Patient Counseling Through the Pelvicalyceal-shaped Labyrinth: In Search of an Easy Understanding of the Upcoming Stone Removal: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of a mobile application (app) displaying a visualization of the internal anatomy of the pelvicalyceal systemPCS and of kidney stones on patient understanding of their affected kidney anatomy and their upcoming percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred patients who required PCNL were included in this study, and all patients were nonrandomly distributed into 2 groups: counseled using only 3D-reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images (group 1) or using only the "InsKid" app (group 2). Patient data were obtained from CT scans as Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format and converted into stereolithography (STL) format. All patients completed the questionnaire after counseling, and the results were compared between groups. RESULTS: Patients from group 2 better understood the anatomy of their affected kidney by 53%; awareness regarding their stone location was better by 32%; the steps of planned surgery, as well as possible complications, were more transparent for patients using the app by 24% and 56%, respectively. The number of patients who were dissatisfied with the mobile counseling dropped by 70%. The average duration of consultation with the 3D reconstruction of CT images was 10.9 ± 0.6 min, while counseling using our program reliably led to a reduction in this duration (7.3 ± 0.5 min). CONCLUSION: The InsKid app is a freely available, easy-to-use educational software that improves patient counseling without considerable financial expense or long waiting periods for use.

[Transperineal TRUS-guided prostate biopsy]. / La biopsia prostatica transperineale TRUS guidata

Prostate biopsy can be performed through different approaches, with several differences in patient preparation, procedural technique and post-biopsy patient management. On the basis of our personal experience, and comparing it with literature data, this paper presents our data reviews regarding enema and antibiotic prophylaxis administration, biopsy technique, prostate sampling, core pathological management and post-operative management. We also provide a possible standardization of these procedures in patients undergoing transperineal TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. We accordingly classify antibiotic prophylaxis and bowel preparation as optional/advisable, ultrasound prostate examination before biopsy and local anaesthesia as recommended. Prostate sampling should be performed with at least 8 cores, to be increased proportionally to prostate volume. Each sample should be sent to the pathologist in single containers, according to the pre-embedding sandwich method. Finally, the patient should be evaluated for early complications before discharging, and for delayed complications within one month after the procedure.