Flexible Ureteroscopic Guided Laparoscopic Ureteroplasty For The Treatment Of Ureteral Stricture.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteral stricture is often a consequence of urolithiasis or previous endourological procedures (1-3). Precisely delineating the stricture zone intraoperatively is crucial to minimize ureter shortening and target only the affected tissue (4, 5). Flexible ureteroscopy offers a significant advantage in this regard. OBJECTIVE: This video aims to demonstrate the step-by-step technique of flexible ureteroscopic guided laparoscopic ureteroplasty for treating ureteral stricture caused by urolithiasis and prior endourological interventions. PATIENT AND METHODS: We present a case of a 36-year-old male with a history of urolithiasis and unsuccessful endourological treatments, including endoureterotomy and balloon dilation, diagnosed with re-stenosis of the proximal ureter of 1 cm through ureteroscopy and pyelography. He underwent a successful laparoscopic ureteroplasty. While the lead surgeon performed the laparoscopy, an assistant conducted the flexible ureteroscopy. Intraoperatively, using transillumination facilitated by the flexible ureteroscope, we can precisely identify the narrowed area, allowing for resection of only the damaged segment. Subsequently, we perform the end-to-end ureteroplasty, confirming its patency through the seamless passage of the ureteroscope. Upon completion, we employ a fat patch to safeguard the anastomosis. RESULTS: The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. Double J stent was removed six weeks after surgery. Symptoms resolved. Renal function improved: eGFR 49 to 67 ml/min. Furthermore, improvement was observed in the DTPA scan, and a decrease in hydronephrosis was noted on the follow-up tomography. CONCLUSION: Flexible ureteroscopy effectively identifies the stricture zone in laparoscopic ureteroplasty, enhancing surgical precision and outcomes. This approach is safe, effective, and reproducible, offering a valuable technique in the surgical treatment of ureteral strictures.

Intraoperative computed tomography for detection of residual stones in endourology procedures: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Success rates in endourological procedures, notably percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and ureteroscopy (URS), have demonstrated suboptimal outcomes, leading to more reinterventions and radiation exposure. Recently, the use of intraoperative computed tomography (ICT) scans has been hypothesized as a promising solution for improving outcomes in endourology procedures. With this considered, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis encompassing all available studies that evaluate the impact of the use of intraoperative CT scans on surgical outcomes compared to conventional fluoroscopic-guided procedures. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Multiple databases were systematically searched up to December of 2023. This study aimed to directly compare the use of an ICT scan with the standard non-ICT-guided procedure. The primary endpoint of interest was success rate, and the secondary endpoints were complications and reintervention rates, while radiation exposure was also evaluated. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed following Cochrane recommendations. Data was presented as an Odds ratio with 95%CI across trials and a random-effects model was selected for pooling of data. RESULTS: A comprehensive search yielded 533 studies, resulting in the selection of 3 cohorts including 327 patients (103 ICT vs 224 in non-ICT). Primary outcome was significantly higher in the experimental group versus the control group (84.5% vs 41.4% respectively, 307 patients; 95% CI [3.61, 12.72]; p<0.00001; I2=0). Reintervention rates also decreased from 32.6% in the control to 12.6% in the ICT group (OR 0.34; 95%CI [0.12,0.94]; p =0.04; I2= 48%), whereas complication rates did not exhibit significant differences. Radiation exposure was also significantly reduced in two of the included studies. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis highlights a favorable outcome with intraoperative CT scan use in PCNL procedures, showing a considerable increase in SFR when compared to standard fluoroscopy and nephroscopy. Despite limited studies, our synthesis underscores the potential of ICT scans to significantly reduce residual stones and their consequences for endourology patients, as reinterventions and follow-up ionizing radiation studies.

Postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis for percutaneous nephrolithotomy and risk of infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to perform a high-quality meta-analysis using only randomized controlled trials (RCT) to better define the role of postoperative antibiotics in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search for RCTs in EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science up to May 2023 was conducted following the PICO framework: Population-adult patients who underwent PCNL; Intervention-postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis until nephrostomy tube withdrawal; Control-single dose of antibiotic during the induction of anesthesia; and Outcome-systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis and fever after PCNL. The protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022361579). We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A random-effects model was employed, and the alpha risk was defined as < 0.05. RESULTS: Seven articles, encompassing a total of 629 patients, were included in the analysis. The outcome of SIRS or sepsis was extracted from six of the included studies, while the outcome of postoperative fever was extracted from four studies. The analysis revealed no statistical association between the use of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis until nephrostomy tube withdrawal and the occurrence of SIRS/sepsis (OR 1.236, 95% CI 0.731 - 2.089, p=0.429) or fever (OR 2.049, 95% CI 0.790 - 5.316, p=0.140). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that there is no benefit associated with the use of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis until nephrostomy tube withdrawal in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We recommend that antibiotic prophylaxis should be administered only until the induction of anesthesia in PCNL.

