An Empirical Survey on the Adaption of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Bladder Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to determine the adaption of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and especially underlying reasons for potential low adherence to guidelines. METHODS: We conducted a non-validated survey among 336 urologic departments in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. RedCap questionnaires were electronically distributed and included 23 items concerning the general NAC administration standards and guideline compliance in patient counseling regarding the actual treatment. RESULTS: The return rate of the questionnaire was 19.1% (63/336). Although 45 departments (71.4%) claim to perform NAC as the standard of care, only 49% of eligible patients actually receive NAC. An advanced disease stage (≥cT3) and a high tumor volume were mentioned to support the application of NAC, whereas 35% of responders worry about deterioration of patients' preoperative status due to NAC. Furthermore, 26.7% of respondents are concerned about the low extent of survival benefit. CONCLUSION: Application of NAC in eligible MIBC patients in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland remains low. Although the majority of urologic departments discuss NAC and acknowledge the need for intensified treatment in advanced disease stages, not all eligible patients will actually receive NAC before radical cystectomy.

A prospective evaluation of quality of life, psychosocial distress, and functional outcomes two years after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion in 842 German bladder cancer patients.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate survival, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), psychosocial distress, and functional outcomes after radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion for ileal neobladder (INB) or ileal conduit (IC) in a contemporary German cohort of bladder cancer patients. METHODS: Patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation after RC between April 2018 and December 2019 in one high-volume rehabilitation center were surveyed regarding HRQoL, psychosocial distress, and functional outcomes until two years after RC. RESULTS: Eight-hundred forty-two patients (683 male, 159 female; 395 INB, 447 IC) were included. Patients with an IC suffered more often from locally advanced disease (≥ pT3; 41.4% vs. 24.1%, p < 0.001) and lymph node metastases (19.9% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.002), resulting in worse probability of survival (p < 0.001). Global HRQoL improved steadily during follow-up, but significant differences in subscales persisted between cohorts. Multivariable regression analysis identified IC, male sex, and patient age ≤ 59 years as independent predictors for persistent high psychosocial distress. Almost 42% of female patients reported severe urinary incontinence two years after RC. Most men reported severely diminished erectile function, even after nerve-sparing surgery. CONCLUSION: Global HRQoL two years after RC is comparable to the general German population. Female patients should be informed about worse continence rates. Conversely, men should be educated about erectile dysfunction. Aftercare should include psycho-oncologic counseling, especially for patients at risk. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Patients should be counseled on long-term functional outcomes and persistent psychosocial distress after RC. Closer cooperation between urologists and psycho-oncologists is needed.

Intrarenal Pressure Measured Using a Novel Flexible Ureteroscope with Pressure Sensing Capabilities: A Study of the Effects of Ureteral Access Sheath, Irrigation, and Working Channel Accessories.

Introduction: Intrarenal pressure is emerging as an important monitoring parameter during flexible ureteroscopy (fURS). We measure how intraoperative conditions affect intrarenal pressure using a novel pressure sensing ureteroscope. Methods: The LithoVue Elite (LVE) single-use digital flexible ureteroscope (Boston Scientific) is the first commercial ureteroscope that senses pressure at its tip. LVE was used in a porcine model to measure intrarenal pressure with and without a ureteral access sheath (UAS) with various sizes and placement locations, irrigation methods, and working channel accessories. LVE pressure accuracy was measured in a bench model. This abstract shows the least-square means from multiway analysis of variances used for analysis. Results: Intrarenal pressures were the highest without a UAS (64 mm Hg), followed by the 11/13 UAS (51 mm Hg) and the 12/14 and 13/15, which were not statistically different (39-40 mm Hg). The pressures were highest with UASs placed at the ureteropelvic junction (61 mm Hg), and lowest if placed in the renal pelvis (24 mm Hg). Irrigation methods showed the highest pressures with syringe (57 mm Hg), while irrigation bags (pressurized at 150-300 mm Hg) produced 43 to 46 mm Hg and 25 mm Hg when applied with 80 cm of gravity. Placing a 200 µm laser fiber reduced pressures from 44 to 41 mm Hg. Finally, the bench model showed that LVE was 96% accurate up to 300 mm Hg. Conclusion: Intrarenal pressure significantly varied based on UAS sizes, placement, and irrigation methods. Accordingly, fURS with LVE is poised to be an invaluable tool for clinical decision-making and future studies of intrarenal pressure.

