International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) consensus on miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Over the past three decades, there has been increasing interest in miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) techniques featuring smaller tracts as they offer potential solutions to mitigate complications associated with standard PCNL (sPCNL). However, despite this growing acceptance and recognition of its benefits, unresolved controversies and acknowledged limitations continue to impede widespread adoption due to a lack of consensus on optimal perioperative management strategies and procedural tips and tricks. In response to these challenges, an international panel comprising experts from the International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) took on the task of compiling an expert consensus document on mPCNL procedures aimed at providing urologists with a comprehensive clinical framework for practice. This endeavor involved conducting a systematic literature review to identify research gaps (RGs), which formed the foundation for developing a structured questionnaire survey. Subsequently, a two-round modified Delphi survey was implemented, culminating in a group meeting to generate final evidence-based comments. All 64 experts completed the second-round survey, resulting in a response rate of 100.0%. Fifty-eight key questions were raised focusing on mPCNLs within 4 main domains, including general information (13 questions), preoperative work-up (13 questions), procedural tips and tricks (19 questions), and postoperative evaluation and follow-up (13 questions). Additionally, 9 questions evaluated the experts' experience with PCNLs. Consensus was reached on 30 questions after the second-round survey, while professional statements for the remaining 28 key questions were provided after discussion in an online panel meeting. mPCNL, characterized by a tract smaller than 18 Fr and an innovative lithotripsy technique, has firmly established itself as a viable and effective approach for managing upper urinary tract stones in both adults and pediatrics. It offers several advantages over sPCNL including reduced bleeding, fewer requirements for nephrostomy tubes, decreased pain, and shorter hospital stays. The series of detailed techniques presented here serve as a comprehensive guide for urologists, aiming to improve their procedural understanding and optimize patient outcomes.

International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) guidelines on the management of pediatric urolithiasis.

The aim of this study was to construct the sixth in a series of guidelines on the treatment of urolithiasis by the International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) that by providing a clinical framework for the management of pediatric patients with urolithiasis based on the best available published literature. All recommendations were summarized following a systematic review and assessment of literature in the PubMed database from January 1952 to December 2023. Each generated recommendation was graded using a modified GRADE methodology. Recommendations are agreed upon by Panel Members following review and discussion of the evidence. Guideline recommendations were developed that addressed the following topics: etiology, risk factors, clinical presentation and symptoms, diagnosis, conservative management, surgical interventions, prevention, and follow-up. Similarities in the treatment of primary stone episodes between children and adults, incorporating conservative management and advancements in technology for less invasive stone removal, are evident. Additionally, preventive strategies aiming to reduce recurrence rates, such as ensuring sufficient fluid intake, establishing well-planned dietary adjustments, and selective use pharmacologic therapies will also result in highly successful outcomes in pediatric stone patients. Depending on the severity of metabolic disorders and also anatomical abnormalities, a careful and close follow-up program should inevitably be planned in each pediatric patient to limit the risk of future recurrence rates.

Radical cystectomy with stentless urinary diversion: A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

PURPOSE: To systematically compare the evidence about surgical outcomes, postoperative complications, and sequelae of Radical cystectomy with urinary diversion with or without stent placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was performed through PubMed, Scopus®, and Web of Science up to December 2023 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD 42023492384), and the research question was formulated according to the PICOs model. Three comparative studies were identified, 2 randomized and 1 prospective coming from a randomized cohort. RESULTS: The stent group showed higher odds of postoperative major complications (OR 3.00 - 95%CI 1.06; 8.52; P = 0.04) than the stentless group. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups regarding 30-day readmission (P = 0.06), postoperative uretero-ileal anastomotis stricture (UIAS) (P = 0.09), postoperative uretero-ileal anastomotis leak (UIAL) (P = 0.20), postoperative urinary tract infections (UTIs) (P = 0.08), and postoperative ureteral obstruction (P = 0.35). No statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was found regarding UIAS management in terms of ureteral reimplantation (P = 0.28) or dilatation (P = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: Our pooled data analysis shows no statistically significant difference between stentless and stented urinary diversion after radical cystectomy. Stentless could be a reasonable choice when performing diversion during radical cystectomy.