One week pre-operative oral antibiotics for percutaneous nephrolithotomy reduce risk of infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of extended dose of preoperative antibiotics to reduce infectious risk in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Materials and Methods A literature search for prospective case-control studies or randomized controlled trials was done. PICO framework was used. Population: adult patients that underwent to PCNL; Intervention: extended dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis before PCNL; Control: short dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis before PCNL; and Outcome: systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis, fever after PCNL and positive intraoperative urine and stone culture. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO database under the number: CRD42022359589. Results Three RCT and two prospective studies (475 patients) were included. SIRS/sepsis outcome was retrieved from all studies included. Seven days preoperative oral antibiotics for PCNL was a protective factor for developing SIRS/sepsis (OR 0.366, 95% CI 0.234 - 0.527, p < 0.001). There was no statistical association between seven-day use of antibiotics and fever (OR 0.592, 95% CI 0.147 - 2.388, p = 0.462). Patients who received seven days preoperative antibiotics had lower positive intraoperative urine culture (OR 0.284, 95% CI 0.120 - 0.674, p = 0.004) and stone culture (OR 0.351, 95% CI 0.185 - 0.663, p = 0.001) than the control group. Conclusion one week of prophylactic oral antibiotics based on local bacterial sensitivity pattern plus a dose of intravenous antibiotics at the time of surgery in patients undergoing PCNL reduces the risk of infection.

One week pre-operative oral antibiotics for percutaneous nephrolithotomy reduce risk of infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of extended dose of preoperative antibiotics to reduce infectious risk in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search for prospective case-control studies or randomized controlled trials was done. PICO framework was used. POPULATION: adult patients that underwent to PCNL; Intervention: extended dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis before PCNL; Control: short dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis before PCNL; and Outcome: systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis, fever after PCNL and positive intraoperative urine and stone culture. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO database under the number: CRD42022359589. RESULTS: Three RCT and two prospective studies (475 patients) were included. SIRS/sepsis outcome was retrieved from all studies included. Seven days preoperative oral antibiotics for PCNL was a protective factor for developing SIRS/sepsis (OR 0.366, 95% CI 0.234 - 0.527, p < 0.001). There was no statistical association between seven-day use of antibiotics and fever (OR 0.592, 95% CI 0.147 - 2.388, p = 0.462). Patients who received seven days preoperative antibiotics had lower positive intraoperative urine culture (OR 0.284, 95% CI 0.120 - 0.674, p = 0.004) and stone culture (OR 0.351, 95% CI 0.185 - 0.663, p = 0.001) than the control group. CONCLUSION: one week of prophylactic oral antibiotics based on local bacterial sensitivity pattern plus a dose of intravenous antibiotics at the time of surgery in patients undergoing PCNL reduces the risk of infection.

Ultrasound guided endoscopic combined Intrarenal surgery - 10 steps for the success

ABSTRACT Background: Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) has been used to treat complex kidney stones (1). The combined use of ultrasound (US) has the potential to improve safety and reduce radiation exposure, however, it is still underutilized (2). Objectives: Our objective is to describe, in a step-by-step manner, the ultrasound-guided ECIRS (USG ECIRS) technique, in order to facilitate learning by urologists. Materials and Methods: We describe the 10 standardized steps that we recommend to achieve a good outcome, based on our previous experience on a high-volume kidney stone center. We recorded a case of a 37-year-old female patient with complex bilateral kidney stones that underwent a left simultaneous combined retrograde and antegrade approach. The 10 described steps are: 1 - case evaluation with CT scan (3); 2 - preoperative care with antibiotics and tranexamic acid; 3 - warm-up and training with phantoms; 4 - patient positioning in Barts flank free position; 5 - retrograde nephroscopy with flexible ureteroscope; 6 - US and endoscopic guided puncture; 7 - tract dilation under endoscopic view; 8 - stone fragmentation; 9 - status free checking and 10, kidney drainage. Images were captured by external and internal cameras, promoting a complete understanding of the procedure. The patient has signed a written informed consent form. Results: Puncture was achieved under US guidance with one attempt. Another puncture was necessary in the lower pole, parallel to the initial puncture, due to a large fragment. Surgical time was 140 min. Stone-free status was verified by retrograde and antegrade view. Kidney drainage was done with ureteral stent on string, removed after 7 days. Hb drop was 1.1 Hb/dL. The first postoperative day CT scan showed no residual stones and no complications. The patient was discharged after the CT and urethral catheter removal. Conclusion: The USG ECIRS seems to be a very efficient and reproducible technique for the treatment of complex kidney stones. Its use should be widespread.

