Ablation rates with Holmium:YAG and Thulium Fiber Laser: Influence of the stone phantom homogeneity. An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: The lithotripsy efficiency (LE) in vitro study requires artificial or human stone samples (AS, HS). With the development of dusting lithotripsy, less ex vivo HS are available. We aimed to compare Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) and Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG)'s LE and define the most accurate LE parameter. METHODS: Hard and soft homogenous- and heterogenous-AS (Ho-AS, He-AS) were made to reproduce calcium-oxalate monohydrate and uric acid stones, respectively by a rapid or slow brewing of BegostonePlus (Bego) and distilled water. One hundred and fifty and 272µm-laser fibers, connected to 50W-TFL and 30W-HoYAG generators, compared three settings for TFL (FD: 0.15J/100Hz; D: 0.5J/30Hz; Fr: 1J/15Hz) and two for Ho:YAG (D-Fr). An experimental setup consisted in immerged 10mm cubic stone phantoms with a 20 seconds' lasing spiral, in contact mode, repeated four times. Stones were dried, weighted and µ-scanned (ablation weight and volume [AW and AV]). RESULTS: With He-AS, dusting AV were four- and three-fold higher with TFL compared to Ho:YAG against hard and soft (P<0.05). In fragmentation, AV were two-fold higher with TFL compared to Ho:YAG against hard (P<0.05) and soft (P<0.05). Experiments with Ho-AS were associated with non-significant differences when comparing TFL-150µm and TFL-272µm. The ablation weight-volume correlation coefficients was higher with Ho-AS than with He-AS (P<0.0001), and with hard than soft AS. If the LE can be estimated by the AW with hard AS, this approximation is not consistent for soft AS. CONCLUSION: TFL presented higher ablation rates than Ho:YAG, significant with He-AS. If the AW is acceptable and less expensive for hard Ho-AS, AV are more accurate for He-AS, which are suggested to imitate closely HS.

[Impact of simulation-based training in endourology: A systematic review of the literature]. / Impact de la formation fondée sur la simulation en endo-urologie : revue systématique de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of simulation on the acquisition of surgical skills as well as their transfer to the operating room is still debated. The objective was to assess these two specific points, focusing on the field of endourology. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature, following the PRIMA statement, was performed using Medline database through September 2021 without time limit. Studies focusing on the impact of simulators on the acquisition of surgical technical skills as well as their transfer to the operating room in the field of endourology were included. The endourological procedures were: cystoscopy, ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, endoscopic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, endoscopic bladder resection. RESULTS: Among the 11,442 publications identified, fifty-two studies were included in the analysis. The majority reported an improvement in procedure time of the requested tasks and dexterity of participants, regardless of the type of simulator and procedure. The level of evidence of included studies was often low. Few studies evaluated the transfer of acquired skills from the simulator to the operating room. CONCLUSION: This review showed the positive impact of simulation on the acquisition of technical skills in endourology. However, in order to include proficiency-based progression in the curriculum of trainees, some parameters such as the choice of reference simulators, choice of tasks, and method of validation of acquired skills must be validated in a consensual manner to offer a quality training.

Comparison of irrigation flows between different irrigation methods for flexible ureteroscopy: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the irrigation flows between different irrigation methods for f-URS. METHODS: We compared the automatic irrigation system Endoflow II to gravity-based irrigation, and gravity-based irrigation with pressure cuff. Irrigation pressures were set at 40 and 100cmH2O. A LithoVue f-URS with a 3.6Fr working channel was used for the experiments. The f-URS was placed in straight alignment without active deflection on the operating table. For each irrigation pressure level, we evaluated the influence of the occupation of the working channel of the f-URS with an empty working channel, a 272µm laser fiber, a 1.9Fr nitinol basket. The outflow from f-URS was measured by the volume of irrigation fluid collected using a graduated glass at 1min, 2min, 3min and 5min. RESULTS: Irrigations flows remained constant over the time for the Endoflow II and the gravity-based irrigation methods regardless of the irrigation pressure and setting. For the pressure cuff method, the irrigation flow remained constant only when the working channel was occupied either by the nitinol basket or the laser fiber. Irrigation flow with the Endoflow II were constantly higher than gravity-based irrigation methods. Irrigation flow significantly increased with increased irrigation pressure. In the presence of any instruments at any irrigation pressure, the flow decreased as the size of the instrument in the working channel increased. CONCLUSIONS: Automatic irrigation system Endoflow II provided higher irrigation flows than gravity-based irrigation methods. The irrigation flow decreased as the size of the instrument in the working channel increased. Further studies conducted in vivo are needed to investigate if the differences found between irrigation methods result in higher intrarenal pressure during procedures. LEVEL OF PROOF: 4.

