Ureteral stricture rate after endoscopic treatments for urolithiasis and related risk factors: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to accurately determine ureteral stricture (US) rates following urolithiasis treatments and their related risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines using databases from inception to November 2023. Studies were deemed eligible for analysis if they included ≥ 18 years old patients with urinary lithiasis (Patients) who were subjected to endoscopic treatment (Intervention) with ureteroscopy (URS), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), or shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) (Comparator) to assess the incidence of US (Outcome) in prospective and retrospective studies (Study design). RESULTS: A total of 43 studies were included. The pooled US rate was 1.3% post-SWL and 2.1% post-PCNL. The pooled rate of US post-URS was 1.9% but raised to 2.7% considering the last five years' studies and 4.9% if the stone was impacted. Moreover, the pooled US rate differed if follow-ups were under or over six months. Patients with proximal ureteral stone, preoperative hydronephrosis, intraoperative ureteral perforation, and impacted stones showed higher US risk post-endoscopic intervention with odds ratio of 1.6 (P = 0.05), 2.6 (P = 0.009), 7.1 (P < 0.001), and 7.47 (P = 0.003), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The overall US rate ranges from 0.3 to 4.9%, with an increasing trend in the last few years. It is influenced by type of treatment, stone location and impaction, preoperative hydronephrosis and intraoperative perforation. Future standardized reporting and prospective and more extended follow-up studies might contribute to a better understanding of US risks related to calculi treatment.

¿Cómo calcular el volumen litiásico y cuál es su aplicación quirúrgica? / How to estimate stone volume and its use in stone surgery: A comprehensive review?

Objetivo Las guías actuales para el tratamiento intervencionista sugieren el diámetro acumulativo de la litiasis (DAL) como factor decisivo en la elección del tratamiento quirúrgico óptimo (ureteroscopia [URS], litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque [LEOCh] y nefrolitotomía percutánea [NLPC]). El volumen litiásico (VL) se ha introducido recientemente para obtener una estimación más precisa de la carga litiásica. El objetivo de esta revisión es resumir los métodos disponibles para calcular el VL y su aplicación quirúrgica. Material y métodos En diciembre de 2022 se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura mediante búsquedas en las bases de datos Embase, Cochrane y Pubmed. Los artículos se consideraron elegibles si describían la medición del VL o la tasa libre de litiasis (TLL) tras diferentes modalidades de tratamiento (LEOCh, URS, NLPC) o la expulsión espontánea, basándose en la medición del VL. Dos revisores evaluaron de forma independiente la elegibilidad y la calidad de los artículos y realizaron la extracción de datos. Resultados En total se incluyeron 28 estudios. Todos los estudios utilizaron diferentes técnicas para calcular el VL. La medición automática del volumen pareció ser más precisa que la estimación del volumen. Los estudios in vitro mostraron que la medición automática del volumen se ajustaba más al volumen real de la litiasis, con una menor variabilidad interobservador. A diferencia de la NLPC y la LEOCh, en la URS se observó que el VL era un mejor predictor de mejor la TLL que el diámetro litiásico mayor o el diámetro acumulativo en litiasis >20mm. Conclusiones Calcular el VL —de forma manual o automática— es factible, y probablemente se ajuste más a la carga litiásica real. Aunque en el caso de las litiasis grandes tratadas mediante cirugía intrarrenal retrógrada el VL parece predecir mejor la TLL, la superioridad del VL en todas las cargas litiásicas y para todos los tipos de tratamiento está aún por demostrar. ... (AU)

