An Update of In Vivo Application of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy: Results from a Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Kidney puncture is a key step in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Ultrasound/fluoroscopic-guided access to the collecting systems is commonly used in PCNL. Performing a puncture is often challenging in kidneys with congenital malformations or complex staghorn stones. We aim to perform a systematic review to examine data on in vivo applications, outcomes, and limitations of using artificial intelligence and robotics for access in PCNL. RECENT FINDINGS: The literature search was performed on November 2, 2022, using Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Twelve studies were included. 3D in PCNL is useful for image reconstruction but also in 3D printing with definite benefits seen in improving anatomical spatial understanding for preoperative and intraoperative planning. 3D model printing and virtual and mixed reality allow for an enhanced training experience and easier access which seems to translate into a shorter learning curve and better stone-free rate compared to standard puncture. Robotic access improves the accuracy of the puncture for ultrasound- and fluoroscopic-guided access in both supine and prone positions. The potential advantage robotics are using artificial intelligence to do remote access, reduced number of needle punctures, and less radiation exposure during renal access. Artificial intelligence, virtual and mixed reality, and robotics may play a key role in improving PCNL surgery by enhancing all aspects of a successful intervention from entry to exit. There is a gradual adoption of this newer technology into clinical practice but is yet limited to centers with access and the ability to afford this.

Trends and patterns of initial percutaneous nephrolithotomy and subsequent procedures among commercially-insured US adults with urinary system stone disease: a 10-year population-based study.

PURPOSE: To describe trends and patterns of initial percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and subsequent procedures from 2010 to 2019 among commercially-insured US adults with urinary system stone disease (USSD). METHODS: Retrospective study of administrative data from the IBM® MarketScan® Database. Eligible patients were aged 18-64 years and underwent PCNL between 1/1/2010 and 12/31/2019. Measures of interest for analysis of trends and patterns included the setting of initial PCNL (inpatient vs. outpatient), percutaneous access (1 vs. 2-step), and the incidence, time course, and type of subsequent procedures (extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy [SWL], ureteroscopy [URS], and/or PCNL) performed up-to 3 years after initial PCNL. RESULTS: A total of 8,348 patients met the study eligibility criteria. During the study period, there was a substantial shift in the setting of initial PCNL, from 59.9% being inpatient in 2010 to 85.3% being outpatient by 2019 (P < 0.001). The proportion of 1 vs. 2-step initial PCNL fluctuated over time, with a low of 15.1% in 2016 and a high of 22.0% in 2019 but showed no consistent yearly trend (P = 0.137). The Kaplan-Meier estimated probability of subsequent procedures following initial PCNL was 20% at 30 days, 28% at 90 days, and 50% at 3 years, with slight fluctuations by initial PCNL year. From 2010 to 2019, the proportion of subsequent procedures accounted for by URS increased substantially (from 30.8 to 51.8%), whereas SWL decreased substantially (from 39.5 to 14.7%) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: From 2010 to 2019, PCNL procedures largely shifted to the outpatient setting. Subsequent procedures after initial PCNL were common, with most occurring within 90 days. URS has become the most commonly-used subsequent procedure type.

El "volumen" del saber urológico en el último cuarto de siglo / The volume of urological knowledge in the last 25 years

Pocas especialidades médicas y quirúrgicas han experimentado en las últimas décadas tantos y tan significativos avances terapéuticos como la Urología. Además de progresos en los conocimientos fisiopatológicos de las distintas enfermedades que conforman el corpus del saber Urológico. La cirugía laparoscópica y las ondas de choque extracorpóreas han revolucionado la especialidad en su totalidad, provocando cambios de paradigma tanto en las indicaciones terapéuticas como en la interpretación de algunos procesos patológicos. Aportamos unas reflexiones desde una mirada retrospectiva

Few specialties have gone through as many transitions in the last decades as Urology. Progressive physiology advances in several disease have become part of the urological knowledge. Laparoscopic surgery and ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) wave have completely turn upside down the whole management of disease. The current text provides a back to the future sigh into Urology

