Update on Urinary Tract Infection Antibiotic Resistance-A Retrospective Study in Females in Conjunction with Clinical Data.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a frequent pathology among the female population that has become more and more difficult to treat in the past decade, considering the increase in antibiotic resistance-a serious global public health problem. A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted for six months to report an update regarding the rates of resistance and susceptibility of uropathogens necessary for optimal treatment. A total of 5487 patients were screened, of which 524 (9.54%) were female patients who met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen, representing 290 cases (55.34%), followed by Enterococcus spp. 82 (15.64%). Escherichia coli presented the highest resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (R = 33.1%), followed by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (R = 32.41%) and levofloxacin (R = 32.06%). The highest sensitivity rates were observed for fosfomycin (S = 96.55%), followed by imipenem (S = 93.1%). Enterococcus spp. showed the highest resistance to levofloxacin (R = 50.0%), followed by penicillin (R = 39.02%). The highest sensitivity was observed for fosfomycin (S = 90.24%), linezolid (S = 89.02%), and nitrofurantoin (S = 86.58%). The second most frequent Gram-negative uropathogen was represented by Klebsiella spp., which had the highest resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (R = 35.89%), followed by levofloxacin (R = 25.64) and trimethoprim-suflamethoxazole (R = 24.35%). The most frequently associated pathology was an episode of UTI in the previous year, followed by diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Antibiotic resistance is a serious problem for all clinicians who treat UTIs. An up-to-date knowledge of antibiotic resistance rates is a major necessity to stop its evolution. Overall, the highest resistance rates were observed for aminopenicillins, fluoroquinolones, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The best susceptibility rates were observed for fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin, and carbapenems. Our report aims to guide clinicians whenever they are forced to prescribe antibiotics empirically.

Unfavorable factors in accessing the pelvicalyceal system during retrograde flexible ureteroscopy (fURS).

Flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) is a well-established procedure for treating multiple upper-urinary tract pathologies, particularly renoureteral lithiasis. Endoscopes have undergone significant advancements, including miniaturization, improved optics, and increased maneuverability. In addition, advancements in accessory instruments, such as the performance of laser fibers, guidewires, and extraction probes, have played a significant role in improving the overall performance of flexible ureteroscopy procedures. However, despite these advancements, unique circumstances can make achieving optimum results during flexible ureteroscopy challenging. These include congenital renal anomalies (horseshoe kidneys, ectopic kidneys, rotation anomalies), as well as the unique intrarenal anatomy (infundibulopelvic angle, infundibular length) or the specifications of the endoscope in terms of maneuverability (active and passive deflection). This review explored challenging scenarios during flexible ureteroscopy procedures in the pyelocaliceal system.

Second-look flexible ureteroscopy after RIRS - Holmium Moses versus TFL (Soltive).

Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is nowadays more and more indicated in pyelocaliceal stones. Holmium and Thulium lasers are the main lasers used. Fragmenting (basketing) or dusting, despite the new technology, still have residual stones (even having 250 microns). This study evaluates second-look flexible ureteroscopy for residual fragments. We analyzed 246 patients (October 2020-March 2022) on which we used Moses Holmium technology (187 cases) in Group 1 and Soltive Laser System (59 cases) in Group 2. The average stone size was 13.1 mm (range 11-29), and the average stone density was 1026 HU (range 870-1752). We used 270 µm for Ho: YAG laser and 150 µm for TFL. For Holmium, we applied energy 0.4J and frequency 80 Hz. For TFL, we applied fine dusting (0.15 J/100 Hz) and dusting (0.5 J/30 Hz). After three months, we practiced the second flexible ureteroscopy. Both groups were compared for completely visual stone-free rates. Stone-free rate at 3 months (second flexible ureteroscopy) was 86.63% (n=162/187) in Group 1 and 96,61% (n=57/59) in Group 2, respectively. The stone-free correlation with the CT preoperative evaluation was 160/187-85.56% for Holmium and 55/59-93.22% for TFL. We found residual stones after the second flexible ureteroscopy in 25 cases after Holmium laser treatment and only in 2 cases after TFL. In all these cases, we finally obtained zero residual stones. The second flexible ureteroscopy could achieve complete residual stone removal and real stone-free status. Despite a slight difference between these two laser technologies, the second look decreases the residual fragments.

