Trends in Emergency Department Admissions Due to Renal Colic in the Pediatric Population: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric urolithiasis is relatively uncommon and is generally associated with predisposing anatomic or metabolic abnormalities. In the adult population, emergency department (ED) admissions have been associated with an increase in ambient temperature. The same association has not been evaluated in the pediatric population. OBJECTIVES: To analyze trends in ED admissions due to renal colic in a pediatric population (≤ 18 years old) and to assess the possible effect of climate on ED admissions. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter cohort study, based on a computerized database of all ED visits due to renal colic in pediatric patients. The study cohort presented with urolithiasis on imaging during their ED admission. Exact climate data was acquired through the Israeli Meteorological Service (IMS). RESULTS: Between January 2010 and December 2020, 609 patients, ≤ 18 years, were admitted to EDs in five medical centers with renal colic: 318 males (52%), 291 females (48%). The median age was 17 years (IQR 9-16). ED visits oscillated through the years, peaking in 2012 and 2018. A 6% downward trend in ED admissions was noted between 2010 and 2020. The number of ED admissions in the different seasons was 179 in autumn (30%), 134 in winter (22%), 152 in spring (25%), and 144 in summer (23%) (P = 0.8). Logistic regression multivariable analysis associated with ED visits did not find any correlation between climate parameters and ED admissions due to renal colic in the pediatric population. CONCLUSIONS: ED admissions oscillated during the period investigated and had a downward trend. Unlike in the adult population, rates of renal colic ED admissions in the pediatric population were not affected by seasonal changes or rise in maximum ambient temperature.

High ambient temperature impact on the pattern of emergency-room visits due to renal colic in the Middle East.

Urolithiasis has a seasonal pattern, with an established increase in incidence during the summer months. This study aims to assess the impact of high ambient temperatures on emergency room (ER) visits related to renal colic (RC) in a Middle Eastern country over the past decade. Population data were extracted using the MDClone Big Data platform. We recorded demographic and clinical data on all RC-associated ER visits from January 2012 to April 2023 and calculated the heat index (HI) that combines daily average coastal plane temperatures and humidity percentages. There was a total of 12,770 ER visits (median age 48 years, 9,236 (72%) males). The number of visits increased during the hottest months (July-October), with the highest numbers recorded during August. The number of visits remained stable throughout the study. We identified a linear association between humidity and the incidence of ER visits (p = 0.002), and a non-linear association between ambient temperature (p < 0.0001) and HI (p < 0.0001). There was a direct relationship between high temperatures and ER visits on the same day (risk ratio [RR]: 1.75, p = 0.036), with a 2-day lag (RR: 1.123, p = 0.024). In Conclusion, there is a significant relationship between temperature, humidity, HI, and the number of ER visits due to RC. Adjusted resource allocation and healthcare workforce availability are essential for managing additional cases during heat waves. Clinical implications: Increased demand is expected during heatwaves and within a 2-day lag, emphasizing the importance of proactive strategies to effectively manage RC patients.

Do Urine Cytology and FISH Analysis Have a Role in the Follow-Up Protocol of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma?

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend a stringent follow-up regimen that includes interval cystoureteronephscopy, CT urography, and selective urine cytology sampling for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients undergoing endoscopic treatment and management. There are no recommendations regarding FISH analysis. Our purpose was to assess the efficacy of cytology and FISH as part of the follow-up protocol and its significance to clinical decision-making in this scenario. METHODS: The medical records of all patients who managed endoscopically for UTUC at our institute between 2014 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and clinical data, histology, cytology, and FISH results were collected. FISH analysis was considered malignant according to Paris criteria. RESULTS: During the study period, 62 patients underwent 561 ureteroscopies as part of the treatment and follow-up regimen of low-grade UTUC. Urine from the affected upper tract was sampled for cytology in 377 procedures, and FISH analyses were performed in 273. In 75.4% of FISH analyses, the result was different from the cytology results: FISH found malignant aberrations in 15.5% of cases where cytology was benign. Furthermore, FISH classified all the cells defined as atypical via cytology as either benign or malignant. In only one case (0.17%), the urinary cytology report changed the follow-up regimen. CONCLUSION: Cytology may be omitted from the follow-up protocol of low-grade UTUC. In the handful of cases cytology does assist the diagnosis of UTUC, there is an additional benefit to performing FISH analysis, particularly when cellular atypia is reported in the cytology results.

