Consultation on kidney stones, Copenhagen 2019: lithotripsy in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the balance between existing evidence and expert opinions on the safety and efficacy of new technological improvements in lithotripsy techniques for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: A scoping review approach was applied to search literature in Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science. Consensus by key opinion leaders was reached at a 2-day meeting entitled "Consultation on Kidney Stones: Aspects of Intracorporeal Lithotripsy" held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in September 2019. RESULTS: New-generation dual-mode single-probe lithotripsy devices have shown favourable results compared with use of ballistic or ultrasonic lithotripters only. However, ballistic and ultrasonic lithotripters are also highly effective and safe and have been the backbone of PCNL for many years. Compared with standard PCNL, it seems that mini PCNL is associated with fewer bleeding complications and shorter hospital admissions, but also with longer operating room (OR) time and higher intrarenal pressure. Use of laser lithotripsy combined with suction in mini PCNL is a promising alternative that may improve such PCNL by shortening OR times. Furthermore, supine PCNL is a good alternative, especially in cases with complex renal stones and large proximal ureteric stones; in addition, it facilitates endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS). CONCLUSION: Recent technological improvements in PCNL techniques are promising, but there is a lack of high-level evidence on safety and efficacy. Different techniques suit different types of stones and patients. The evolution of diverse methods has given urologists the possibility of a personalized stone approach, in other words, the right approach for the right patient.

Interim Results from the IMPACT Study: Evidence for Prostate-specific Antigen Screening in BRCA2 Mutation Carriers.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in BRCA2 cause a higher risk of early-onset aggressive prostate cancer (PrCa). The IMPACT study is evaluating targeted PrCa screening using prostate-specific-antigen (PSA) in men with germline BRCA1/2 mutations. OBJECTIVE: To report the utility of PSA screening, PrCa incidence, positive predictive value of PSA, biopsy, and tumour characteristics after 3 yr of screening, by BRCA status. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Men aged 40-69 yr with a germline pathogenic BRCA1/2 mutation and male controls testing negative for a familial BRCA1/2 mutation were recruited. Participants underwent PSA screening for 3 yr, and if PSA > 3.0 ng/ml, men were offered prostate biopsy. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: PSA levels, PrCa incidence, and tumour characteristics were evaluated. Statistical analyses included Poisson regression offset by person-year follow-up, chi-square tests for proportion t tests for means, and Kruskal-Wallis for medians. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 3027 patients (2932 unique individuals) were recruited (919 BRCA1 carriers, 709 BRCA1 noncarriers, 902 BRCA2 carriers, and 497 BRCA2 noncarriers). After 3 yr of screening, 527 men had PSA > 3.0 ng/ml, 357 biopsies were performed, and 112 PrCa cases were diagnosed (31 BRCA1 carriers, 19 BRCA1 noncarriers, 47 BRCA2 carriers, and 15 BRCA2 noncarriers). Higher compliance with biopsy was observed in BRCA2 carriers compared with noncarriers (73% vs 60%). Cancer incidence rate per 1000 person years was higher in BRCA2 carriers than in noncarriers (19.4 vs 12.0; p = 0.03); BRCA2 carriers were diagnosed at a younger age (61 vs 64 yr; p = 0.04) and were more likely to have clinically significant disease than BRCA2 noncarriers (77% vs 40%; p = 0.01). No differences in age or tumour characteristics were detected between BRCA1 carriers and BRCA1 noncarriers. The 4 kallikrein marker model discriminated better (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.73) for clinically significant cancer at biopsy than PSA alone (AUC = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: After 3 yr of screening, compared with noncarriers, BRCA2 mutation carriers were associated with a higher incidence of PrCa, younger age of diagnosis, and clinically significant tumours. Therefore, systematic PSA screening is indicated for men with a BRCA2 mutation. Further follow-up is required to assess the role of screening in BRCA1 mutation carriers. PATIENT SUMMARY: We demonstrate that after 3 yr of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, we detect more serious prostate cancers in men with BRCA2 mutations than in those without these mutations. We recommend that male BRCA2 carriers are offered systematic PSA screening.