[Complications in urological surgery: Monitoring and classification]. / Les complications en chirurgie urologique. Recueil et classification.

The objective of this article was to discuss the statistics of surgical complications in urology and the methods of collection and classification. In the absence of a comprehensive national registry of complications, we used statistics from insurance companies as indicators. They are limited by the exclusion of complications that did not result in a claim. Overall, urology is less exposed to claims than other surgical specialties. It comes far behind orthopedic surgery, gynecology-obstetrics and visceral surgery. The new techniques in urological surgery and in particular the rise of robotic surgery do not seem to have modified the number of claims handled by medical insurance companies. It is unfortunate that complications in urological surgery are not collected, reported, and discussed in order to develop prevention, treatment, and strategies for educational purposes. The lack of an established definition and classification of surgical complications, as well as methodological differences in the collection of related information, has hampered the evaluation of their public health and health economics impact. Awareness of this problem is growing among learned societies and practitioners. Complication reporting should be organized on a national basis and should respect the following points: - definition of the collection process according to a validated system. For urology, the Martin table revised by the EAU working group would be adapted; - classification of complications according to a validated system such as Clavien-Dindo or CCI.

[Complications of radical nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy: What are they? How can they be anticipated and managed?] / Les complications de la néphrectomie totale et de la néphrectomie partielle : quelles sont-elles, comment les prévenir et les prendre en charge ?

INTRODUCTION: Surgical techniques of radical and partial nephrectomy have changed over the last 20years. Indications for partial nephrectomy have widened and mini-invasive surgery (laparoscopy and robotic assistance) has become widely used. However, both still have a significant morbidity. The objective of this article is to review complications of renal surgery and their predictive factors and to offer algorithms of management. METHODS: Recent literature regarding complications of radical and partial nephrectomy was queried using Pubmed engine search. The most relevant articles were analyzed and served as a basis for this work. RESULTS: The literature on complications of radical and partial nephrectomy has a low level of evidence. There are only retrospective series. The most frequent complications of radical nephrectomy occur during surgery in 5-10% of the cases: wound of the pedicle or of an adjacent organ. The management can often be conservative. Laparoscopy has a similar morbidity compare to the open approach but has greatly increased postoperative outcomes and comfort. Partial nephrectomy has a 20% complication rate. Many factors have an impact on the risk of complications (tumor size, inflammation of perirenal fat, access, surgeon experience, centre volume, comorbidities and age of the patient) and must be taken into consideration before advising partial nephrectomy. The two most feared complications of partial nephrectomy are bleeding (per- or postoperative, 10% of the cases) and urinary fistula (<5% of the cases). Robotic assistance is associated with a lower morbidity in many publications. CONCLUSION: Complications after partial and radical nephrectomy are quite frequent but have decreased with the improvement of surgical techniques. French urologists should maintain their interest in novel technologies and simplification of perioperative pathway to further improve patients' outcomes.

[Complications in urological surgery. Prevention]. / Complications chirurgicales en urologie adulte. La prévention.

The objective of this article was to summarize the means and tools of prevention and safety of care to reduce non-random surgical complications in urology, related to the care environment and the patient. The prevention of complications is an essential strategy to be applied in a standardized way in urological surgery, as in the world of aeronautics, from which we can draw valuable lessons. This prevention is multifactorial and concerns interventions, systems and human factors. The essential points listed below must be traceable: the quality of the assessment of the patient and his co-morbidities. This is a multidisciplinary task; the relevance of the surgical indication, which must take into account the state of the art at the time it is given; the expertise of the urologist and his continuing education; the relevance of the surgical indication, which must take into account the state of the art at the time it is given; the quality of the information provided to the patient and his family, and to the medical and paramedical team involved in the patient's care; the quality of the professional environment and equipment; compliance with recommended safety rules (e.g. checklist, identity check). All these points are not isolated but interdependent. They must be recorded in the patient's file, the quality and completeness of which is essential to the patient's follow-up, to the prevention and management of complications and to the understanding, if necessary, of the truth of the medical facts.

