Off-clamp vs on-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare intra- and postoperative outcomes between off-clamp and on-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), using data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or covariate-matched studies (propensity score-matched or matched-pair analysis). METHODS: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant literature review was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and CENTRAL for relevant studies comparing off-clamp to on-clamp RAPN. Primary outcomes were estimated blood loss, postoperative percentage decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and margin positive rate. Secondary outcomes were operative time, postoperative eGFR, length of stay, all postoperative complications, major complications, and need for transfusion. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to generate mean differences (MDs) or odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: A total of 10 studies (2307 patients) were shortlisted for analysis. There was no significant difference in estimated operative blood loss between off-clamp and on-clamp RAPN (MD 21.9 mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.9 to 44.7 mL; P = 0.06, I2 = 58%). Off-clamp RAPN yielded a smaller postoperative eGFR deterioration (MD 3.10%, 95% CI 1.05-5.16%; P = 0.008, I2 = 13%) and lower odds of margin positivity (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.40-0.94; P = 0.03, I2 = 0%). No significant differences were found for all secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Off-clamp and on-clamp RAPN are similarly effective approaches for selected renal masses. Within the classic trifecta of PN outcomes, off-clamp RAPN yields similar rates of perioperative complications and may possibly offer better preservation of renal function and reduced margin-positive rates.

Incidence of complications and urinary incontinence following endoscopic enucleation of the prostate in men with a prostate volume of 80 ml and above: results from a multicenter, real-world experience of 2512 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate complications and urinary incontinence (UI) after endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) stratified by prostate volume (PV). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent EEP with different energy sources in 14 centers (January 2019-January 2023). INCLUSION CRITERIA: prostate volume ≥ 80 ml. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: prostate cancer, previous prostate/urethral surgery, pelvic radiotherapy. PRIMARY OUTCOME: complication rate. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: incidence of and factors affecting postoperative UI. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1: PV = 80-100 ml; Group 2 PV = 101-200 ml; Group 3 PV > 200 ml. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate independent predictors of overall incontinence. RESULTS: There were 486 patients in Group 1, 1830 in Group 2, and 196 in Group 3. The most commonly used energy was high-power Holmium laser followed by Thulium fiber laser in all groups. Enucleation, morcellation, and total surgical time were significantly longer in Group 2. There was no significant difference in overall 30-day complications and readmission rates. Incontinence incidence was similar (12.1% in Group 1 vs. 13.2% in Group 2 vs. 11.7% in Group 3, p = 0.72). The rate of stress and mixed incontinence was higher in Group 1. Multivariable regression analysis showed that age (OR 1.019 95% CI 1.003-1.035) was the only factor significantly associated with higher odds of incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: PV has no influence on complication and UI rates following EEP. Age is risk factor of postoperative UI.

De Novo Urological Malignancies After Renal Transplantation: An Asian 30-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: As the incidence of urological malignancies after renal transplantation (RT) is observed to be greater than in the general population, a better understanding of them is important. We present our experience with urological tumors in RT recipients at our transplant center, and analyze their incidence, management and outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 2177 RT recipients on follow-up at our center between 1990 and 2022 was conducted for de novo genitourinary malignancy. Patients diagnosed with malignancy before transplantation were excluded. Clinicopathological data at diagnosis and follow-up were collected and analyzed. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to evaluate overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS v.24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: The overall incidence of Urological malignancies was 3.9%, with 89 cancers diagnosed in 85 patients. Renal cell carcinoma was most common (n = 61, 68.5%), followed by prostate cancer (n = 10, 11.2%), urothelial carcinoma (n = 10, 11.2%), squamous cell carcinoma of the penis/scrotum (n = 7, 7.9%), and testicular cancer (n = 1, 1.1%). Mean duration between transplantation and diagnosis of malignancy was 9.9 (0.4-20.7) years. At a median follow-up of 4.6 (018.2) years, 27 deaths were seen; 7(25.9%) were due to urological malignancy. CSS rates were 86% and 78% at five and ten years, respectively, after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: We present one of the largest series of de novo urological malignancies observed over an extended 30-year follow-up of RT recipients, demonstrating an elevated risk in line with other studies. Regular surveillance for malignancies is advised, in order to ensure early diagnosis and management.

