Effect of Propofol Versus Sevoflurane on Erections during Narcosis in Transurethral Surgery: The PENIS Trial.

Penile erection is unwanted during transurethral interventions as it may be associated with adverse events such as impaired access, prolonged operation time, abortion of the procedure, or a need for ancillary measures to reach penis flaccidity, such as intracorporeal injection of vasoactive drugs. In recent years, anesthesia with propofol has been favored over sevoflurane for environmental reasons. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no prospective randomized clinical trials evaluating the impact of general narcosis medications on the risk of such unwanted penile erections during transurethral surgery. To fill this gap, we have planned a prospective, double-blind (surgeon and patient), single-center, randomized controlled trial. The primary outcome is the occurrence of an intraoperative penile erection. The secondary outcomes are related to the impact of the primary outcome on the surgery, such as changes in operative strategy or operation duration, abortion of the procedure, and adverse events. The plan is to randomize 200 patients undergoing transurethral surgery to receive general anesthesia with either propofol or sevoflurane. The inclusion criteria are men aged <75 yr with an International Index of Erectile Function-5 score of ≥12 points. All men fulfilling the inclusion criteria will be asked to participate. Exclusion criteria are patient characteristics associated with a higher risk of complications with the use of either propofol or sevoflurane. Randomization and treatment allocation will occur after patients give consent. The results will be statistically analyzed using a logistic regression model. This research has received ethical clearance from the local ethics committee (KEK code 2023-01682). The trial is registered on the Swiss National Clinical Trials Portal (SNCTP000005681) and on ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT06378645).

What is the definition of stone dust and how does it compare with clinically insignificant residual fragments? A comprehensive review.

PURPOSE: During endoscopic stone surgery, Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) and Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) technologies allow to pulverize urinary stones into fine particles, ie DUST. Yet, currently there is no consensus on the exact definition of DUST. This review aimed to define stone DUST and Clinically Insignificant Residual Fragments (CIRF). METHODS: Embase, MEDLINE (PubMed) and Cochrane databases were searched for both in vitro and in vivo articles relating to DUST and CIRF definitions, in November 2023, using keyword combinations: "dust", "stones", "urinary calculi", "urolithiasis", "residual fragments", "dusting", "fragments", "lasers" and "clinical insignificant residual fragments". RESULTS: DUST relates to the fine pulverization of urinary stones, defined in vitro as particles spontaneously floating with a sedimentation duration ≥ 2 sec and suited for aspiration through a 3.6Fr-working channel (WC) of a flexible ureteroscope (FURS). Generally, an upper size limit of 250 µm seems to agree with the definition of DUST. Ho:YAG with and without "Moses Technology", TFL and the recent pulsed-Thulium:YAG (pTm:YAG) can produce DUST, but no perioperative technology can currently measure DUST size. The TFL and pTm:YAG achieve better dusting compared to Ho:YAG. CIRF relates to residual fragments (RF) that are not associated with imminent stone-related events: loin pain, acute renal colic, medical or interventional retreatment. CIRF size definition has decreased from older studies based on Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) (≤ 4 mm) to more recent studies based on FURS (≤ 2 mm) and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy(PCNL) (≤ 4 mm). RF ≤ 2 mm are associated with lower stone recurrence, regrowth and clinical events rates. While CIRF should be evaluated postoperatively using Non-Contrast Computed Tomography(NCCT), there is no consensus on the best diagnostic modality to assess the presence and quantity of DUST. CONCLUSION: DUST and CIRF refer to independent entities. DUST is defined in vitro by a stone particle size criteria of 250 µm, translating clinically as particles able to be fully aspirated through a 3.6Fr-WC without blockage. CIRF relates to ≤ 2 RF on postoperative NCCT.

Radiation exposure of patients during endourological procedures.

