The Uniform grading tooL for flexIble ureterorenoscoPes (TULIP-tool): a Delphi consensus project on standardised evaluation of flexible ureterorenoscopes.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a standardised tool to evaluate flexible ureterorenoscopes (fURS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A three-stage consensus building approach based on the modified Delphi technique was performed under guidance of a steering group. First, scope- and user-related parameters used to evaluate fURS were identified through a systematic scoping review. Then, the main categories and subcategories were defined, and the expert panel was selected. Finally, a two-step modified Delphi consensus project was conducted to firstly obtain consensus on the relevance and exact definition of each (sub)category necessary to evaluate fURS, and secondly on the evaluation method (setting, used tools and unit of outcome) of those (sub)categories. Consensus was reached at a predefined threshold of 80% high agreement. RESULTS: The panel consisted of 30 experts in the field of endourology. The first step of the modified Delphi consensus project consisted of two questionnaires with a response rate of 97% (n = 29) for both. Consensus was reached for the relevance and definition of six main categories and 12 subcategories. The second step consisted of three questionnaires (response rate of 90%, 97% and 100%, respectively). Consensus was reached on the method of measurement for all (sub)categories. CONCLUSION: This modified Delphi consensus project reached consensus on a standardised grading tool for the evaluation of fURS - The Uniform grading tooL for flexIble ureterorenoscoPes (TULIP) tool. This is a first step in creating uniformity in this field of research to facilitate future comparison of outcomes of the functionality and handling of fURS.

A Review of Male Sexual Health and Dysfunction Following Surgical Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Review how the various surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms impact on male sexual health and function. RECENT FINDINGS: The interplay between benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile function is complex, and the conditions seem linked. Most cavitating procedures to improve male voiding will degrade ejaculatory and possibly erectile function. Many of the newer minimally invasive therapies appear to preserve sexual function in the short term while sacrificing some of the voiding improvements realized with more complete removal of the prostate adenoma. Benign prostatic hyperplasia will affect the majority of men at some point in life, and surgical treatment remains an integral option for managing the associated urinary symptoms. These treatments are associated with variable rates of sexual side effects, including ejaculatory, erectile, and orgasmic dysfunction. As the impact of these treatment modalities on sexual dysfunction has become more widely acknowledged, there has been a rise in interest in modalities that minimize adverse sexual side effects. Recent studies have sought to further elucidate the relationship between surgical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia and sexual outcomes, and a number of studies have demonstrated that treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia can actually result in improved sexual function for some patients. This work intends to review the proposed pathophysiology behind the sexual side effects resulting from the surgical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia and review the literature regarding both established and emerging surgical techniques.

Can Activities of Daily Living Predict Complications following Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

PURPOSE: Activities of daily living provide information about the functional status of an individual and can predict postoperative complications after general and oncological surgery. However, they have rarely been applied to urology. We evaluated whether deficits in activities of daily living could predict complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy and how this compares with the Charlson comorbidity index and the ASA(®) (American Society of Anesthesiologists(®)) classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy between March 2013 and March 2014. Those with complete assessment of activities of daily living were included in analysis. Perioperative outcomes, complications and hospital length of stay were examined according to the degree of deficits in daily living activities. RESULTS: Overall 176 patients underwent a total of 192 percutaneous nephrolithotomies. Deficits in activities of daily living were seen in 16% of patients, including minor in 9% and major in 7%. Complications developed more frequently in those with vs without deficits in daily living activities (53% vs 31%, p = 0.029) and length of stay was longer (2.0 vs 4.5 days, p = 0.005). On multivariate logistic regression activities of daily living were an independent predictor of complications (OR 1.11, p = 0.01) but ASA classification and Charlson comorbidity index were not. CONCLUSIONS: Activities of daily living are easily evaluated prior to surgery. They independently predict complications following percutaneous nephrolithotomy better than the Charlson comorbidity index or the ASA classification. Preoperative assessment of daily living activities can help risk stratify patients and may inform treatment decisions.

Outcomes of Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy in Patients Continuing Aspirin Therapy.

PURPOSE: A clinical dilemma surrounds the use of aspirin therapy during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Despite reduced cardiac morbidity with perioperative aspirin use, fear of bleeding related complications often prompts discontinuation of therapy before surgery. We evaluate perioperative outcomes among patients continuing aspirin and those in whom treatment is stopped preoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 430 consecutive cases of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy performed between January 2012 and October 2014 were reviewed. Patients on chronic aspirin therapy were stratified into on aspirin and off aspirin groups based on perioperative status of aspirin use. Primary end points evaluated included estimated intraoperative blood loss and incidence of bleeding related complications, major postoperative complications, and thromboembolic events. Secondary outcomes included operative time, transfusion rate, length of hospital stay, rehospitalization rate and surgical margin status. RESULTS: Among 101 (23.4%) patients on chronic aspirin therapy, antiplatelet treatment was continued in 17 (16.8%). Bleeding developed in 1 patient in the on aspirin group postoperatively and required angioembolization. Conversely 1 myocardial infarction was observed in the off aspirin cohort. There was no significant difference in the incidence of major postoperative complications, intraoperative blood loss, transfusion rate, length of hospital stay and rehospitalization rate. Operative time was increased with continued aspirin use (181 vs 136 minutes, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is safe and effective in patients on chronic antiplatelet therapy who require perioperative aspirin for cardioprotection. Larger, prospective studies are necessary to discern the true cardiovascular benefit derived from continued aspirin therapy as well as better characterize associated bleeding risk.

