How to maximize the efficacy of shockwave lithotripsy.

Since its introduction in the early 1980s, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) has proven to be a minimally invasive and efficient procedure for the management of renal calculi. It is currently one of the most recommended treatments for small- and medium-sized stones (<20 mm) in most guidelines internationally. The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak could lead to a further increase in ESWL use as it avoids a general anesthetic and its potential complications in patients with COVID-19 infection. Most publications exhibit ESWL stone-free rates (SFRs) of 70%-80%; however, this is often not the case in many centers, with multiple factors affecting the efficacy of the intervention. Various stone and patient factors have been shown to influence the ESWL success. Stone position, density and size, skin-to-stone distance, and body-mass index contribute to SFRs. Modifications in the lithotripter design and revisions in the technique have also improved the SFRs over the years, with slower shock rates, power-ramping protocols, combined real-time ultrasound, and fluoroscopy imaging technology, all enhancing the efficacy. The adjuvant use of pharmacological agents, such as alpha-blockers, potassium citrate, and the emerging microbubble technology, has also been investigated and shown promising results. Arguably, the most significant determinant of the success of ESWL in a particular unit is how the lithotripsy service is set up and monitored. Careful patient selection, dedicated personnel, and post-treatment imaging review are essential for the optimization of ESWL. Through an analysis of the published studies, this review aimed to explore the measures that contribute to an effectual lithotripsy service in depth.

Radiation Exposure during Ureterorenoscopy and Laser Lithotripsy: An Analysis of Stone Characteristics.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Stone formers often have a chronic exposure to significant quantities of ionising radiation from radiological investigations and interventions. Predicting radiation exposure would allow the clinician to quantify expected cumulative radiation and find strategies to minimise exposure. We evaluated radiation exposure during ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy (URS + LL) for a single stone episode and correlated the results to stone characteristics. METHOD: Data was collected retrospectively for all patients undergoing URS + LL in our institution over a 1 year period. Patients with multiple stones, staghorn stones or incomplete stone clearance were excluded to simplify the analysis. Patient characteristics, fluoroscopy data and stone characteristics were recorded. RESULTS: We included 302 consecutive patients in the study. The majority of stones were located in the renal calyces/pelvis (54%) with the rest located in the upper (18%), middle (13%) and lower ureter (15%). Mean stone diameter was 9.9 mm (range 4-30 mm). Mean radiation exposure time during URS + LL was 44 s (range 12-119 s) with a mean total radiation exposure of 7.5 milligray (mGy; range 1.2-29.7 mGy). Renal stones were associated with 27% higher radiation exposure compared to ureteral stones (8.3 vs. 6.7 mGy; p = 0.02). There was a positive correlation between stone diameter and radiation exposure (Spearman's correlation coefficient ρ = 0.28; p < 0.001). Stones with diameter greater than 10 mm were associated with 37% higher radiation exposure compared to smaller stones (9.1 vs. 6.6 mGy; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a direct correlation between stone burden, as well as location, and radiation exposure during URS + LL. Clinicians should consider strategies to reduce total radiation exposure in recurrent stone formers at risk of high radiation exposure by limiting screening time, using pulsed rather than continuous fluoroscopy, management with primary URS + LL, or using ultrasound guidance.

Urolithiasis following urinary diversion.

Urolithiasis is a well-known occurrence after cystectomy and urinary diversion. With high incidence and recurrence rates of urolithiasis, complex anatomy and associated morbidities, these patients remain a management challenge for urologists. The purpose of this review is to examine the literature and consider the risk factors for stone formation in this group of patients and reflect on the reported outcomes with the range of available treatment options.

Fournier's gangrene associated with intradermal injection of cocaine.

INTRODUCTION: Cocaine abuse is associated with a number of medical complications, most notably arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and cerebral hemorrhages. The injection of cocaine in the penis has been predominantly recorded into the corpus cavernosae and is associated with priapism. AIM: Here we describe the injection of subcutaneous cocaine within the penile shaft skin producing ischemic necrosis and Fournier's gangrene. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We sought to highlight the effects of cocaine use within the penis and emphasize the different effects that may ensue. METHODS: We reviewed a recent clinical case and conducted a literature review on the use of cocaine within the penis. RESULTS: The use of cocaine has been reported previously within the literature and is mainly limited to case reports. Cocaine use within the corpora and the subcutaneous tissues produces significantly different consequences ranging from priapism to Fournier's gangrene. CONCLUSIONS: The case illustrates the growing use of cocaine and other illicit drugs and emphasizes the importance of this issue to all clinicians.

Ten years outcome analysis of corporeal plication for Peyronie's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term results of plication of tunica albuginea in patients with penile curvature secondary to Peyronie's disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 78 men with penile curvature secondary to Peyronie's disease underwent corporeal plication over a 10 year period. To assess the long-term results, a questionnaire-based study was undertaken on 73 of these patients with a time lapse of > 6 months after the operation. The questionnaire focussed on the presence or absence of penile deformity and pain, erectile function and the ability to perform sexual intercourse. RESULTS: Follow up ranged from 3 to 109 months with a median of 51 months. The cosmetic result was good or excellent (straight or almost straight penis) in 94% by 6 months. A total of 57 replies to the questionnaire were suitable for analysis. A total of 90% patients had a satisfactory cosmetic result, whereas only 71% reported a satisfactory functional result (straight or almost straight penis on erection with pain free penetration and normal sexual intercourse) in the long-term. In patients with > 3 years follow up, the cosmetic and functional success rates were 83% and 67%, respectively, and for patients with > 5 years follow up the corresponding figures were 82% and 71%, respectively. The main causes of functional failure were pain, erectile dysfunction and persisting deformity. There were no major complications associated with the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Corporeal plication is an effective surgical option for the correction of penile deformity in patients with Peyronie's disease, with good cosmetic results and acceptable functional success rate in the long-term.

Tissue microarrays and their relevance to the urologist.

PURPOSE: We review important aspects of TMA methodology and discuss its wide range of clinical applications with particular emphasis on key clinical studies. We also provide an update on recent and projected uses of this technology to help the urologist improve care in oncology patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A directed MEDLINE literature review of TMAs was performed. Important publications that have shaped our understanding of TMAs were selected for review. They were augmented by manual searches and our personal bibliographic collections. RESULTS: The TMA is a high throughput molecular biology technique that can significantly accelerate the processing of a large number of tissue specimens with excellent quality, good reliability and the preservation of original tissue. TMA studies demonstrate their accuracy and reliability compared to those of standard histological techniques and correlate with clinicopathological information to determine disease progression and prediction of the clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: This review represents an overview and update for the urologist on TMAs and their clinical applications in urological oncology. In the future it is anticipated that the outcomes of this method will be used to assist in the diagnosis, prognosis and development of novel therapies in individual patients.