Primary Ureteroscopy without Pre-Stenting for Proximal Ureteral Stones-Is It Feasible?

BACKGROUND: Primary ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy is the treatment of choice for distal ureteral stones. However, in cases of proximal ureteral stones, some urologists recommend the preliminary insertion of a ureteral stent and deferred ureteroscopy. We aimed to evaluate the necessity of preliminary ureteral stent insertion in the management of proximal ureteral stones by comparing the surgical outcomes of patients undergoing primary ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for proximal vs. distal ureteral stones. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent ureteroscopy between 2016 and 2017 in our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included demographic data, stone size, renal function, intra- and post-operative complications, and stone-free rate (SFR). Patients were divided into two groups: proximal ureteral stones and distal ureteral stones. RESULTS: The cohort included 241 patients who underwent ureteroscopy. Among them, 106 had a proximal ureteral stone. The median age was 51 (IQR 41-65) years. Patients who underwent ureteroscopy for proximal ureteral stones were significantly older (p = 0.007). The median stone's maximal diameter was 7 (5-10) mm. The complication rate and stone-free rate (SFR) were similar in both groups (p = 0.657 and p = 1, respectively). The prevalence of post-procedural ureteral stent insertion was higher among patients who underwent ureteroscopy for proximal ureteral stones: 92.5% vs. 79.3% (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our study concludes that primary ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for proximal ureteral stones is a valid and feasible treatment with a similar surgical outcome compared to distal ureteral stones. Preliminary ureteral stent insertion seems to be unnecessary.

Unveiling the Challenges in Tandem Ureteral Stent Management for Malignant Ureteral Obstruction: Failure Rate, Risk Factors, and Durability of Their Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) is a sequela of advanced malignant disease that requires renal drainage, with tandem ureteral stents (TUSs) being a viable option. This study aimed to evaluate the TUS failure rate, associated risk factors, and the feasibility of replacing failed TUSs with a new pair of stents. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of MUO patients treated with TUS insertion from 2014 to 2022 was conducted. TUS failure was defined as urosepsis, recurrent urinary tract infections, acute kidney failure, or new hydronephrosis on imaging. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis identified the independent predictors of TUS failure. RESULTS: A total of 240 procedures were performed on 186 patients, with TUS drainage failing in 67 patients (36%). The median time to failure was 7 months. Multivariate analysis revealed female gender (OR = 3.46, p = 0.002), pelvic mass (OR = 1.75, p = 0.001), and distal ureteral obstruction (OR = 2.27, p = 0.04) as significant risk factors for TUS failure. Of the failure group, 42 patients (22.6%) underwent TUS replacement for a new pair. Yet, 24 (57.2%) experienced a second failure, with a median time of 4.5 months. The risk factors for TUS second failure included a stricture longer than 30 mm (OR = 11.8, p = 0.04), replacement with TUSs of the same diameter (OR = 43, p = 0.003), and initial TUS failure within 6 months (OR = 19.2, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: TUS insertion for the treatment of MUO is feasible and has good outcomes with a relatively low failure rate. Primary pelvic mass and distal ureteral obstruction pose higher risks for TUS failure. Replacing failed TUSs with a new pair has a success rate of 42.8%. Consideration should be given to placing larger diameter stents when replacing failed TUS.

Strategies of Endoscopic Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma among Endourologists: A Global Survey.

Up-to-date guidelines on the management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) are continuously published. We aim to assess the variability of diagnosis and treatment strategies in the endoscopic management of UTUC and adherence to European Association of Urology and National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. A 15-question survey was designed to query practitioners on approaches to clinical practice and knowledge about endoscopic treatment indications and techniques. It was emailed to all members of the Endourologic Society through the society's office, and to all Israeli non-member endourologists. Eighty-eight urologists participated in the survey. Adherence to guidelines on indications for endoscopic management was only 51%. Most of the survey respondents (87.5%) use holmium laser for tumor ablation, and ~50% use forceps for biopsy while the other half use baskets. Only 50% stated that they would use Jelmyto® for specific indications. Most (80%) indicated that they repeat the ureteroscopy 3 months after the first one, and 52.3% continue with follow-up ureteroscopy every 3 months during the first year after diagnosis. There is vast variability among endourologists in the technical aspects of UTUC, the indications for endoscopic management, and adherence to the available guidelines for managing UTUC.