PURPOSE: Considering the existing gaps in the literature regarding patient radiation dose (RD) and its associated risks, a systematic review of the literature on RD was conducted, focusing on percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), and ureteroscopy (URS). METHODS: Two authors conducted a literature search on PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify studies on RD during endourological procedures. Two thousand two hundred sixty-six articles were screened. Sixty-five publications met the inclusion criteria using the PRISMA standards. RESULTS: RD was generally highest for PCNL, reaching levels up to 33 mSv, 28,700 mGycm2, and 430.8 mGy. This was followed by SWL, with RD reaching up to 7.32 mSv, 13,082 mGycm2, and 142 mGy. URS demonstrated lower RD, reaching up to 6.07 mSv, 8920 mGycm2, and 46.99 mGy. Surgeon experience and case load were inversely associated with RD. Strategies such as optimizing fluoroscopy settings, implementing ultrasound (US), and following the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle minimized RD. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first systematic review analyzing RD, which was generally highest during PCNL, followed by SWL and URS. There is no specific RD limit for these procedures. Implementation of strategies such as optimizing fluoroscopy settings, utilizing US, and adhering to the ALARA principle proved effective in reducing RD. However, further research is needed to explore the factors influencing RD, assess their impact on patient outcomes, and establish procedure-specific reference levels for RD.

Interassay Variability and Clinical Implications of Five Different Prostate-specific Antigen Assays.

Background and objective: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) remains a critical marker for prostate cancer (PCa) detection and monitoring. Recognising historical variability in PSA assays and the evolution of assay technology and calibration, this study aims to reassess interassay variability using the latest generation of five assays in a contemporary cohort of men undergoing prostate biopsy. Methods: Five different commercially available PSA assays were tested in a blood sample of 76 men before undergoing a prostate biopsy. Total PSA (tPSA) and free-to-total PSA ratio (%fPSA) were compared across assays, using Roche (Basel, Switzerland) as the benchmark, and correlated with biopsy outcome to analyse the impact on PCa diagnosis. The statistical analysis included Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plots, with a p value threshold of <0.05 for significance. Key findings and limitations: Among the 76 men, 28 (36.8%) were diagnosed with significant PCa (defined as International Society of Urological Pathology grade ≥2). A high correlation was observed between tPSA and %fPSA values among the different PSA assays tested (r2 ≥ 0.9). The Passing-Bablok analysis showed that tPSA results varied substantially among the assays, with slopes ranging between 0.78 and 1.04. Compared with the tPSA of Roche, tPSA values were on average 20.7% lower by Beckman (Oststeinbeck, Germany), 15.2% lower by Abbott (Chicago, IL, USA), 6.1% lower by Diasorin (Saluggia, Italy), and 9.6% higher by Brahms (Hennigsdorf, Germany; p < 0.001 for all). The %fPSA values by Abbott and Brahms were higher at 15.7% and 10.6%, respectively (p < 0.001), while the Beckman and Diasorin values had minimal differences of -0.3% and 2.3%, respectively (p > 0.05). The variability across assays would have resulted in discrepancies in both the sensitivity and the specificity for tPSA and %fPSA by at least 14%, depending on the cut-offs applied. Conclusions and clinical implications: Despite the use of the latest PSA assays, relevant variability of tPSA and %fPSA results can be observed among different assays. There is an urgent need for standardised calibration methods and greater awareness among practitioners concerning interassay variability. Clinicians should acknowledge that clinically relevant thresholds may depend on the specific PSA assay and that ideally the same assay is applied over time for better clinical decision-making. Patient summary: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a critical marker for prostate cancer (PCa) detection and monitoring. However, significant variations were observed in the results of the latest PSA assays. Thus, standardised calibration methods and greater awareness among practitioners concerning interassay variability are needed.