Functional and safety outcomes after benign prostatic enlargement surgeries in men with detrusor underactivity compared with normal detrusor contractility: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Men with detrusor underactivity (DUA) and concomitant bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) may present poorer functional outcomes after surgical desobstruction. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BPE surgery in men with DUA compared with those with normal detrusor contractility (NC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review was performed according to the 2020 PRISMA framework. A comprehensive literature search was performed until May 7, 2023, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database. No date limits were imposed. Only comparative studies were accepted. The primary endpoint was to assess if there was any difference in short- and long-term functional outcomes after BPE surgery in men with DUA and NC. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the differences in perioperative outcomes and postoperative complications between the two groups. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan) software. RESULTS: There were 5 prospective nonrandomized studies and 12 retrospective studies, including 1701 DUA and 1993 NC patients. Regarding surgical procedures, there were eight TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) studies, four GreenLight PVP (photoselective vaporization of the prostate) studies, two HoLEP (Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate) studies, one GreenLight PVP/HoLEP study, one Holmium laser incision of the prostate study, and one study did not report the type of surgery. We did not find a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of perioperative outcomes, including postoperative catheterization time, hospitalization time, urinary retention, need to recatheterization, transfusion rate, or urinary tract infections. Also, we found no significant differences in long-term complications, such as bladder neck stenosis or urethral stenosis. Posttreatment bladder recatheterization and retreatment rate for BPE regrowth could not be evaluated properly, because only one study reported these findings. When we analyzed functional outcomes at 3 months, those with NC had lower International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS), lower quality-of-life (QoL) score, better maximum flow rate (Qmax), and lower post-voiding residual (PVR) of urine. These results were maintained at 6 months postoperatively, with exception of PVR that showed no difference. However, at 12 and more than 12 months the functional outcomes became similar regarding IPSS and QoL. There were few data about Qmax and PVR at longer follow-up. CONCLUSION: In this meta-analysis, data suggest that BOO surgical treatment in patients with concomitant BPE and DUA appears to be safe. Despite patients with DUA may present worse functional outcomes in the short postoperative term compared with the NC population, IPSS and QoL scores become comparable again after a longer follow-up period after surgery.

Comparison Between Holmium:YAG Laser with MOSES Technology vs Thulium Fiber Laser Lithotripsy in Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for Kidney Stones in Adults: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis From the FLEXible Ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry.

PURPOSE: We evaluated stone-free rate and complications after flexible ureteroscopy for renal stones, comparing thulium fiber laser and holmium:YAG laser with MOSES technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from adults who underwent flexible ureteroscopy in 20 centers worldwide were retrospectively reviewed (January 2018-August 2021). Patients with ureteral stones, concomitant bilateral procedures, and combined procedures were excluded. One-to-one propensity score matching for age, gender, and stone characteristics was performed. Stone-free rate was defined as absence of fragments >2 mm on imaging within 3 months after surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate independent predictors of being stone-free. RESULTS: Of 2,075 included patients, holmium:YAG laser with MOSES technology was used in 508 patients and thulium fiber laser in 1,567 patients. After matching, 284 patients from each group with comparable baseline characteristics were included. Pure dusting was applied in 6.0% of cases in holmium:YAG laser with MOSES technology compared with 26% in thulium fiber laser. There was a higher rate of basket extraction in holmium:YAG laser with MOSES technology (89% vs 43%, P < .001). Total operation time and lasing time were similar. Nine patients had sepsis in thulium fiber laser vs none in holmium:YAG laser with MOSES technology (P = .007). Higher stone-free rate was achieved in thulium fiber laser (85% vs 56%, P < .001). At multivariable analysis, the use of thulium fiber laser and ureteral access sheath ≥8F had significantly higher odds of being stone-free. Lasing time, multiple stones, stone diameter, and use of disposable scopes showed significantly lower odds of being stone-free. CONCLUSIONS: This real-world study favors the use of thulium fiber laser over holmium:YAG laser with MOSES technology in flexible ureteroscopy for renal stones by way of its higher single-stage stone-free rate.