Objective Current interventional guidelines refer to the cumulative stone diameter to choose the appropriate surgical modality (ureteroscopy (URS), extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)). The stone volume (SV) has been introduced recently, to better estimate the stone burden. This review aimed to summarize the available methods to evaluate the SV and its use in urolithiasis treatment. Material and methods A comprehensive review of the literature was performed in December 2022 by searching Embase, Cochrane and Pubmed databases. Articles were considered eligible if they described SV measurement or the stone free rate after different treatment modalities (SWL, URS, PCNL) or spontaneous passage, based on SV measurement. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility and the quality of the articles and performed the data extraction. Results In total, 28 studies were included. All studies used different measurement techniques for stone volume. The automated volume measurement appeared to be more precise than the calculated volume. In vitro studies showed that the automated volume measurement was closer to actual stone volume, with a lower inter-observer variability. Regarding URS, stone volume was found to be more predictive of stone free rates as compared to maximum stone diameter or cumulative diameter for stones >20mm. This was not the case for PCNL and SWL. Conclusions Stone volume estimation is feasible, manually or automatically and is likely a better representation of the actual stone burden. While for larger stones treated by retrograde intrarenal surgery, stone volume appears to be a better predictor of SFR, the superiority of stone volume throughout all stone burdens and for all stone treatments, remains to be proven. Automated volume acquisition is more precise and reproducible than calculated volume. (AU)

How to estimate stone volume and its use in stone surgery: a comprehensive review.

OBJECTIVE: Current interventional guidelines refer to the cumulative stone diameter to choose the appropriate surgical modality (ureteroscopy [URS], extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy [ESWL] and percutaneous nephrolithotomy [PCNL]). The stone volume (SV) has been introduced recently, to better estimate the stone burden. This review aimed to summarize the available methods to evaluate the SV and its use in urolithiasis treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed in December 2022 by searching Embase, Cochrane and Pubmed databases. Articles were considered eligible if they described SV measurement or the stone free rate after different treatment modalities (SWL, URS, PCNL) or spontaneous passage, based on SV measurement. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility and the quality of the articles and performed the data extraction. RESULTS: In total, 28 studies were included. All studies used different measurement techniques for stone volume. The automated volume measurement appeared to be more precise than the calculated volume. In vitro studies showed that the automated volume measurement was closer to actual stone volume, with a lower inter-observer variability. Regarding URS, stone volume was found to be more predictive of stone free rates as compared to maximum stone diameter or cumulative diameter for stones >20 mm. This was not the case for PCNL and SWL. CONCLUSIONS: Stone volume estimation is feasible, manually or automatically and is likely a better representation of the actual stone burden. While for larger stones treated by retrograde intrarenal surgery, stone volume appears to be a better predictor of SFR, the superiority of stone volume throughout all stone burdens and for all stone treatments, remains to be proven. Automated volume acquisition is more precise and reproducible than calculated volume.

Factores asociados al desarrollo de estenosis ureteral después de la ureteroscopia para cálculos ureterales impactados: estudio multicéntrico del grupo de trabajo de endourología y urolitiasis de la sección de Jóvenes Urólogos Académicos de la Asociación Europea de Urología / Factors associated with ureteral strictures following ureteroscopy for impacted ureteral stones. A multicenter study by EAU-YAU endourology and urolithiasis working party

Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre la impactación de los cálculos ureterales y la formación de estenosis ureterales y los factores asociados. Material y métodos Se analizaron retrospectivamente los registros médicos de todos los pacientes sometidos a cirugía endoscópica por cálculos ureterales impactados en 3 hospitales universitarios de Turquía, Reino Unido y España entre junio de 2019 y enero de 2022. Los parámetros examinados incluyeron los datos demográficos del paciente, lateralidad, tamaño y localización del cálculo, tiempo entre el inicio de los síntomas y la cirugía, tipo de ureteroscopia (rígida/flexible), presencia de nefrostomía o catéter doble J antes de la ureteroscopia, complicaciones intraoperatorias (avulsión/perforación), estado libre de cálculos, número de procedimientos necesarios para obtener un estado libre de cálculos y los resultados de las pruebas de imagen postoperatorias. Resultados Un total de 41 pacientes, 25 varones y 16 mujeres, de 3 instituciones fueron incluidos en el estudio. La edad media de los pacientes era de 48,2±13,5 años. La mediana del diámetro mayor de los cálculos fue de 9mm (RIC: 8mm). Catorce (34,1%) pacientes desarrollaron estenosis ureteral después de la ureteroscopia. No hubo diferencias entre los pacientes que desarrollaron estenosis ureteral y los que no la desarrollaron en cuanto a la lateralidad, la localización, la hidronefrosis y la multiplicidad de los cálculos (p=0,58, p=0,14, p=0,79 y p=0,31, respectivamente). Los pacientes que desarrollaron estenosis ureteral presentaron una tasa más elevada de derivación urinaria preoperatoria, como nefrostomía o catéter doble J (p=0,000). Conclusión La interrupción del paso de la orina por el uréter mediante derivación urinaria con nefrostomía o catéter doble J antes de la cirugía de cálculos ureterales podría favorecer la formación de estenosis ureteral en el postoperatorio. (AU)