Multiparametric Prostate MRI Accuracy of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (v2.1) Scores 4 and 5: The Influence of Image Quality According to the Prostate Imaging Quality Score.

Purpose: The accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) heavily relies on image quality, as evidenced by the evolution of the prostate imaging quality (PI-QUAL) scoring system for the evaluation of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPC). This study aims to evaluate the impact of PI-QUAL scores in detecting csPC within PI-RADS 4 and 5 lesions. Methods: We retrospectively selected from our database all mpMRI performed from January 2019 to March 2022. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) mpMRI acquired in our institution according to the technical requirements from the PI-RADS (v2.1) guidelines; (2) single lesion scored as PI-RADS (v2.1) 4 or 5; (3) MRI-TBx performed in our institution; (4) complete histology report; and (5) complete clinical record. Results: A total of 257 male patients, mean age 70.42 ± 7.6 years, with a single PI-RADS 4 or 5 lesion undergoing MRI-targeted biopsy, were retrospectively studied. Of these, 61.5% were PI-RADS 4, and 38.5% were PI-RADS 5, with 84% confirming neoplastic cells. In high-quality image lesions (PI-QUAL ≥ 4), all PI-RADS 5 lesions were accurately identified as positive at the final histological examination (100% of CDR). For PI-RADS 4 lesions, 37 (23%) were negative, resulting in a cancer detection rate of 77% (95% CI: 67.51-84.83). Conclusions: The accuracy of mpMRI, independently of the PI-RADS score, progressively decreased according to the decreasing PI-QUAL score. These findings emphasize the crucial role of the PI-QUAL scoring system in evaluating PI-RADS 4 and 5 lesions, influencing mpMRI accuracy.

Tip bendable suction ureteral access sheath versus traditional sheath in retrograde intrarenal stone surgery: an international multicentre, randomized, parallel group, superiority study.

Background: Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is the main treatments for upper urinary tract stones. The Ureteral Access Sheath (UAS) serves as a supplementary tool, facilitating direct kidney access during RIRS. High quality of evidence comparing tip bendable suction ureteral access sheath (S-UAS) with traditional UAS in RIRS for the treatment of renal and ureteral stones is lacking. The purpose of the study is to compare the efficacy and safety of S-UAS with traditional UAS in RIRS for the treatment of renal or ureteral stones ≤30 mm. Methods: An international, multicenter, and superiority randomized controlled trial included 320 intention-to-treat patients across 8 medical centers in China, the Philippines, Malaysia and Turkey from August 2023 to February 2024. The inclusion criteria were patients ≥18 years old with renal or ureteral stones ≤30 mm. RIRS was performed using either S-UAS or traditional UAS. The primary outcome was the immediately stone-free rate (SFR). Secondary outcomes included SFR 3 months after operation, operating time, hospital stay, auxiliary procedures, complications (using the Clavien-Dindo grading system), and improvement in the Quality of Life (QoL) score. Differences between proportions [risk difference (RD)]/means [mean difference (MD)] and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were presented. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05952635. Findings: The S-UAS group demonstrated a significantly higher immediately SFR (81.3% versus 49.4%; RD 31.9%; 95% CI 22.5%-41.7%; p = 0.004) compared to the traditional UAS group, as determined by the one-side superiority test. Additionally, the S-UAS group exhibited a higher SFR at 3 months post-operation (87.5% versus 70.0%; RD 17.5%; 95% CI 8.7%-26.3%; p < 0.001), lower postoperative fever rate (RD -11.9%; 95% CI -18.7% to -4.9%; p < 0.001), reduced use of stone baskets (RD -70.6%; 95% CI -77.8% to -63.5%; p < 0.001), and better QoL improvement (MD 7.25; 95% CI 2.21-12.29; p = 0.005). No statistically significant differences were observed in operation time, hospital stay, or the need for second-stage RIRS. Interpretation: In RIRS for upper urinary tract stones ≤30 mm, S-UAS exhibited superior performance compared to traditional UAS, demonstrating higher SFR, reduced postoperative fever rate, and improved QoL outcomes. S-UAS emerges as a prudent and advantageous alternative to traditional UAS for RIRS. Funding: National Natural Science Foundation of China and Guangdong Province, and Zhejiang Medicine and Health Program.