[Complications in urological surgery: Bladder surgery]. / Les complications chirurgicales en urologie adulte : chirurgie de la vessie.

CONTEXT-OBJECTIVE: The management of bladder tumors is based on two major interventions, the risks of complications of which can be significant. The objective of this work is to provide an update on the complications related to bladder surgery, to detail the preventive measures and management strategies in practice. METHODS: Bibliographic search using Medline bibliographic database (Pubmed) using the following keywords: transurethral resection of the bladder, cystectomy, neobladder, Bricker, complications, anastomotic strictures. RESULTS: Trans-urethral resection of the bladder (TURB) essentially exposes to the risk of hemorrhage (2 to 4%) and bladder perforation (1 to 3%). Total cystectomy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, despite recent technical advances. The most frequent early complications are ileus (23 to 30%) and infectious complications (29 to 38%). Late complications included by functional complications (urinary and sexual), anastomotic strictures (7 to 12%), metabolic complications of continent derivation (25 to 46%) and stomial complications in case of non-continent derivation. The management of complications is well codified. It is however essential to anticipate and put in place preventive measures, especially for infectious and thromboembolic complications, including an exhaustive pre-operative assessment, prehabilitation of the patient and enhanced recovery after surgery. CONCLUSION: Preventing, analyzing and understanding complications in bladder surgery is essential to reduce mortality and morbidity.

[Complications in urological surgery: Prostate surgery]. / Les complications chirurgicales en urologie adulte : chirurgie de la prostate.

Prostate surgery mainly addresses the treatment of the two most common pathologies of the prostate: benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), symptomatic or complicated, and prostate cancer (PCa). The objective of this manuscript was to present after review of the literature the main intraoperative and postoperative surgical complications associated with radical prostatectomy and surgery of the BPH whatever the surgical approach. The incidence and type of these complications may vary depending on the patient's comorbidities and the type of surgery. Regarding radical prostatectomy, the main complications are hemorrhagic, digestive and urinary. During or after surgery of BPH, hemorrhagic and urinary complications dominate. The management of these complications relies on general principles based on a low level of evidence, but usually associate a structured diagnostic pathway and an appropriate treatment decision.

[Complications in endourology: Ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy]. / Complications en endo-urologie : urétéroscopie et néphrolithotomie percutanée.

If surgical treatment of urinary stones is indicated, the urologist has now different modalities depending on each situation. This includes extracorporeal lithotripsy, ureteroscopy (rigid and flexible), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Ureteroscopy is also performed for diagnostic purposes, and for the treatment of upper urinary tract tumors. Indications, as well as the steps of each of these techniques will not be discussed in this review. Only intra- and postoperative complications of ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy will be reviewed, including diagnostic, management, and preventive measures.

[Surgical complications in adult urology: Pelvic and perineal surgery]. / Les complications chirurgicales en urologie adulte : chirurgie du pelvis et du périnée.

Pelvic and perineal surgeries and in particular those for stress urinary incontinence and prolapse are functional surgeries, which require careful selection of patients and assessment of discomfort to expect satisfactory surgical results and reduce failure rates and of complications. Before offering pelvic and perineal surgery, the risk of potential complications should be carefully assessed and discussed with patients. Recent attention to the potential complications prosthetic mesh has raised awareness in the urological community to report complications. This chapter will focus on the complications of surgeries used for stress urinary incontinence (synthetic retropubic or transobturator suburethral slings, colposuspension, pubovaginal slings, artificial urinary sphincter, adjustable periurethral balloons and periurethral injections of bulking agents) and sacrocolpopexies. The epidemiology of complications, the minimum assessment to be carried out, treatment and prevention will be discussed.

[Surgical complications in adult urology: Surgery of the external genitalia]. / Les complications chirurgicales en urologie adulte : chirurgie des organes génitaux externes.

AIM: Define and present the complications of surgery of the external genitalia (EG), as well as their management. METHOD: Bibliographic search using the Medline (NLM Pubmed tool) and Embase bibliographic databases using the following keywords: scrotal surgery, orchidopexy, hydrocele, varicocele, testicular biopsy, vasectomy, cryptorchidism, orchiectomy, testicular implant, subcapsular orchiectomy, spermatic cord cyst, posthectomy, penis curvature surgery, penile implant, urethral strictures. RESULTS: EG surgery is common in urology, it includes scrotal surgeries and penile surgeries, which are performed openly. They expose to complications such as bleeding, infection, scar disunity requiring early reassessment especially in case of ambulatory procedure. Rare complications must be known, some of which must lead to expert management. CONCLUSION: Complications of surgical treatment of EG should be identified and managed. This report should allow a better understanding and management of these complications.