Fluid dynamics within renal cavities during endoscopic stone surgery: does the position of the flexible ureteroscope and ureteral access sheath affect the outflow rate?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of ureteroscope position within renal cavities as well as different locations of the tip of the ureteral access sheath (UAS) on fluid dynamics during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational clinical study was performed. Measurements with a flexible ureteroscope placed in the upper, middle and lower calyces were obtained with the tip of the UAS placed either 2 cm below the pyelo-ureteric junction (PUJ), or at the level of the iliac crest. RESULTS: 74 patients were included. The outflow rates from the middle and upper calyxes were statistically significantly higher compared to the lower calyx, both with the UAS close to the pyelo-ureteric junction and at the iliac crest. When the UAS was withdrawn and positioned at the level of the iliac crest, a significant decrease in outflow rates from the upper (40.1 ± 4.3 ml/min vs 35.8 ± 4.1 ml/min) and middle calyces (40.6 ± 4.0 ml/min vs 36.8 ± 4.6 ml/min) and an increase in the outflow from the lower calyx (28.5 ± 3.3 ml/min vs 33.7 ± 5.7 ml/min) were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that higher fluid outflow rates are observed from upper and middle calyces compared to lower calyx. This was true when the UAS was positioned 2 cm below the PUJ and at the iliac crest. Significant worsening of fluid dynamics from upper and middle calyces was observed when the UAS was placed distally at the level of the iliac crest. While the difference was statistically significant, the absolute change was not significant. In contrast, for lower calyces, a statistically significant improvement was documented.

Worldwide trends of practice and intervention in paediatric endourology: comparison of European versus Non-European responses.

Introduction: The area of paediatric endourology is unique and is recognised to be challenging, and it requires a certain level of focused training and expertise. Our aim was to conduct a worldwide survey in order to gain an overview regarding the current practice patterns for minimally invasive treatments of paediatric upper urinary tract stone patients. Material and methods: The survey was distributed between December 2021 and April 2022 through urology sections and societies in United Kingdom, Latin America and Asia. The survey was made up of 20 questions and it was distributed online using the free online Google Forms (TM). Results: 221 urologists answered the survey with 56 responses each from India, South America and UK and 53 responses from the rest of Europe (15 countries). In total, 163 responders (73.7%) managed paediatric stone patients in their daily practice. Of the responders, 60.2% were adult urologists and 39.8% were paediatric urologists. 12.9% adult urologists and 20.4% paediatric urologists run independent clinics while some run combined adult and paediatric clinics sometimes with the support of the nephrologists. Only 33.9% urologists offered all surgical treatments [extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), ureteroscopy (URS) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS)]. Conclusions: Treatment of paediatric stones can vary according to country and legislations. Based on the results of this survey, minimally invasive methods such as URS and mini PCNL seem to have become more popular. In most institutions a collaboration exists between adult and paediatric urologists, which is the key for a tailored decision making, counselling and treatment success.

New Technologies in Endourology and Laser Lithotripsy: The Need for Evidence in Comprehensive Clinical Settings.

Flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) with laser lithotripsy is currently the gold standard surgical treatment for ureteral and kidney stones with a maximum diameter of 2 cm [...].

Is conservative management safe in patients with acute ureterolithiasis and perirenal stranding?

In patients presenting with ureterolithiasis, perirenal stranding is frequently observed in non-contrast computed tomography. Because perirenal stranding may be caused by tears in the collecting system, previous studies have described an increased risk of infectious complications and suggested broad empiric antibiotic therapy and immediate decompressing of the upper urinary tract. We hypothesized that these patients can also be managed conservatively. Therefore, we retrospectively identified patients with ureterolithiasis and perirenal stranding and compared diagnostic and treatment characteristics as well as treatment outcomes between patients undergoing conservative versus interventional management by ureteral stenting, percutaneous drainage or primary ureteroscopic stone removal. We classified perirenal stranding as mild, moderate or severe based on its radiological extent. Of 211 patients, 98 were managed conservatively. Patients in the interventional group had larger ureteral stones, more proximal ureteral stone location, more severe perirenal stranding, higher systemic and urinary infectious parameters, higher creatinine levels, and received more frequent antibiotic therapy. The conservatively managed group experienced a spontaneous stone passage rate of 77%, while 23% required delayed intervention. In the interventional and conservative groups, 4% and 2% of patients, respectively, developed sepsis. None of the patients in either group developed a perirenal abscess. Comparison of perirenal stranding grade between mild, moderate and severe in the conservatively treated group showed no difference in the spontaneous stone passage and infectious complications. In conclusion, conservative management without prophylactic antibiotics for ureterolithiasis and perirenal stranding is a valid treatment option as long as no clinical or laboratory signs of renal failure or infections are observed.