The Significance of Stone Culture in the Incidence of Sepsis: Results from a Prospective, Multicenter Study on Infections Post Flexible UreteroreNescopy (I-FUN) and Laser Lithotripsy for Renal Stones.

Objective: Sepsis is the most serious complication of flexible ureteroscopy (F-URS) and laser lithotripsy. We assessed the influence of positive stone culture (SC) on major infectious complications (sepsis, septic shock). Methods: This prospective study enrolled adult patients deemed suitable for F-URS and laser lithotripsy from nine centers (January 2022-August 2023). Inclusion criteria were as follows: kidney stone(s), preoperative midstream urine culture (MSUC), stone(s) assessed at computed tomography scan, and SC. Exclusion criteria were as follows: bilateral procedures, ureteral stones, and children. Group 1 included patients with sterile SC. Group 2 included patients with positive SC. Data are presented as median (interquartile range). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with having a positive SC. Results: In total, 293 patients were included. Median age was 51.0 (24) years. There were 167 (57.0%) males. Group 2 included 32 (2.5%) patients. Group 2 patients were significantly older [75.0 (14) vs 51.0 (23) years, p = 0.02]. Stone features were similar. Major infectious complications were higher in Group 2 (15.6% vs 0.4%). One patient died because of sepsis in Group 2. Two out of 6 (33.3%) patients with major infectious complications had the same pathogen in MSUC and SC. In the multivariable regression analysis, diabetes (OR 3.23), symptomatic urinary infections within 3 months before operation (OR 4.82) and preoperative stent/nephrostomy (OR 2.92) were factors significantly associated with higher odds of positive SC. Conclusions: Patients with positive SC have a higher incidence of major infectious complications after F-URS lithotripsy. SC should be performed whenever feasible because there is a poor correlation between MSUC and SC.

External validation of a nomogram for outcome prediction in management of medium-sized (1-2 cm) kidney stones.

BACKGROUND: Stone nomogram by Micali et al., able topredict treatment failure of shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL), retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in the management of single 1-2 cm renal stones, was developed on 2605 patients and showed a high predictive accuracy, with an area under ROC curve of 0.793 at internal validation. The aim of the present study is to externally validate the model to assess whether it displayed a satisfactory predictive performance if applied to different populations. METHODS: External validation was retrospectively performed on 3025 patients who underwent an active stone treatment from December 2010 to June 2021 in 26 centers from four countries (Italy, USA, Spain, Argentina). Collected variables included: age, gender, previous renal surgery, preoperative urine culture, hydronephrosis, stone side, site, density, skin-to-stone distance. Treatment failure was the defined outcome (residual fragments >4 mm at three months CT-scan). RESULTS: Model discrimination in external validation datasets showed an area under ROC curve of 0.66 (95% 0.59-0.68) with adequate calibration. The retrospective fashion of the study and the lack of generalizability of the tool towards populations from Asia, Africa or Oceania represent limitations of the current analysis. CONCLUSIONS: According to the current findings, Micali's nomogram can be used for treatment prediction after SWL, RIRS and PNL; however, a lower discrimination performance than the one at internal validation should be acknowledged, reflecting geographical, temporal and domain limitation of external validation studies. Further prospective evaluation is required to refine and improve the nomogram findings and to validate its clinical value.

Prevention of complications in endourological management of stones: What are the basic measures needed before, during, and after interventions?

