Urolithiasis in pregnancy: Advances in imaging modalities and evaluation of current trends in endourological approaches.

OBJECTIVE: Given the challenges involved in diagnosis and treatment of pregnant women with urolithiasis, we aim to review the imaging modalities and current endourological management of these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a review of the available literature on urolithiasis in pregnancy. This included evaluation, diagnostic imaging, and therapeutic options. The databases we searched from included Google Scholar and PubMed. A total of 346 abstracts were screened. After our inclusion/exclusion criteria were met, we were left with 42 sources: 18 retrospective studies, 10 reviews/meta-analyses, 8 sets of guidelines, 5 randomized control trials, and 1 prospective cohort. RESULTS: We begin our review with the literature available on the safety and efficacy of imaging modalities in the surgical planning for urolithiasis in pregnant patients. This includes renal ultrasound, abdominal x-ray, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging. While computed tomography may result in an added radiation exposure, with possible safety concerns, magnetic resonance imaging seems to be safer, however a less sensitive test. We next describe safety, efficacy, and outcomes of various surgical interventions for urolithiasis in pregnant patients. This encompasses ureteral stenting, percutaneous nephrostomy, ureteroscopy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Ureteroscopy is a safer approach, but percutaneous nephrolithotomy offers higher stone-free rates. Using an evidence-based approach, we propose an algorithm for management of the pregnant women with renal colic. CONCLUSION: Management of the pregnant women with suspected urolithiasis is a unique challenge for healthcare providers. A multi-disciplinary approach should be taken to optimize outcomes through an evidence-based approach.

[Online surgical education adopted among urology residency programs in response to COVID-19: A pilot study]. / La educación quirúrgica en línea implementada en los programas de residencia urológica como respuesta a la COVID-19: estudio piloto.

Objective: To understand the residents' perceptions of the, COVID-19 driven, newly implemented online learning systems adopted among accredited urology residency programs nationwide, and their sustainability following the pandemic era. Materials and methods: A survey was designed and dispersed to urology program coordinators and directors to distribute to their residents.In the survey, online education models was the all-encompassing term to describe any form of resident education that occurred online. Anonymous surveys were exported from Survey Monkey and data was analyzed for statistical significance. Results: Over 70% of urology residents agreed or were neutral to the statement that online education models were equivalent to in-person learning. Only 13% of residents stated that online learning should not be continued following the pandemic. Several different parameters were assessed, and only 5 of them showed statistical significance. Stress, personal engagement, interpersonal communication efficiency and non-verbal cues were all lower with online education models. The only attribute that was scored higher by residents was network connectivity issues. Conclusions: An overwhelming majority of urology residents in the United States believe online education models should continue to be adopted once the pandemic is over.

Online surgical education adopted among urology residency programs in response to COVID-19: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the residents' perceptions of the, COVID-19 driven, newly implemented online learning systems adopted among accredited urology residency programs nationwide, and their sustainability following the pandemic era. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was designed and dispersed to urology program coordinators and directors to distribute to their residents. In the survey, Online education models was the all-encompassing term to describe any form of resident education that occurred online. Anonymous surveys were exported from Survey Monkey and data was analyzed for statistical significance. RESULTS: Over 70% of urology residents agreed or were neutral to the statement that Online education models were equivalent to in-person learning. Only 13% of residents stated that online learning should not be continued following the pandemic. Several different parameters were assessed, and only 5 of them showed statistical significance. Stress, personal engagement, interpersonal communication efficiency and non-verbal cues were all lower with online education models. The only attribute that was scored higher by residents was network connectivity issues. CONCLUSIONS: An overwhelming majority of urology residents in the United States believe Online education models should continue to be adopted once the pandemic is over.

Dosimetric impact of switching from AAA to Acuros dose-to-water and dose-to-medium for RapidArc plans of nasopharyngeal carcinomas.