Quality of life with tandem ureteral stents compared to percutaneous nephrostomy for malignant ureteral obstruction.

PURPOSE: Malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) is treated with kidney decompression by a percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) or internal ureteral stents. The objective of this study was to compare quality of life (QoL) with a PCN compared to tandem ureteral stents (TUS) in cases of MUO. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients with MUO who were treated by PCN/TUS in our institution between June 2019 and May 2020. Patients were asked to fill out a QoL questionnaire, a tube-symptoms questionnaire, report a general health scale, and asked for a drain preference if they had experience with both drains. Scores of both groups were compared and predictors of all QoL and tube-symptoms measures were searched using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients with a PCN and 30 with TUS were included in the study. No statistically significant difference was found in all QoL and tube-symptoms measurements between the two drains. Type of drain was not found to be a predictor of QoL or tube-related symptoms. Eighty-four percent of patients (11/13) who have experience with both types of drains preferred TUS. CONCLUSION: TUS and PCN for relief of MUO have a negative and similar effect on various areas of QoL and urinary symptoms. Most patients who had experience with both types of drains preferred TUS over PCN. In this patient population with a grim prognosis, this negative effect must be communicated to patients, and calculated against the potential benefits of drainage.

Reply to Veerman et al. Comment on "Rosenzweig et al. Very Low Prostate PET/CT PSMA Uptake May Be Misleading in Staging Radical Prostatectomy Candidates. J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12, 410".

We thank the commenters for their important insights [...].

Very Low Prostate PET/CT PSMA Uptake May Be Misleading in Staging Radical Prostatectomy Candidates.

Purpose: to evaluate a unique subpopulation of radical prostatectomy (RP) candidates with "negative" prostate 68Ga-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT) imaging scans and to characterize the clinical implications of misleading findings. Materials and Methods: This case-control retrospective study compared the final histological outcomes of patients with "negative" pre-RP PSMA PET/CT prostate scans (with a prostate maximal standardized uptake value [SUVmax] below the physiologic uptake) to those with an "intense" prostatic tracer uptake (with a SUVmax above the physiologic uptake). The patients underwent an RP between March 2015 and July 2019 in five academic centers. Data on the demographics, comorbidities, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and rectal exam findings, prior biopsies, imaging results, biopsies, and RP histology results were collected. Results: Ninety-seven of the 392 patients who underwent an RP had PSMA PET/CT imaging preoperatively. Fifty-two (54%) had a "negative" uptake (in the study group), and 45 (46%) had a "positive" uptake (in the control group). Only the lesion size and SUVmax values on the PSMA PET/CT differed between the groups preoperatively. On the histological analysis, only the ISUP score, seminal vesicles invasion, T stage, and positive margin rates differed between the groups (p < 0.05), while 50 (96%) study group patients harbored clinically significant disease (ISUP ≥ 2), with an extra-prostatic disease in 24 (46%), perineural invasion in 35 (67%), and positive lymph nodes in 4 (8%). Conclusions: Disease aggressiveness generally correlated with an intense PSMA uptake on the preoperative PSMA PET/CT, but a subpopulation of patients with clinically significant cancer and aggressive characteristics showed a deceptively weak PSMA uptake. These data raise a concern about the unqualified application of PSMA PET/CT for staging RP candidates.

Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), with a distinction between the different risk groups. RECENT FINDINGS: Endoscopic treatment with laser ablation of tumors has an evolving role in treating low-grade UTUC including select large and multifocal tumors, along with complementary topical chemotherapeutic treatment that can reach difficult intrarenal locations. Template lymphadenectomy is recommended in patients undergoing nephroureterectomy. A recent randomized control trial showed benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy after radical nephroureterectomy for locally advanced disease. Advances in immunologic therapy have shown promise in treating metastatic UTUC, and immunologic-based therapies have been incorporated into treatment regimens. Notable progress has been made in both the surgical and medical treatment arms for UTUC, thus extending the reach of nephron-sparing therapy for those with localized disease and increasing overall survival for those with locally advanced disease.