Safety and effectiveness of magnetic ureteric stent removal under ultrasound control: a randomized single center trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and effectiveness of magnetic ureteric stent removal with a special magnet retriever under ultrasound guidance. METHODS: A total of 60 male patients, who underwent ureteroscopy from October 2020 to March 2022, were prospectively enrolled and randomized into two groups. Group A patients underwent conventional double-J (DJ) stent insertion and subsequent stent removal via flexible cystoscopy. Group B patients underwent stent insertion using magnetic ureteric stent [Blackstar, Urotech (Achenmühle, Germany)] and stents were removed using a special magnet retriever under ultrasound guidance. Stents were left in situ for 30 days in both groups. All patients had follow-ups with a ureter stent symptoms questionnaire at 3- and 30-days post stent insertion. Visual analog scale (VAS) was assessed immediately after stent removal. RESULTS: Stent removal time (142.5 s vs 142.5 s, group A vs group B, p < 0.0001) and VAS scores (4 vs 1, group A vs group B, p = 0.0008) were significantly lower in Group B. There were no statistically significant differences between both groups in the "urinary symptoms" (p = 0.3471) and "sexual matters" (p = 0.6126) in the USSQ domains. There was marginal statistical significance favoring Group A in the "body pain" (p = 0.0303), "general health score" (p = 0.0072), "additional problems" (p = 0.0142), and "work performance" (p < 0.0001) domains. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic ureteric stent can be considered as a safe and efficient alternative to conventional DJ stent. This approach avoids the need for cystoscopy, saving resources while minimizing patient discomfort.

PCNL vs RIRS in management of stones in calyceal diverticulum: outcomes from a global multicentre match paired study that reflects real world practice.

INTRODUCTION: Calyceal diverticulum (CD) is the outpouching of a calyx into the renal parenchyma, connected by an infundibulum. Often associated with recurrent stones, common surgical options include percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) or retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). We aim to present the real-world practises and outcomes comparing both approaches and the technical choices made. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective data including 313 patients from 11 countries were evaluated. One hundred and twenty-seven underwent mini-PCNL and one hundred and eighty-six underwent RIRS. Patient demographics, perioperative parameters, and outcomes were analysed using either T test or Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical data between groups were analysed using the Chi-squared test. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed matching for baseline characteristics. Subgroup analyses for anomalous/malrotated kidneys and difficult diverticulum access were performed. RESULTS: After PSM, 123 patients in each arm were included, with similar outcomes for stone-free rate (SFR) and complications (p < 0.001). Hospitalisation was significantly longer in PCNL. Re-intervention rate for residual fragments (any fragment > 4 mm) was similar. RIRS was the preferred re-intervention for both groups. Intraoperative bleeding was significantly higher in PCNL (p < 0.032) but none required transfusion. Two patients with malrotated anatomy in RIRS group required transfusion. Lower pole presented most difficult access for both groups, and SFR was significantly higher in difficult CD accessed by RIRS (p < 0.031). Laser infundibulotomy was preferred for improving diverticular access in both. Fulguration post-intervention was not practised. CONCLUSION: The crux lies in identification of the opening and safe access. Urologists may consider a step-up personalised approach with a view of endoscopic combined approach where required.

