Urology Flashcards
Kidney Stones
aka
renal stones
renal calculi
urolithiasis
nephrolithiasis
Kidney Stones
what are they
hard stones that form in the renal pelvis, where the urine collects before travelling down the ureters
Kidney Stones
where do they commonly get stuck
at the vesico-ureteric junction
Kidney Stones
what are 2 key complications
- obstruction –> AKI
- infection with obstructive pyelonephritis
Kidney Stones
what are key risk factors for calcium collecting into a stone (2)
- hypercalcaemia
- low urine output
Kidney Stones
what are the 2 types of calcium stones
- calcium oxolate
- calcium phosphate
Kidney Stones
name some non-calcium stones
uric acid
struvite
cystine
Kidney Stones
name a key features of uric acid stones
not visible on x-ray
Kidney Stones
name a key feature of struvite stones
produced by bacteria therefore associated with infection
Kidney Stones
name a key feature of cystine stones
associated with cystinuria, an autosomal recessive disease
Kidney Stones
what is staghorn calculus
where the stone forms in the shape of the renal pelvis, giving it a similar appearance to the antlers of a deer stag
The body sits in the renal pelvis with horns extending into the renal calyces
most common in struvite stones
Kidney Stones
why is staghorn calculus more common in struvite stones
in recurrent UTIs the bacteria can hydrolyse the urea to ammonia, creating solid struvite
Kidney Stones
presenting complaint
RENAL COLIC:
- unilateral loin to groin pain that can be excruciating
- colicky (fluctuating in severity) as the stones moves and settles
Kidney Stones
presentation
- renal colic
- haematuria
- N+V
- reduced urine output
- sepsis sx
Kidney Stones
inx
- urine dipstick: haematuria
- blood tests: infection + kidney function + Ca
- abdo X-ray: calcium based stones
- non contrast CT KUB
Kidney Stones
what is the initial inx of choice for diagnosing
non contrast CT KUB
Kidney Stones
what is a cause of kidney stones
hypercalcaemia:
renal stones, painful bones, abdominal groans and psychiatric moans
caused by Ca supplementation, hyperparathyroidism + cancer
Kidney Stones
non surgical mnx
- NSAIDs: IM diclofenac
- Antiemetics
- Abx
- watchful waiting if stones are <5mm
- Tamsulosin: may aid spontaneous passage
Kidney Stones
when is surgical intervention required
in large stones >10mm
stones that don’t pass spontaneously
complete obstruction of infection
Kidney Stones
surgical interventions (4)
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
- Ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
- Open surgery
Kidney Stones
what is Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL):
under GA
nephroscope inserted to back and a scope is inserted through kidney to assess ureter
stones can be broken into smaller pieces and removed
Kidney Stones
what is Ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy
A camera is inserted via the urethra, bladder and ureter, and the stone is identified.
broken up using targeted lasers
Kidney Stones
what do NICE recommend to prevent further episodes
- increase oral intake
- add lemon juice to water
- avoid carbonated drinks
- reduce salt intake
- maintain a normal Ca intake
Kidney Stones
why does adding lemon juice to water help
citric acid binds to urinary Ca, reducing the formation of stones
Kidney Stones
why should you avoid carbonated drinks
cola drinks contain phosphoric acid which promotes calcium oxolate formation
Kidney Stones
recommendations for calcium stones
reduce the intake of oxalate-rich foods (e.g., spinach, beetroot, nuts, rhubarb and black tea)
Kidney Stones
recommendations for uric acid stones
reduce the intake of purine-rich foods (e.g., kidney, liver, anchovies, sardines and spinach)
Kidney Stones
name 2 medications that may reduce the risk of recurrence
- Potassium citrate in patients with calcium oxalate stones and raised urinary calcium
Thiazide diuretics (e.g., indapamide) in patients with calcium oxalate stones and raised urinary calcium
Kidney Stones
mnx for confirmed stone + septic once stabilised
urgent decompression by either nephrostomy or retrograde stent insertion
to ensure the blocked system is relieved, and that urine can drain from the kidney.