Circulating miRNAs in localized/locally advanced prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Overtreatment is a well-known clinical challenge in local prostate cancer (PCa). Although risk assessment models have contributed to a better stratification of patients with local PCa, a tailored management is still in its infancy. Over the last few decades, microRNAs (miRNAs) have shown promising results as biomarkers in PCa. The aim of this study was to investigate circulating miRNAs after management of local PCa. METHODS: The relative expression of four miRNAs (miRNA-21, -93, -125b, and miRNA-221) was assessed in plasma from 149 newly diagnosed patients with local or locally advanced PCa. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for analysis. A baseline sample at time of diagnosis and a follow-up sample after 6 months were assessed. The patients were grouped in an interventional cohort (radical prostatectomy, curative intent radiotherapy, or androgen-deprivation therapy alone) and an observational cohort (watchful waiting or active surveillance). RESULTS: In the interventional cohort, levels of both miRNA-93 and miRNA-221 were significantly lower in the follow-up samples compared to baseline z = -2.738, P = 0.006, and z = -4.498, P < 0.001, respectively. The same observation was recorded for miRNA-125b in the observational cohort (z = -2.656, P = 0.008). Both miRNA-125b and miRNA-221 were correlated with risk assessment r = 0.23, P = 0.015, and r = 0.203, P = 0.016 respectively, while miRNA-93 showed tendency to significant correlation with the prostatectomy Gleason score (r = 0.276, P = 0.0576). CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicate a possible role of miRNA-93 and miRNA-221 in disease monitoring in localized and locally advanced PCa. Larger studies are warranted to assess the clinical impact of these biomarkers.

Prostate-specific antigen velocity in a prospective prostate cancer screening study of men with genetic predisposition.

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2017.429.

Prostate-specific antigen velocity in a prospective prostate cancer screening study of men with genetic predisposition.

BACKGROUND: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and PSA-velocity (PSAV) have been used to identify men at risk of prostate cancer (PrCa). The IMPACT study is evaluating PSA screening in men with a known genetic predisposition to PrCa due to BRCA1/2 mutations. This analysis evaluates the utility of PSA and PSAV for identifying PrCa and high-grade disease in this cohort. METHODS: PSAV was calculated using logistic regression to determine if PSA or PSAV predicted the result of prostate biopsy (PB) in men with elevated PSA values. Cox regression was used to determine whether PSA or PSAV predicted PSA elevation in men with low PSAs. Interaction terms were included in the models to determine whether BRCA status influenced the predictiveness of PSA or PSAV. RESULTS: 1634 participants had ⩾3 PSA readings of whom 174 underwent PB and 45 PrCas diagnosed. In men with PSA >3.0 ng ml-l, PSAV was not significantly associated with presence of cancer or high-grade disease. PSAV did not add to PSA for predicting time to an elevated PSA. When comparing BRCA1/2 carriers to non-carriers, we found a significant interaction between BRCA status and last PSA before biopsy (P=0.031) and BRCA2 status and PSAV (P=0.024). However, PSAV was not predictive of biopsy outcome in BRCA2 carriers. CONCLUSIONS: PSA is more strongly predictive of PrCa in BRCA carriers than non-carriers. We did not find evidence that PSAV aids decision-making for BRCA carriers over absolute PSA value alone.

The evaluation of radiologic methods for access guidance in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is the treatment of choice for larger and complex renal calculi. First step in performing PNL is to obtain access to the renal cavity using either fluoroscopy or ultrasound (US) guidance or a combination of both. Which guiding method to choose is controversial? A systematic review of the literature was performed comparing image guidance modalities for obtaining access in PNL. Evidence acquisition and synthesis: A PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane search for peer-reviewed studies was performed using the keywords "ultrasound" AND "fluoroscopy" AND "Percutaneous nephrolithotomy". Eligible articles were reviewed according to PRISMA criteria. Two hundred and forty records were identified using the keywords. Of these twelve studies were considered relevant. RESULTS: US guidance seems to be associated with a slightly lower complication rate, which may be related to fewer puncture attempts needed for obtaining access and to better peri-renal organ visualization. On the other hand, US-guidance alone needs the adjunct of fluoroscopy in a significant number of cases for achieving access. Stone free rate (SFR) was comparable between groups. Using US for renal access unequivocally reduces radiation exposure. CONCLUSION: Current evidence indicates that both fluoroscopy and US guidance may be successfully used for obtaining percutaneous renal access. Combining the image-guiding modalities - US and fluoroscopy - seems to increase outcome in PNL both with regard to success in achieving access and reducing complications. Furthermore, including US in the access strategy of PNL reduces radiation exposure to surgeon and staff as well as patients.

Risks of flexible ureterorenoscopy: pathophysiology and prevention.