Impact of Ureteral Stent Material on Stent-related Symptoms: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Context: Ureteral stents are essential implants that are used on a daily basis. Since their invention, advances in stent design have been directed towards alleviating stent-related symptoms. It remains unclear how the material composition of the stent affects stent-related symptoms. Objective: To review the literature and define the clinical impact of ureteral stent material on stent-related symptoms. Evidence acquisition: A literature search of the Embase, MEDLINE (PubMed), and Web of Science databases was conducted on December 17, 2021 to collect articles comparing stent composition materials regarding stent-related symptoms. Thirteen publications met the inclusion criteria, of which only one met the high-quality requirements of the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials. Evidence synthesis: Most trials, including the highest quality trial, seem to support that silicone double-J (DJ) stents reduce stent-related symptoms compared to nonsilicone DJ stents. Regarding physical properties, it seems that "soft" or "flexible" DJ stents reduce stent-related symptoms. However, since there was only one high-quality study with a low risk of bias, it is impossible to draw a definitive conclusion owing to the lack of quality data. Conclusions: Silicone DJ stents, and by extension "soft" DJ stents, appear to reduce stent-related symptoms compared to nonsilicone polymers and "hard" DJ stents. No definitive conclusion can be drawn owing to a lack of quality evidence. Creating a standard for measuring and reporting physical stent properties should be the first step for further research. Patient summary: A ureteral stent is a small hollow tube placed inside the ureter to help urine drain from the kidney. We reviewed the literature on the impact of stent material on stent-related symptoms. We found that silicone may reduce stent-related symptoms, but no definitive conclusion can be drawn and further studies are needed.

Risk factors for concomitant positive midstream urine culture in patients presenting with symptomatic ureterolithiasis.

In patients with symptomatic ureterolithiasis, immediate treatment of concomitant urinary tract infection (UTI) may prevent sepsis. However, urine cultures require at least 24 h to confirm or exclude UTI, and therefore, clinical variables may help to identify patients who require immediate empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical intervention. Therefore, we divided a consecutive cohort of 705 patients diagnosed with symptomatic ureterolithiasis at a single institution between 2011 and 2017 into a training (80%) and a testing cohort (20%). A machine-learning-based variable selection approach was used for the fitting of a multivariable prognostic logistic regression model. The discriminatory ability of the model was quantified by the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver-operating curves (ROC). After validation and calibration of the model, a nomogram was created, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical net-benefit. UTI was observed in 40 patients (6%). LASSO regression selected the variables elevated serum CRP, positive nitrite, and positive leukocyte esterase for fitting of the model with the highest discriminatory ability. In the testing cohort, model performance evaluation for prediction of UTI showed an AUC of 82 (95% CI 71.5-95.7%). Model calibration plots showed excellent calibration. DCA showed a clinically meaningful net-benefit between a threshold probability of 0 and 80% for the novel model, which was superior to the net-benefit provided by either one of its singular components. In conclusion, we developed and internally validated a logistic regression model and a corresponding highly accurate nomogram for prediction of concomitant positive midstream urine culture in patients presenting with symptomatic ureterolithiasis.