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy: is it still valid in the era of robotic endourology? Can it be more efficient?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of the article is to evaluate the actual role of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the management of urolithiasis based on the new developments of flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). RECENT FINDINGS: In Western Europe, there is a significant change of techniques used for treatment of renal stones with an increase of FURS and a decrease of ESWL. The reasons for this include the change of indications, technical improvement of the endourologic armamentarium, including robotic assistance. Mostly relevant is the introduction of digital reusable and single-use flexible ureterorenoscopes, whereas micro-PCNL has been abandoned. Some companies have stopped production of lithotripters and novel ideas to improve the efficacy of shock waves have not been implemented in the actual systems. Promising shock-wave technologies include the use of burst-shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL) or high-frequent ESWL. The main advantage would be the very fast pulverization of the stone as shown in in-vitro models. SUMMARY: The role of ESWL in the management of urolithiasis is decreasing, whereas FURS is constantly progressing. Quality and safety of intracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy using holmium:YAG-laser under endoscopic control clearly outweighs the advantages of noninvasive ESWL. To regain ground, new technologies like burst-SWL or high-frequent ESWL have to be implemented in new systems.

New devices for kidney stone management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to summarize recent developments in the array of devices which are commonly used by urologists in the surgical management of kidney stones. To accomplish this goal, an extensive review of recent endourology literature, conference abstracts, and publicly available documents from manufacturers and the United States Food and Drug Administration was collected and reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent developments in the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy include the introduction of pulse modulation. This technique delivers the laser energy in an asymmetric manner such that an initial bubble is created (the 'Moses effect') through which the remainder of the energy can then travel through without being absorbed by surrounding water. Even more novel is the thulium fiber laser, which is produced in a fundamentally different way than traditional Ho:YAG lasers and is not yet available for clinical use. Finally, novel mechanical lithotrites which effectively combine ultrasonic energy, ballistic energy, and suction capability appear to be highly effective for stone clearance in recent benchtop and clinical studies. SUMMARY: With the introduction of both new modifications of time-tested technologies as well as completely novel modalities, the practicing urologist's armamentarium of devices for the surgical management of kidney stones continues to grow. As the popularity of 'mini' procedures continues to grow, the adaptability of these technologies to these procedures will be critical to maintain maximum relevance.

Burst wave lithotripsy and acoustic manipulation of stones.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Burst wave lithotripsy and ultrasonic propulsion of kidney stones are novel, noninvasive emerging technologies to separately or synergistically fragment and reposition stones in an office setting. The purpose of this review is to discuss the latest refinements in technology, to update on testing of safety and efficacy, and to review future applications. RECENT FINDINGS: Burst wave lithotripsy produced consistent, small passable fragments through transcutaneous applications in a porcine model, while producing minimal injury and clinical trials are now underway. A more efficient ultrasonic propulsion design that can also deliver burst wave lithotripsy effectively repositioned 95% of stones in 18 human participants (18 of 19 kidneys) and clinical trials continue. Acoustic tractor beam technology is an emerging technology with promising clinical applications through the manipulation of macroscopic objects. SUMMARY: The goal of the reviewed work is an office-based system to image, fragment, and reposition urinary stones to facilitate their natural passage. The review highlights progress in establishing safety, effectiveness, and clinical benefit of these new technologies. The work is also anticipating challenges in clinical trials and developing the next generation of technology to improve on the technology as it is being commercialized today.

Frontiers of stone management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The surgical tool-box for urinary stone disease is growing. In this review, we discuss recent developments in the surgical management of urolithiasis, with emphasis on tailoring the management to the individual patient, and attention to the quality of care. RECENT FINDINGS: Shockwave lithotripsy remains a popular noninvasive treatment option for patients, with new data emerging on how to improve treatment outcomes as well as its limitations. Next-generation holmium lasers are expanding the role of dusting techniques for ureteroscopy but further studies are needed to assess safety and clinical outcomes. Advances in miniaturization and patient positioning are propelling percutaneous renal stone surgery toward endoscopic combined intrarenal and simultaneous bilateral surgery for patients with complex stone disease. SUMMARY: Stone management will be increasingly personalized to the unique qualities of the patient, stone, desired outcome, and available expertise and technology. Future studies assessing the quality of stone surgery should incorporate objective metrics to better delineate the success and cost of the different techniques available.

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy: current knowledge and future perspectives.

Over the last four decades, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) has been used as an effective technique to treat kidney and ureteral stones. Nowadays, ESWL still plays a role in stone treatment and is a primary treatment option in different guidelines. New technologies are now available to endourologists, but this procedure remains valid. This narrative review will shortly illustrate the history of ESWL and its clinical applications, limits, and specific uses.