Functional outcome after radical prostatectomy in 1313 patients: A single-center study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of urinary continence and erectile function on the quality of life in men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PC), we analyzed the preoperative and 1-year postoperative outcomes of five functional domains and their influencing factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, all patients undergoing open or robot-assisted RP between Febuary 2017 and March 2020 in a single academic center were included. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed pre- and 12 months postoperatively using the Expanded Prostate Index Composite (EPIC-26) survey, evaluating continence, irritative/obstructive micturition, gastrointestinal symptoms, sexuality, and overall vitality. We examined the impact of RP on sexual function and urinary continence using multivariable logistic regression models, accounting for patient and tumor characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, 1313 consecutive patients gave consent for study participation and completed both surveys. The median age was 66 years (IQR: 60-70). The majority of patients (n = 601, 46%) had an intermediate risk PC. Robotic RP was performed in 71.6% and nerve-sparing technique in 81% of the cases. The median pre- versus postoperative scores were the following: urinary continence 100 (IQR: 91.8-100) versus 85.5 (64.8-100), irritative micturition 87.5 (IQR: 75-100) versus 93.8 (IQR: 87.5-100), gastrointestinal symptoms the same with 100 (IQR: 95.8-100), vitality 95 (IQR: 80-100) versus 90 (IQR: 75-100), and erectile function 65.3 (IQR: 38.8-87.5) versus 22.2 (IQR: 12.5-48.7), respectively. Age (p < 0.001), risk classification (p = 0.002), and nerve-sparing surgery (p = 0.016) were associated with good sexual function (EPIC-26 score ≥60), while only age (p = 0.001) was statistically significantly associated with good urinary continence (EPIC-26 score ≥80). CONCLUSION: Non-modifiable factors such as age and PC risk classification impact urinary continence and sexual function after RP. Nevertheless, urologic surgeons should further focus on improving nerve-sparing techniques, the only modifiable variable, to reduce the surgery's negative impact on urinary continence and sexual function.

Innovations in Endourologic Stone Surgery: Contemporary Practice Patterns from a Global Survey.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current availability of technology for urolithiasis treatment and ureteroscopy (URS). Perioperative practice patterns, availability of ureteroscopic technologies, pre- and poststenting practices, and methods to alleviate stent-related symptoms (SRS) were assessed via a survey of members of the Endourological Society. Methods: We distributed a 43-question survey online via the Qualtrics platform to members of the Endourological Society. The survey consisted of questions pertaining to the following topics: general (6), equipment (17), preoperative URS (9), intraoperative URS (2), and postoperative URS (9). Results: A total of 191 urologists responded to the survey and 126 completed all questions of the survey (66%). Fifty-one percent (65/127) of urologists were fellowship trained and dedicated an average of 58% of their practice to stone management. In terms of procedures, most urologists performed URS most commonly (68%), followed by percutaneous nephrolithotomy (23%) and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (11%). Ninety percent (120/133) of respondent urologists purchased a new ureteroscope within the last 5 years (16% single-use scopes, 53% reusable, and 31% purchased both). Fifty-three percent (70/132) of the respondents stated that they would be interested in a ureteroscope that can sense intrarenal pressure, with an additional 28% (37/132) stating they would be interested depending on the cost. Seventy-four percent (98/133) of responders purchased a new laser within the last 5 years, and 59% (57/97) changed their lasering technique due to the new laser. Urologists are performing primary ureteroscopy for obstructing stones in 70% of cases, and prefer prestenting patients for subsequent URS in 30% (on average after 21 days). Seventy-one percent (90/126) of responders insert a ureteral stent after uncomplicated URS, which is removed, on average, after 8 days in uncomplicated cases and 21 days after complicated URS. Most urologists give analgesics, alpha-blockers, and anticholinergics for SRS and <10% prescribe opioids. Conclusion: Our survey revealed urologists' eagerness for the early adoption of novel technologies and adherence to conservative practice patterns focused on patient safety.

