis, appropriate treatment and may avert the need for orchidectomy in most cases.
A 35-year-old diabetic male presented with rapidly enlarging right testicle associated with recent onset of pain over the testis. He also had fever and chills. At the age of 18, he was treated for pulmonary tuberculosis. The right testicle was enlarged, irregular and mildly tender. The right epididymis was also irregular and nodular, blended with the right testicle and indistinguishable from it. A clinical diagnosis of testicular tumour was made. Tumour markers were normal and he underwent high orchidectomy. Histopathological diagnosis confirmed right epididymal tuberculosis.
This case report mainly highlights the need for a high index of suspicion amongst the treating physicians. A previous history of treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis should alert the physician to think in lines of tuberculous pathology in epididymis too. A prompt diagnosis and early, appropriate treatment would largely prevent removal of testicles in most cases.
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