Hybrid flexible ureteroscopy strategy in the management of renal stones - a narrative review.

The introduction of single-use flexible ureteroscopes (suFURSs) in daily practice tends to overcome the main limitations of reusable ureteroscopes (reFURSs), in terms of high acquisition costs, maintenance, breakages and repairing costs, reprocessing and sterilization, as retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is promoted as first-line treatment of renal stones in most cases. A hybrid strategy implies having both instruments in the armamentarium of endourology and choosing the best strategy for cost-efficiency and protecting expensive reusable instruments in selected high-risk for breakage cases such as large stones of the inferior calyx, a steep infundibulopelvic angle or narrow infundibulum, or abnormal anatomy as in horseshoe and ectopic kidney. In terms of safety and efficiency, data present suFURSs as a safe alternative considering operating time, stone-free, and complication rates. An important aspect is highlighted by several authors about reusable instrument disinfection as various pathogens are still detected after proper sterilization. This comprehensive narrative review aims to analyze available data comparing suFURSs and reFURSs, considering economic, technical, and operative aspects of the two types of instruments, as well as the strategy of adopting a hybrid approach to selecting the most appropriate flexible ureteroscope in each case.

Ureteral stent complications - experience on 50,000 procedures.

Double J stent is an essential tool in urology, being a basic part of many urological procedures. However, some issues related to their use still occur. Our study aimed to evaluate an important number of procedures, the complications of ureteral stents, and their prevention and treatment retrospectively. We evaluate 50,000 procedures performed between 1996 and 2021 on 36,688 patients. According to the stenting duration, the cases were divided into short-term (less than 6 weeks - 34,213 procedures), respectively long-term stenting (more than 6 weeks - 15,757 procedures). The indications of stenting for both groups were noted. The total number of complications was 41,369. We encountered 153 cases (0.3%) of JJ stent malposition, of which 3 cases were into the retroperitoneum, one case with parenchymal perforation and hematoma. Considering the double J migrations, we found proximal migration in 427 cases (0.9%) and distal double J migrations in 352 (0.7%) cases. The obstruction of the ureteral stent, causing inefficient drainage, was encountered in 925 cases, while irritative bladder symptoms occurred in 16,326 cases (32.7%). Hematuria was observed in 5,213 cases, in 7 cases blood transfusion being necessary. Urinary tract infection was diagnosed in 7,436 cases (14.8%). Stent encrustation and calcification occurred in 832 cases, while stent fragmentation was noted in 52 cases. Double J stent complications should be promptly evaluated and treated. Encrustation and stone formation in forgotten stents often lead to serious complications and should be managed with stent removal and combined endourological techniques.

Morbidity of Retrograde Flexible Ureteral Approach for Pyelo-Caliceal Stones - A Retrospective Review of 4500 Procedures.

Introduction: The retrograde flexible ureteroscopic approach is an effective and relatively safe procedure. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety of retrograde flexible ureteroscopic approach in patients with pyelo-caliceal stones on a significant number of cases. Material and method: We retrospectively evaluated 4500 procedures of flexible retrograde ureteroscopic approach for pyelocaliceal lithiasis, operated in two centers. The complications associated with this approach were retrospectively evaluated and data was stratified according to Clavien- Dindo classification. Results: Intraoperative incidents occurred during 5.2% of the procedures. Overall complications occurred in 18.9% of the procedures. Around two thirds of them were septic complications, the use of ureteral access sheath proving to be a protective factor against them. Most of the complications were mild. In 4.8% of the cases in which ureteral access sheath was used, we encountered grade 2 and 3 ureteral wall lesions. Conclusions: Most of the complications associated with retrograde flexible ureteroscopic approach are mild, regardless the type of flexible ureteroscope used. Reduced pressure in the pyelo-caliceal system is important to maintain the complications rate low, both septic and non-septic.