Ultrasound guided endoscopic combined Intrarenal surgery - 10 steps for the success.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) has been used to treat complex kidney stones (1). The combined use of ultrasound (US) has the potential to improve safety and reduce radiation exposure, however, it is still underutilized (2). OBJECTIVES: Our objective is to describe, in a step-by-step manner, the ultrasound-guided ECIRS (USG ECIRS) technique, in order to facilitate learning by urologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We describe the 10 standardized steps that we recommend to achieve a good outcome, based on our previous experience on a high-volume kidney stone center. We recorded a case of a 37-year-old female patient with complex bilateral kidney stones that underwent a left simultaneous combined retrograde and antegrade approach. The 10 described steps are: 1 - case evaluation with CT scan (3); 2 - preoperative care with antibiotics and tranexamic acid; 3 - warm-up and training with phantoms; 4 - patient positioning in Barts flank free position; 5 - retrograde nephroscopy with flexible ureteroscope; 6 - US and endoscopic guided puncture; 7 - tract dilation under endoscopic view; 8 - stone fragmentation; 9 - status free checking and 10, kidney drainage. Images were captured by external and internal cameras, promoting a complete understanding of the procedure. The patient has signed a written informed consent form. RESULTS: Puncture was achieved under US guidance with one attempt. Another puncture was necessary in the lower pole, parallel to the initial puncture, due to a large fragment. Surgical time was 140 min. Stone-free status was verified by retrograde and antegrade view. Kidney drainage was done with ureteral stent on string, removed after 7 days. Hb drop was 1.1 Hb/dL. The first postoperative day CT scan showed no residual stones and no complications. The patient was discharged after the CT and urethral catheter removal. CONCLUSION: The USG ECIRS seems to be a very efficient and reproducible technique for the treatment of complex kidney stones. Its use should be widespread.

Tranexamic acid in patients with complex stones undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of single-dose tranexamic acid on the blood transfusion rate and outcomes of patients with complex kidney stones undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 192 patients with complex kidney stone (Guy's Stone Scores III-IV) were prospectively enrolled and randomised (1:1 ratio) to receive either one dose of tranexamic acid (1 g) or a placebo at the time of anaesthetic induction for PCNL. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence rate of perioperative blood transfusion. The secondary outcome measures included blood loss, operative time, stone-free rate (SFR), and complications. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02966236. RESULTS: The overall risk of receiving a blood transfusion was reduced in the tranexamic acid group (2.2% vs 10.4%; relative risk, 0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03-0.76, P = 0.033; number-needed-to-treat: 12). Patients randomised to the tranexamic acid group had a higher immediate and 3-month SFR compared with those in the placebo group (29% vs 14.7%, odds ratio [OR] 2.37, 95% CI 1.15-4.87, P = 0.019, and 46.2% vs 28.1%, OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.20-4.02, P = 0.011, respectively). Faster haemoglobin recovery occurred in patients in the tranexamic acid group (mean, 21.3 days; P = 0.001). No statistical differences were found in operative time and complications between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Tranexamic acid administration is safe and reduces the need for blood transfusion by five-times in patients with complex kidney stones undergoing PCNL. Moreover, tranexamic acid may contribute to better stone clearance rate and faster haemoglobin recovery without increasing complications. A single dose of tranexamic acid at the time of anaesthetic induction could be considered standard clinical practice for patients with complex kidney stones undergoing PCNL.