[Complications in urological surgery. The urologist as a player in risk management]. / Les complications en chirurgie urologique. L'urologue acteur de la gestion des risques.

The first part of this article deals with accreditation of the quality of the professional practice of urologists and medical teams working in public or private health care institutions. This is a voluntary national risk management process based on the reporting and analysis of medical risk events and the development and implementation of recommendations. The fundamental objective of the system is to reduce the frequency and severity of adverse events associated with care for the patient. The second part aims to describe the mechanisms and management of surgical complications. The perception of complications by the urologist is discussed, as it may be distorted by cognitive biases leading to inappropriate actions. Two important points were also emphasized: communication with the patient following an injury, therapeutic hazard or complication following an error, and proper maintenance of the medical record. A joint effort to cultivate a culture of safety and quality in urological surgical practice should be encouraged. Collective actions by urologists in the future should help to maintain a proactive attitude: - generalization of quality accreditation of urologic physicians' professional practice; - national registry: which has demonstrated its advantages in the world of aeronautics; - creation of a specific module "Management of complications in urology" in teaching (ECU) and continuing education (SUC, website); - creation of an AFU "Complications" Committee; - management of social networks.

Pulsed lasers and endocorporeal laser lithotripsy.

Endocorporeal laser lithotripsy (ELL) is currently the gold standard for the treatment of renal stones during retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS). The newly-authorised thulium fibre laser (Tm-Fibre) in now evaluated as a holmium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser alternative, which is the most well-known laser source for ELL. This update aimed to present the fundamentals of pulsed lasers for EEL [technology, period, pulse characteristic (rate, duration, energy, shape), peak power, average power], and the available lithotripsy modes for both Tm-Fibre and Ho:YAG lasers.

[Cost analysis of GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate versus standard transurethral resection of the prostate: Benefit of ambulatory care]. / Analyse des coûts de la photovaporisation prostatique au laser Greenlight versus résection transurétrale de la prostate : intérêt de la prise en charge ambulatoire.

PURPOSE: To compare the costs associated with GreenLight XPS 180W photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) for an outpatient versus standard transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with a three nights hospitalization in a French private hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cost minimization analysis was performed between 2017 and 2019 in a French private hospital for the hospital stays associated with TURP and PVP procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The peri-operative cost-benefit assessment of the two procedures was analyzed from the establishment's point of view according to the micro-costing method. RESULTS: 871 surgical treatment for BPH had been performed during the period of the study, including 743 photoselective laser vaporization (85%). The average length of stay of patients undergoing TURP was 3,7 days versus 0,9 days for PVP including 64,7% ambulatory. The cost-benefit was more of 500€ per patient in favor of ambulatory PVP compared with TURP in conventional three nights hospitalization for level 1 hospital stays. CONCLUSION: In this private hospital center, ambulatory PVP seemed more cost-effective than TURP with a three nights hospitalization for a severity level 1 patient. The financial profit for the establishment was mostly due to reduction of the main length of stay and ambulatory care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[Surgical and interventional management of benign prostatic obstruction: Guidelines from the Committee for Male Voiding Disorders of the French Urology Association]. / Traitement chirurgical et interventionnel de l'obstruction sous-vésicale liée à une hyperplasie bénigne de prostate : revue systématique de la littérature et recommandations de bonne pratique clinique du Comité des Troubles Mictionnels de l'Homme.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Committee (CTMH) of the French Urology Association was to propose an update of the guidelines for surgical and interventional management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). METHODS: All available data published on PubMed® between 2018 and 2020 were systematically searched and reviewed. All papers assessing surgical and interventional management of adult patients with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) were included for analysis. After studies critical analysis, conclusions with level of evidence and French guidelines were elaborated in order to answer the predefined clinical questions. RESULTS/GUIDELINES: Offer a trans-uretral incision of the prostate to treat patients with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with a prostate volume<30cm3, without a middle lobe. TUIP increases the chances of preserving ejaculation. Propose mono- or bipolar trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to treat patients with moderate to severe LUTS with a prostate volume between 30 and 80cm3. Vaporization by Greenlight™ or by bipolar energy can be offered as an alternative to TURP. Offer a Greenlight™ laser vaporization to patients at risk of bleeding. Offer endoscopic prostate enucleation to surgically treat patients with moderate to severe LUTS as an alternative to TURP and open prostatectomy (OP). Minimally invasive prostatectomy is an alternative to OP in centers without access to adequate endoscopic procedures. Embolization of the prostatic arteries may be offered in the event of a contraindication or refusal of surgery for prostates with a volume>80cm3. Prostatic uretral lift is an alternative in patients interested in preserving their ejaculatory function and with a prostate volume<70cm3 without a middle lobe. Aquablation and Rezum™ are under evaluation and should be offered in research protocols. CONCLUSION: Major changes in surgical management of BPO have occurred and aim at reducing morbidity and improving quality of life of patients.

