Mechanical characteristics of the ureter and clinical implications.

The ureteric wall is a complex multi-layered structure. The ureter shows variation in passive mechanical properties, histological morphology and insertion forces along the anatomical length. Ureter mechanical properties also vary depending on the direction of tensile testing and the anatomical region tested. Compliance is greatest in the proximal ureter and lower in the distal ureter, which contributes to the role of the ureter as a high-resistance sphincter. Similar to other human tissues, the ureteric wall remodels with age, resulting in changes to the mechanical properties. The passive mechanical properties of the ureter vary between species, and variation in tissue storage and testing methods limits comparison across some studies. Knowledge of the morphological and mechanical properties of the ureteric wall can aid in understanding urine transport and safety thresholds in surgical techniques. Indeed, various factors alter the forces required to insert access sheaths or scopes into the ureter, including sheath diameter, safety wires and medications. Future studies on human ureteric tissue both in vivo and ex vivo are required to understand the mechanical properties of the ureter and how forces influence these properties. Testing of instrument insertion forces in humans with a focus on defining safe upper limits and techniques to reduce trauma are also needed. Last, evaluation of dilatation limits in the mid and proximal ureter and clarification of tensile strength anisotropy in human specimens are necessary.

A Good Craftsperson Knows Their Tools: Understanding of Laser and Ureter Mechanics in Training Urologists.

Introduction: Recent decades have seen a move to minimally invasive techniques to manage urolithiasis. Trainees are expected to develop competency in common endourology procedures. Knowledge of ureter mechanics and the theory behind new technologies is important to ensure safe and efficient techniques. We aim to evaluate the exposure to endourology, self-reported competency in common techniques and knowledge of basic ureter biomechanics and technology in training urologists. Methods: An online survey was circulated to all training urologists in the Republic of Ireland. Questions focused on self-reported competency, clinical knowledge, ureter mechanical properties and laser technology. Results: Thirty responses were received with a range of 1-8 years of urology experience (mean=4 years). The respondents reported high levels of exposure to endourology with the majority reporting competency in flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) (n=18, 60%) and semi-rigid ureteroscopy (URS) (n=21, 70%). The respondents demonstrated good clinical knowledge but variable knowledge of laser settings, laser thermodynamics and ureter mechanics. Half of the respondents (n=15, 50%) correctly described fragmentation laser settings, with 10 trainees (n=33%) accurately identifying both factors that increase ureteral access sheath (UAS) insertion force. Most of the respondents (n=20, 67%) described the proximal ureter as the site with the greatest compliance, while the site of the greatest force during ureteroscope insertion was correctly identified by 17% (n=5). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this represents the first study evaluating urologist understanding of laser technology and the mechanical properties of the human ureter. Despite trainees reporting high levels of experience in endourology, there is a variable understanding of the principles of laser technology and ureter mechanics. Further research and education are needed with a focus on laser safety, suitable laser settings and the safe limit of insertion forces.

Perceptions and Practice Patterns of Urologists Relating to Intrarenal Pressure During Ureteroscopy: Findings from a Global Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Objectives: To explore beliefs and practice patterns of urologists regarding intrarenal pressure (IRP) during ureteroscopy (URS). Methods: A customized questionnaire was designed in a 4-step iterative process incorporating a systematic review of the literature and critical analysis of topics/questions by six endourologists. The 19-item questionnaire interrogated perceptions, practice patterns, and key areas of uncertainty regarding ureteroscopic IRP, and was disseminated via urologic societies, networks, and social media to the international urologic community. Consultants/attendings and trainees currently practicing urology were eligible to respond. Quantitative responses were compiled and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test, with subgroup analysis by procedure volume. Results: Responses were received from 522 urologists, practicing in six continents. The individual question response rate was >97%. Most (83.9%, 437/515) respondents were practicing at a consultant/attending level. An endourology fellowship incorporating stone management had been completed by 59.2% (307/519). The vast majority of respondents (85.4%, 446/520) scored the perceived clinical significance of IRP during URS ≥7/10 on a Likert scale. Concern was uniformly reported, with no difference between respondents with and without a high annual case volume (p = 0.16). Potential adverse outcomes respondents associated with elevated ureteroscopic IRP were urosepsis (96.2%, 501/520), collecting system rupture (80.8%, 421/520), postoperative pain (67%, 349/520), bleeding (63.72%, 332/520), and long-term renal damage (26.1%, 136/520). Almost all participants (96.2%, 501/520) used measures aiming to reduce IRP during URS. Regarding the perceived maximum acceptable threshold for mean IRP during URS, 30 mm Hg (40 cm H2O) was most frequently selected [23.2% (119/463)], with most participants (78.2%, 341/463) choosing a value ≤40 mm Hg. Conclusions: This is the first large-scale analysis of urologists' perceptions of ureteroscopic IRP. It identifies high levels of concern among the global urologic community, with almost unanimous agreement that elevated IRP is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Equipoise remains regarding appropriate IRP limits intraoperatively and the most appropriate technical strategies to ensure adherence to these.