Conversion of Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate to Open Prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and predictive factors for conversion to an open procedure during Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate (HoLEP). METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on files of all patients that underwent HoLEP at our institution between 2013 and 2020. Data collected included demographics, pre-operative estimated prostate size, intraoperative data, pathologic data, and functional baseline. A univariate and multivariate comparison between the pre-operative data of converted and un-converted cases was conducted. RESULTS: Among a total of 807 HoLEP procedure performed during the above period, 20 cases were converted to open procedures (2.4%). Median pre-operative estimated prostate size in cases of conversion was 228ml compared to 95ml for unconverted cases (P <.001). The reasons for conversion were anatomical in 8 cases (40%), bleeding that was difficult to control endoscopically in 4 cases (20%), expected procedure to be too long due to large prostate size in 6 cases (30%), one case of morcellation technical malfunction, and one case with very large bladder stones not suitable for endoscopic treatment. Prostate size was the only factor that was found to be associated with conversion in univariate and multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The risk of conversion of HoLEP to open procedures is size-dependent. The risk for conversion to open prostatectomy/cystotomy must be communicated to patients who choose HoLEP to improve the informed consent process and provide the highest quality of patient care and transparency. Open prostatectomy/cystotomy should be a part of the armamentarium of every HoLEP surgeon operating on large prostates.

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate Following Previous Prostatic Urethral Lift.

Purpose: To determine the feasibility and operative challenges of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in patients with previous prostatic urethral lift (PUL) procedure. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was performed on files of all patients that underwent HoLEP at our institution between 2013 and 2021. Seven hundred ninety-three consecutive HoLEP cases were identified. Data collected included demographics, the time elapsed since previous PUL, number of PUL implants, preoperative prostate size, intraoperative complications/challenges, and postoperative follow-up. Results: Twenty-two men with a mean preoperative prostate size of 90 g (range 32-180 g) underwent HoLEP at a median of 14.4 months (range 2.8-48) after PUL. 63.6% (14/22) of cases involved prostates with preoperative sizes ≥80 g. Three cases involved PUL implant jamming of morcellator blades, which required replacing the blades. Fifteen cases (68.2%) required using a grasper or a basket device to remove free PUL implants or adenoma parts with PUL implants embedded in them. One patient needed a second procedure to remove a relatively large piece of calcified adenoma. Nonpost-PUL HoLEP was more time efficient than post-PUL HoLEP (0.77 vs 0.55 mL/minute respectively). There was no difference in functional outcome between post-PUL and nonpost-PUL HoLEP cases. Conclusions: While HoLEP can be performed safely and effectively in the PUL failure population, unique challenges arise. PUL implants may distort prostate anatomy, jam morcellator blades, and may be encountered in aberrant locations. Patients with borderline indications for PUL should be aware of the possibility of performing HoLEP in case of PUL failure.

Incidental prostate cancer at holmium laser enucleation of prostate.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to describe the current incidence, risk factors, and management of incidental diagnosis of prostate cancer (iPCa) among patients who underwent holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) and have no history of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent HoLEP in our institution between 2013-2020. All patients were offered a PSA screening according to the latest guidelines. We gathered demographic data, perioperative information, and pathologic evaluation. For patients diagnosed with iPCa, we gathered work up, management, and oncologic outcome. We then conducted a univariate and multivariate analysis to find predictive factors for the diagnosis of incidental cancer. RESULTS: The cohort included 777 patients, among them 55 (7.1%) patients with iPCa. The median age of the entire cohort was 71 years, median PSA was 3.9 mg/dL, and median prostate volume of 96 mL. Of those with iPCa, 34 (61.8%) patients had grade-group (GG) 1. Larger prostate size was found to be protective against iPCa, with a 13% risk reduction for every increment of 10 mL in prostate size. For prostates smaller than 100 mL, iPCa rate was 12.6%. Older age and smaller prostate volume were found to predict GG2-and-above iPCa. CONCLUSIONS: iPCa at HoLEP is rare, with clinically significant cancer being even rarer. Smaller preoperative prostate was found to be a predictive factor for iPCa. Our results provide an insight into the current risk and predictive factors to iPCa and can be used to guide surgeons and patients in the preoperative recommendations and informed consent process.