Objective: This narrative review aims to describe measures to minimise the risk of complications during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), ureteroscopy, and retrograde intrarenal surgery. Methods: A literature search was conducted from the PubMed/PMC database for papers published within the last 10 years (January 2012 to December 2022). Search terms included "ureteroscopy", "retrograde intrarenal surgery", "PCNL", "percutaneous nephrolithotomy", "complications", "sepsis", "infection", "bleed", "haemorrhage", and "hemorrhage". Key papers were identified and included meta-analyses, systematic reviews, guidelines, and primary research. The references of these papers were searched to identify any further relevant papers not included above. Results: The evidence is assimilated with the opinions of the authors to provide recommendations. Best practice pathways for patient care in the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative periods are described, including the identification and management of residual stones. Key complications (sepsis and stent issues) that are relevant for any endourological procedure are then be discussed. Operation-specific considerations are then explored. Key measures for PCNL include optimising access to minimise the chance of bleeding or visceral injury. The role of endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery in this regard is discussed. Key measures for ureteroscopy and retrograde intrarenal surgery include planning and technique to minimise the risk of ureteric injury. The role of anaesthetic assessment is discussed. The importance of specific comorbidities on each step of the pathway is highlighted as examples. Conclusion: This review demonstrates that the principles of meticulous planning, interdisciplinary teamworking, and good operative technique can minimise the risk of complications in endourology.

International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) guideline on staghorn calculi management.

BACKGROUND: The stone burden based management strategy reported in the guidelines published by different associations is well known for a long time. Staghorn calculi, representing the largest burden and most complex stones, is one of the most challenging cases to practicing urologists in clinical practice. The International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) has released a series of guidelines on the management of urolithiasis. PURPOSE: To develop a series of recommendations for the contemporary management management of staghorn calculi and to provide a clinical framework for urologists treating patients with these complex stones. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search for articles published in English between 01/01/1976 and 31/12/2022 in the PubMed, OVID, Embase and Medline database is performed. A series of recommendations are developed and individually graded following the review of literature and panel discussion. RESULTS: The definition, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, preoperative evaluation, intraoperative treatment strategies and procedural advice, early postoperative management, follow up and prevention of stone recurrence are summarized in the present document. CONCLUSION: A series of recommendations regarding the management of staghorn calculi, along with related commentary and supporting documentation offered in the present guideline is intended to provide a clinical framework for the practicing urologists in the management of staghorn calculi.

Navigating Entire Collecting System During Supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Is Rigid Nephroscopy Enough? A Prospective Study by International Alliance of Urolithiasis Supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Working Group.

Background: During percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), accessibility to the entire collecting system is crucial to check the presence of any residual stone fragments. In this study, we aimed to identify the rate of accessibility of all caliceal cavities using lower-, middle- and, upper-pole punctures and the eventual benefit of simultaneous utilization of retrograde/antegrade flexible nephroscopy. Materials and Methods: Data of patients undergone supine PCNL in five different institutions were collected prospectively. Access status to other poles of the kidney with a rigid nephroscope, antegrade access status to the other poles of the kidney with a flexible nephroscope, or retrograde access with a flexible ureterorenoscope were all evaluated together with detection of residual fragments. Access status to the other poles of the kidney with anterograde and retrograde approaches were compared. Results: Data of 226 patients were analyzed and stone-free status was achieved in 207 (91.6%) of the patients. The entire collecting system could be successfully approached by a rigid nephroscope in 50% of the cases through middle-pole puncture. This rate was significantly higher than that of lower-pole puncture (37.1%) and upper-pole puncture (28.1%) (P = .035). The successful approach to the entire collecting system with retrograde ureterorenoscopy was possible in 97.6% of the cases, while the successful approach was possible in 48 of the 60 cases (80%) with the retrograde approach (P < .0001). Conclusions: During PCNL, evaluation of the entire collecting system with rigid nephroscopy is not possible in a significant portion of the patients. We believe that the application of flexible nephroscopy, particularly via retrograde approach improves the stone-free rates.

Stone-scoring systems for predicting complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A systematic review of the literature.