[An update on the most recent mini-invasive surgical and interventional techniques in the management of benign prostatic obstruction]. / Mise au point sur les nouvelles techniques chirurgicales et interventionnelles dans la prise en charge de l'obstruction sous-vésicale liée à l'hyperplasie bénigne de la prostate.

INTRODUCTION: New surgical techniques for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) have emerged in recent years. We sought to give an overview on each of these technologies. MATERIAL: A comprehensive review of the literature between 2013 and 2020 was carried out by a panel of national experts already practicing these interventions. All the data were then discussed among all the co-authors in order to obtain a consensus with regard to the selected articles and their analysis. Finally, an inventory was drawn to provide an overview of these technological advances and their availability in France. RESULTS: The treatment benign prostatic obstruction has diversified greatly over the past 5 years. 5 new technologies have emerged, allowing today a transurethral non-ablative treatment (UROLIFT®, ITIND®), a transurethral ablative treatment (REZUM®), a transurethral ablative treatment with robotic assistance (AQUABEAM®) or an endovascular management by embolization of the prostatic arteries. Only UROLIFT® is considered an established technology in the latest EAU-Guidelines. The other four are under evaluation and recommendations have only been issued for two of them, AQUABEAM® and the embolization of the prostatic arteries. CONCLUSION: These new minimally invasive techniques aim to increase the therapeutic options for the management of BPO in order to offer a management more suited to the wishes of the patient. Some are positioned as an alternative to surgical or medical treatment, others between medical and surgical treatment. These technologies are not all at the same level of development, evaluation and level of proof, but have in common a limited distribution in France, in particular given their cost. Validated studies will allow them to position their subsequent use more precisely.

[Causes and predictive factors of prolonged length of hospital stay after flexible ureteroscopy: Experience of a large volume institution]. / Causes et facteurs prédictifs d'une hospitalisation postopératoire prolongée après urétéroscopie souple : expérience d'un centre hospitalo-universitaire.

PURPOSE: To identify the causes of prolonged length of hospital stay (LOHS) of patients treated with flexible ureteroscopy (fURS). The secondary endpoint was to identify the predictors of complications. METHODS: A retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted between January 2011 and December 2015. All consecutive patients treated with a planned fURS, regardless of the indication, AND stayed hospitalized for at least one additional day compared to the traditional postoperative LOHS of our center (=1 day) were included. A multivariate analysis was performed to investigate predictive factors of prolonged LOHS. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-two patients were included in the final analysis. The median duration of LOHS was two days [2-18]. Forty-seven percent of patients were discharged beyond day 1 and had no complication. Among them, 56% stayed for simple surveillance decided by the surgeon without any specific treatment introduced and 52% stayed for continuation of intravenous preoperative antibiotics. Of the remaining 144 patients who had a complication, 85.4% (123/144) had a minor complication (Clavien 1 or 2). In multivariate analysis, predictive factors of prolonged LOHS (discharge after day 1) were neurological comorbidities (paraplegia, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis) with an odds ratio of 4.39 [1.7; 11.4]. CONCLUSIONS: The causes of prolonged LOHS were mainly related to comorbidities. A number of patients stayed hospitalized without complications. The identification of predictive factors of complications and prolonged LOHS may allow better selection of patients eligible for outpatient surgery and select those for whom inpatient surgery is still recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Sexual dysfunction after elective laparoscopic or endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in men.