Emerging Technologies in Ultrasonic and Pneumatic Lithotripsy.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the treatment of choice for large renal stones. Larger, straight access tracts allow for use of rigid pneumatic and ultrasonic lithotripsy devices. Through advanced technologies, more efficient fragmentation has become possible, allowing for a variety of treatment options depending on stone location, size, and composition. As novel methods of lithotripsy enter the clinical sphere, it is a requirement that the operating urologist understand the available surgical options and the associated mechanisms used to best treat their patients. This article discusses the mechanisms of basic pneumatic and ultrasonic devices, and examines the data regarding current and novel combination lithotrites.

Change of Trends in the Treatment Modality for Pediatric Nephrolithiasis: Retrospective Analysis of a US-Based Insurance Claims Database.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to show the prevalence and investigate treatment trends of pediatric nephrolithiasis based on a large population of U.S. insurance individual's data. Materials and Methods: This research involved a retrospective observational cohort study. Administrative claims data were extracted from the IBM® MarketScan® Research Database. We included all patients newly diagnosed with nephrolithiasis, aged <18 years old at the time of diagnosis from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2014. The patient cohort with nephrolithiasis was selected using the International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code for nephrolithiasis. Each treatment method was searched by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code. Results: A total of 28,014 patients were found to have nephrolithiasis in our cohort. Of nephrolithiasis patients, 701 (2.5%) patients were treated by surgical methods. The mean age of patients at the time of treatment was 13 years old. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) was the most used treatment modality during the period. SWL was performed in 66% of patients. The number of cases of SWL did not tend to change according to year, whereas retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) tended to increase from 15% to 31%. Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) decreased from 13% to <10 cases. The number of open surgeries was very small and did not show any tendency. Conclusion: During the study period, SWL is stable. RIRS has become more popular in treating renal stones, whereas PCNL has decreased. These results suggest that the RIRS has become more popular than PCNL in treating large renal stones.

Recent surgical treatments for urinary stone disease in a Korean population: National population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To provide surgical treatment trends for urinary stone disease in Korea. METHODS: We analyzed medical service claim data of surgical treatments to urinary stone disease submitted by medical service providers from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service from 2009 to 2016. RESULTS: There was a significantly increasing trend among outpatients and inpatients for urinary stone disease from 2009 to 2016 (R2  = 0.643, P = 0.017; R2  = 0.575, P = 0.029). The number of shock wave lithotripsy for treating urinary stone disease increased by 16% from 89 553 in 2009 to 104 013 in 2016 (R2  = 0.684). The number of ureteroscopic lithotripsy increased by 97% from 6106 in 2009 to 12 057 in 2016 (R2  = 0.99). The number of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy increased by 16-fold from 219 in 2009 to 3712 in 2016 (R2  = 0.756). The number of percutaneous nephrolithotomy increased by 99.7% from 919 in 2009 to 1835 in 2016 (R2  = 0.987). The use of non-contrast and contrast-enhanced computed tomography in the diagnostic codes for urinary stone disease increased by 394.8% and 263.3% from 2009 to 2016, respectively (R2  = 0.83; R2  = 0.967). Conversely, the use of intravenous pyelography decreased 26.2% over the same period (R2  = 0.945). CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient and inpatient procedures for urinary stone disease have increased over the past 8 years in Korea. Shock wave lithotripsy is the most widely used treatment modality for urinary stone disease, and endoscopic surgical procedures are rapidly being implemented. There has been a steep increase in the use of computed tomography, whereas conventional intravenous pyelography is declining.

Updates in endourological management of urolithiasis.

Urinary stone disease, or urolithiasis, is a very common disease with increasing prevalence and incidence. With the advancement of endoscopic techniques, the treatment outcomes of ureteroscopy (or transureteral lithotripsy) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy are continuously improving. In recent years, there have been many new developments in the field, including new endoscopy design, more effective auxiliary tools, improvement in treatment protocols, introduction of robotic technology, combining both ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery or transureteral lithotripsy-assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy), improvement in laser technology, and so on. All these new inputs will further improve the treatment efficacy and safety of the procedures, thus benefiting our patients. In the present review, we briefly go through the main steps of ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, with a concise description and application of these new advances.