Renal Cell Carcinoma
what is it
the most common type of kidney tumour
type of adenocarcinoma that arises from the renal tubules
Renal Cell Carcinoma
what is the classic triad of presentation
- haematuria
- flank pain
- palpable mass
Renal Cell Carcinoma
what are the 3 most common types of RCC
- clear cell (80%)
- papillary (15%)
- chromophobe (5%)
Renal Cell Carcinoma
what is Wilms’ tumour
a specific type of tumour affecting the kidney in children, typically <5y
Renal Cell Carcinoma
RFs
- smoking
- obesity
- HTN
- end stage renal failure
- Von Hippel-Lindau Disease
- Tuberous sclerosis
Renal Cell Carcinoma
presentation
may be asymptomatic
- haematuria
- vague loin pain
- palpable mass
- non specific sx of cancer: weight loss, fatigue, anorexia, night sweats
Renal Cell Carcinoma
what does NICE advise for a 2 week referral
> 45years
with unexplained visible haematuria
either without a UTI or persisting after trx for a UTI
Renal Cell Carcinoma
where is it spread
to the tissues around the kidney, within Gerota’s fascia
often spreads to the renal vein, then to the inferior vena cava
Renal Cell Carcinoma
what is a classic feature of metastatic RCC
Cannonball metastases in the lungs
Renal Cell Carcinoma
how do cannonball metastases present
clearly-defined circular opacities scattered throughout the lung fields on a CXR
Renal Cell Carcinoma
what other cancers can cannonball metastases present
choriocarcinoma (cancer in the placenta)
Renal Cell Carcinoma
what paraneoplastic syndromes is RCC associated with
- polycythaemia
- hypercalcaemia
- hypertension
- Stauffer’s syndrome
Renal Cell Carcinoma
paraneoplastic features: why is polycythaemia a feature
due to secretion of unregulated erythropoietin
Renal Cell Carcinoma
paraneoplastic features: why is hypercalcaemia a feature
due to secretion of a hormone that mimics the action of PTH
and bony metastases
Renal Cell Carcinoma
paraneoplastic features: why is hypertension a feature
due to increased renin secretion, polycythaemia and physical compression
Renal Cell Carcinoma
paraneoplastic features: what is Stauffer’s syndrome
abnormal LFTs (raised ALT, AST, ALP + biliruibin) without liver metastasis
Renal Cell Carcinoma
what inx is used to stage the cancer
CT thorax, abdo + pelvis
Renal Cell Carcinoma
what is the most common staging system
TNM staging system
there’s also a number staging system
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Number staging system: stage 1
<7cm and confined to the kidney
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Number staging system: stage 2
> 7cm but confined to the kidney
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Number staging system: stage 3
local spread to nearby tissues or veins, but not beyond Gerota’s fascia
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Number staging system: stage 4
spread beyond Gerota’s fascia, including metastasis
Renal Cell Carcinoma
1st line mnx
surgery to remove tumour:
- partial nephrectomy
- radical nephrectomy
Renal Cell Carcinoma
non-surgical mnx
- arterial embolisation
- percutaneous cryotherapy
- radiofrequency ablation
- chemo + radio
Renal Cell Carcinoma
what is the definitive test for diagnosis and staging
contrast enhanced CT scan of abdo
what are the key causes of scrotal or testicular lumps
- hydrocele
- varicocele
- Epididymal cyst
- testicular cancer
- epididymo-orchitis
- inguinal hernia
- testicular torsion
Hydrocele
what is it
a collection of fluid within the tunica vaginalis surrounding the testes
Hydrocele
sx
painless
soft scrotal swellings
Hydrocele
examination findings
- transilluminated (testicle floats within the fluid)
- irreducible and has no bowel sounds
- soft, fluctuant and may be large
- testicle is palpable within the hydrocele
Hydrocele
how to distinguish it from a hernia
hydroceles are irreducible and has no bowel sounds
Hydrocele
cause
- idiopathic
- testicular cancer
- testicular torsion
- epididymo-orchitis