[UPPER TRACT UROTHELIAL CARCINOMA].

INTRODUCTION: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma is a relatively rare malignancy, but with an increasing prevalence. The main risk factor for the disease is smoking. The most common presentation is hematuria or flank pain. Workup is made by imaging of the upper tract - CTU/MRU (Computed Tomography-Urography/Magnetic resonance (MR) urography) and diagnostic uretero-nephroscopy with biopsy. In the past several years there is major advancement in our understanding of the disease and how to treat it, mainly in nephron-sparing treatments. A risk-stratification is usually conducted according to parameters such as tumor size, distribution, and pathologic diagnosis. The low-risk group is usually offered nephron-sparing treatments such as segmental ureterectomy, endoscopic treatments, and lately - local chemotherapy. The high-risk group is usually offered radical resection of the kidney and ureter, with the possible addition of new-adjuvant and adjuvant treatments. In this article we will review the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of this malignancy, with a distinction between the risk groups.

HoLEP: the new gold standard for surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was considered the "gold standard" surgical treatment for medication-refractory benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for decades. With the desire to reduce hospital stay, complications, and cost, less invasive procedures gained usage in the 1990's. With the advent of a soft tissue morcellator, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) was introduced as an efficacious alternative to TURP and due to its advantageous side effect profile compared to TURP, has grown in popularity ever since. HoLEP has become a size-independent guideline endorsed procedure of choice for the surgical treatment of BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We provide a review on the evolution of HoLEP as a gold standard compared to the historical reference procedures for BPH, and provide a review of emerging laser technologies. RESULTS: A growing body of literature has shown HoLEP to be a safe and efficient procedure for the treatment of BPH for all prostate sizes. Long term studies have proven the durability of HoLEP, as a first line surgical therapy for BPH. CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP is a proven modality for the surgical treatment of BPH. It can be performed on patients with high risk for postoperative bleeding, or after previous prostate reducing procedures. HoLEP is the only procedure that is AUA guideline-endorsed for all prostate sizes for the surgical treatment of BPH. Given these considerations, HoLEP has become the new gold-standard for the surgical treatment of BPH.

HoLEP techniques - lessons learned.

INTRODUCTION Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) with mechanical tissue morcellation is one of the most effective surgical modalities for the treatment of symptomatic BPH. HoLEP has many advantages over the historical gold standards open prostatectomy (OP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). HoLEP is an AUA guideline endorsed surgical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), independent of prostate size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We provide a detailed presentation of our experience in performing HoLEP in a teaching university hospital, with an emphasis on the surgical technique and its evolution. RESULTS: HoLEP is an efficient and durable procedure, although it is very equipment sensitive and has a relatively long learning curve. HoLEP can be performed by several surgical approaches that can be used according to the specific anatomy of the patient. Advances in laser technology, endoscopic morcellators, and surgical technique has improved the HoLEP procedure in efficiency, hemostasis, and safety. CONCLUSIONS: The HoLEP procedure, first introduced in 1998, has undergone significant changes including advancements in laser technology, endoscopic morcellation devices, and modifications to the surgical technique. These advancements have made HoLEP a more effective, more efficient, easier to perform, and easier to learn technique for the surgical management of BPH. The modified 2-lobe and the en-bloc techniques are a natural progression from the classic 3-lobe technique.

Aquablation of the prostate: a review and update.

