Three-dimensional computed tomography-based resection process map for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: propensity score matching of a single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine the effect of preoperative three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT)-based resection process map (RPM) imaging on the outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 177 patients (RPM group, n = 92; non-RPM group, n = 85) who underwent this surgery between November 2012 and April 2022. Patient-specific contrast-enhanced CT images were used to construct an RPM, a 3D representation of the kidney showing the planned tumor resection and a 5 mm safety margin. Outcome analyses were performed using propensity score matching. The primary endpoint was the trifecta achievement rate. RESULTS: We extracted 90 cases. The trifecta achievement rate showed no significant differences between the RPM (73.3%) and non-RPM groups (73.3%). However, the RPM group had fewer Grade 3 and higher complications (0.0% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.026). The da Vinci Xi (OR 3.38, p = 0.016) and tumor diameter (OR 0.95, p = 0.013) were independent factors affecting trifecta achievement in multivariate analysis. Using RPM imaging was associated with the absence of Grade 3 and higher perioperative complications (OR 5.33, p = 0.036) in univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Using preoperative 3D CT-based RPM images before RAPN may not affect trifecta achievement, but may reduce serious complication occurrence by providing detailed information on tumor resection.

Association of lung immune prognostic index with survival outcomes in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab.

OBJECTIVE: Lung immune prognostic index is based on derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and lactate dehydrogenase level. Lung immune prognostic index has reported association with survival outcomes in patients with various malignancies undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, the prognostic impact of pre-treatment lung immune prognostic index in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma receiving nivolumab plus ipilimumab treatment remains unclear. This study examines the association between lung immune prognostic index and outcomes in this setting. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 156 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab at eight institutions. We assessed the associations between pre-treatment lung immune prognostic index and survival outcomes including progression-free survival, second progression-free survival (PFS2), cancer-specific survival and overall survival. RESULTS: Patients were classified into good (n = 84, 54%), intermediate (n = 52, 33%) and poor (n = 20, 13%) lung immune prognostic index groups. Progression-free survival did not significantly differ between lung immune prognostic index groups, but there was significant difference in PFS2, cancer-specific survival and overall survival. In multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses, high pre-treatment lung immune prognostic index was a significant predictor of poor PFS2 (vs. good group, intermediate group: P = 0.01 and poor group: P = 0.04) and poor overall survival (vs. good group, intermediate group: P = 0.01 and poor group: P < 0.01). Moreover, the patients with poor lung immune prognostic index had significantly poorer cancer-specific survival than those with good LIPI (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: High pre-treatment LIPI is suggested by our results to be a significant independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients receiving nivolumab plus ipilimumab for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Japanese survey of perioperative complications and ureteral stricture after ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for upper urinary tract stones in multicenter collaborative study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate perioperative complications and the details of postoperative ureteral stricture after ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy (URS-L) for upper urinary tract stones in Japan. METHODS: Patient data on intra- and postoperative complications after ureteroscopy using URS-L were retrospectively collected from multiple centers in Japan between April 2017 and March 2020 with the cooperation of the Japanese Society of Endourology and Robotics. Data included the number of patients undergoing URS-L, number and type of intra- and postoperative complications, and detailed characteristics of postoperative ureteral stricture. RESULTS: In total, 14 125 patients underwent URS-L over 3 years at 82 institutions. Annual URS-L numbers gradually increased from 4419 in 2017, to 4760 in 2018, and 4946 in 2019. The total complication rate was 10.5%, which was divided into intra-operative complications in 1.40% and postoperative complications in 9.18%. The annual incidences of intra- and postoperative complications were not significantly different from year to year (p = 0.314 and p = 0.112). Ureteral perforation, ureteral avulsion, and the intra-operative conversion rate were 1.35%, 0.03%, and 0.02%, respectively. Fever >38°C, septic shock, blood transfusion, and postoperative mortality were 7.44%, 0.81%, 0.07%, and 0.04%, respectively. Ureteral stricture occurred in 0.8% of cases. The median length of stricture site was 10.0 mm and the success rate of stricture treatment was 54.6%. CONCLUSION: Although URS-L utilization has increased in Japan, the annual complication rate has remained steady. Although URS-L is a useful and less invasive procedure, devastating complications can still occur.

Defining a learning curve for urology trainees to achieve renal access without complications in endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery.