Indwelling stents cause severe inflammation and fibrosis of the ureter via urothelial-mesenchymal transition.

To explore the pathways and mechanisms driving inflammation and fibrosis in stented ureters. In total, six healthy female pigs underwent cystoscopic unilateral ureteral stent insertion (6 Fr). After 14 days indwelling time, ureteral tissue was harvested in three pigs, while the remaining three pigs had their stents removed, and were recovered for 7 days. Three separate pigs served as controls. Tissue from stented and contralateral ureters was analysed histologically to evaluate tissue remodelling and classify the degree of inflammation and fibrosis, while genome, proteome and immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to assess changes at the transcriptional and translational levels. Finally, immunofluorescence was used to characterize the cell composition of the immune response and pathways involved in inflammation and fibrosis. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism and RStudio for Welch ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunnett's T3 multiple comparison test. Stents cause significant inflammation and fibrosis of ureters. Gene set enrichment analysis confirmed fibrotic changes and tissue proliferation and suggests that epithelial-mesenchymal transition is a driver of fibrosis. Moreover, IL-6/JAK/STAT and TNFα via NF-κB signalling might contribute to chronic inflammation promoting a profibrotic environment. Immunostaining confirmed epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the urothelium and NF-κB expression in ureters stented for 14 days. Tissue alterations do not fully recover after 7 days. Histological evaluation showed that contralateral, unstented ureters are affected by mild inflammation. Our study showed that stenting has a significant impact on the ureter. Chronic inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition are drivers of fibrosis, potentially impairing ureteral functionality in the long term. Furthermore, we observed mild inflammation in contralateral, unstented ureters.

Role of Bacterial Surface Components in the Pathogenicity of Proteus mirabilis in a Murine Model of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection.

Proteus mirabilis (PM) is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that causes catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The specific roles of bacterial surface components (BSCs) in PM pathogenicity and CAUTIs remain unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we utilized relevant in vitro adhesion/invasion models and a well-established murine model of CAUTI to assess the ability of wildtype (WT) and seven mutant strains (MSs) of PM with deficiencies in various genes encoding BSCs to undergo the infectious process (including adhesion to catheters) in both model systems. Overall, MSs adhesion to catheters and the different cell types tested was significantly reduced compared to WT, while no invasion of cells was evident at 24 h. In vivo, WT showed a greater number of planktonic (urine) bacteria, bacteria adherent to catheters, and bacteria adherent to/invading bladder tissue when compared to the MSs. Bacterial counts in urine for PMI3191 and waaE mutants were lower than that for WT and other MSs. The complementation of mutated BSC genes resulting in the biggest defects restored the invasion phenotype both in vitro and in vivo. BSCs play a critical role at various steps in the pathogenicity of PM including adhesion to indwelling medical devices and adhesion/invasion of urinary tissue in vivo.

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma in Germany: epidemiological data and surgical treatment trends in a total population analysis from 2006 to 2019.

PURPOSE: To report contemporary epidemiological data and treatment trends for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) in Germany over a 14-year period. METHODS: We analyzed data from the nationwide German hospital billing database and the German cancer registry from 2006 to 2018/2019. The significance of changes over time was evaluated via regression analysis. Survival outcomes were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: There was a non-significant increase in the age-standardized incidence rate from 2.5/100,000 in 2006 to 2.9/100.000 in 2018. 13% of patients presented with lymph node metastasis and 7.6% of patients presented with distant metastasis at primary diagnosis. The 5-year overall survival was estimated at 45% and the 10-year overall survival at 32%. Endoscopic biopsies of the renal pelvis and ureter as well as ureteroscopies with excision/destruction of UTUC all increased significantly over the study period. The number of radical nephroureterectomies (RNU) for UTUC steadily increased from 1643 cases in 2006 to 2238 cases in 2019 (p < 0.005) with a shift from open surgery towards minimally invasive surgery. Complex reconstructive procedures like ileal ureter replacement or autotransplantation are rarely performed for urothelial carcinoma of the ureter. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for UTUC have increased and minimally invasive nephroureterectomy is the predominant approach concerning radical surgery in 2019.