Single versus multiple renal arteries in living donor kidney transplantation: A systematic review and patient-level meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Grafts with multiple renal arteries (MRAs) were historically considered a relative contraindication to transplantation due to the higher risk of vascular and urologic complications. This study aimed to evaluate graft and patient survival between single renal artery (SRA) and MRA living-donor kidney transplants. METHODS: An electronic literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus for prospective or retrospective studies comparing SRA versus MRA in living donor renal transplantation, with the provision of Kaplan-Meier curves for recipient overall survival (OS) or graft survival (GS). A graphical reconstructive algorithm was used to obtain OS and GS of individual patients, which was then pooled under random-effects individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis using Cox-models to determine hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Meta-regression of baseline covariates versus HRs of OS and GS was performed for variables reported in 10 or more studies. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were retrieved, of which 13 (8400 patients) reported OS and 9 (6912 patients) reported GS. There were no significant differences in OS (shared-frailty HR = .94, 95%CI = .85-1.03, p = .172) or GS (shared-frailty HR = .95, 95%CI = .83-1.08, p = .419) between SRA and MRA. This comparison remained non-significant even when restricted to open- or laparoscopic-only studies. Meta-regression yielded no significant associations of GS with donor age, recipient age, and percentage of double renal arteries within the MRA arm. CONCLUSIONS: The similar rates of GS and OS between MRA and SRA grafts suggest that there is no need for discrimination between the two when evaluating donors for nephrectomy.

Urethral stricture following endoscopic prostate surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective, randomized trials.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to evaluate the incidence and influencing factors of urethral stricture (US) in relation to different BPH endoscopic techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Controlled Register of Trials. The incidence of US was estimated through comparative studies between different endoscopic techniques. Patients were assigned into groups according to the type of surgery (enucleation, ablation and resection group). Incidences of US were pooled using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel Method with the random effect model and reported as Risk Ratio (RR), 95% Confidence Intervals (CI), and p-values. RESULTS: A total of 80 studies were included for meta-analysis. The pooled incidence of US was 1.7% after enucleation, 2.1% after ablation, 3.8% after monopolar (M)-TURP and 2.1% after bipolar (B)-TURP. The incidence of US was significantly lower after Enucleation than after TURP (RR 0.58 95% CI 0.39-0.84, p = 0.004). US incidence was lower for Ablation procedures than TURP, but the difference did not reach significance (RR 0.79 95% CI 0.61-1.3, p = 0.08). However, this was significant in the subgroup of M-TURP studies (RR 0.67, 95% CI, 0.49-0.91, p = 0.01). Sub-analysis showed that the risk of US was significantly lower after Enucleation than after TURP within 12 months after surgery (RR 0.51 95% CI 0.33-0.81, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The study shows an increased incidence of US after TURP compared to enucleation and ablation procedures. The main factors related to increased US incidence are the use of monopolar energy, instrument caliber and duration of postoperative catheterization.

Outcomes and lessons learnt from practice of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in a paediatric setting of various age groups: a global study across 8 centres.

PURPOSE: To analyse and report the practice, outcomes and lessons learnt from a global series of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in a paediatric multicentre series. METHODS: A retrospective review of anonymized pooled data gathered globally from 8 centres in paediatric patients (≤ 18 years of age) who had renal stones and underwent RIRS from 2015 to 2020 was performed. Patient demographics, perioperative parameters, stone characteristics, complications and stone-free rate (SFR; defined as endoscopically stone free and/or residual fragments < 2 mm on follow up imaging) were analysed. The cohort was stratified into 3 groups by age: < 5 years (Group A), 5-10 years (Group B) and > 10 years (Group C). Overall, post-operative complication rate was 13.7%. Chi-square comparisons were used for categorical variables; analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for continuous variables. RESULTS: 314 patients were analysed. The mean age was 9.54 ± 4.76 years. Groups A, B and C had 67 (21.3%), 83 (26.4%) and 164 (52.2%) patients, respectively. Mean stone size was 10.7 ± 4.62 mm. Pre-stenting was performed in 155 (49.4%) of patients, ureteral access sheaths (UAS) was used in 54.5% of patients with majority (71%) utilizing holmium laser for stone fragmentation. All complications were minor (Clavien-Dindo grade 1 and 2). SFR was 75.5%. CONCLUSIONS: RIRS is acceptable as a first-line intervention in the paediatric population with reasonable efficacy and low morbidity. Complications are slightly higher in patients < 5 years of age, which should be taken into account while counselling patients.