Objective: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a treatment of choice for larger stones of the upper urinary tract. Currently, several nephrolithometric nomograms for prediction of post-operative surgical outcomes have been proposed, although uncertainties still exist regarding their roles in the estimation of complications. Methods: We conducted a systematic review on PubMed and Web of Sciences databases including English studies with at least 100 cases and published between January 2010 and December 2021. We identified original articles evaluating correlations between the Guy's stone score, the stone size (S), tract length (T), obstruction (O), number of involved calices (N), and essence or stone density (E) (S.T.O.N.E.), Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES), and Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity (S-ReSC) scores and post-operative complications in adult patients. We also included newly designed nomograms for prediction of specific complications. Results: After an initial search of 549 abstracts, we finally included a total of 18 papers. Of them, 11 investigated traditional nephrolithometric nomograms, while seven newly designed nomograms were used to predict specific complications. Overall, 7316 patients have been involved. In total, 14 out of 18 papers are derived from retrospective single-center studies. Guy's stone score obtained correlation with complications in five, S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry score in four, while CROES score and S-ReSC score in three and two, respectively. None of the studies investigated minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and all cases have been conducted in prone position. Considering newly designed nomograms, none of them is currently externally validated; five of them predict post-operative infections; the remaining two have been designed for thromboembolic events and urinary leakage. Conclusion: This review presents all nomograms currently available in the PCNL field and highlights a certain number of concerns. Published data have appeared contradictory; more recent tools for prediction of post-operative complications are frequently based on small retrospective cohorts and lack external validations. Heterogeneity among studies has also been noticed. More rigorous validations are advisable in the future, involving larger prospective patients' series and with the comparison of different tools.

Design and internal validation of S.I.C.K.: a novel nomogram predicting infectious and hemorrhagic events after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhagic and infectious events represent severe complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNLs). Existing nephrolithometric nomograms have been introduced but their reliability in predicting complications is debated. We present a newly designed nomogram with intention to predict hemorrhagic/infectious events after PCNLs. METHODS: We conducted a multicentric prospective study on adult patients undergoing standard (24 Fr) or mini (18 Fr) PCNL. Dataset was derived from previous RCT, where patients have been assigned to mini-PCNL or standard-PCNL to treat renal stones up to 40 mm. Aim of the study was to identify preoperative risk factors for early postoperative infectious/hemorrhagic complications including fever, septic shock, transfusion or angioembolization. RESULTS: A total of 1980 patients were finally included. 992 patients (50.1%) received mini-PCNL and 848 standard PCNL (49.9%). The overall SFR was 86.1% with a mean maximum stone diameter of 29 mm (SD 25.0-35.0). 178 patients (8.9%) had fever,14 (0.7%) urosepsis, 24 patients (1.2%) required transfusion and 18 (0.9%) angioembolization. The overall complication was (11.7%). After multivariable analysis, the included elements in the nomogram were age (P=0.041), BMI (P=0.018), maximum stone diameter (P<0.001), preoperative hemoglobin (P=0.005), type 1/2 diabetes (P=0.05), eGFR<30 (P=0.0032), hypertension (>135/85 mmHg, P=0.001), previous PCNL or pyelo/nephrolithotomy (P=0.0018), severe hydronephrosis (P=0.002). After internal validation, the AUC of the model was 0.73. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first nomogram predicting infections and bleedings after PCNLs, it shows a good accuracy and can support clinicians in their patients' peri-operative workout and management.

Long-term Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Rendezvous Procedures to Treat Complex Ureteric Strictures and Injuries.