PURPOSE: This work aims to evaluate the dosimetric consequences of replacing the Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) by Acuros XB (AXB), dose-to-water (Dw) or dose-to-medium (Dm), for RapidArc plans of nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen NPC plans created with AAA (v15.6) were recalculated with AXB (v15.6) Dw and Dm. The dose-volume parameters to the planning target volumes (PTV) and relevant organs at risk (OAR) were compared. The high dose PTV was divided into bone, air and tissue components and the comparison was performed for each of them. RESULTS: AXB Dw revealed no significant differences in the PTVs compared to AAA. Lower values were observed to spinal cord, brainstem, oral cavity and parotids (0.5% to 2.3%), and higher values to cochleas (up to 5.4%) and mandible (up to 6.7%). AXB Dm predicted lower values than AAA for all PTVs and OARs (2.0% to 6.1%). For the bone PTV subvolume, AXB Dw and Dm predicted respectively higher (2.4%) and lower (2.2% to 3.4%) values. No significant differences were noted in air. AXB predicted lower values than AAA in soft tissues (0.4% to 1.6%). The largest difference was found to the mandible V60Gy parameter, with median differences of 6.7% for AXB Dw and -6.0% for AXB Dm. CONCLUSION: Significant dose differences are expected when switching from AAA to AXB in NPC cases. The dose prescriptions and the tolerance limits for some OARs, especially those of high density, may need to be adjusted depending on the selected dose calculation algorithm and reporting mode.

Collision prediction for intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery planning: An easy-to-implement analytical solution.

PURPOSE: Gantry collision is a concern in linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Without collision screening, the planner may compromise optimal planning, unnecessary re-planning delays can occur, and incomplete treatments may be delivered. To address these concerns, we developed a software for collision prediction based on simple machine measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three types of collision were identified; gantry-couch mount, gantry-couch and gantry-patient. Trigonometric formulas to calculate the distance from each potential point of collision to the gantry rotation axis were generated. For each point, collision occurs when that distance is greater than the gantry head to gantry rotational axis distance. The colliding arc for each point is calculated. A computer code incorporating these formulas was generated. The inputs required are the couch coordinates relative to the isocenter, the patient dimensions, and the presence or absence of a circular SRS collimator. The software outputs the collision-free gantry angles, and for each point, the shortest distance to the gantry or the colliding sector when collision is identified. The software was tested for accuracy on a TrueBEAM® machine equipped with BrainLab® accessories for 80 virtual isocenter-couch angle configurations with and without a circular collimator and a parallelepiped phantom. RESULTS: The software predicted the absence of collision for 19 configurations. The mean absolute error between the measured and predicted gantry angle of collision for the remaining 61 cases was 0.86 (0.01-2.49). CONCLUSION: This tool accurately predicted collisions for linac-based intracranial SRS and is easy to implement in any radiotherapy facility.

Poster - Thur Eve - 36: Out-of-Field dose in craniospinal irradiation.

The risk of radiotherapy induced secondary cancer depends on the integral dose delivered to the patient where the dose delivered within the radiation field is accounted for, as well as dose to out-of-field organs from scattered and leakage radiation. While commercial treatment planning systems allow accurate determination of in-field dose, they are generally not capable of accurate out-of-field dose prediction. Secondary cancer risk is especially an issue in craniospinal treatments where involved patients are often children or young adults. In this work we therefore propose a mathematical model that accurately predicts out-of-field dose for patients treated by craniospinal irradiation at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. An anthropomorphic phantom was imaged, planned and treated, with thermoluminescent dosimeters inserted in the phantom at in-field and out-of-field locations. The measurements showed that our treatment planning system calculated accurately (within 2%) dose inside the field, but did not perform well at points just outside the field edge and consistently underestimated the dose at points further away from the field edge. From the out-of-field measured data, a model was developed that predicts out-of-field dose at a point in the patient based on the distance of that point to the treatment field edge. The developed model is of the double-gaussian type; it contains parameters that can be tuned to make it applicable in other centers where linac geometry and treatment techniques may differ.

Urolitiasis en el embarazo: avances en las modalidades de imagen y evaluación de las tendencias actuales en los abordajes endourológicos / Urolithiasis in pregnancy: Advances in imaging modalities and evaluation of current trends in endourological approaches