The fight between PCNL, laparoscopic and robotic pyelolithotomy: do we have a winner? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide an updated comparison between the currently available minimally invasive approaches (PCNL, laparoscopic [LP] and robotic pyelolithotomy [RP]) for the management of large renal stones. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: An electronic search of the current literature was conducted through the Medline and NCBI PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Collaboration Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials databases in March 2021. Studies about minimally-invasive treatment for kidney stones were considered. Inclusion criteria were: studies evaluating patients with large renal calculi (≥2 cm); the comparison of at least two of the three approaches (PCNL, LP, RP), and reporting data suitable for meta-analysis evaluation. Patients with concomitant management for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJ-O) were excluded. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Overall, 17 reports were considered for qualitative and quantitative synthesis, for a total cohort of 1079 patients, of which 534 with PCNL, 525 treated with LP, and 20 with RP. Of those, 16 compared PCNL with LP, while only 1 study compared LP with RP. PCNL mean operative time was statistically significantly shorter than LP and RP while mean estimated blood loss was statistically significantly higher for PNCL. No statistically significant differences were recorded among the three surgical approaches. Finally, PCNL demonstrated slightly, albeit statistically significant lower stone free rate when compared with LP. CONCLUSIONS: PCNL, LP and RP may be safely and efficiently used to manage large renal stones. All three procedures showed reasonably low rate of complications with a satisfactory stone clearance rate.

Mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the management of renal stones over 2 cm: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (sPCNL) is recommended for renal stones over 2 cm. Mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) has also emerged as a promising technique in this setting. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the safety and efficacy of sPCNL to mPCNL for the management of renal stones over 2cm. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases until April 2021 and sources of grey literature for relevant RCTs. We performed a meta-analysis of odds ratios (ORs) to compare bleeding or other complications and stone-free rate (SFR) between sPCNL and mPCNL. Similarly, we undertook a meta-analysis of weighted mean differences for the mean operative and hospitalization time between the two techniques (PROSPERO: CRD42021241860). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Pooled data from 8 RCTs (2535 patients) were available for analysis. sPCNL was associated with a higher hemoglobin drop (0.59 g/dL, 95%CI: 0.4-0.77, I2=93%), higher likelihood of postoperative blood transfusion (OR: 2.58, 95%CI: 1.03-6.45, I2=30%) and longer hospital stay (0.75 days, 95%CI: 0.45-1.05, I2=73%) compared to mPCNL. No significant differences were demonstrated in SFR (OR: 0.92, 95%CI: 0.74-1.16, I2=0%) and mean operative time (4.05 minutes, 95%CI: -9.45-1.37, I2=91%) after sPCNL versus mPCNL. Similarly, no significant differences were observed for postoperative fever, pain and Clavien-Dindo complications. CONCLUSIONS: mPCNL represents a safe and effective technique and may be also recommended as a first-line treatment modality for well-selected patients with renal stones over 2cm. Still, further high-quality RCTs on the field are mandatory since the overall level of evidence is low.

Prostate cancer detection rate in men undergoing transperineal template-guided saturation and targeted prostate biopsy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare prostate cancer (PCa) detection rate of transperineal template-guided saturation prostate biopsy (SBx) and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)/transrectal ultrasound fusion guided targeted biopsy (TBx). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 392 men who underwent SBx and TBx in case of suspicious lesions from November 2016 to October 2019. Triggers for a biopsy were an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and/or positive digital rectal examination and only treatment naïve patients without a previous diagnosis of PCa were included. Study inclusion occurred before biopsy and a prebiopsy mpMRI was available in all men. SBx were taken from 20 different locations according to the modified Barzell zones. The primary endpoint was the detection rate of clinically significant PCa (csPCa) and insignificant PCa (ciPCa) by SBx and/or TBx by comparing the two methods alone and in combination. Additional TBx were taken for any prostate imaging-reporting and data system (PI-RADS) lesion ≥3 seen on the mpMRI. csPCa was defined as any Gleason score ≥7 and ciPCa as Gleason score 6. RESULTS: A total of 392 men with a median age of 64 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 58-69), a median PSA of 7.0 ng/ml (IQR: 4.8-10.1) were enrolled. Overall, PCa was found in 200 (51%) of all biopsied men, with 158 (79%) being csPCa and 42 (21%) ciPCa. A total of 268 (68%) men with a suspicious mpMRI and underwent a combined TBx and SBx, of whom csPCa was found in 139 (52%). In this subgroup, 116/139 (83%) csPCa would have been detected by TBx alone, and an additional 23 (17%) were found by SBx. Men with a negative mpMRI (PI-RADS < 3, n = 124, 32%) were found to have csPCa in 19 (15%) cases. In patients with a negative mpMRI in combination with a PSA density <0.1 ng/ml2 , only 8% (3/36) had csPCa. If only TBx would have been performed and all men with a negative mpMRI would not have been biopsed, 42/158 (27%) of csPCa would have been missed, and 38/42 (90%) ciPCa would have not been detected. On multivariable analysis, significant predictors of csPCa were increasing PSA (odds ratio, OR: 1.07 [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.03-1.11]), increasing age (OR: 1.07 [95% CI: 1.03-1.11]), PI-RADS score ≥ 3 (OR: 6.49 [95% CI: 3.55-11.89]), and smaller prostate volume (OR: 0.96 [95% CI: 0.95 -0.97] (p < 0.05 for all parameters). CONCLUSION: In comparison to SBx, TBx alone detects csPCa in only ¾ of all men with a positive mpMRI lesion. Thus, systematic biopsies in addition to TBx have to be considered at least in some who undergo a prostate biopsy. In men with a negative mpMRI, SBx still detects 15% csPCa, but similarly overdetecting ciPCa. According to our results, low PSA density and negative mpMRI findings could be used to decide which men can safely avoid biopsy.