OBJECTIVES: There is a lack of data on the number of surgeries required for endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS). Accordingly, we aimed to identify the learning curve for ECIRS performed by multiple surgeons. METHODS: We included 296 patients who underwent ECIRS at our university hospital between 2016 and 2021. A learning curve for percutaneous nephrolithotomy side was calculated considering urology-resident surgeons. The learning curve was retrospectively analyzed for surgical time, renal puncture time, stone-free rate, and complications and corrected for age, body mass index, stone size, computed tomography value, cumulative number of surgeries, and stone location. RESULTS: This study included cases performed by 32 surgeons, including 30 residents and 2 attending surgeons. The median number of surgeries performed by the residents and attending surgeons prior to this study was 4.5 and 90, respectively. The median number of surgical procedures performed during the training period was seven. The surgical time of the residents decreased as the number of cases increased, reaching a median surgical time of 111 min for the attending surgeons after 16.4 cases. Renal puncture time was achieved in 20.1 cases. Complications related to renal access were observed in 13.0% (34 patients), Clavien-Dindo grade II in 1.9% (5 patients), and grade III or higher in 0.8% (2 patients). Comparing the first to fifth cases with the 21st and subsequent cases, the complication rate improved from 35% to 13%. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that ECIRS training provided 16-20 cases with a learning curve to achieve acceptable surgical outcomes.

PHYOX2: a pivotal randomized study of nedosiran in primary hyperoxaluria type 1 or 2.

Nedosiran is an investigational RNA interference agent designed to inhibit expression of hepatic lactate dehydrogenase, the enzyme thought responsible for the terminal step of oxalate synthesis. Oxalate overproduction is the hallmark of all genetic subtypes of primary hyperoxaluria (PH). In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we randomly assigned (2:1) 35 participants with PH1 (n = 29) or PH2 (n = 6) with eGFR ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2 to subcutaneous nedosiran or placebo once monthly for 6 months. The area under the curve (AUC) of percent reduction from baseline in 24-hour urinary oxalate (Uox) excretion (primary endpoint), between day 90-180, was significantly greater with nedosiran vs placebo (least squares mean [SE], +3507 [788] vs -1664 [1190], respectively; difference, 5172; 95% CI 2929-7414; P < 0.001). A greater proportion of participants receiving nedosiran vs placebo achieved normal or near-normal (<0.60 mmol/24 hours; <1.3 × ULN) Uox excretion on ≥2 consecutive visits starting at day 90 (50% vs 0; P = 0.002); this effect was mirrored in the nedosiran-treated PH1 subgroup (64.7% vs 0; P < 0.001). The PH1 subgroup maintained a sustained Uox reduction while on nedosiran, whereas no consistent effect was seen in the PH2 subgroup. Nedosiran-treated participants with PH1 also showed a significant reduction in plasma oxalate versus placebo (P = 0.017). Nedosiran was generally safe and well tolerated. In the nedosiran arm, the incidence of injection-site reactions was 9% (all mild and self-limiting). In conclusion, participants with PH1 receiving nedosiran had clinically meaningful reductions in Uox, the mediator of kidney damage in PH.

Clinical characteristics of Raoultella ornithinolytica bacteremia and antimicrobial susceptibility of Raoultellaornithinolytica.

Raoultella ornithinolytica (R. ornithinolytica) is a gram-negative rod that was considered related to Klebsiella oxytoca and was classified as R. ornithinolytica in 2001. R. ornithinolytica is known as a histamine-producing bacterium that causes mackerel poisoning. Although only few clinical cases of R. ornithinolytica infection in humans have been reported, the number of diagnosed cases is expected to increase owing to the advancements in identification methods. In the present study, we performed a retrospective analysis of cases of R. ornithinolytica infection detected at our hospital. From September 2019 to July 2021, 62 specimens positive for R. ornithinolytica were obtained after removing duplicates. The clinical courses of these cases were investigated retrospectively based on electronic medical records. Of the 62 specimens, 24 were sputum, 19 were urine, three were stool, six were blood, four were bile, and six were other specimens. All the six blood culture specimens in which R. ornithinolytica was detected were from male patients, and the causative diseases were cholangitis in four cases and complicated pyelonephritis in two cases. Of these, two patients with cholangitis succumbed to death due to the worsening of underlying cancer. Identification of R. ornithinolytica is reportedly difficult, and some instruments may misidentify it as Klebsiella oxytoca. The prognosis of R. ornithinolytica infection has been reported to be good when susceptible drugs are used. However, high mortality rates were also reported despite the use of these drugs, suggesting the need for further investigation of clinical features of R. ornithinolytica infection.