- trauma
Hydrocele
mnx
- exclude serious causes (e.g. cancer)
- idiopathic: manage conservatively
- large or symptomatic: surgery, aspiration or sclerotherapy
Varicocele
what is it
when the veins in the pampiniform plexus become swollen
Varicocele
how come it can cause infertility
probs due to disrupting the temp in the affected testicle
Varicocele
what may it result in
testicular atrophy, reducing the size and function of the testicle
Varicocele
what is the pampiniform plexus
a venous plexus found in the spermatic cord and drains the testes
Varicocele
where does the pampiniform plexus drain into
the testicular vein
Varicocele
what is the role of the pampiniform plexus
regulates the temp of blood entering the testes by absorbing heat from the nearby testicular artery
Varicocele
pathophysiology
the result of increased resistance in the testicular vein
incompetent valves in the testicular vein allow blood to flow back from the testicular vein into the pampiniform plexus
Varicocele
where does the right testicular vein drain directly into
the inferior vena cava
Varicocele
where does the left testicular vein drain into
the left renal vein
Varicocele
why do most occur on the left
due to increased resistance in the left testicular vein
Varicocele
what can a left-sided varicocele indicate
an obstruction of the left testicular vein caused by a renal cell carcinoma
Varicocele
presentation (3)
- throbbing/dull pain or discomfort, worse on standing
- a dragging sensation
- sub-fertility or infertility
Varicocele
examination findings
- scrotal mass that feels like a ‘bag of worms’
- more prominent on standing
- disappears when lying down
- asymmetry in testicular size if the varicocele has affected the growth of the testicle
Varicocele
when should an urgent referral to urology be made
varicoceles that do not disappear when lying down as could be a retroperitoneal tumour obstructing the drainage of the renal vein
Varicocele
confirmation of dx
US with Doppler imaging
Varicocele
inx if concerns about fertility
semen analysis
Varicocele
inx if there are concerns about function
hormonal tests (e.g. FSH + testosterone)
Varicocele
mnx if uncomplicated
manage conservatively
Varicocele
mnx if pain, testicular atrophy or infertility
surgery or endovascular embolization
Epididymal Cysts
where do they occur
at the head of the epididymis (at the top of the testicle)
Epididymal Cysts
what is a spermatocele
an epididymal cyst that contains sperm
Epididymal Cysts
sx
pt felt a lump
Epididymal Cysts
examination findings
- soft round lump
- typically at the top of the testicle
- associated with the epididymis
- separate from the testicle
- large cysts: may be transilluminated
Epididymal Cysts
worst case
torsion of cysts causing acute pain and swelling
usually entirely harmless
Testicular Cancer
where does testicular cancer arise from
germ cells in the testes
Testicular Cancer
what do germ cells produce
gametes (sperm in males)
Testicular Cancer
what age group has the highest incidence
15-35 years
Testicular Cancer
what 2 types can it be divided into
- Seminomas
- Non- seminomas (mostly teratomas)
Testicular Cancer
RFs (4)
- undescended testes
- male infertility
- FH
- increased height
Testicular Cancer
typical presentation
painless lump on testicle
occasionally it can present with testicular pain
Testicular Cancer
describe the lump
- non-tender (or even reduced sensation)
- arising from testicle
- hard
- irregular
- non fluctuant
- no transillumination
Testicular Cancer
Leydig cell tumour is rare. What can it present with
gynaecomastia
Testicular Cancer
initial inx to confirm dx
scrotal US
Testicular Cancer
what tumour marker may be raised in teratomas (not in pure seminomas)
alpha-fetoprotein
Testicular Cancer
what tumour marker may be raised in both teratomas and seminomas
Beta-hCG
Testicular Cancer
what is a very non-specific tumour marker
lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