Global Variations in the Mineral Content of Bottled Still and Sparkling Water and a Description of the Possible Impact on Nephrological and Urological Diseases.

Kidney stone disease (KSD) is a complex disease. Besides the high risk of recurrence, its association with systemic disorders contributes to the burden of disease. Sufficient water intake is crucial for prevention of KSD, however, the mineral content of water might influence stone formation, bone health and cardiovascular (CVD) risk. This study aims to analyse the variations in mineral content of bottled drinking water worldwide to evaluate the differences and describes the possible impact on nephrological and urological diseases. The information regarding mineral composition (mg/L) on calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, sodium and sulphates was read from the ingredients label on water bottles by visiting the supermarket or consulting the online shop. The bottled waters in two main supermarkets in 21 countries were included. The evaluation shows that on a global level the mineral composition of bottled drinkable water varies enormously. Median bicarbonate levels varied by factors of 12.6 and 57.3 for still and sparkling water, respectively. Median calcium levels varied by factors of 18.7 and 7.4 for still and sparkling water, respectively. As the mineral content of bottled drinking water varies enormously worldwide and mineral intake through water might influence stone formation, bone health and CVD risk, urologists and nephrologists should counsel their patients on an individual level regarding water intake.

Variations in the mineral content of bottled 'carbonated or sparkling' water across Europe: a comparison of 126 brands across 10 countries.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney stone disease is a common disease with high recurrence rates. Sufficient intake of water is the cornerstone in primary prevention of stone disease. However, the mineral composition of water can affect urinary minerals and influence stone formation. The aim of this study is to assess the variation in the mineral composition of bottled sparkling or carbonated drinking water across Europe. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The two largest supermarket chains in each participating country were visited to obtain data on mineral composition regarding bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and sulphates of sparkling or carbonated waters by reading the ingredient labels on the bottles supplied by the manufacturers. Alternatively, the web-shops of these supermarkets were consulted. RESULTS: In total, 126 sparkling water brands across ten European countries were analysed regarding mineral composition. The median concentrations per mineral varied greatly. The greatest variation in median mineral content was found for sodium and sulphates with levels ranging from 3.1 mg/l to 63.0 mg/l and 6.0 mg/l to 263.0 mg/l respectively. A wide distribution of calcium content was found in Switzerland, with calcium levels reaching up to 581.6 mg/l. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that the mineral composition of sparkling or carbonated water varies greatly across Europe. Patients with kidney stone disease should be aware that the mineral content of water may influence stone formation and be mindful of the great variation that exists between different water brands. Mineral water can be a source of potential promotors or inhibitors of stone formation and patients and urologists need to be mindful of this.