Ureteral Obstruction Promotes Ureteral Inflammation and Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Hydronephrosis and renal impairment may persist even after relieving an obstruction, particularly in cases of chronic obstruction. Obstruction can cause fibrotic changes of the ureter, potentially contributing to long-term kidney damage. OBJECTIVE: To characterise pathophysiological changes of obstructed ureters with focus on inflammatory responses triggering fibrosis and potential impairment of ureteral function. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-eight mice were randomly assigned to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) for 2 d, UUO for 7 d, and UUO for 7 d followed by 8 d of recovery, or a control group (no prior surgical intervention). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Peristaltic rate was determined over 2 min by direct visualisation with a microscope, while hydronephrosis was assessed by ultrasound. Obstructed and contralateral ureters were harvested, and underwent histopathological evaluation. We quantified 44 cytokines/chemokines, and five matrix metalloproteases using Luminex technology. Cell composition was characterised via immunofluorescence. Statistical significance was assessed using Welch analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Dunnett's T3 multiple comparison test. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Obstruction resulted in hydronephrosis and significantly impaired peristalsis. Marked fibrosis was observed in lamina propria, muscle layer, and adventitia. Connective tissue in obstructed ureters showed hyperaemia and leucocyte infiltration. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering demonstrated different cytokine/chemokine patterns between groups. Ureters obstructed for 7 d followed by recovery were notably different from other groups. Inflammatory cytokines, chemoattractants, and matrix metalloproteases increased significantly in obstructed ureters. Contralateral unobstructed ureters showed significantly increased levels of chemokines and matrix metalloproteases. Immunofluorescence confirmed activation of T cells, Th1 and Th2 cells, and M1 macrophages in obstructed and contralateral ureters, and a shift to M2 macrophages following prolonged obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral obstruction triggers severe inflammation and fibrosis, which may irreversibly impair ureteral functionality. Function of the unobstructed contralateral ureter may be regulated by a systemic immune response as a result of the obstruction. PATIENT SUMMARY: Here, we studied in more detail the way the ureter responds to being blocked. We conclude that a strong immune response is activated by the blockage, leading to changes in the structure of the ureter possibly impacting function, which may not be reversible. This immune response also spreads to the opposite ureter, possibly allowing it to change its function to compensate for the reduced functionality of the blocked ureter.

Prospective randomized trial of 2 versus 12-weeks of postoperative antibiotics after percutaneous nephrolithotomy in complex patients with infection-related kidney stones.

PURPOSE: Treatment of struvite kidney stones requires complete surgical stone removal combined with antibiotic therapy to eliminate urinary tract infections and preventive measures to reduce stone recurrence. The optimal duration of antibiotic therapy is unknown. We sought to determine if 2- or 12-weeks of antibiotics post percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) for infection stones resulted in better outcomes for stone recurrence and positive urine cultures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This multi-center, prospective randomized trial evaluated patients with the clinical diagnosis of infection stones. Patients were randomized to 2- or 12-weeks of postoperative oral antibiotics (nitrofurantoin or culture-specific antibiotic) and included if residual fragments were ≤4 mm on computed tomography imaging after PNL. Imaging and urine analyses were performed at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-procedure. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were enrolled and randomized to either 2-weeks (n = 20) or 12-weeks (n = 18) of antibiotic therapy post-PNL. Eleven patients were excluded due to residual fragments >4 mm, and 3 patients were lost to follow-up. The primary outcome was the stone-free rate (SFR) at 6 months post-PNL. At 3-, 6-, and 12-months follow-up, SFRs were 72.7% versus 80.0%, 70.0% versus 57.1%, 80.0% versus 57.1% (p = ns), between 2- and 12-week-groups, respectively. At 3-, 6-, and 12-months follow-up, positive urine cultures were 50.0% versus 37.5%, 50.0% versus 83.3%, and 37.5% versus 100% between 2- and 12-week groups, respectively (p = ns). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with stone removal following PNL, neither 2-weeks nor 12-weeks of postoperative oral antibiotics is superior to prevent stones and recurrent positive urine cultures.