Currently, indications for flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) are expanding, mainly due to technological advancements. Although data from clinical series definitely presents fURS as a safe procedure, serious complications including sepsis and ureteral lesions do occur. These complications seem to be a result of the unique elements of fURS, ureteral access and irrigation, pushing normal upper urinary tract physiology into pathophysiological processes, including intrarenal/pyelo-veneous backflow and ureteral contractions, potentially resulting in septic, haemorrhagic and ureteral lesional complications. Knowledge on normal upper urinary tract physiology are crucial for understanding how these harmful effects of fURS may be avoided or minimized. The pathophysiology of intrarenal pressure increases and ureteral access will be discussed as a basis for understanding preventive measures. Role of antibiotics, ureteral access sheaths, safty guidewires, pain medication, prestenting and pharmacologic modulation of pyeloureteral dynamics are reviewed from a pathophysiological perspective.

Rigid-only versus combined rigid and flexible percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is usually performed worldwide with a rigid-only antegrade approach. Daily practice suggests that adding flexible nephroscopy and/or ureteroscopy to conventional rigid PNL might improve its efficacy and safety, but available evidence is weak. Appraisal of reliable outcomes of such PNL techniques would better guide intraoperative choices and optimize surgical results. Therefore, our objective was to systematically review relevant literature comparing the outcomes of rigid-only PNL and combined flexible PNLs (adding flexible nephroscopy and/or flexible ureteroscopy) for the treatment of large and/or complex upper urinary tract calculi, with regard to efficacy and safety. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Ovid MedLine, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched in August 2016 to identify relevant studies. Article selection was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis criteria. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Six articles reporting on 666 patients were included: two randomized controlled trials, two retrospective comparative studies and two case series ≥50 patients (one prospective and one retrospective). A narrative synthesis of minor evidences was also prepared. The adjunct of flexible nephroscopy and/or ureteroscopy provided better stone-free rates (range 86.7-96.97%), through a single percutaneous access most of the times and in any position, reducing the need for second-look procedures. Safety of the combined flexible procedures was improved to a variable degree, with a consensual reduction of the mean hospital stay (range 5.1-7 days). CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence suggests that patients with large and/or complex urolithiasis might benefit from the adjunct of flexible nephroscopy and/or ureteroscopy to rigid PNL.

A Model-Based Approach for Joint Analysis of Pain Intensity and Opioid Consumption in Postoperative Pain.

Joint analysis of pain intensity and opioid consumption is encouraged in trials of postoperative pain. However, previous approaches have not appropriately addressed the complexity of their interrelation in time. In this study, we applied a non-linear mixed effects model to simultaneously study pain intensity and opioid consumption in a 4-h postoperative period for 44 patients undergoing percutaneous kidney stone surgery. Analysis was based on 748 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores of pain intensity and 51 observed morphine and oxycodone dosing events. A joint model was developed to describe the recurrent pattern of four key phases determining the development of pain intensity and opioid consumption in time; (A) Distribution of pain intensity scores which followed a truncated Poisson distribution with time-dependent mean score ranging from 0.93 to 2.45; (B) Probability of transition to threshold pain levels (NRS ≥ 3) which was strongly dependent on previous pain levels ranging from 2.8-15.2% after NRS of 0-2; (C) Probability of requesting opioid when allowed (NRS ≥ 3) which was strongly correlated with the number of previous doses, ranging from 89.8% for requesting the first dose to 26.1% after three previous doses; (D) Reduction in pain scores after opioid dosing which was significantly related to the pain intensity at time of opioid request (P < 0.001). This study highlights the importance of analyzing pain intensity and opioid consumption in an integrated manner. Non-linear mixed effects modeling proved a valuable tool for analysis of interventions that affect pain intensity, probability of rescue dosing or the effect of opioids in the postoperative pain period.