Pelvicalyceal anatomy on the accessibility of reusable flexible ureteroscopy to lower pole calyx during retrograde intrarenal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the pelvicalyceal anatomy on accessibility of reusable flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) to the lower pole calyx during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). METHODS: Here, 854 patients with ureteral or kidney stones with access to a renal collecting system using reusable fURS were classified into either the accessible group, in whom the deepest lower pole calyces could be touched; and the inaccessible group, in whom the deepest lower calyces could not be touched. We measured the infundibulopelvic angle (IPA), infundibular width (IW), infundibular length (IL), and calyceal pelvic height (CPH) using retrograde pyelograms and performed intergroup comparisons. RESULTS: The median IPA, IW, IL, and CPH in the accessible and inaccessible group were 60.5° and 45.6° (p < 0.001), 10.8 and 9.4 mm (p < 0.001), 33.2 and 36.4 mm (p < 0.001), and 25.9 and 30.9 mm (p < 0.001), respectively. IPA (OR 0.963, 95% CI 0.952-0.974, p < 0.001) and IW (OR 0.519, 95% CI 0.331-0.816, p = 0.004) were significant risk factors of renal pelvicalyceal anatomy related to the accessibility of the lower pole calyces. The cut-off value for IPA and IW was 45.8°(p < 0.001) and 7.8 mm (p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IPA < 45.8° and IW <7.8 mm were negative predictors to access the lower pole calyces when using reusable fURS during RIRS.

Elevated eosinophils proportion as predictor of immune-related adverse events after ipilimumab and nivolumab treatment of advanced and metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Ipilimumab and nivolumab treatment against advanced and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) causes severe and lethal immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Predicting irAEs might improve clinical outcomes, however no practical biomarkers exist. This study examined whether eosinophils could be effective biomarkers for ≥grade 2 irAEs in RCC. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 75 patients with RCC treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab between August 2018 and March 2021 in a multicenter study. Eosinophils were examined before and 2 weeks after treatment, and immediately after irAEs development. The optimal cut-off value for ≥grade 2 irAEs was determined by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Univariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken to identify predictors of ≥grade 2 irAEs. RESULTS: Two weeks after treatment, eosinophils were significantly upregulated in patients who had experienced ≥grade 2 irAEs than in those who had not experienced irAEs (mean, 5.7% vs. 3.2%; p < 0.05). The optimal cut-off value for eosinophils against ≥grade 2 irAEs was 3.0% (area under the curve = 0.69). In multivariate analyses, an eosinophil level ≥ 3.0% was a risk factor for ≥grade 2 irAEs (odds ratio 4.18, 95% confidence interval 1.16-15.1). The eosinophil level 2 weeks after treatment was upregulated by the onset of any type of irAEs including endocrine, gastrointestinal, pulmonary and skin disorders. CONCLUSIONS: An increased eosinophil level 2 weeks after treatment might be an effective biomarker for ≥grade 2 irAEs in patients with RCC treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab.

Hemoglobin and neutrophil levels stratified according to International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium risk predict the effectiveness of ipilimumab plus nivolumab in patients with advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To identify biomarkers associated with the effectiveness of ipilimumab plus nivolumab against advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 75 patients treated with ipilimumab plus nivolumab at seven hospitals between August 2018 and April 2021. Prognostic biomarkers were assessed prior to initiating treatment with ipilimumab plus nivolumab. Median overall survival and progression-free survival were examined using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of disease progression. The International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) risk factors most important for predicting disease progression were determined using classification and regression tree analysis. RESULTS: Median overall survival and progression-free survival were longer in the intermediate IMDC risk group than in the poor IMDC risk group (overall: not reached vs. 18.3 months; progression-free: not reached vs. 13.5 months). The multivariate analysis identified poor IMDC risk as a risk factor for disease progression (hazard ratio 2.61, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-6.51). Based on the results of the classification and regression tree analysis, the cohort was divided into non-anemia, anemia + neutro-Low, and anemia + neutro-High groups. Median overall survival and progression-free survival were longer in the non-anemia and anemia + neutro-Low groups than in the anemia + neutro-High group (overall: not reached vs. 29.3 months vs. 4.3 months: progression-free: not reached vs. 29.0 months vs. 3.9 months). CONCLUSION: Hemoglobin and neutrophil levels may represent crucial biomarkers for predicting the effectiveness of ipilimumab plus nivolumab therapy in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