Objetivo Dados los desafíos inherentes al diagnóstico y tratamiento de las mujeres embarazadas con urolitiasis, nos proponemos revisar las modalidades de imagen y el manejo endourológico actual de estas pacientes. Materiales y métodos se realizó una revisión de la literatura disponible sobre la urolitiasis en el embarazo. Esto incluyó la evaluación, el diagnóstico por imágenes y las opciones terapéuticas. Las bases de datos en las que se realizó la búsqueda fueron Google Scholar y PubMed. Se examinaron un total de 346 resúmenes. Tras aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión quedaron 42 publicaciones: 18 estudios retrospectivos, 10 revisiones o metaanálisis, 8 conjuntos de directrices, 5 ensayos de control aleatorizados y una cohorte prospectiva. Resultados Iniciamos nuestra revisión con la literatura disponible sobre la seguridad y eficacia de las modalidades de imagen en la planificación quirúrgica de la urolitiasis en pacientes embarazadas. Esto incluye la ecografía renal, la radiografía abdominal, la tomografía computarizada y la resonancia magnética. Mientras que la tomografía computarizada puede suponer una exposición mayor a la radiación, con posibles problemas de seguridad, la resonancia magnética, aunque es una prueba menos sensible, parece ser más segura. A continuación se describen la seguridad, la eficacia y los resultados de diversas intervenciones quirúrgicas para la urolitiasis en pacientes embarazadas, como son la colocación de un stent ureteral, la nefrostomía percutánea, la ureteroscopia, la litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque y la nefrolitotomía percutánea. La ureteroscopia es un abordaje más seguro, pero la nefrolitotomía percutánea ofrece tasas mayores de ausencia de cálculos. Utilizando un enfoque basado en la evidencia, proponemos un algoritmo para el manejo de las mujeres embarazadas con cólico renal (AU)

Objective Given the challenges involved in diagnosis and treatment of pregnant women with urolithiasis, we aim to review the imaging modalities and current endourological management of these patients. Materials and methods We performed a review of the available literature on urolithiasis in pregnancy. This included evaluation, diagnostic imaging, and therapeutic options. The databases we searched from included Google Scholar and PubMed. A total of 346 abstracts were screened. After our inclusion/exclusion criteria were met, we were left with 42 sources: 18 retrospective studies, 10 reviews/meta-analyses, 8 sets of guidelines, 5 randomized control trials, and one prospective cohort. Results We begin our review with the literature available on the safety and efficacy of imaging modalities in the surgical planning for urolithiasis in pregnant patients. This includes renal ultrasound, abdominal x-ray, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging. While computed tomography may result in an added radiation exposure, with possible safety concerns, magnetic resonance imaging seems to be safer, however a less sensitive test. We next describe safety, efficacy, and outcomes of various surgical interventions for urolithiasis in pregnant patients. This encompasses ureteral stenting, percutaneous nephrostomy, ureteroscopy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Ureteroscopy is a safer approach, but percutaneous nephrolithotomy offers higher stone-free rates. Using an evidence-based approach, we propose an algorithm for management of the pregnant women with renal colic. Conclusion Management of the pregnant women with suspected urolithiasis is a unique challenge for healthcare providers. A multi-disciplinary approach should be taken to optimize outcomes through an evidence-based approach (AU)

La educación quirúrgica en línea implementada en los programas de residencia urológica como respuesta a la COVID-19: estudio piloto / Online surgical education adopted among urology residency programs in response to COVID-19: A pilot study

Objetivo: Comprender la percepción de los residentes respecto a los sistemas de aprendizaje en línea, los cuales, impulsados por la pandemia de la COVID-19, han sido recientemente implementados a nivel nacional en los programas de residencia urológica acreditados. Adicionalmente, nos proponemos analizar su sostenibilidad tras la era de la pandemia.Material y métodos: Se diseñó una encuesta para, a través de los coordinadores y directores de programas de urología, difundirla a los residentes de urología.En la encuesta, los modelos de educación en línea englobaron cualquier forma de educación recibida por los residentes que se diera en línea. Las encuestas anónimas se exportaron de Survey Monkey y se analizaron los datos para determinar la significación estadística.Resultados: Más del 70% de los residentes de urología estuvieron de acuerdo, o mostraron una actitud neutral, ante la afirmación de que los modelos de educación en línea eran equivalentes al aprendizaje presencial. Solo el 13% de los residentes afirmaron que el aprendizaje en línea no debería continuar tras la pandemia. Se evaluaron diversos parámetros, y solo 5 de ellos mostraron significación estadística. El estrés, el compromiso personal, la eficacia de la comunicación interpersonal y las señales no verbales fueron más bajos para los modelos de educación en línea. El único aspecto al que los residentes dieron mayor puntuación fue el de los problemas de conectividad a una red.Conclusiones: La gran mayoría de los residentes de urología en Estados Unidos cree que los modelos de educación en línea deben mantenerse una vez terminada la pandemia. (AU)