Chronological changes in the epidemiological characteristics of upper urinary tract urolithiasis in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: To assess epidemiological and chronological trends of upper urinary tract stones in Japan in 2015. METHODS: Patients with a first episode of upper urinary tract stones in 2015 were enrolled in this nationwide survey. The study included all hospitals approved by the Japanese Board of Urology, therefore covering most of the hospitals where urologists practice in Japan. The annual incidence and composition of urolithiasis were evaluated by age and sex. These results were compared with the previous results of the nationwide surveys from 1965 to 2005 to analyze temporal trends. RESULTS: The estimated annual incidence of a first-episode upper urinary tract stone in 2015 was 137.9 (191.9 in men and 86.9 in women) per 100 000. The estimated age-standardized first-episode upper urinary tract stone incidence in 2015 was 107.8 (150.6 in men and 63.3 in women) per 100 000, which did not represent a significant increase since 2005. An equivalent incidence was observed in patients aged >50 years, whereas a reduced incidence was observed in patients aged <50 years in both sexes. The proportion of patients who received percutaneous nephrolithotomy and/or ureteroscopy increased by approximately fivefold in the past 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: The steady increase in the annual incidence of upper urinary tract stones since 1955 leveled off in 2015. The current results show novel trends in the incidence and treatment modalities in the nationwide surveys of urolithiasis in Japan.

Current trends and pitfalls in endoscopic treatment of urolithiasis.

Current development of endoscopic technology, lithotripters, and stone-retrieval devices has expanded the indications for retrograde and antegrade endoscopic therapy in the management of urolithiasis. This technology has also resulted in minimally invasive therapy. As surgeons' experience of endourological procedures with the newer instruments has become integrated, the surgical technique and indications for urolithiasis have also changed in the past few years. The present review provides an overview of endourological procedures for upper urinary tract stones and the key points related to surgical techniques.

¿Es la litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque en la actualidad un tratamiento vigente para el tratamiento de la litiasis urinaria? Revisión sistemática / Is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy a current treatment for urolithiasis? A systematic review

Introducción: Los avances tecnológicos han motivado un cambio en el manejo de la urolitiasis. Las técnicas endourológicas están cobrando mayor importancia, ya que son tratamientos altamente eficaces. El objetivo de este trabajo es responder a la cuestión de si la LEOCH sigue siendo una alternativa competitiva frente a otras modalidades terapéuticas. Adquisición de la evidencia: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de artículos publicados en los últimos 5 años. Fueron identificados 12 estudios aleatorizados y comparativos. Se evaluó la metodología y el resultado de las variables estudiadas. Se ha realizado una síntesis narrativa de los estudios incluidos. Para resumir las variables se ha utilizado la media y la desviación estándar en variables continuas, y para variables cualitativas el número absoluto y el porcentaje. Análisis de la evidencia: De los estudios revisados, 7 trabajos evaluaban los distintos tratamientos para litiasis renales y 5 para litiasis ureterales. A nivel renal, con LEOCH se alcanza una TLL a los 3 meses entre 91,5-33,33%, mientras que con otras técnicas endourológicas entre 100-90,4%, sin encontrar diferencias estadísticamente significativas en todos los estudios. A nivel ureteral con LEOCH se alcanza una TLL a los 3 meses entre 82,2-73,5%, mientras que con otras técnicas endourológicas entre 94,1-79%, sin encontrar diferencias estadísticamente significativas todos los estudios. Conclusión: Existe una falta de homogeneidad entre los estudios publicados. La LEOCH es un tratamiento mínimamente invasivo, que con una adecuada técnica y selección del paciente alcanza una elevada efectividad, manteniendo un papel importante en la actualidad

Introduction: Technological advances have prompted a change in the management of urolithiasis. Endourological techniques are gaining importance because they are highly effective treatments. The aim of this study was to answer the question of whether extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is still a competitive alternative compared with other therapeutic modalities. Acquisition of evidence: We conducted a literature search of articles published in the past 5 years. We identified 12 randomized and comparative studies and assessed the methodology and results of the study variables. We performed a narrative synthesis of the included studies. To summarise the variables, we used the mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and absolute numbers and percentages for the qualitative variables. Analysis of the evidence: Of the studies reviewed, 7 evaluated the various treatments for nephrolithiasis and 5 evaluated the treatments for ureteral lithiasis. At the renal level, a stone-free rate of 33.33-91.5% at 3 months was reached with ESWL, while a rate of 90.4-100% was achieved with the other endourological techniques, without finding statistically significant differences in the studies. At the ureteral level, a stone-free rate of 73.5-82.2% at 3 months was reached with ESWL, while a rate of 79-94.1% was achieved with the other endourological techniques, without finding statistically significant differences in the studies. Conclusion: There is a lack of homogeneity among the published studies. ESWL is a minimally invasive treatment that with an appropriate technique and patient selection achieves high effectiveness, thus maintaining an important role at this time