Rezum to the rescue: Early outcomes of Rezum on patients with recurrent lower urinary tract symptoms after surgical interventions for benign prostatic enlargement.

We aim to report the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing Rezum as a re-treatment intervention for recurrent lower urinary tract symptoms after prior surgical treatment for benign prostate enlargement. Data from two institutions for baseline International Prostatic Symptom Score with Quality of life item, prostate size, and maximum flow-rate was acquired. Patients were assessed 3-month post-treatment. Outcomes were compared with unpaired t-tests and Fisher's exact tests. Nineteen patients were included. Prior surgical interventions included transurethral resection of the prostate (31.6%, n = 6), Urolift (26.3%, n = 5), transurethral bladder neck incision (15.8%, n = 3), prostate artery embolization (10.5%, n = 2), transurethral needle ablation, greenlight photovaporization of prostate and Rezum (5.3%, n = 1 each). Median age was 69.0 years (IQR 14; range 59-87 years) with a median prostate volume of 65.0 ml (IQR 63; range 22-160 ml). The median time to Rezum treatment was 48 months (IQR 78; range 9-240 months). 63.1% (n = 12) were re-started on benign prostatic enlargement medication and 36.8% (n = 7) had recurrent bothersome symptoms before re-treatment with Rezum. At 3-month follow up, median International Prostatic Symptom Score decreased from 23 to 9 (p < 0.001) and Quality of life from 4 to 2 (p < 0.001). Median maximum flow-rate improved after treatment from 8.6 to 14.8 ml/s (p < 0.001). None of the patients were required to restart medication for benign prostate enlargement.

Nephrostomy tube versus double J ureteral stent in patients with malignant ureteric obstruction. A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

PURPOSE: We aimed to perform a systematic review to assess perioperative outcomes, complications, and survival in studies comparing ureteral stent and percutaneous nephrostomy in malignant ureteral obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework. Meta-analyses were performed on procedural data; outcomes; complications (device-related, accidental dislodgement, febrile episodes, unplanned device replacement), dislodgment, and overall survival. Continuous variables were pooled using the inverse variance of the mean difference (MD) with a fixed effect, and 95% confidence interval (CI). The incidences of complications were pooled using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel method with the random effect model and reported as Odds Ratio (OR), and 95% CI. Statistical significance was set two-tail p-value < 0.05 Results: Ten studies were included. Procedure time (MD -10.26 minutes 95%CI -12.40-8.02, p< 0.00001), hospital stay (MD -1.30 days 95%CI -1.69 - -0.92, p< 0.0001), number of accidental tube dislodgments (OR 0.25 95% CI 0.13 - 0.48, p< 0.0001) were significantly lower in the stent group. No difference was found in mean fluoroscopy time, decrease in creatinine level post procedure, overall number of complications, interval time between the change of tubes, number of febrile episodes after diversion, unplanned device substitution, and overall survival. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis favors stents as the preferred choice as these are easier to maintain and ureteral stent placement should be recommended whenever feasible. If the malignant obstruction precludes a stent placement, then PCN is a safe alternative.