Objective: To determine the relation between ureteral stone impaction and ureteral stricture formation and associated factors. Material and methods We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all patients who underwent endoscopic ureteral stone surgery for impacted ureteral stone at 3 academic institutions in Turkey, United Kingdom and Spain between June 2019 and January 2022. Examined parameters included patient demographics, stone side, size and localization, time between initiation of symptoms and surgery, type of ureteroscopy (rigid/flexible), presence of nephrostomy or double-J stent prior to ureteroscopy, intraoperative complications (avulsion/perforation), stone-free status, number of procedures required for stone-free status, postoperative imaging results. Results A total of 41 patients whom 25 were male and 16 were female, from 3 institutions were included the study. The mean age of the patients was 48.2±13.5 years. The median largest diameter of the stones was 9mm (IQR: 8mm). Fourteen (34.1%) patients developed ureteral strictures following ureteroscopy. There was no difference between patients who developed ureteral strictures and patients who did not developed strictures in terms of stone laterality, stone location, hydronephrosis and multiplicity (p=0.58, p=0.14, p=0.79 and p=0.31, respectively). Patients who developed ureteral strictures had a higher rate of preoperative urinary diversion such as nephrostomy or double-J stent (p=0.000). Conclusion Interruption of urine passage through ureter via urinary diversion such as nephrostomy or double-J stent prior to ureteral stone surgery might lead ureteral stricture formation in the postoperative period. (AU)

Influencia del sexo en los resultados de la cirugía retrógrada intrarrenal (CRIR). Datos obtenidos del Flexible Ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry (FLEXOR) / Does gender influence retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) outcomes? Data from the Flexible Ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry (FLEXOR)

Introducción y objetivos Si bien la ureteroscopia flexible es una técnica establecida, a día de hoy no existen datos sobre la influencia del sexo del paciente en los resultados y complicaciones. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el papel que desempeña el sexo en la realización de la ureteroscopia flexible a partir de una serie grande de pacientes.MétodosEste estudio analizó retrospectivamente los datos del registro multicéntrico FLEXOR de los pacientes tratados de cálculos renales con CRIR desde enero de 2018 hasta agosto de 2021. Se analizaron los datos demográficos, las características de los cálculos, los hallazgos perioperatorios, los resultados y las complicaciones, y se compararon entre grupos estratificados según el sexo.ResultadosUn total de 6.669 pacientes fueron incluidos, el 66,1% eran varones y el 33,9% mujeres. Las características de los cálculos eran comparables entre los grupos. Las mujeres presentaron tasas significativamente más elevadas de fiebre y urocultivo positivo (12 frente a 8% y 37 frente a 34%). Además, las mujeres tuvieron una estancia hospitalaria ligeramente más larga (3,8 vs. 3,5 días; p < 0,001) y más fragmentos residuales después del procedimiento (23,03 vs. 20,97; p = 0,032). Las complicaciones globales fueron ligeramente superiores en las mujeres (15,74 frente a 14%; p = 0,042), debido principalmente a las tasas de fiebre (6,9 frente a 5,7%); el riesgo de sepsis fue similar en ambos grupos. Según un análisis multivariante, los cálculos de mayor tamaño, múltiples y localizados en el polo inferior parecen tener un efecto negativo en la incidencia de los cálculos residuales y las complicaciones.ConclusiónNuestro estudio de la vida real a nivel mundial refleja que el sexo femenino puede estar correlacionado con unas tasas ligeramente mayores de fragmentos residuales y complicaciones generales de bajo grado. ... (AU)