A Randomized, Single-Blind Clinical Trial Comparing Robotic-Assisted Fluoroscopic-Guided with Ultrasound-Guided Renal Access for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: We conducted a randomized, single-blind clinical trial comparing the surgical outcomes of robotic-assisted fluoroscopic-guided (RAF group) and ultrasound-guided (US group) renal access in mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited patients who underwent mini-PCNL with ureteroscopic assistance for large renal stones between January 2020 and May 2021. Block randomization was performed using online software. Automated needle target with x-ray was used for fluoroscopic-guided renal access in the RAF group. PCNL was performed by residents using a pneumatic lithotripsy system with 16.5Fr/17.5Fr tracts. The primary outcome was single puncture success, and the secondary outcomes were stone-free rate, complication rate, parameters measured during renal access and fluoroscopy time. RESULTS: In total, 71 patients (35 in US group, 36 in RAF group) were enrolled. No difference was seen in the single puncture success rate between the US and RAF groups (34.3% and 50.0%, p=0.2). In 14.3% cases in the US group vs no cases in the RAF group, the resident was unable to obtain access due to difficult targeting (p=0.025). The mean number of needle punctures was significantly fewer, and the median duration of needle puncture was shorter in the RAF group (1.83 vs 2.51 times, p=0.025; 5.5 vs 8.0 minutes, p=0.049, respectively). The stone-free rate at 3 months after surgery was 83.3% and 70.6% in the RAF and US groups, respectively (p=0.26). Multivariate analysis revealed that RAF guidance reduced the mean number of needle punctures by 0.73 times (p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: RAF renal access in mini-PCNL may have further potential applications in this field.

Survival Outcome after Reduced-Port Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: Long-Term Follow-Up Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study had two objectives: (i) to evaluate oncological outcomes in a long-term follow-up of patients with bladder cancer after reduced-port laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RP-LRC) and (ii) to assess the effect of modified Glasgow prognostic scores (mGPS) on patient outcomes. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n = 100) who received RP-LRC between March 2012 and December 2018 at our institution and affiliated hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative serum albumin and C-reactive protein levels were determined. Patients were grouped based on clinical T stage (≤cT2: n = 75, ≥cT3: n = 25) using pooled cumulative data. Oncological outcomes and mGPS as a prognostic biomarker were analyzed retrospectively. Kaplan-Meier curves displayed recurrence and survival rates. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses evaluated potential prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). RESULTS: Patient characteristics between the two groups were statistically similar for preoperative hematological and mGPS status, blood loss level, rate of allogeneic transfusion, and pneumoperitoneum time. After a median follow-up period of 55 months, 40/100 patients experienced disease relapse. RFS and CSS for ≤cT2 were significantly less than for ≥cT3 (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively). Distant metastasis occurred in 30 patients with similar distributions of relapse sites between T-stage cohorts. Median RFS for mGPS 1/2 were 18.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.8-not assessed [NA]) and 35.0 (95% CI: 8.7-NA) months, respectively, significantly worse than for mGPS 0 (median NA, 95% CI: NA-NA); CSS was similar. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed ≥cT3 stage, worse clinical N stage, and poor mGPS status were significant prognostic factors for short RFS and CSS. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of bladder cancer patients who undergo RP-LRC experience relapse, with ≥cT3 stage, worse clinical N stage or poor mGPS status identified as significant prognostic factors. Our findings may contribute to improved surgical procedures for such patients.

Real-world effectiveness of nivolumab plus ipilimumab and second-line therapy in Japanese untreated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: 2-year analysis from a multicenter retrospective clinical study (J-cardinal study).

BACKGROUND: Nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy is one of the standard therapies for untreated renal cell carcinoma patients with an International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium intermediate/poor risk. We have previously reported the 1-year analysis results of the effectiveness and safety of nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy in the real-world setting in Japan. Here, we report the effectiveness of nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy and of second-line therapy, using 2-year analysis. METHODS: This retrospective observational study enrolled Japanese patients with previously untreated metastatic renal cell carcinoma who initiated nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy between August 2018 and January 2019. Data were collected from patients' medical records at baseline and at 3 months, 1 year and 2 years after the last enrollment. RESULTS: Of the 45 patients enrolled, 10 patients (22.2%) each had non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥2 at baseline. Median follow-up period was 24.0 months; objective response rate was 41.5%, with 6 patients achieving complete response; median progression-free survival was 17.8 months and 24-month progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 41.6 and 59.1%, respectively. Second-line therapy achieved an objective response rate of 20%; median progression-free survival was 9.8 months. Median progression-free survival 2 was 26.4 months. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy at 2-year analysis in the real-world setting in Japan was comparable to that reported in CheckMate 214. The current analysis also demonstrated the effectiveness of second-line therapy after nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy.