Objective: To understand the residents’ perceptions of the, COVID-19 driven, newly implemented online learning systems adopted among accredited urology residency programs nationwide, and their sustainability following the pandemic era.Materials and methods: A survey was designed and dispersed to urology program coordinators and directors to distribute to their residents.In the survey, online education models was the all-encompassing term to describe any form of resident education that occurred online. Anonymous surveys were exported from Survey Monkey and data was analyzed for statistical significance.Results: Over 70% of urology residents agreed or were neutral to the statement that online education models were equivalent to in-person learning. Only 13% of residents stated that online learning should not be continued following the pandemic. Several different parameters were assessed, and only 5 of them showed statistical significance. Stress, personal engagement, interpersonal communication efficiency and non-verbal cues were all lower with online education models. The only attribute that was scored higher by residents was network connectivity issues.Conclusions: An overwhelming majority of urology residents in the United States believe online education models should continue to be adopted once the pandemic is over. (AU)

Immunity to schistosomiasis before puberty: humeral or cell mediated.

To determine if the cell mediated immunity, induced by T-helper type-1 lymphocytes (Th1) response, during schistosomiasis mansoni has the potential to protect against infection, intensities of infections and re-infections, reflected in the egg count were followed up to 20 months among 119 individuals aged 5-22 years (Ys) with different number of previous infections whose yearly levels and pattern of water contact were similar. They were classified into 5 groups. Delayed hypersensitivity skin tests (DHT) to adult schistosome excretory-secretary antigens (ESAgs) and anti-schistosomula (ESAgs) isotypes were measured on detecting re-infection. The group with a mean age of (8.6 +/- 2.6 Ys) and infected less than 5 times showed only 6.5 percentage reduction of the egg count (PREC) and low cellular and humoral responses. Th1-associated cellular (DHT) and antibody responses (IgG2, IgG3) to the five infections were significantly higher in the (13.5 +/- 1.4 Ys) than in (18 +/- 2.2 Ys) age group. This was reflected in significant difference in PREC; being 41.5% among the first and 13.5% among the second. Th2-associated antibody responses (IgG1, IgG4, IgE) went on rising as patients allowed for age and number of infections increased over 5, being significantly higher in the (19 +/- 1.8 Ys) than in (14 +/- 1.1 Ys) age groups with PREC 45.5% and 12.9% respectively. These results imply a substantial protective role for cell mediated immunity in the pre-puberty stage and provide evidence that Th1-based vaccination strategy can work if augmented.

Efficacy and toxicity of Stereotactic Radiotherapy for brain Metastases

Objective: Stereotactic radiotherapy [SRT] has been increasingly used for treatment of brain metastases in recent years. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients with brain metastases treated with LINAC-based SRT

Methods: Patients who underwent SRT at our institution between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment plans were generated using either iPlan stereotactic treatment planning system [Brainlab Ag, Feldkirchen, Germany] or Eclipse V11.0.47 [Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA, USA] and patients were treated on a TrueBeam machine equipped with a robotic couch. The treatment response was assessed using RANOBM criteria. The primary endpoint was local control. Secondary endpoints were distant brain control, overall survival and treatment toxicity

Results: Fifty-six patients [28 males and 28 females] with 100 lesions were identified for this study from July 2013 to November 2017. The median age at the time of SRT was 65 years [range 16-86]. The most common histologies were lung [66percent] and breast [26percent]. Seventeen lesions [17percent] were treated postoperatively. Median GPA score [graded prognostic assessment] was 2.5.Treatment regimens consisted of: 1 fraction [median dose = 20 Gy], 3 fractions [median dose = 27 Gy], 5 fractions [median dose = 30 Gy] and 6 fractions [median dose = 30 Gy] in 27percent, 18percent, 41percent and 14percent of the lesions respectively. The median GTV size was 2.44cc [range 0.1-119.67cc] and the median PTV size was 5.03cc [range 0.32-197.22cc]. At a median follow-up of 9.4 months, 7 patients recurred locally. The 1-year local control rate was 88percent and the mean local control was 33 months. The 1-year and mean distant brain control were 45percent and 16.8 months respectively and the 1-year and mean overall survival were 70percent and 29.5 months respectively. A GPA score > 2 was significantly associated with better overall survival than a GPA score

Conclusion: Our institution experience showed that LINAC-based SRT is an effective local ablative treatment for brain metastases with an excellent toxicity profile