Graft retrieval incisions in minimally invasive donor nephrectomy: Systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Various incisions are employed for graft extraction during minimally invasive donor nephrectomy, but an overarching synthesis of associated short-term donor outcomes is lacking. METHODS: An electronic literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus for studies comparing ≥2 graft extraction incisions in laparoscopic or robotic donor nephrectomy with ≥10 patients per arm. Eligible study designs included randomized trials, case-control, and cohort studies. Primary outcomes were donor length of stay (LOS); in-hospital analgesic requirement; and postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes were warm ischemia time (WIT), total operation time (TOT), and estimated blood loss (EBL). Random-effects Frequentist network meta-analyses were conducted for all outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies (4702 patients) were shortlisted. Six incisions were analyzed: iliac, Pfannenstiel, midline hand-assisted laparoscopic (HAL), midline umbilical, flank and transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). The flank incision had significantly longer LOS than all other incisions. LOS was significantly longer in Pfannenstiel than iliac incision (mean difference [MD] = 0.29, 95%CI = 0.002-0.58 days). Midline HAL had significantly shorter TOT than most other incisions. Midline umbilical incisions had significantly higher WIT than midline HAL and Pfannenstiel incisions. Midline HAL had shorter WIT than transvaginal NOTES (MD = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.05-1.56 min). No major differences were seen in analgesia requirement, postoperative complications and EBL. CONCLUSION: Six different incisions for graft retrieval are broadly comparable across most short-term outcomes although long-term outcomes remain to be elucidated. Iliac and Pfannenstiel incisions yielded similar outcomes besides marginally lower LOS for the former. Midline incision for HAL may be associated with shorter TOT, and transvaginal NOTES is an effective technique for selected female donors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023445407.

Radiomics in Kidney Transplantation: A Scoping Review of Current Applications, Limitations, and Future Directions.

Radiomics is increasingly applied to the diagnosis, management, and outcome prediction of various urological conditions. The purpose of this scoping review is to evaluate the current evidence of the application of radiomics in kidney transplantation, especially its utility in diagnostics and therapeutics. An electronic literature search on radiomics in the setting of transplantation was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus from inception to September 23, 2022. A total of 16 studies were included. The most widely studied clinical utility of radiomics in kidney transplantation is its use as an adjunct to diagnose rejection, potentially reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies or guiding decisions for earlier biopsies to optimize graft survival. Technology such as optical coherence tomography is a noninvasive procedure to build high-resolution optical cross-section images of the kidney cortex in situ and in real time, which can provide histopathological information of donor kidney candidates for transplantation, and to predict posttransplant function. This review shows that, although radiomics in kidney transplants is still in its infancy, it has the potential for large-scale implementation. Its greatest potential lies in the correlation with conventional established diagnostic evaluation for living donors and potential in predicting and detecting rejection postoperatively.

Scoping Review of Experimental and Clinical Evidence and Its Influence on Development of the Suction Ureteral Access Sheath.

The ureteral access sheath (UAS) has been a boon and a bane in flexible ureteroscopy (FURS), with its merits and demerits well established. Its design and dimensions were instrumental in reshaping the way flexible scopes were used and were key adjuncts to establishing retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) as a standard of care in the endourological management of renal stones. With the ever-changing landscape of RIRS over the decades shaped by technological advancements in lasers and flexible scopes, the UAS has also continuously evolved. The utility of suction in endourology has recently changed the way RIRS is performed and is a game changer for FURS outcomes. With strong clinical and experimental evidence to support its use, the UAS has undergone a transformative change in the recent past, with its ability to monitor intrarenal pressure and provide a superior vacuum-cleaner effect that improves the trifecta of RIRS, namely an improved single-stage stone-free rate (SFR), minimise complications, and reduce reinterventions. Our comprehensive review outlines the key clinical and experimental evidence and traces the developments that were key to modifying the traditional UAS into a flexible and navigable suction ureteric access sheath (FANS) and highlights how the design and modifications, in turn, influence the ability to push the boundaries of RIRS.

Outcomes of a non-randomised audit of single pigtail suture stents in urolithiasis management of Asian patients in Singapore.