Chronological transition in outcome of second-line treatment in patients with metastatic urothelial cancer after pembrolizumab approval: a multicenter retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: After first-line chemotherapy failure, metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) patients undergo pembrolizumab (PEM) or gemcitabine and docetaxel (GD) therapy. We retrospectively investigated outcomes of second-line GD or PEM for mUC patients. METHODS: A total of 198 mUC patients from Nagoya City University and affiliated hospitals who received second-line treatment were grouped according to immune check point inhibitor (ICI) availability: Groups A (pre-ICI: n = 104) and B (post-ICI: n = 94). We compared clinical outcomes using Kaplan-Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses assessed potential prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Median OS was significantly longer for Group B [median 13.6 months, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.6-17.6] than A (7.6 months, 5.3-8.8). By sub-group analysis, patients received no additional treatment (Naïve, n = 70), or PEM or GD (Salvage, n = 24) in Group B, with median OS of Naïve and A groups similar. Compared to the Salvage group, significant differences in OS were observed (median 7.6 months, 95% CI 5.3-8.8; Group A, 7.6 months, 4.7-13.8; Naïve, 25.7 months, 14.0-31.0; p < 0.01). For the Salvage group, OS for sequential treatment of GD-salvage PEM and PEM-salvage GD patients was similar (p = 0.10). Multivariate analysis showed a low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and high geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) as significant prognostic factors affecting long OS [95% CI 1.12-3.45, hazard ratio (HR): 1.97; 95% CI 0.24-0.71, 0.41, respectively]. CONCLUSION: Second-line GD or PEM therapy for mUC patients showed equivalent survival benefits. GNRI and NLR are prognostic biomarkers for survival outcome.

Primary impact of simultaneous use of double devices through one-working channel when performing flexible ureteroscope with ureteral access sheath for single ureteral stone: In bench and retrospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the simultaneous use of two devices versus a single device through a single working channel in flexible ureteroscopy using a ureteral access sheath for single ureteral stones. METHODS: In a bench study, the time to (i) set laser fiber, (ii) exchange laser fiber and nitinol basket through working channel, and (iii) pull out the device from working channel were measured 10 times in each step. In a clinical study, 156 patients who underwent flexible ureteroscopy with a ureteral access sheath for a ureteral stone in middle and upper ureter between April 2019 and November 2021 were assessed. One device was used at a time for 79 patients (S-Group) and two were simultaneously used for 77 (D-Group). Surgical outcomes and complications were compared. RESULTS: In the bench study, the mean time to change from laser fiber to basket and from basket to laser fiber through the working channel were 26.1 ± 3.7 s and 23.6 ± 2.0 s (p = 0.084), respectively, which were significantly longer than the laser setup time (p < 0.001). In the clinical study, although the stone-free rate was not significantly different between the groups (S-Group 89.8%, D-Group 93.5%; p = 0.412), the median operation time was significantly shorter (p < 0.001) and the rate of postoperative stenting was significantly lower (p = 0.002) in the D-Group. There were no significant between-group differences in intra- and post-operative complications. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous use of two devices through a single working channel is safe and could help save the time needed to exchange the laser fiber and nitinol basket.

Efficacy of ultrasound monitoring during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: A multi-institutional propensity score-matched study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-assisted monitoring during shock wave lithotripsy for kidney and proximal ureteral calculi. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 535 patients who initially underwent shock wave lithotripsy for renal or proximal ureteral calculi between January 2012 and December 2021. The patients were divided into the X-ray group (n = 294) and ultrasound plus X-ray group (n = 241) based on the methods of targeting and monitoring calculi during shock wave lithotripsy. Because of differences in patient backgrounds, 1:1 propensity score-based matching was performed. The primary endpoint was the stone-free rate. RESULTS: In the final 1:1 matched cohort, 192 kidney stone cases and 162 proximal ureteral stone cases were analyzed. For patients with kidney calculi, the stone-free rate of the ultrasound plus X-ray group was significantly higher than that of the X-ray group (66.7% vs. 47.9%; P = 0.013). In the multivariate analysis, a large stone area (odds ratio 2.37), lower caliceal stones (odds ratio 3.37), and X-ray monitoring alone (odds ratio 0.49) were independently associated with shock wave lithotripsy failure. For patients with proximal ureteral stones, there was no significant difference in the stone-free rate between the ultrasound plus X-ray group and X-ray group (71.6% and 58.0%, respectively; P = 0.100). During the multivariate analysis, high computed tomography attenuation (odds ratio 2.31) and large stone area (odds ratio 2.18) were independent factors associated with residual stones after shock wave lithotripsy. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-assisted monitoring may contribute to a higher stone-free rate for patients with kidney calculi, but not for those with proximal ureteral calculi.