Predicción de efectividad de litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque en cálculos del tracto urinario. Grupos de riesgo para precisar retratamiento / Predicting the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy on urinary tract stones. Risk groups for accurate retreatment

Introducción: La litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque (LEOC) es un tratamiento no invasivo, seguro y efectivo para las litiasis del tracto urinario cuya efectividad varía según la localización y el tamaño del cálculo, entre otros factores; en ocasiones es necesario realizar varias sesiones. El objetivo es tratar de predecir el éxito o fracaso conociendo previamente las variables influyentes. Material y métodos: Analizamos a 211 pacientes con TAC previa entre aquellos tratados mediante LEOC entre los años 2010 y 2014. Se estudian las variables influyentes en la necesidad de retratamiento utilizando modelos de regresión logística binaria (estudio uni- y multivariado): densidad máxima, diámetro máximo, área, localización, desintegración y distancia del panículo adiposo. Con las variables influyentes se ha diseñado un modelo de riesgo valorando con regresión logística todas las posibles combinaciones (IBM SPSS versión 20.0). Resultados: Las variables de influencia independiente en la necesidad de retratamiento son: densidad máxima >864UH, diámetro máximo >7,5mm y localización pielocalicial. Utilizando estas variables, el mejor modelo incluye 3grupos de riesgo con probabilidades de necesitar retratamiento significativamente diferentes: grupo 1-bajo riesgo (0 variables) con 20,2%, grupo 2-riesgo intermedio (1-2 variables) con 49,2% y grupo 3-alto riesgo (3 variables) con 62,5%. Conclusiones: La densidad, el diámetro máximo y la localización pielocalicial del cálculo son factores determinantes en la efectividad del tratamiento con LEOC. Con estas variables, que se pueden obtener antes de la decisión terapéutica, el modelo de riesgo diseñado permite una aproximación precisa de cara a elegir el tratamiento más adecuado para cada caso en particular

Introduction: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive, safe and effective treatment for urinary tract lithiasis. Its effectiveness varies depending on the location and size of the stones as well as other factors; several sessions are occasionally required. The objective is to attempt to predict its success or failure, when the influential variables are known beforehand. Material and methods: We analysed 211 patients who had had previous CT scans and were treated with ESWL between 2010 and 2014. The influential variables in requiring retreatment were studied using binary logistic regression models (univariate and multivariate analysis): maximum density, maximum diameter, area, location, disintegration and distance from the adipose panniculus. With the influential variables, a risk model was designed by assessing all possible combinations with logistic regression (version 20.0 IBM SPSS). Results: The independent influential variables on the need for retreatment are: maximum density > 864 HU, maximum diameter > 7.5 mm and pyelocaliceal location. Using these variables, the best model includes 3risk groups with a probability of requiring significantly different retreatment: group 1-low risk (0 variables) with 20.2%; group 2-intermediate risk (1-2 variables) with 49.2%; and group 3-high risk (3 variables) with 62.5%. Conclusions: The density, maximum diameter and pyelocaliceal location of the stones are determinant factors in terms of the effectiveness of treatment with ESWL. Using these variables, which can be obtained in advance of deciding on a treatment, the designed risk model provides a precise approach in choosing the most appropriate treatment for each particular case

[What is the current status of shock wave lithotripsy?] / Hat die extrakorporale Stoßwellenlithotripsie noch einen Stellenwert?

BACKGROUND: Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) became the therapy of choice for the majority of patients with urolithiasis early after its introduction in the early 1980s. Since then, SWL remains the only noninvasive therapy modality for the treatment of urinary stones. Although lithotripters became more versatile and affordable-making them available worldwide-indications for SWL have shifted as well. In most western countries, endoscopic techniques took the lead in stone therapy due to high (early) stone-free and better reimbursement rates. Notwithstanding SWL remains the first-line therapy for most intrarenal and many ureteral stones. PURPOSE: This contemporary review illuminates technical aspects and improvements of lithotripsy over recent years in context with the current guideline recommendations. RESULTS: Technical advances in lithotripsy such as shock wave generation, focusing, coupling, stone localization and modifications in therapy regimens are reviewed and presented. CONCLUSIONS: Urologists are recommended to carefully select the appropriate therapy modality for a patient with urolithiasis. A more comprehensive understanding of the physics of shock waves could lead to much better results, thus, endorsing SWL as first-line therapy for urolithiasis instead of contemporary endourology treatment options.