Testicular Cancer
what can be used to look for areas of spread and to stage the cancer
a staging CT scan
Testicular Cancer
what is the staging system called
Royal Marsden Staging System
Testicular Cancer
Royal Marsden Staging System: Stage 1
isolated to the testicle
Testicular Cancer
Royal Marsden Staging System: Stage 2
spread to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes
Testicular Cancer
Royal Marsden Staging System: Stage 3
spread to the lymph nodes above the diaphragm
Testicular Cancer
Royal Marsden Staging System: Stage 4
metastasised to other organs
Testicular Cancer
where are common places for testicular cancer to metastasis to (4)
- lymphatics
- Lungs
- Liver
- Brain
Testicular Cancer
mnx
- surgery (radical orchidectomy)
- chemo
- radio
- sperm banking
Testicular Cancer
mnx: what is sperm banking
saving sperm for future use as trx may cause infertility
Testicular Cancer
SEs of trx (radical orchidectomy, chemo, radio)
- infertility
- hypogonadism (testosterone may be needed)
- peripheral neuropathy
- hearing loss
- lasting kidney, liver or heart damage
- increased risk of cancer in the future
Testicular Cancer
prognosis
> 90% cure rate
Testicular Cancer
which type has a better prognosis
seminomas have a slightly better prognosis than non-seminomas
Testicular Cancer
what does follow up involve
- monitoring tumour markers
- CT scans or CXRs
Epididymo-orchitis
what is it
Epididymitis: inflammation of the epididymis
orchitis: inflammation of the testicle
Epididymo-orchitis: result of infection in the epididymis and testicle on one side
Epididymo-orchitis
describe the path of sperm
- released from testicle into the head of the epididymis
- sperm travels through head, then body then tail of the epididymis
- sperm mature and stored in the epididymis
- the epididymis drains into the vas deferens
Epididymo-orchitis
causes (4)
- E.coli
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Neisseria gonorrhoea
- Mumps
pt with parotid gland swelling and orchitis and pancreatitis. What is it
mumps
Epididymo-orchitis
describe the onset
gradual over minutes to hours
Epididymo-orchitis
presentation
- testicular pain
- dragging or heavy sensation
- swelling of testicle and epididymis
- tenderness on palpation
- urethral discharge
- fever, sepsis?
Epididymo-orchitis
unilateral or bilateral?
unilateral
Epididymo-orchitis
key Ddx
testicular torsion
if there is any doubt, trx as testicular torsion until proven otherwise
Epididymo-orchitis
what features make it a STI more than E.coli
- age <35
- increased number of sexual partners in the last 12m
- discharge from urethra
Epididymo-orchitis
inx to help establish dx
- urine MC&S
- NAAT testing on first pass urine
- charcoal swab of purulent urethral discharge
- saliva swab (mumps)
- serum antibodies (mumps)
- US (torsion, tumours)
Epididymo-orchitis
mnx for very unwell or septic
admit to hospital for trx (IV abx)
Epididymo-orchitis
mnx for pts with a high risk of STI
referred urgently to GUM
Epididymo-orchitis
for pts that are at a low risk of STI, what is the typical ab of choice
1st line: Ofloxacin for 14d
alternatives:
- levofloxacin/ciprofloxacin
- doxycycline
- co-amoxiclav
Epididymo-orchitis
additional measures for mnx apart from abx
- analgesia
- supportive underwear
- reduce physical activity
- abstain from intercourse
Epididymo-orchitis
what are quinolone abx (ofloxacin, levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin)
powerful broad-spectrum abx, often used for UTIs. pyelonephritis, epididymo-orchitis and prostatitis.
excellent gram -ve cover
Epididymo-orchitis
2 critical SEs of Quinolone abx (ofloxacin, levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin)
- tendon damage + rupture (Achilles)
- lower seizure threshold (caution in pts with epilepsy)
Epididymo-orchitis
complications (5)
- chronic pain
- chronic epididymitis
- testicular atrophy
- sub-fertility or infertility
- scrotal abscess