Efficacy of fosfomycin in preventing infection after endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery in periods of limited supply of first- and second-generation cephalosporins.

OBJECTIVES: In March 2019, cefazolin was unavailable owing to difficulty in procuring the active ingredient. Furthermore, the supply of alternative drugs, such as cefotiam and cefmetazole, was limited. In the Department of Nephro-Urology, fosfomycin-based drugs are used as substitutes for cefazolin, which is a perioperative prophylactic antibacterial drug. Herein, we investigated the effectiveness of fosfomycin sodium and cefotiam in preventing infection after endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery as a retrospective preliminary study. METHODS: A total of 200 patients who underwent endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery at our department between August 2017 and January 2021 were included. The patients were administered cefotiam (n = 95) or fosfomycin (n = 105) as perioperative antibacterial agents. There were no significant differences in the median age or surgery time between the cefotiam and fosfomycin groups. Propensity score matching was performed to match the preoperative urine bacterial counts of both groups. Sixty-eight patients were selected from each group. RESULTS: The median postoperative hospital stay duration was 4 days for the two groups. The median maximum postoperative temperatures were 37.5 and 37.4°C, respectively. There were no significant differences between the maximum postoperative temperatures in both groups. Furthermore, there were no differences between the groups regarding the white blood cell counts, C-reactive protein levels, and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels postoperatively, as well as in terms of postoperative fever requiring additional antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: During a period of difficulty in acquiring cefazolin and cefotiam, the use of fosfomycin allowed us to continue with the procedure without increased clinical complications.

First Report of Oncological Outcome and Prognostic Analysis in a First-Line Setting of Short Hydration Gemcitabine and Cisplatin Chemotherapy for Patients with Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to examine the effectiveness of a modified-short hydration gemcitabine and cisplatin (m-shGC) regimen for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) and to assess the efficacy of a geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) with regard to prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2016 to July 2020, 68 patients with mUC underwent first-line m-shGC therapy with 70 mg/m2 cisplatin and 1,000 mg/m2 gemcitabine (days 1, 8, and 15), with 2,050 mL fluid replaced on the first day of each 28-day cycle. Prior to the start of treatment, the serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and levels of albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum, as well as body heights and weights were measured. Patients were grouped according to GNRI <92 (low) or ≥92 (high). The analysis of data was done retrospectively. RESULTS: Median follow-up was found to be 12.9 (range 1.7-50.2) months and the objective response rate (ORR) was 54.4% after m-shGC treatment. The ORR was significantly different when high and low-GNRI groups were compared (ORR: 28.0 vs. 69.8% in low- vs. high-GNRI groups). Median overall survival (OS) was calculated as 8.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.4-21.3) and 34.5 (95% CI: 20.5-NA) months for low- and high-GNRI groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). Unlike for NLR and CRP, univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that low GNRI and visceral metastases were significant prognostic factors for short OS. CONCLUSIONS: First-line m-shGC showed a survival benefit for mUC, with GNRI a useful prognostic biomarker.