Prophylaxis of Recurrent Stone Disease in Outpatient Clinics in Germany: A Quality-of-Care Concern.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to survey current practices for preventing recurrent stone disease in an outpatient clinic setting in Germany. METHODS: Two invitations to complete an anonymous REDCap® survey were emailed to members of the occupational union of German urologists who work as outpatient urologists ("Berufsverband Deutscher Urologen e.V."). The survey included questions on diagnostic modalities and counselling to prevent stone disease. RESULTS: A total of 130 outpatient urologists completed the survey. 84.6% of urologists give general advice to first-time stone formers. Recommendations comprise increased fluid uptake in 100%, two-thirds advice on calcium and oxalate intake, and one-third on salt and protein intake. 64.6% perform a metabolic evaluation for high-risk stone formers. However, patients with risk factors other than repeat stone disease are often overlooked. Urologists agreed that a lack of time (73.1%) and reimbursement (64.6%), as well as insufficient patient compliance (60.8%), pose significant challenges. The majority of urologists agreed that training is required. CONCLUSION: General recommendations for stone formers are usually provided, but nutritional advice tends to be incomplete. Our results raise quality-of-care concerns: Metabolic evaluation of stone formers at high risk of recurrence is uncommon. Structural changes are required due to time constraints, and poor remuneration must be addressed to improve patient care.

An empirical study on hospital-based prevention of recurrent urinary stone disease in Germany.

PURPOSE: Urinary stone disease is a common disease with a prevalence of 4.7% in Germany. The incidence increased over the last decades, and recurrence rates are up to 50% in the first 5 years after diagnosis. Adequate preventive measures can avoid up to 46% of stone recurrences. These numbers outline the importance of prevention. Especially among high-risk stone formers, specific diagnostics and measures are required. Published data indicate the divergence between the importance of prevention and its implementation in everyday clinical practice. This is the first survey among German urological departments highlighting medical care concerning the prevention of recurrent urinary stone disease, identifying challenges and providing recommendations for improvements. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy urological hospital departments in Germany were anonymously surveyed about measurements to prevent recurrent stone disease. The questionnaire comprised 23 items dealing with diagnostics, counselling, knowledge among doctors concerning preventive measures and difficulties in preventing recurrent urinary stone disease. RESULTS: Sixty-three urological departments (23.8%) answered the survey. The majority perform stone analysis at first and repeat events. Most patients with urinary stone disease receive general advice on preventive measures during their hospitalization. General recommendations focus on fluid intake and lifestyle changes. However, specific diets are infrequently recommended by inpatient urologists. Diagnostics to identify high-risk stone formers are mostly insufficient, and guideline-compliant urine tests are uncommon. CONCLUSION: The quality of secondary prevention needs to improve considerably. The focus should be put on identifying high-risk stone formers and offering those patients specific counselling. Furthermore, general advice on dietary recommendations should be extended.

A randomized prospective study: assessment of transient ureteral stenting by mono-J insertion after primary URS and stone extraction (FaST 3).