INTRODUCTION: Infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair can lead to ejaculation and erection troubles in men. There are few studies on sexual dysfunction after endovascular repair (EVAR) but they suggest less retrograde ejaculation than after open repair. We assessed the sexual dysfunction and ejaculation troubles after elective laparoscopic repair or EVAR. METHODS: We conducted a monocentric prospective study on 124 patients undergoing AAA repair between 2013 and 2015. Sexual function was evaluated using the IIEF-15 questionnaire and questions on ejaculation. RESULTS: Only 45 patients (36.3%) accepted to complete the IIEF preoperatively with 20-37.8% having preoperative sexual dysfunction. Among them, 21 (46.7%) accepted to complete the questionnaire at 3, 6 and 12 months. Mean age at inclusion was 65±5.6 years in the laparoscopic group and 77±10.5 years in the EVAR group (P=0.003). Erectile and sexual function were slightly improved at 12 months in the laparoscopic group (+1.4 for erectile score and +4.6 for IIEF score) with no significant difference (P=0.83 and 0.74) whereas 8 patients (61.5%) had persistent ejaculation troubles at 3 months. In the EVAR group, patients had moderate sexual dysfunction at baseline without improvement at 12 months, but only one patient reported ejaculation troubles. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients eligible for AAA repair present with baseline erectile and sexual dysfunction. Laparoscopic AAA repair provides no onset of erectile or sexual dysfunction but a global improvement after surgery. Ejaculation troubles are frequent and persistent at 1 year. However, EVAR treatment, doesn't allow recovering of sexual function at 1 year. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Voiding urethrocystoscopy: A new concept for benign prostatic obstruction characterization.

AIM: To assess the feasibility of voiding urethrocystoscopy (VUC) in males and describe the characteristics of dynamic movements of the prostatic lobes during micturition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients scheduled for benign prostatic obstruction relief in a tertiary reference center were included in this prospective evaluation. During urethrocystoscopy with a small diameter flexible endoscope, the bladder was filled until desire to void. The patient was asked to void with endoscope in place facing the veru montanum. Movements of the prostatic lobes during micturition were characterized, video-recorded, and categorized based on the dynamics of the lateral lobes, the posterior lobe and the bladder neck. RESULTS: In all, 192 evaluations were conducted. In 161 cases (84%), the patient was able to void. Among these patients, 126 cases were stated as "closed" (coalescent), without opening of the initial part of the urethra and the bladder neck. In 38 cases, there was no opening of the lateral lobes (type 1A), and in 47 cases a partial opening of the distal parts of the lateral lobes was seen (type 1B). In 31 cases, a fixed posterior bladder neck was seen (type 2A) and in 10 cases a mobile median lobe, with a rolling ball effect, was seen (type 2B). In 25 cases, the lumen was completely open and equivocal in 10 cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of VUC and describes for the first time the dynamics of prostatic lobes during micturition. This evaluation may lead to a new approach for understanding the mechanical aspects of benign prostatic obstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Impact of laser fiber tip cleavage on power output for ureteroscopy and stone treatment.

PURPOSE: Holmium:YAG laser is the most used laser for urolithiasis. Generally, we use metallic scissors to cut the fiber tip to restore its effectiveness. Many cleaving methods have been described to avoid fiber damage and to restore its greatest power to the fiber. There is a lack of information regarding which cleaving method should be used and its effect on the fiber. In order to compare these effects, we studied different cleavage methods in terms of power output and its effects on the fiber. METHODS: New single-use 272-µm fibers were used with a holmium:YAG laser lithotripter. Five kinds of fiber tips were compared: a new intact fiber, cleaved with ceramic scissors, cleaved with metallic scissors, first cleaved then stripped and first stripped then cleaved. The fibers were used against synthetic stones (BegoStone®) similar to calcium oxalate monohydrate, with fragmentation (SP, 5 Hz, 1.5 J) and dusting (LP, 15 Hz, 0.5 J) settings. We measured power output at 0, 1, 5, 10 and 15 min. RESULTS: For fragmentation parameters, there was a statistical difference between the 5 groups at 0 and 1 min of laser use (p < 0.05) and none for time period over 1 min (p = 0.077-0.658). For dusting parameters, there was a statistical difference between the 5 groups at 0 min of laser use (p < 0.05) and none for time period over 0 min (p = 0.064-1). CONCLUSION: Cleaving the fiber tip may restore its effectiveness to the fiber, but only for a limited time, although it may preserve the scopes from damage.