Association of serum biochemical metabolic panel with stone composition.

INTRODUCTION: To determine the association of the basic metabolic panel with stone type. METHODS: The present study was a retrospective review of 492 stone formers with both stone composition analysis and basic metabolic panel available. Analysis of a basic metabolic panel across stone types was carried out using Fisher's exact test and analysis of variance. Multinomial logistic regression was used to predict stone type based on a basic metabolic panel. RESULTS: A total of 272 (55%) patients had predominantly calcium oxalate stones, 100 (21%) had uric acid stones, 93 (19%) had calcium phosphate stones, 16 (3%) had mixed stones and 11 (2%) had other types of stones. Uric acid stone formers had the highest serum glucose, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. Calcium oxalate stone formers had the highest serum sodium. No significant differences in mean serum calcium levels across different stone types were identified. The predicted risk of uric acid stone over the other stone types increased with an increase in serum glucose and decreased with an increase in carbon dioxide levels. The predicted risk of calcium oxalate stones increased with an increase in serum sodium and chloride levels. The predicted risk of calcium phosphate and oxalate stones over the other stone types increased with an increase in serum calcium levels. The overall accuracy of the basic metabolic panel alone to predict stone type was 59%. CONCLUSION: A basic metabolic panel alone or in combination with 24-h urinalysis and demographics does not accurately predict stone type. However, it can be used in combination with other variables to predict stone composition.

Stenting for malignant ureteral obstruction: Tandem, metal or metal-mesh stents.

Extrinsic malignant compression of the ureter is not uncommon, often refractory to decompression with conventional polymeric ureteral stents, and frequently associated with limited survival. Alternative options for decompression include tandem ureteral stents, metallic stents and metal-mesh stents, though the preferred method remains controversial. We reviewed and updated our outcomes with tandem ureteral stents for malignant ureteral obstruction, and carried out a PubMed search using the terms "malignant ureteral obstruction," "tandem ureteral stents," "ipsilateral ureteral stents," "metal ureteral stent," "resonance stent," "silhouette stent" and "metal mesh stent." A comprehensive review of the literature and summary of outcomes is provided. The majority of studies encountered were retrospective with small sample sizes. The evidence is most robust for metal stents, whereas only limited data exists for tandem or metal-mesh stents. Metal and metal-mesh stents are considerably more expensive than tandem stenting, but the potential for less frequent stent exchanges makes them possibly cost-effective over time. Urinary tract infections have been associated with all stent types. A wide range of failure rates has been published for all types of stents, limiting direct comparison. Metal and metal-mesh stents show a high incidence of stent colic, migration and encrustation, whereas tandem stents appear to produce symptoms equivalent to single stents. Comparison is difficult given the limited evidence and heterogeneity of patients with malignant ureteral obstruction. It is clear that prospective, randomized studies are necessary to effectively scrutinize conventional, tandem, metallic ureteral and metal-mesh stents for their use in malignant ureteral obstruction.

Heterogeneity in stone culture protocols and endourologist practice patterns: a multi-institutional survey.

Kidney stone cultures can be beneficial in identifying bacteria not detected in urine, yet how stone cultures are performed among endourologists, under what conditions, and by what laboratory methods remain largely unknown. Stone cultures are not addressed by current clinical guidelines. A comprehensive REDCap electronic survey sought responses from directed (n = 20) and listserv elicited (n = 108) endourologists specializing in kidney stone disease. Questions included which clinical scenarios prompt a stone culture order, how results influence post-operative antibiotics, and what microbiology lab protocols exist at each institution with respect to processing and resulting stone cultures. Logistic regression statistical analysis determined what factors were associated with performing stone cultures. Of 128 unique responses, 11% identified as female and the mean years of practicing was 16 (range 1-46). A specific 'stone culture' order was available to only 50% (64/128) of those surveyed, while 32% (41/128) reported culturing stone by placing a urine culture order. The duration of antibiotics given for a positive stone culture varied, with 4-7 days (46%) and 8-14 days (21%) the most reported. More years in practice was associated with fewer stone cultures ordered, while higher annual volume of percutaneous nephrolithotomy was associated with ordering more stone cultures (p < 0.01). Endourologists have differing practice patterns with respect to ordering stone cultures and utilizing the results to guide post-operative antibiotics. With inconsistent microbiology lab stone culture protocols across multiple institutions, more uniform processing is needed for future studies to assess the clinical benefit of stone cultures and direct future guidelines.