To compare the outcome of a short-term insertion of a mono-J catheter for 6 h following ureteroscopic stone removal to a conventional double-J catheter. This single-center academic study (Fast Track Stent study 3) evaluated stenting in 108 patients with urinary calculi after ureterorenoscopy. Patients were prospectively randomized into two study arms before primary ureterorenoscopy: (1) mono-J insertion for 6 h after ureterorenoscopy and (2) double-J insertion for 3-5 days after ureterorenoscopy. Study endpoints were stent-related symptoms assessed by an ureteral stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ) and reintervention rates. Stone sizes and location, age, operation duration, BMI, and gender were recorded. Of 67 patients undergoing ureterorenoscopy, 36 patients were analyzed in the double-J arm and 31 patients in the mono-J arm. Mean operation time was 27.5 ± 1.3 min versus 24.0 ± 1.3 min, and stone size was 5.2 mm versus 4.5 mm for mono-J versus double-J, respectively (p = 0.06 and p = 0.15). FaST 3 was terminated early due to a high reintervention rate of 35.5% for the mono-J group and 16.7% for the double-J group (p = 0.27). One day after ureterorenoscopy, USSQ scores were similar between the study arms (Urinary Index: p = 0.09; Pain Index: p = 0.67). However, after 3-5 weeks, the Pain Index was significantly lower in those patients who had a double-J inserted after ureterorenoscopy (p = 0.04). Short-term insertion of mono-J post-ureterorenoscopy results in similar micturition symptoms and pain one day after ureterorenoscopy compared to double-J insertion. The reintervention rate was non-significant between the treatment groups most likely due to the early termination of the study (p = 0.27). Ethics approval/Trail Registration: No. 18-6435, 2018.

Striking a balance: outcomes of short-term Mono-J placement following ureterorenoscopy.

To evaluate factors affecting the outcomes of short-term Mono-J insertion for 6 h following ureteroscopic stone removal. Patients treated with a Mono-J for 6 h after ureterorenoscopy and stone removal were analysed. FaST 1 and 2 (Fast Track Stent Studies), two consecutive single academic centre studies, were conducted between August 2014 and April 2018. In each study, we randomized patients with renal or ureteral calculi to two groups before ureterorenoscopy. FaST 1 compared a Mono-J insertion for 6 h versus Double-J insertion for 3-5 days after ureterorenoscopy. FaST 2 compared a Mono-J insertion to a tubeless procedure in the same clinical setting. All patients were pre-stented for 3-5 days before URS. The study endpoint was stent-related symptoms as assessed by a validated questionnaire (USSQ). Results were stratified by clinical parameters, stone characteristics and operation details. 108 of 156 initially randomized patients undergoing ureterorenoscopy were included. USSQ scores covering the time 3-5 weeks after stone removal showed a significantly reduced urinary symptoms and pain index compared to the scores before ureterorenoscopy. USSQ results before and after stone removal did not correlate with stone size or operation time and did not differ significantly depending on stone localization, the treating endourologist, or ureterorenoscopic device used (p > 0.05). Six patients (5%) required reintervention. Following secondary ureterorenoscopy and ureteral drainage with a Mono-J for 6 h, quality of life is independent of stone size and localization, operation time, the treating endourologist, and the URS device used.

An Empirical Study on the Operative Treatment of Symptomatic Urolithiasis in Germany.

PURPOSE: The guidelines of the German, European, and American Urological Associations on urolithiasis advise against general ureteral stenting before and after an uncomplicated ureterorenoscopy (URS). However, German and European guidelines state that stenting prior to URS facilitates stone extraction and reduces intraoperative complications. According to the published literature, German practice seems to deviate from recommendations. This nationwide survey aimed to evaluate the treatment modalities of urolithiasis. METHODS: In November 2018 and March 2019, a total of 199 urological hospital departments in Germany were anonymously surveyed about operative care of symptomatic urolithiasis. The response rate was 72.9%. The survey consisted of 25 questions about diagnostics, surgical technique, and aftercare of the URS. This questionnaire is available in the appendix. RESULTS: A primary URS is performed in ≤10% in 49.6% of the hospitals. In every second urological department (49.7%), the German Diagnosis Related Group (G-DRG) system influences the period of pre-stenting before a secondary URS. After a secondary URS, which is performed in 53.8% of the departments in over 80% of the patients, 14% of the departments omit stenting. The standard for stenting seems to be a 28-cm-long 7 Charrière double-J stent in Germany. CONCLUSION: In Germany, the percentage of primary URS is low, and a ureter stenting is performed in most of the urological departments after URS. Delaying therapy due to economic aspects is the standard in almost half of all urological departments.