Supine versus Prone Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Complex Stones: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: High-quality evidence comparing supine to prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the treatment of complex stones is lacking. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of supine position (SUP) and prone position (PRO) PCNL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A noninferior randomized controlled trial was performed according to the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials) criteria. The inclusion criteria were patients over 18 years of age with complex stones. SUP was performed in the Barts flank-free modified position. Except for positioning, all the surgical parameters were identical. The primary outcome was the difference in the success rate on the first postoperative day (POD1) between groups. The secondary outcome was the difference in the stone-free rate (SFR) on the 90th postoperative day (final SFR). A noninferiority margin of 15% was used. Demographic, operative, and safety variables were compared between the groups. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. RESULTS: Overall, 112 patients were randomized and their demographic characteristics were comparable. The success rates on POD1 were similar (SUP: 62.5% vs PRO: 57.1%, p=0.563). The difference observed (-5.4%) was lower than the predefined limit. The final SFRs were also similar (SUP: 55.4% vs PRO: 50.0%, p=0.571). SUP had a shorter operative time (mean±SD 117.9±39.1 minutes vs 147.6±38.8 minutes, p <0.001) and PRO had a higher rate of Clavien ≥3 complications (14.3% vs 3.6%, p=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Positioning during PCNL for complex kidney stones did not impact the success rates; consequently, both positions may be suitable. However, SUP might be associated with a lower high-grade complication rate.

The impact of COVID-19 in medical practice. A review focused on Urology

ABSTRACT COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly spreading virus that is changing the World and the way doctors are practicing medicine. The huge number of patients searching for medical care and needing intensive care beds led the health care system to a burnout status especially in places where the care system was already overloaded. In this setting, and also due to the absence of a specific treatment for the disease, health authorities had to opt for recommending or imposing social distancing to relieve the health system and reduce deaths. All other medical specialties nondirectly related to the treatment of COVID-19 had to interrupt or strongly reduce their activities in order to give room to seriously ill patients, since no one knows so far the real extent of the virus damage on human body and the consequences of doing non deferrable procedures in this pandemic era. Despite not been a urological disease, the urologist needs to be updated on how to deal with these patients and how to take care of himself and of the medical team he works with. The aim of this article is to review briefly some practical aspects of COVID-19 and its implications in the urological practice in our country.

The impact of COVID-19 in medical practice. A review focused on Urology.

COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly spreading virus that is changing the World and the way doctors are practicing medicine. The huge number of patients searching for medical care and needing intensive care beds led the health care system to a burnout status especially in places where the care system was already overloaded. In this setting, and also due to the absence of a specific treatment for the disease, health authorities had to opt for recommending or imposing social distancing to relieve the health system and reduce deaths. All other medical specialties non-directly related to the treatment of COVID-19 had to interrupt or strongly reduce their activities in order to give room to seriously ill patients, since no one knows so far the real extent of the virus damage on human body and the consequences of doing non deferrable procedures in this pandemic era. Despite not been a urological disease, the urologist needs to be updated on how to deal with these patients and how to take care of himself and of the medical team he works with. The aim of this article is to review briefly some practical aspects of COVID-19 and its implications in the urological practice in our country.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with spinal cord injury: should all these patients be automatically assigned a Guy's stone score of 4?

PURPOSE: To assess the complication and stone-free rates of PCNL in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to evaluate whether this population should be assigned a Guy's stone score (GSS) of 4. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted, and electronic charts were reviewed to search for patients with SCI, bladder dysfunction, and kidney stones who had undergone PCNL. Control cases were randomly selected from among patients with complete staghorn calculus (GSS = 4). RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients were included. Patients with SCI had a significant shorter operative time (119 vs. 141 min; p = 0.018). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the patients' position, number of renal tracts, bleeding or transfusion rate; however, there was a significantly higher complication rate (23.1% vs. 7.8%; p = 0.009) and a longer hospital stay (5.8 vs. 3.1 days; p = 0.002) among patients with SCI. With regards to the stone-free rate in patients with different grades of GSS patients with SCI who had a GSS of 1 had a stone-free rate of 85.7%, while those with a GSS of 2, 3, or 4 had 50%, 50%, and 31.5%, respectively (p = 0.024). Only patients with a GSS of 4 in the SCI group had outcomes that were similar to those of control patients (31.5% vs. 31.6%). CONCLUSION: Patients with SCI should not be automatically assigned GSS 4. Stone-free rate is related to stone burden in these patients, although they do show a higher complication rate and a longer hospital stay than non-neurological patients.