One- versus two-surgeon active stone retrieval procedures for flexible ureteroscopy: An off-site simulator comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of the one-surgeon basketing technique compared to the conventional two-surgeon method for flexible ureteroscopy. METHODS: Seven urologists (three trained and four less-trained surgeons) extracted three renal stones using each technique with an off-site simulator. We analyzed the task completion time, the number of times the basket forceps were opened and closed, and unexpected events during stone-catching, for both techniques. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the total task completion time between the one-surgeon (102.0 [interquartile range 63.5-164.0] s) and two-surgeon (99.5 [interquartile range 75.0-145.3] s) techniques. However, the time it took the trained surgeons to extract all stones was significantly shorter with the one-surgeon than with the two-surgeon technique (19.0 [interquartile range 18.0-20.0] s vs 34.0 [interquartile range 25.0-40.0] s; P = 0.049). Among the less-trained surgeons, the opposite effect was observed, but this difference was not statistically significant (96.5 [interquartile range 61.0-134.5] s vs 64.0 [interquartile range 51.5-77.0] s; P = 0.489). The number of times the forceps were opened and closed during stone-catching was significantly lower with the one-surgeon technique than with the two-surgeon technique (5.0 [interquartile range 4.0-5.0] times vs 9.0 [interquartile range 6.0-14.5] times; P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: The one-surgeon technique can offer comparable efficacy to the two-surgeon technique. If surgeons are sufficiently trained, a one-surgeon basketing technique for performing flexible ureteroscopy might become a new technical modality for extracting renal stones.

Comparison of the safety and efficacy between the prone split-leg and Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia positions during endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery: A multi-institutional analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the prone split-leg and the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia positions during endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery. METHODS: A multi-institutional, retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2014 and December 2018. The stone-free and complication rates were compared between the prone split-leg and the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia positions. Anatomical variations were evaluated using contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging. RESULTS: In total, 118 and 100 patients underwent endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery in the prone split-leg and Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia positions, respectively. Renal punctures in the prone split-leg position were predominantly executed through the lower calyces (78.0%), whereas those in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position were primarily performed through the middle calyces (64.0%; P < 0.001). Surgical duration in the prone split-leg position was significantly shorter than that in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position (106.5 vs 126.0 min; P = 0.0459). There were no significant differences in the stone-free rate between the two positions (78.8% vs 76.0%; P = 0.629). Incidences of urinary tract injury (P = 0.033) and febrile urinary tract infection (23.7% vs 10.0%; P = 0.011) in the prone split-leg position were significantly higher than that in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position. The tilt of the major renal axis was significantly greater in the prone position than the corresponding values in the oblique position (19.4° vs 8.5°; P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical variation might result in the differences of renal puncture calyx. Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position may bring equal stone-free status, with a longer surgical time but fewer complications including febrile urinary tract infection and urinary tract injury than the prone split-leg position.

Ureteroscopy-assisted puncture for ultrasonography-guided renal access significantly improves overall treatment outcomes in endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact and availability of ureteroscopy-assisted puncture for percutaneous renal access during ultrasonography-guided miniaturized (mini)-endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery for large volume renal and/or proximal ureteral stones. METHODS: We conducted a multi-institutional retrospective cohort study for urolithiasis treatment. Data from a total of 313 patients who underwent mini-endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery to treat renal and/or ureteral stones between January 2016 and April 2020 were collected. We compared the outcomes between ultrasonography-guided mini-endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery with and without ureteroscopy-assisted puncture (ureteroscopy-assisted puncture(+) group [n = 126] and ureteroscopy-assisted puncture(-) group [n = 187] group, respectively). The primary outcome was requirement for additional surgical intervention. Secondary outcomes were stone-free rate, complications and total procedure, fluoroscopy, hospital stay, and postoperative ureteral stent placement durations. RESULTS: The ureteroscopy-assisted puncture(+) group had a lower additional surgical intervention rate and a higher stone-free rate immediately after and 3 months after surgery than the ureteroscopy-assisted puncture(-) group (5.6% vs 19.7%, P < 0.001; 82.5% vs 65.8%, P = 0.001; 59.5% vs 44.6%, P = 0.011). The median total procedure, fluoroscopy, and postoperative ureteral stent placement durations were 18 min, 3 min, and 5 days shorter, respectively, in the ureteroscopy-assisted puncture(+) group. Multivariate analyses showed that ureteroscopy-assisted puncture was associated with a decreased risk of additional surgical intervention (odds ratio 0.31, P = 0.011) and postoperative infection (odds ratio 0.34, P = 0.003) and decreased total procedure (estimate = -11 min; P = 0.011), fluoroscopy (estimate = -3 min; P = 0.034), and postoperative ureteral stent placement (estimate = -8 days; P = 0.011) durations. Female patients and those with smaller stone volumes or without hydronephrosis were identified as ideal ureteroscopy-assisted puncture candidates. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteroscopy-assisted puncture during mini-endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery could provide favorable surgical outcomes, especially in female patients without collecting system obstruction.