The new concept of ureteral access sheath with guidewire disengagement: One wire does it all.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the new Flexor©Parallel™ Rapid Release™ (Cook(®), Bloomington, IN, USA) access sheath (UAS) which allows the use of a single wire to serve as both safety and working guide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June and September 2014, adult patients from five European centers who underwent flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes were included. The 12/14Fr Flexor©Parallel™ UAS was evaluated. Data were collected and examined by both univariate and multivariate analyses. The UAS material and usage characteristics were rated per case by the surgeons on a scale from very bad to very good. RESULTS: In total, 134 UASs were used in 67 male and 67 female patients. Fifty percent of ureters (67 patients) were pre-stented. Ninety percent of the procedures were therapeutic. The overall successful insertion rate was 94 %. Pre-stenting status was the only independent factor for a successful access sheath insertion: 98.5 % of the pre-stented patients had a successful UAS placement vs. 82 % of non-pre-stented (p = 0.001, C.I. 95 %: 1.2). Evaluation of the material and radiopacity was considered very good in over 90 % of cases. Release of the guidewire, hydrophilic coating, gliding of the endoscope and repeatability were considered very good in over 80 %. There were two (1.4 %) UAS malfunctions and one submucosal lesion reported. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the Flexor©Parallel™ Rapid Release™ (Cook(®), Bloomington, IN, USA) with usage of a single guidewire in a prospective multicentric scenario was clinically applicable in the majority of cases. Pre-stenting increased the chance of a successful insertion from 82 to 98.5 %.

Pathophysiological aspects of ureterorenoscopic management of upper urinary tract calculi.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Indications for ureterorenoscopy are expanding without hard scientific evidence to support its efficacy. Therefore, it is extremely important to focus on potential harmful effects of the procedure itself. This review explores how physiology of the upper urinary tract reacts to ureterorenoscopy, potentially translating into harmful effects, and how such pathophysiological processes may be minimized. RECENT FINDINGS: Complications to ureterorenoscopy and postoperative pain seem to be related to intrarenal pressure and/or access. Mean intrarenal pressures in the range of 60-100 mmHg during ureterorenoscopy without access sheaths have been measured, thus by far exceeding the threshold for intrarenal backflow, potentially resulting in septic complications. Intrarenal pressure may be reduced by use of ureteral access sheaths, which, however, may cause ureteral damage due to the limited size of the ureter and strain-induced ureteral contractions (peristalsis). Different receptor types modulate this peristaltic activity. ß-receptor agonists have been investigated in animal and human trials for the purpose of relaxing the ureter. In randomized, placebo-controlled trials in pigs and humans, usage of the ß-receptor agonist isoproterenol in the irrigation fluid has shown a potential for reducing both intrarenal pressure and ureteral tone during ureterorenoscopy. SUMMARY: Upper urinary tract physiology has unique features that may be pushed into pathophysiological processes by the unique elements of ureterorenoscopy: access and irrigation. Pharmacological ureteral relaxation during ureterorenoscopy deserves further attention with regard to reducing complications and postoperative pain.

Intraluminal pressure profiles during flexible ureterorenoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Irrigation and instrumentation during ureterorenoscopic procedures may cause increased pressure in the renal pelvis (PP) with potential harmful adverse effects. In order to assess the pressure increases during ureterorenoscopy, we measured the intraluminal renal pelvic pressure during retrograde intrarenal stone surgery (RIRS). METHODS: Twelve patients admitted for RIRS were included. Irrigation rate was standardized to 8 ml/min. A ureteral catheter was retrogradely placed in the renal pelvis for PP measurements. PP was measured one time per second during insertion of the Storz Flex-X2 ureteroscope and during stone treatment. RESULTS: Baseline PP was mean 10(±4.0) mmHg. During simple ureterorenoscopy, PP was mean 35(±10) mmHg. During stone management the average PP was 54(±18) mmHg and pelvic pressure peaks up to 328 mmHg occurred. In a 5-min standardized period of simple ureterorenoscopy, 83 pressure peaks >50 mmHg were measured in average per patient (range 2-238). Forced irrigation with a 20 ml syringe resulted in pressure peaks up to 288 mmHg. CONCLUSION: Very high pelvic pressures are obtained during flexible ureterorenoscopy. Taking into consideration that the threshold for pyelovenous backflow is around 30 mmHg, it is concerning that PPs >300 mmHg are not uncommon during these procedures. Methods to monitor and lower the PP during ureterorenoscopy, therefore, are considered of importance.

Bosniak classification system: inter-observer and intra-observer agreement among experienced uroradiologists.