Introduction and objectives As well established flexible ureteroscopy (RIRS). There is still no evidence if gender can have any influence on the outcomes and complication when performing This study aims to evaluate the role that gender has in performing flexible ureteroscopy from a large series of patients.MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent RIRS for renal stones from January 2018 to August 2021 within the multicentric FLEXOR registry. Demographics, stone characteristics, perioperative findings, results and complications were analyzed and compared between gender groups.ResultsA total of 6669 patients were included, 66.1% were male and 33.9% were female. Stone characterictis was comparable between groups. Female patients had significant higher fever and positive urine culture rates (12% vs. 8% and 37% vs. 34%). Also, females had a slight longer hospital stay (3.8 vs. 3.5 days; P < 0.001) and more residual fragments after the procedure (23.03% vs. 20.97 (P = 0.032). Overall complications were slightly significantly higher in women (15.74% vs. 14% (P = 0.042)) mainly at the expense of fever rates (6.9% vs. 5.7%) whereas the risk of sepsis was similar in both groups. A multivariate analysis showed that larger stone size, multiple and lower pole stones seem to have a negative impact in the incidence of residual stones and complications.ConclusionOur real life global study reflects that female gender may have a correlation with a slightly increased residual fragment rate and overall low grade complications. However, women can safely be treated with RIRS with no increased the rate of sepsis with appropriate care. (AU)

Does gender influence retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) outcomes? Data from the Flexible Ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry (FLEXOR).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: As well established flexible ureteroscopy (RIRS). There is still no evidence if gender can have any influence on the outcomes and complication when performing. This study aims to evaluate the role that gender has in performing flexible ureteroscopy from a large series of patients. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent RIRS for renal stones from January 2018 to August 2021 within the multicentric FLEXOR registry. Demographics, stone characteristics, perioperative findings, results and complications were analyzed and compared between gender groups. RESULTS: A total of 6669 patients were included, 66.1% were male and 33.9% were female. Stone characteristics was comparable between groups. Female patients had significant higher fever and positive urine culture rates (12% vs. 8% and 37% vs. 34%). Also, females had a slight longer hospital stay (3.8 vs. 3.5 days; P < 0.001) and more residual fragments after the procedure (23.03% vs. 20.97 (P = 0.032). Overall complications were slightly significantly higher in women (15.74% vs. 14% (P = 0.042)) mainly at the expense of fever rates (6.9% vs. 5.7%) whereas the risk of sepsis was similar in both groups. A multivariate analysis showed that larger stone size, multiple and lower pole stones seem to have a negative impact in the incidence of residual stones and complications. CONCLUSION: Our real life global study reflects that female gender may have a correlation with a slightly increased residual fragment rate and overall low grade complications. However, women can safely be treated with RIRS with no increased the rate of sepsis with appropriate care.

Factors associated with ureteral strictures following ureteroscopy for impacted ureteral stones? A multicenter study by EAU-YAU endourology and urolithiasis working party.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relation between ureteral stone impaction and ureteral stricture formation and associated factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all patients who underwent endoscopic ureteral stone surgery for impacted ureteral stone at three academic institutions in Turkey, United Kingdom and Spain between June 2019 and January 2022. Examined parameters included patient demographics, stone side, size and localization, time between initiation of symptoms and surgery, type of ureteroscopy (rigid/flexible), presence of nephrostomy or double-J stent prior to URS, intraoperative complications (avulsion/perforation, stone-free status, number of procedures required for stone-free status, postoperative imaging results. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients whom 25 were male and 16 were female, from 3 institutions were included the study. The mean age of the patients was 48.2 ±â€¯13.5 years. The median largest diameter of the stones was 9 mm (IQR: 8 mm). Total 14 (34.1%) patients developed ureteral strictures following ureteroscopy. There was no difference between patients who developed ureteral strictures and patients who did not developed strictures in terms of stone laterality, stone location, hydronephrosis and multiplicity, p = 0.58, p = 0.14, p = 0.79 and p = 0.31. Patients who developed ureteral strictures had a higher rate of preoperative urinary diversion such as nephrostomy or DJS, p = 0.000. CONCLUSION: Interruption of urine passage through ureter via urinary diversion such as nephrostomy or DJS stent prior to ureteral stone surgery might lead ureteral stricture formation in the postoperative period.