Background: Complex ureteric strictures and injuries occurring during major abdominal and pelvic operations may cause significant morbidity and distress to patients. A rendezvous procedure is an endoscopic technique used in case of such injuries. Objective: To evaluate perioperative and long-term outcomes of rendezvous procedures to treat complex ureteric strictures and injuries. Design setting and participants: We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing a rendezvous procedure for ureteric discontinuity including strictures and injuries, treated between 2003 and 2017 at our Institution and completing at least 12 mo of follow-up. We divided patients into two groups: early postsurgical obstruction, leakage, or detachment (group A) and late strictures (oncological/postsurgical; group B). Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: If appropriate, we performed a retrograde study ± rigid ureteroscopy to assess the stricture 3 mo after the rendezvous procedure, followed by a MAG3 renogram at 6 wk, 6 mo, and 12 mo, and annually thereafter for 5 yr. Results and limitations: Forty-three patients underwent a rendezvous procedure, 17 in group A (median age 50 yr, range 30-78) and 26 in group B (median age 60 yr, range: 28-83). Ureteric strictures and ureteric discontinuities were stented successfully in 15 out of 17 patients in group A (88.2%) and 22 out of 26 patients (84.6%) in group B. For both groups, the median follow-up was 6 yr. In group A, of 17 patients, 11 (64.7%) were stent free with no further interventions, two (11.7%) had a subsequent Memokath stent insertion (38%), and two (11.7%) required reconstruction. Of 26 patients in group B, eight (30.7%) required no further interventions and were stent free, ten (38.4%) were maintained with long-term stenting, and one was managed with a Memokath stent (3.8%). Of the 26 patients, only three (11.5%) required major reconstruction, while four patients with malignancy (15%) died during follow-up. Conclusions: With a combined antegrade and retrograde approach, the majority of complex ureteric strictures/injuries can be bridged and stented with an overall immediate technical success rate of above 80%, avoiding major surgery in unfavourable circumstances and allowing time for stabilisation and recovery of the patient. Additionally, in case of technical success, further interventions may be unnecessary in up to 64% of patients with acute injury and about 31% of patients with late stricture. Patient summary: The majority of complex ureteric strictures and injuries can be resolved using a rendezvous approach, avoiding major surgery in unfavourable circumstances. Moreover, this approach can help avoid further interventions in 64% of such patients.

Reliability of nephrolithometric nomograms in patients treated with minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A precision study.

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate quality of nephrolithometric nomograms to predict stone-free rates (SFRs) and complication rates (CRs) in case of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). In the last decade, nomograms have been introduced to estimate the SFRs and CRs of PNL. However, no data are available regarding their reliability in case of utilization of miniaturized devices. Herein we present a prospective multicentric study to evaluate reliability of Guy's stone score (GSS), the stone size, tract length, obstruction, number of involved calyces, and essence of stone (S.T.O.N.E.) nephrolithometry score and Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) score in patients treated with minimally invasive PNL. Methods: We evaluated SFRs and CRs of 222 adult patients treated with miniaturized PNL. Patients were considered stone-free if no residual fragments of any size at post-operative unenhanced computed tomography scan. Patients demographics, SFRs, and CRs were reported and analyzed. Performances of nomograms were evaluated with the area under the curve (AUC). Results: We included 222 patients, the AUCs of GSS, CROES score, and S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry score were 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.78), 0.64 (95% CI 0.56-0.73), and 0.62 (95% CI 0.52-0.71), respectively. Regarding SFRs, at multivariate binomial logistic regression, only the GSS had significance with an odds ratio of 0.53 (95% CI 0.31-0.95, p=0.04). We did not find significant correlation with complications, with only a trend for GSS. Conclusion: This is the first study evaluating nomograms in miniaturized PNL. They still show good reliability; however, our data showed lower performances compared to standard PNL. We emphasize the need of further studies to confirm this trend. A dedicated nomogram for minimally invasive PNL may be necessary.

Learning Curve for Endoscopic Combined Intra-Renal Surgery Using Vacuum-Assisted Device.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to provide data related to endoscopic combined intra-renal surgery learning curve using minimally invasive techniques with vacuum-assisted devices. Minimal data exist on the learning curve for these techniques. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study monitoring the training of a mentored surgeon learning ECIRS with vacuum assistance. We use varied parameters for improvements. After collection of peri-operative data, tendency lines and CUSUM analysis were used to investigate the learning curves. RESULTS: 111 patients have been included. Guy's Stone Score 3 and 4 stones 51.3% of all cases. The mostly used percutaneous sheath was 16 Fr (87.3%). SFR was 78.4%. 52.3% patients were tubeless, and 38.7% achieved trifecta. High-degree complication rate was 3.6%. Operative time improved after 72 cases. We observed a decrease of complications throughout the case series, with improvement after 17 cases. In terms of trifecta, proficiency was reached after 53 cases. Proficiency seems achievable in a limited number of procedures, but results did not plateau. Higher number of cases might be necessary for excellence. DISCUSSION: A surgeon learning ECIRS with vacuum assistance can obtain proficiency in 17-50 cases. The number of procedures required for excellence remains unclear. Exclusion of more complex cases might positively affect the training, reducing unnecessary complications.