INTRODUCTION Historically, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was considered the endoscopic "gold standard" surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Over the years, several other endoscopic procedures emerged, including the size-independent holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). In an effort to reduce the cost and morbidity associated with traditional endoscopic techniques, novel minimally invasive techniques have been developed, one of which is Aquablation. This review is an update of a previously published review article looking at the most recently published available data on Aquablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review article covers the technical aspects of Aquablation and provides an update on the recently published literature regarding Aquablation compared to TURP and HoLEP. RESULTS: At up to 3 years of follow up, Aquablation performs favorably when compared to TURP in terms of alleviation of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and preservation of sexual function compared to TURP. Safety profile was similar between Aquablation and TURP. CONCLUSIONS: Aquablation is a safe and effective method of treating LUTS associated with BPH. At up to 3 years of follow up, it has shown a durable with efficacy similar to TURP.

A single day fasting may increase emergency room visits due to renal colic.

We aimed to explore whether a single-day of fasting (SDF) increase emergency room (ER) visits due to renal colic (RC). We elected to concentrate on Yom-Kippur (i.e.: SDF), the holiest day in Judaism. Food and liquid consumption is prohibited during this day for 25 h, and an estimated 50-70% fasting rate is observed. SDF always takes place between mid-September and mid-October during which the temperature in the Middle-East ranges between 19 and 30 °C. ER visits for RC between 01/2012 and 11/2019 were reviewed, and the Gregorian days on which SDF occurred were retrieved. The number of ER visits for RC was compared between SDF and the surrounding days/months as well as to another single-day "standard" holiday (SDSH) that precedes SDF in 10 days and is not associated with fasting. Of 11,717 ER visits for RC, 8775 (74.9%) were males. Male:Female ratio was 3:1. The mean daily number of ER visits for RC during the 3 days following SDF was 6.66 ± 2.49, significantly higher compared with the mean annual daily visits (4.1 ± 2.27, p < 0.001), the mean daily visits during the week prior to SDF (5.27 ± 2.656, p = 0.032), and the mean daily visits during September (5.06 ± 2.659, p = 0.005), and October (4.78 ± 2.23, p < 0.001). The mean number of ER daily visits for RC during the 3 days following SDSH, 5.79 ± 2.84, did not differ compared with the mean daily visits during September and October (p = 0.207; p = 0.13, respectively). It was lower compared to SDF, however statistically insignificant (p = 0.285). A single-day fasting may increase ER visits for RC. The mechanism underlying this phenomenon is unknown.

Endoscopic Treatment for Large Multifocal Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We reviewed the oncologic and surgical outcomes of endoscopic treatments for low grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma, and assessed the prognostic significance of tumor size, location and multifocality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for low grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma at our institution between 2014 and 2019. Tumors were treated with a dual laser generator, which alternately produces holmium and neodymium lasers. A stringent ureteroscopic followup protocol was conducted. We looked for an association between outcome and tumor size, location or multifocality, and for predictive factors for time to local recurrence and progression. RESULTS: The cohort included 59 patients (62 renal units), 27% of tumors were multifocal and 40% were >2 cm. The median followup time was 22 months (IQR 11-41), and the median number of ureteroscopies was 5.5 (4-9). Local recurrence was observed in 46 renal units (74.1%) at a median of 6.5 months after initial surgery. Four patients (6.4%) developed disease progression and were referred for radical surgery: 2 had pathological progression and 2 had a rapid and high volume local recurrence, and 1 later developed metastatic disease. The progression-free rate was 93.2%. Tumor location in kidney (p=0.03, HR 1.95) and multifocality (p=0.005, HR 3.25) significantly predicted time to local recurrence. No factor predicted time to progression. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteroscopic treatment of large, multifocal, low grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma is feasible, does not involve significant complications and has good short-term oncologic outcomes, with a 93.2% progression-free survival rate. Tumors located in the kidney and multifocality yielded shorter time to local recurrence but not progression.

Endoscopic management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma-tips and tricks.

Ureteroscopic methods have been rapidly evolving in the last several decades. With advances in flexible devices, optics and laser technologies, the endourologic surgeon has now the tools to treat high-volume tumors, in difficult locations, with good oncologic outcome. This makes radical nephroureterectomy unnecessary in some cases. Endoscopy in the setting of UTUC will surely continue to evolve and become applicable to a wider selection of patients. In this review we describe the surgical technique and provide tips and tricks which we use in our practice of endoscopic retrograde treatment of upper-tract urothelial carcinoma.