Sutureless circumcision using 2-Octyl cyanoacrylate results in more rapid and less painful procedures with excellent cosmetic satisfaction.

INTRODUCTION: Circumcision is the most common surgical procedure in male children in the world and is performed because of cultural, religious or medical reasons. Traditionally, interrupted sutures are used to close the wound, but 2-Octyl cyanoacrylate (2-OCA) tissue glue can be used as an alternative method to close the circumcision wound. OBJECTIVES: To compare the use of 2-OCA with absorbable sutures in circumcision wound closure in prepubescent patients in terms of operative time, complication rate, postoperative pain and cosmetic results. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively evaluated 662 circumcision procedures using sutures and 609 procedures using 2-OCA for wound closure in prepubescent boys. All circumcision procedures were performed by 2 surgeons in a single centre. Operative time was collected from the hospital surgical software system. 62% of the patients in the suture group and 59% of the patients in the 2-OCA group presented for a postoperative check-up 6 weeks after the circumcision. Data regarding postoperative pain, need for analgesia, cosmetic satisfaction and the ease of wound care were collected through questionnaires completed by 25% of the boy's parents in the suture group and 53% of the parents in the 2-OCA group. RESULTS: Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the 2-OCA group (13 min) than in the suture group (17 min). Complications were comparable and mostly minor. Reintervention was only required in 3 cases. According to the parents, the degree of postoperative pain and the postoperative need for analgesics was significantly lower in the 2-OCA group. Wounds closed with 2-OCA were easier to care for. The cosmetic results after 1 day, after 1 week and after 1 month in the 2-OCA group were significantly superior than in the suture group, according to the parents' evaluation. DISCUSSION: The use of 2-OCA in circumcision wound closure has been reported before. Previous studies with mainly limited patient numbers report less pain, shorter procedure times and a higher surgeon satisfaction in terms of cosmetic results. This study is the largest study comparing the use of 2-OCA and interrupted sutures in circumcision wound closure. The retrospective character of the study, the lack of a validated questionnaire tool for the cosmetic evaluation and the use of the parent's evaluation are the limitations of this study. CONCLUSION: The use of 2-OCA in circumcision wound closure results in a shorter operative time, in less postoperative pain, in easy postoperative wound care and in excellent cosmesis when compared to interrupted absorbable sutures. 2-OCA is our current technique of choice in circumcision wound closure.

The safety and oncologic efficacy of radio-frequency ablation for the treatment of small renal masses: comprehensive review of the current literature.

The success of radio frequency ablation (RFA) into various surgical fields has fueled the interest of the urological community to study its application in small renal masses (SRM). However, some controversies remain regarding its oncologic efficacy. This paper reviews the effects of technical factors and tumor/tissue characteristics on treatment success, discuss the evaluation of treatment success by post-treatment imaging and histopathology, and highlight intermediate term oncologic outcomes of recent, larger RFA series. The authors have performed a Medline database search regarding the treatment of SRM by RFA from 2003 through August 2010. To evaluate technical factors and tissue characteristics influencing treatment success, and the evaluation of treatment success by imaging and histopathology, papers were selected when they provided detailed descriptions on one or more of these items. For the analysis of oncologic outcomes, the selection was limited to series that treated a minimum of 20 patients or a minimum follow-up of 48 months and reported effectiveness based on follow-up imaging. Technical evolutions and correct patient/tumor selection produced increasingly higher success rates with RFA. Even though tumor skipping has been described in preclinical studies and early clinical trials, this does not seem to influence efficacy of the procedure. Indeed, a 8.7% retreatment rate exists. However, accepting this potential downside, final ablative success rate is 94.1% at intermediate term follow-up. Complications after RFA are less frequent and more often minor compared to surgical series. The present analysis reveals that RFA achieves a high intermediate-term ablative success rate when accepting an 8.7% re-ablation rate. Complication rates are low and usually minor. Based on this data, RFA represents an attractive minimal invasive treatment for SRM, especially in the growing elderly patient population with multiple comorbidities. Long-term follow-up data are expected to confirm the role of RFA in the treatment of SRM.