Objective: Double-J (DJ) ureteric stents are commonly placed perioperatively for semirigid or flexible ureteroscopic renal surgery. It is believed that lesser stent material within the bladder mitigates stent-related symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the J-Fil ureteral stent, a single pigtail suture stent compared with conventional DJ stent in relation to stent symptoms in an Asian population undergoing ureterorenal intervention. Methods: Based on internal audit committee recommendation approval, the records of 50 patients retrieved, available data of 41 patients who were prospectively enrolled into two groups (Group 1 [J-Fil stent group], n=21 and Group 2 [DJ stent group], n=20) between August 2020 to January 2021, were analysed. Parameters compared were nature of procedure, stone location and size, ease of deployment or removal, and complications. A modified universal stent symptom questionnaire was used to assess morbidity of stent symptoms within 48 h of insertion and at removal. Results: Both groups had similar median age, distribution in male to female ratio, and stone size. The overall median universal stent symptom questionnaire score at insertion was similar for bladder pain, flank or loin pain, and quality of life between Group 1 and 2; however, at removal Group 1 fared significantly better than Group 2, especially for flank or loin pain and pain at voiding. Both groups had similar ease in insertion with no hospital readmissions. Conclusion: Our audit favoured the single pigtail suture stent in Asian ureters in mitigating stent-related issues. It showed a good safety profile with easy deployment and removal. It promises a new standard in stenting.

Outcomes and considerations for retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in the setting of multiple and large renal stones (>15 mm) in children: Findings from multicentre and real-world setting.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of retrograde intra renal surgery (RIRS) in the setting of large or multiple stones in children (<18 years). Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed of paediatric RIRS cases at nine centres worldwide over a 6-year period. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 had a single stone <15 mm. Group 2 had either multiple stones, maximum stone diameter of >15 mm, or both. Outcomes included stone free rate (SFR) and complications within 30 days. Results: In total, 344 patients were included with 197 and 147 in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Ureteric access sheaths were more frequently used in Group 2 (39.5% vs. 56.8%, p = 0.021). The operation time was significantly longer in Group 2 (p < 0.001). SFR after a single procedure was 84.7% in Group 1 and 63.7% in Group 2. Overall complication rates in Groups 1 and 2 were 7.6% and 33.3%, respectively. The most frequently reported complication in both groups was post-operative fever (4.4% vs. 14%, p = 0.004). The rate of Clavien I/II complications in groups 1 and 2 was 6% and 25.1%, respectively (p < 0.05). The rate of Clavien ≥ III complications in groups 1 and 2 was 1.6% and 8.1%, respectively (p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, total operation time, stone size and multiplicity were significant predictors of residual fragments. Conclusions: RIRS can be performed in paediatric cases with large and multiple stone burdens, but the complication rate is significantly higher when compared to smaller stones.

The Utility and Safety of Ureteral Access Sheath During Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery in Children.

OBJECTIVE: To compare retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) with and without ureteral access sheath (UAS) in different pediatric age groups. METHODS: The data of RIRS for kidney stone in children were obtained from 9 institutions. Demographic characteristics of patients and stones, intraoperative and postoperative results were recorded. While analyzing the data, patients who underwent RIRS without UAS (group 1) (n = 195) and RIRS with UAS (group 2) (n = 194) were compared. RESULTS: Group 1 was found to be young, thin, and short (P <.001, P = .021, P <.001), but there was no gender difference and similar symptoms were present except hematuria, which was predominant in group 2 (10.6% vs 17.3%, P <.001). Group 1 had smaller stone diameter (9.91 ± 4.46 vs 11.59 ± 4.85 mm, P = .001), shorter operation time (P = .040), less stenting (35.7% vs 72.7%, P = .003). Re-intervention rates and stone-free rates (SFR) were similar between groups (P = .5 and P = .374). However, group 1 had significantly high re-RIRS (P = .009). SFR had a positive correlation with smaller stone size and thulium fiber laser usage compared to holmium fiber laser (HFL) (P <.001 and P = .020), but multivariate analysis revealed only large stone size as a risk factor for residual fragments (P = .001). CONCLUSION: RIRS can be performed safely in children with and without UAS. In children of smaller size or younger age (<5 years), limited use of UAS was observed. UAS may be of greater utility in stones larger than 1 cm, regardless of the age, and using smaller diameter UAS and ureteroscopes can decrease the complications.