International Alliance of Urolithiasis Guideline on Shockwave Lithotripsy.

Different international associations have proposed their own guidelines on urolithiasis. However, the focus is primarily on an overview of the principles of urolithiasis management rather than step-by-step technical details for the procedure. The International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) is releasing a series of guidelines on the management of urolithiasis. The current guideline on shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is the third in the IAU guidelines series and provides a clinical framework for urologists and technicians performing SWL. A total of 49 recommendations are summarized and graded, covering the following aspects: indications and contraindications; preoperative patient evaluation; preoperative medication; prestenting; intraoperative analgesia or anesthesia; intraoperative position; stone localization and monitoring; machine and energy settings; intraoperative lithotripsy strategies; auxiliary therapy following SWL; evaluation of stone clearance; complications; and quality of life. The recommendations, tips, and tricks regarding SWL procedures summarized here provide important and necessary guidance for urologists along with technicians performing SWL. PATIENT SUMMARY: For kidney and urinary stones of less than 20 mm in size, shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is an approach in which the stone is treated with shockwaves applied to the skin, without the need for surgery. Our recommendations on technical aspects of the procedure provide guidance for urologists and technicians performing SWL.

Impact of the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score on perioperative morbidity and oncological outcomes in patients with bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score on perioperative morbidity and oncological outcomes of bladder cancer (BC) patients treated with radical cystectomy (RC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a multi-institutional cohort of 347 patients treated with RC for clinical-localized BC between 2005 and 2019. The CONUT-score was defined as an algorithm including serum albumin, total lymphocyte count, and cholesterol. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the ability of the CONUT-score to predict any-grade complications, major complications and 30 days readmission. Multivariable Cox' regression models were performed to evaluate the prognostic effect of the CONUT-score on recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS). RESULTS: A cut-off value to discriminate between low and high CONUT-score was determined by calculating the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The area under the curve was 0.72 hence high CONUT-score was defined as ≥3 points. Overall, 112 (32.3%) patients had a high CONUT. At multivariable logistic regression analyses, high CONUT was associated with any-grade complications (OR 3.58, P = 0.001), major complications (OR 2.56, P = 0.003) and 30 days readmission (OR 2.39, P = 0.01). On multivariable Cox' regression analyses, high CONUT remained associated with worse RFS (HR 2.57, P < 0.001), OS (HR 2.37, P < 0.001) and CSS (HR 3.52, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Poor nutritional status measured by the CONUT-score is independently associated with a poorer postoperative course after RC and is predictive of worse RFS, OS, and CSS. This simple index could serve as a comprehensive personalized risk-stratification tool identifying patients who may benefit from an intensified regimen of supportive cares.

International Alliance of Urolithiasis guideline on retrograde intrarenal surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To set out the second in a series of guidelines on the treatment of urolithiasis by the International Alliance of Urolithiasis that concerns retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), with the aim of providing a clinical framework for urologists performing RIRS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After a comprehensive search of RIRS-related literature published between 1 January 1964 and 1 October 2021 from the PubMed database, systematic review and assessment were performed to inform a series of recommendations, which were graded using modified GRADE methodology. Additionally, quality of evidence was classified using a modification of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence system. Finally, related comments were provided. RESULTS: A total of 36 recommendations were developed and graded that covered the following topics: indications and contraindications; preoperative imaging; preoperative ureteric stenting; preoperative medications; peri-operative antibiotics; management of antithrombotic therapy; anaesthesia; patient positioning; equipment; lithotripsy; exit strategy; and complications. CONCLUSION: The series of recommendations regarding RIRS, along with the related commentary and supporting documentation, offered here should help provide safe and effective performance of RIRS.