Bilateral simultaneous percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus staged approach: a critical analysis of complications and renal function.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with bilateral kidney stones and burdened by large stones are challenging cases for endourologists. Simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy (sbPCNL) is an option; however, it may be accompanied by important morbidity. An alternative is a staged PCNL, operating one side each time. Herein, we compare the impact of sbPCNL and staged PCNL on complication rates and renal function. METHODS: Patients who underwent sbPCNL or staged bilateral PCNL with a frame time of 6 months were searched in our prospectively collected kidney stone database. Groups were compared for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities (classification by the American Society of Anesthesiology - ASA), stone size, Guy's score, stone-free status, renal function, blood loss, blood transfusion rate, complication rate, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients and 52 kidney units were enrolled. The mean operative time was 134.7 min. Only 11.3% of cases had complications, all of them minor (Clavien ≤ 2). Overall, the stone-free rate was 61.50%. Comparing the groups, there was a significantly longer operative time in the sbPCNL group (172.5 vs. 126.3 min; p=0.016), as well as a higher transfusion rate (12.5% vs. 5.6%; p=0.036). There was no statistically significant difference in creatinine levels between the groups. Regarding the stone-free rate, there was a significantly higher proportion of patients in the staged PCNL group (64.9% vs. 43.8%; p=0.012). CONCLUSION: sbPCNL is a safe procedure; however, when compared to staged procedures it has a higher transfusion and lower stone-free rate.

Bilateral simultaneous percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus staged approach: a critical analysis of complications and renal function

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Patients with bilateral kidney stones and burdened by large stones are challenging cases for endourologists. Simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy (sbPCNL) is an option; however, it may be accompanied by important morbidity. An alternative is a staged PCNL, operating one side each time. Herein, we compare the impact of sbPCNL and staged PCNL on complication rates and renal function. METHODS: Patients who underwent sbPCNL or staged bilateral PCNL with a frame time of 6 months were searched in our prospectively collected kidney stone database. Groups were compared for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities (classification by the American Society of Anesthesiology - ASA), stone size, Guy's score, stone-free status, renal function, blood loss, blood transfusion rate, complication rate, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients and 52 kidney units were enrolled. The mean operative time was 134.7 min. Only 11.3% of cases had complications, all of them minor (Clavien ≤ 2). Overall, the stone-free rate was 61.50%. Comparing the groups, there was a significantly longer operative time in the sbPCNL group (172.5 vs. 126.3 min; p=0.016), as well as a higher transfusion rate (12.5% vs. 5.6%; p=0.036). There was no statistically significant difference in creatinine levels between the groups. Regarding the stone-free rate, there was a significantly higher proportion of patients in the staged PCNL group (64.9% vs. 43.8%; p=0.012). CONCLUSION: sbPCNL is a safe procedure; however, when compared to staged procedures it has a higher transfusion and lower stone-free rate.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: Paciente com cálculos renais bilaterais e de grande volume são casos desafiadores para os endourologistas. A nefrolitotripsia percutânea bilateral simultânea (NLPbs) é um opção, entretanto esse procedimento pode ser acompanhado de morbidade importante. Uma alternativa é a NLP estagiada, operando um lado de cada vez. Aqui, nós comparamos o impacto da NLPbs e da NLP estagiada nas taxas de complicações e função renal. MÉTODOS: Pacientes que foram submetidos a NLPsb ou NLP stagiada com intervalo de até 6 meses foram pesquisados em nossa base de dados de cálculos renais prospectivamente coletada. Os grupos foram comparados em idade, gênero, índice de massa corpórea (IMC), comorbidades (classificação da Sociedade Americana de Anestesiologia - ASA), tamanho do cálculo, Classificação de Guys, taxa de pacientes livres de cálculos, função renal, perda sanguínea, taxa de transfusão, taxa de complicações e tempo de internação hospitalar. RESULTADOS: Vinte e seis paciente e 52 unidades renais foram incluídas. O tempo operatório médio foi de 134,7 min. Apenas 11.3% dos casos tiveram complicações, sendo todas menores (Clavien ≤ 2). No geral, a taxa de pacientes livres de cálculos foi de 61,5%. Comparando os grupos houve um tempo operatório significativamente maior no grupo NLPbs(172,5 vs. 126,3 min; p=0,016), assim como uma maior taxa de transfusão (12,5% vs. 5,6%; p=0.036). Não houve diferença significante nos níveis de creatinina entre os grupos. Em relação a taxa de doentes livre de cálculos houve uma proporção significativamente maior de pacientes livres de cálculos na NLP estagiada (64,9% vs. 43,8%; p=0,012). CONCLUSÃO: A NLPsb é um procedimento seguro, entretando quando comparada ao procedimento estagiado apresenta uma maior taxa de transfusão e uma menor taxa de pacientes livres de cálculos.