In vivo ureteroscopic intrarenal pressures and clinical outcomes: a multi-institutional analysis of 120 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the pressure range generated in the human renal collecting system during ureteroscopy (URS), in a large patient sample, and to investigate a relationship between intrarenal pressure (IRP) and outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective multi-institutional study was conducted, with ethics board approval; February 2022-March 2023. Recruitment was of 120 consecutive consenting adult patients undergoing semi-rigid URS and/or flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) for urolithiasis or diagnostic purposes. Retrograde, fluoroscopy-guided insertion of a 0.036-cm (0.014″) pressure guidewire (COMET™ II, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) to the renal pelvis was performed. Baseline and continuous ureteroscopic IRP was recorded, alongside relevant operative variables. A 30-day follow-up was completed. Descriptive statistics were applied to IRP traces, with mean (sd) and maximum values and variance reported. Relationships between IRP and technical variables, and IRP and clinical outcome were interrogated using the chi-square test and independent samples t-test. RESULTS: A total of 430 pressure traces were analysed from 120 patient episodes. The mean (sd) baseline IRP was 16.45 (5.99) mmHg and the intraoperative IRP varied by technique. The mean (sd) IRP during semi-rigid URS with gravity irrigation was 34.93 (11.66) mmHg. FURS resulted in variable IRP values: from a mean (sd) of 26.78 (5.84) mmHg (gravity irrigation; 12/14-F ureteric access sheath [UAS]) to 87.27 (66.85) mmHg (200 mmHg pressurised-bag irrigation; 11/13-F UAS). The highest single pressure peak was 334.2 mmHg, during retrograde pyelography. Six patients (5%) developed postoperative urosepsis; these patients had significantly higher IRPs during FURS (mean [sd] 81.7 [49.52] mmHg) than controls (38.53 [22.6] mmHg; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A dynamic IRP profile is observed during human in vivo URS, with IRP frequently exceeding expected thresholds. A relationship appears to exist between elevated IRP and postoperative urosepsis.

Extra-mammary Paget's disease of the penis.

Paget's disease was first described in 1874 as an eczematoid changes of the nipple associated with underlying breast carcinoma. Extra-mammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is rare with involvement of the male genitalia described in small case series and management options varying according to location and extent. The diagnosis of EMPD requires a high index of clinical suspicion and close liaison with the multidisciplinary team, particularly histopathology. We present two cases of EMPD affecting the male external genitalia that highlight important learnings in the presentation, diagnosis, and management of EMPD.

The psychological impact of adverse events on urology trainees.

INTRODUCTION: Adverse events (AE) are an inevitable reality in healthcare, with an incidence of 7.5-14.1% worldwide. AEs are recognised to cause psychological and emotional distress in healthcare workers, with surgeons being particularly susceptible. We report the first data on the emotional impact in relation to adverse events in surgeons in the Republic of Ireland (ROI). METHODS: We distributed a web-based survey to all urology trainees in the ROI. The questionnaire focused on trainees' personal account of AEs, their emotional response, perceived contributing factors and perceived benefit of support systems. The primary care PTSD screen (PC-PTSD-V) assessed for PTSD. RESULTS: A total of 16 responses were received from 12 (75%) registrars and 4 (25%) SHOs. Of the AEs reported, 12 (75%) were ≥ Clavien-Dindo 3b. Contributing factors identified included lapse of judgement (n = 6, 37.5%), risk of procedure (n = 7, 43%), lack of experience (n = 4, 25%). Anxiety (n = 8, 50%), guilt (n = 7, 44%) and sleep problems (n = 4, 25%) were the most reported emotional responses. Physical symptoms were reported in 2 (12%) trainees. A PC-PTSD-V score ≥ 3 was reported in 2 (12%) trainees. Most trainees (n = 13, 81%) reported talking to someone following the event with most (n = 12, 93%) talking to a consultant or NCHD colleague. Most respondents (n = 14, 87%) agreed that their training could better prepare them for the personal impact of AEs. CONCLUSION: Surgical trainees report negative psychological and emotional responses that are consistent with second victim symptoms. Those surveyed felt that their training could better prepare them for the personal impact of such events.

A curious case of metastatic parotid adenoid cystic carcinoma to kidney.

A woman in her 60s presented with a 2-week history of non-specific left-sided abdominal pain. She previously underwent a total parotidectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy for left parotid adenoid cystic carcinoma 13 years prior, with a local recurrence 4 years after. Investigations revealed a large left-sided renal mass with appearances of renal carcinoma and no signs of metastatic disease. Pathology following nephrectomy revealed a metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma.Metastatic disease recurred 11 months postradical nephrectomy to the contralateral kidney and lung, and she was referred to medical oncology for further management.This case history demonstrates the highly aggressive nature of an adenoid cystic carcinoma primary of salivary gland origin with rare metastasis to the kidney.

Antibodies to infliximab and risk of infusion reactions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Antibodies to infliximab (ATIs) have been associated with a risk of infusion reactions in some studies of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. However, many factors, such as immunomodulators and dosing schedule, may influence this association. The aim of this article was to provide a pooled estimate of the risk of infusion reactions according to patients' ATI status and analyze the relationship of immunomodulators to this risk. DESIGN: Public databases were searched for eligible studies. Quality assessment was undertaken for all studies using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. Raw data from studies meeting inclusion criteria were pooled for meta-analysis of effect estimates. Sensitivity analysis was performed for all outcomes. Funnel plot was performed to assess for publication bias. RESULTS: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, with a pooled total of 1351 subjects. Seven of the 8 studies had a high risk of bias in at least 1 quality domain. The cumulative data indicated that there was a higher risk ratio (RR) of any acute infusion reaction (RR 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-3.8, P < 0.001) and severe infusion reactions (RR 5.8, 95% CI 1.7-19, P = 0.004) in patients with ATIs when compared with patients without ATIs. The RR of delayed hypersensitivity reactions was not significantly different between ATI+ and ATI- patients (RR 2.8, 95% CI 0.2-33, P = 0.4). Patients prescribed immunomodulators during maintenance infliximab therapy had a reduction in their risk for ATI development (RR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.9, P = 0.02) and infusion reactions (RR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.8, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of ATIs is associated with a significantly higher risk of acute infusion reactions, but not delayed hypersensitivity reactions, in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Concomitant immunomodulators reduce this risk.