Transient stent placement versus tubeless procedure after ureteroscopy retrograde surgery stone extraction (Fast Track Stent study 2): A randomized prospective evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether in pre-stented patients undergoing ureteroscopic stone removal (ureteroscopy retrograde surgery) a tubeless procedure provides a better outcome compared with short-term (6 h) ureteral stenting using an external ureteral catheter. METHODS: In this single academic center study (Fast Track Stent study 2), carried out between May 2016 and April 2018, 121 patients with renal or ureteral calculi were initially treated with double-J insertion. Before secondary ureteroscopy retrograde surgery, patients were prospectively randomized into two groups: tubeless versus ureteral catheter insertion for 6 h after ureteroscopy retrograde surgery. Exclusion criteria were acute urinary tract infection, solitary kidney or stone diameter >25 mm. Study end-points were stent-related symptoms assessed by a validated questionnaire (ureteral stent symptom questionnaire), administered both before and 4 weeks after surgery. Numerical ureteral stent symptom questionnaire scores were compared using the Mann-Whitney-U-test. The level of significance was defined as P < 0.05. RESULTS: Ureteroscopy retrograde surgery procedures carried out by 13 surgeons resulted in >90% stone removal in all patients (n = 121), with a mean operation time of 19.9 versus 18.0 min for ureteral catheter versus tubeless, respectively (P = 0.37). Patient groups did not differ significantly in their ureteral stent symptom questionnaire scores (urinary index P = 0.24; pain index P = 0.35). Patients showed a significant preference for tubeless procedure over ureteral catheter reinsertion (Question GQ P < 0.0001). The reintervention rate was 13.3% for the tubeless procedure (n = 8) and 1.6% for the ureteral catheter group (n = 1), respectively (P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term ureteral catheter and no stent insertion after ureteroscopy retrograde surgery stone extraction in pre-stented patients result in comparable quality of life. However, the reintervention rate is higher for tubeless procedures.

Short-term external ureter stenting shows significant benefit in comparison to routine double-J stent placement after ureterorenoscopic stone extraction: A prospective randomized trial - the Fast track stent study (FaST).

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether short-term stenting using an external ureter catheter following ureterorenoscopic stone extraction provides a better outcome in comparison to double-J stent ureteral stenting. METHODS: Between August 2014 and August 2015, 141 patients initially managed with a double-J stent insertion were prospectively randomized to ureter catheter for 6 h vs double-J stent insertion for 5 days after stone extraction via ureteroscopy retrograde surgery (including flexible ureteroscopy retrograde surgery) in a single academic center. Endoscopic procedures were performed by nine surgeons. Exclusion criteria were acute urinary tract infection, a solitary kidney, or a stone mass more than 25 mm. Study endpoints were ureter-stent related symptoms and pain assessed by a validated questionnaire (ureteral stent symptom questionnaire) and visual analogue scale before and 4 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Overall stone-free rate was more than 90%. Mean operative time was 24 min (range 5-63). Groups did not differ in terms of age, body mass index, and stone size. Patients who received short-term ureter catheter showed a significantly higher quality of life. In the ureter catheter group, the urinary index score (16.8 vs 27.8; P < 0.0001), the pain score (9.7 ± 1.3 vs 20.2 ± 1.5; P < 0.0001), and general health index (15.3 ± 0.7 vs 8.5 ± 0.6; P < 0.0001) were significantly lower. Consultation of a physician and antibiotic treatment were rarely needed (1.3 ± 0.1 vs 1.6 ± 0.1; P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: A short-term ureter catheter insertion for 6 h following ureteroscopy retrograde surgery stone removal is a safe procedure and superior to double-J stent insertion with regard to urinary symptoms, pain, quality of life, and stent related symptoms. Patients treated with a short-term ureter catheter recover more quickly, return to work earlier, and need less doctor visits. Most patients would recommend a ureter catheter, and would prefer this strategy in case of future stone treatments.