BACKGROUND: The Bosniak classification is a diagnostic tool for the differentiation of cystic changes in the kidney. The process of categorizing renal cysts may be challenging, involving a series of decisions that may affect the final diagnosis and clinical outcome such as surgical management. PURPOSE: To investigate the inter- and intra-observer agreement among experienced uroradiologists when categorizing complex renal cysts according to the Bosniak classification. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The original categories of 100 cystic renal masses were chosen as "Gold Standard" (GS), established in consensus by two experienced uroradiologists. Three experienced uroradiological readers were blinded from the previous CT reports. Weighted κ was calculated to assess agreement, defined as: fair, 0.21-0.40; moderate, 0.41-0.60; good, 0.61-0.80; and very good, 0.81-1.00. RESULTS: For readers the distribution of correctly classified lesions were as follows: BI, 95-100%; BII, 59-93%; BIIF, 54-92%; BIII, 58-95%; and B IV, 77-100% for the first review. Weighted κ for inter-observer/intra-observer variation was for Reader A: 0.85/0.99, Reader B: 0.97/0.99, and Reader C: 0.98/0.99, (P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: According to the calculated weighted κ all readers performed "very good" for both inter-observer and intra-observer variation. Most variation was seen in cysts catagorized as Bosniak II, IIF, and III. These results show that radiologists who evaluate complex renal cysts routinely may apply the Bosniak classification reproducibly.

Acute management of stones: when to treat or not to treat?

INTRODUCTION: Stone management is often conservative due to a high spontaneous stone passage rate or non-symptomatic calyceal stones that do not necessarily require active treatment. However, stone disease may cause symptoms and complications requiring urgent intervention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this review, we update latest research and current recommendations regarding acute management of stones, with particular focus on imaging, pain management, active stone interventions, medical expulsive therapy, and urolithiasis in pregnancy and childhood. RESULTS: Acute stone management should be planned with careful consideration of stone size and location, symptoms, patient comorbidity and radiation dose. CONCLUSION: In case of infective hydronephrosis, compromised renal function or persistent pain despite adequate analgesic treatment acute intervention is indicated.

Differences in ureteroscopic stone treatment and outcomes for distal, mid-, proximal, or multiple ureteral locations: the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society ureteroscopy global study.

BACKGROUND: Ureteroscopy has traditionally been the preferred approach for treatment of distal and midureteral stones, with shock wave lithotripsy used for proximal ureteral stones. OBJECTIVE: To describe the differences in the treatment and outcomes of ureteroscopic stones in different locations. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective data were collected by the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society on consecutive patients treated with ureteroscopy at centres around the world over a 1-yr period. INTERVENTION: Ureteroscopy was performed according to study protocol and local clinical practice guidelines. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Stone location, treatment details, postoperative outcomes, and complications were recorded. Pearson's chi-square analysis and analysis of variance were used to compare outcomes among the different stone locations. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Between January 2010 and October 2012, 9681 patients received ureteroscopy treatment for stones located in the proximal ureter (n=2656), midureter (n=1980), distal ureter (n=4479), or multiple locations (n=440); location in 126 patients was not specified. Semirigid ureteroscopy was predominantly used for all stone locations. Laser and pneumatic lithotripsy were used in the majority of cases. Stone-free rates were 94.2% for distal ureter locations, 89.4% for midureter locations, 84.5% for proximal ureter locations, and 76.6% for multiple locations. For the proximal ureter, failure and retreatment rates were significantly higher for semirigid ureteroscopy than for flexible ureteroscopy. A low incidence of intraoperative complications was reported (3.8-7.7%). Postoperative complications occurred in 2.5-4.6% of patients and varied according to location, with the highest incidence reported for multiple stone locations. Limitations include short-term follow-up and a nonuniform treatment approach. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteroscopy for ureteral stones resulted in good stone-free rates with low morbidity. PATIENT SUMMARY: This study shows that patients who have ureteral stones can be treated successfully with ureteroscopy with a low rate of complications for the patient.

The Post-Ureteroscopic Lesion Scale (PULS): a multicenter video-based evaluation of inter-rater reliability.

PURPOSE: The Post-Ureteroscopic Lesion Scale (PULS) offers a simple grading system for the description of ureteral lesions after ureteroscopy. In this article, we present the results of a video-based multicenter evaluation of the inter-rater reliability of clinically important PULS grades 0-3. METHODS: Video sequences at the end of ureteroscopy (final passage) were recorded for 100 consecutive patients at a single institution and assessed by experienced urologists (n = 20) and senior residents (n = 17) at 19 international centers. The cohort included only patients with lesions grades 0-3 (with grades 2 and 3 subsumed as 2 + since distinction is defined by an extravasation of contrast medium in fluoroscopy). The gradings were evaluated for inter-rater reliability and in terms of simplicity, validity, comprehensibility, reproducibility, and usefulness. RESULTS: Overall, inter-rater reliability was high (Kendall's W = 0.69, p < 0.001) and was comparable between specialists (Kendall's W = 0.69, p < 0.001) and residents (Kendall's W = 0.71, p < 0.001). The matched ratings showed grade 0 in 43.0 % of patients and grades 1 or 2 + in 44.0 and 13.0 % of patients, respectively. Results of the questionnaires indicated a high degree of acceptance, with an overall rating of 1.76 (1.64-1.93 for different items, scale 1-6). CONCLUSIONS: Inter-rater reliability of the endoscopically assessable PULS was high among urologists with different levels of experience in different countries worldwide. The validated PULS system may be used for standardized reporting of ureteral lesions/injuries after ureteroscopy. In addition, PULS will enable more selective standardization of indications for postoperative DJ stenting based on the randomized controlled trials.

Training the resident in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: From the trainers' perspective percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is one of the most challenging endourological procedures. In this review we examine the problems arising when training residents in PCNL, and how to facilitate this process. METHODS: The recommendations are derived from discussions and consensus during the First European Urolithiasis Society (EULIS) meeting held in London in September 2011. In addition, we searched Medline for articles identified using the keywords 'training', 'percutaneous surgery', 'renal calculi', 'PCNL', 'virtual reality' and 'simulators'. We also assessed the effect of modern technology, including the availability of virtual reality models vs. operating room training, and how international organisations like EULIS and European Urological Association can help. RESULTS: The difficulty of training residents in PCNL is partly due to the complexity of obtaining a safe access to the kidney for lithotripsy. The most common way of obtaining access is guided by imaging only, and usually only fluoroscopic imaging is available. This has the potential for injuring structures from the skin to the renal capsule. Minor vascular injuries are relatively common, although most are self-limiting. Visceral injuries that are particularly important are pleural and less commonly colonic injuries, but they are more complex and often require additional procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Teaching the skills is more challenging than performing PCNL. In most urological training programmes it is difficult to incorporate teaching and training skills when performing PCNL. To train an academic stone doctor, proficiency in the safe conduct of PCNL is mandatory.

The lonely female partner: a central aspect of prostate cancer.

The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate the experiences of female partners to men with prostate cancer. The women found the capacity to manage their lives through mutual love in the family and through their faith.

Endoluminal isoproterenol reduces renal pelvic pressure during semirigid ureterorenoscopy: a porcine model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects on the pressure-flow relation of renal pelvic pressure during semirigid ureterorenoscopy and endoluminal perfusion of isoproterenol (ISO) 0.1 microg/mL, with emphasis on local effects and cardiovascular side-effects, as topically administered ISO effectively and dose-dependently causes relaxation of the upper urinary tract in pigs with no concomitant cardiovascular side-effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In anaesthetized female pigs (60 kg), 16 macroscopically normal upper urinary tract systems were subjected to ureterorenoscopy. Via a subcostal incision a 6-F catheter was placed in the renal pelvis for pressure measurements, and a semirigid ureteroscope (7.8 F) was inserted retrogradely in the renal pelvis, through which the pelvis was perfused. The blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. The increase in renal pelvic pressure was examined with increasing flow rates (0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 25 and 33 mL/min) with saline alone or saline + ISO 0.1 microg/mL. Perfusion was initiated on the left side, with randomization for adding ISO or not. Thereafter perfusion was done on the right side as a control in each pig. The surgeons were unaware of whether ISO was added or not. RESULTS: The mean (sd) baseline pelvic pressures in the saline and ISO group were 28 (7.1) and 25 (9.8) mmHg, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.079). Endoluminal perfusion with ISO significantly inhibited the pelvic pressure increase to perfusion at all perfusion rates. The pressure-flow relation was linear; the maximum relaxation (27%) was obtained at 4 mL/min, from 52 to 38 mmHg during saline alone and ISO 0.1 microg/mL perfusion, respectively. The mean blood pressure did not change significantly (P = 0.330). The mean (sd) heart rate in the saline and ISO group were 109 (4.5) and 97 (2.1) beats/min, respectively (P < 0.001), i.e. a markedly greater rate in the saline than in the ISO group. CONCLUSION: The pressure-flow relation during semirigid ureterorenoscopy was linear. ISO 0.1 microg/mL in saline significantly reduced the pressure-flow relation during semirigid ureterorenoscopy in this porcine model. ISO might be a potential additive to the irrigation fluid during upper urinary tract endoscopic procedures, minimizing pressure increases due to irrigation and manipulation.