Use of ultra-low dose computed tomography versus abdominal plain film for assessment of stone-free rates after shock-wave lithotripsy: implications on emergency room visits, surgical procedures, and cost-effectiveness.

The aims of this investigation were: (1) to compare residual stone-fragment (RSF) detection rates of ultra-low dose computed tomography (ULD-CT) and abdominal plain film (KUB) in urolithiasis patients undergoing shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL), and (2) to evaluate the downstream sequelae of utilizing these two disparate imaging pathways of differing diagnostic fidelity. A retrospective chart-review of patients undergoing SWL at two high-volume surgical centers was undertaken (2013-2016). RSF diagnostic rates of ULD-CT and KUB were assessed, and the impact of imaging modality used on subsequent emergency room (ER) visits, unplanned procedures, and cost-effectiveness was investigated. Adjusted analyses examined association between imaging modality used and outcomes, and Markov decision-tree analysis was performed to identify a cost advantageous scenario for ULD-CT over KUB. Of 417 patients studied, 57 (13.7%) underwent ULD-CT while the remaining 360 underwent KUB. The RSF rates were 36.8% and 22.8% in the ULD-CT and KUB groups, respectively (p = 0.019). A 5.6% and 18% of the patients deemed stone-free on ULD-CT and KUB, respectively, returned to the ER (p = 0.040). Similarly, 2.8% and 15.1% needed an unplanned surgery (p = 0.027). These findings were confirmed on multivariable analyses, Odds ratios CT-ULD versus KUB: 0.19 and 0.10, respectively, p < 0.05. With regards to cost-effectiveness, at low ULD-CT charges, the ULD-CT follow-up pathway was economically more favorable, but with increasing ULD-CT charges, the KUB follow-up pathway superseded. ULD-CT seems to provide a more 'true' estimate of stone-free status, and in consequence mitigates unwanted emergency and operating room visits by reducing untimely stent removals and false patient reassurances. Further, at low ULD-CT costs, it may also be economically more favorable.

New Persistent Opioid Use After Outpatient Ureteroscopy for Upper Tract Stone Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the incidence of persistent opioid use following ureteroscopy (URS). Over 100 Americans die every day from opioid overdose. Recent studies suggest that many opioid addictions surface after surgery. METHODS: Using claims data, we identified adults who underwent outpatient URS for treatment of upper tract stones between January 2008 and December 2016 and filled an opioid prescription attributable to URS. We then measured the rate of new persistent opioid use-defined as continued use of opioids 91-180 days after URS among those who were previously opioid-naive. Finally, we fit multivariable models to assess whether new persistent opioid use was associated with the amount of opioid prescribed at the time of URS. RESULTS: In total, 27,740 patients underwent outpatient URS, 51.2% of whom were opioid-naïve. Nearly 1 in 16 (6.2%) opioid-naïve patients developed new persistent opioid use after URS. Six months following surgery, beneficiaries with new persistent opioid use continued to fill prescriptions with daily doses of 4.2 oral morphine equivalents. Adjusting for measured sociodemographic and clinical differences, patients in the highest tercile of opioids prescribed at the time of URS had 69% higher odds of new persistent opioid use compared to those in the lowest tercile (odds ratio, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.41-2.03). CONCLUSION: Nearly 1 in 16 opioid-naive patients develop new persistent opioid use after URS. New persistent opioid use is associated with the amount of opioid prescribed at the time of URS. Given these findings, urologists should re-evaluate their post-URS opioid prescribing patterns.

Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Ureter: A Zebra Among Horses.

Primary neuroendocrine tumors of the upper urinary tract are extremely rare. We report a case of de novo small cell carcinoma of the ureter that presented masquerading as a distal ureteral stone. A 55-year-old lady presented to our clinic with 1 month history of right lower back pain and hematuria. Her history was notable for stage 1B mixed clear cell-endometroid cancer of the uterus status post radical abdominal hysterectomy with adjuvant radiotherapy, 7 years before the current episode. The patient had no evidence of recurrence. Initial noncontrast imaging suggested a 2.5 mm calculus in the distal right ureter and hydronephrosis; however, ureteroscopy revealed a large fleshy mass at the location. Histopathologic evaluation demonstrated the lesion to be primary small cell carcinoma of the ureter, without evidence of it being a derivative of the prior gynecologic malignancy. Metastatic work-up revealed high burden retroperitoneal adenopathy. The patient was started on Cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy with plan for nephroureterectomy in the future. At 3 months follow-up, the patient was doing well with significant shrinkage of retroperitoneal adenopathy and no evidence of disease progression.

Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction Secondary to Metastatic Relapse of Breast Cancer.

We describe the case of a 53-year-old woman with a history of localized breast cancer who presented with flank pain and was found to have new-onset obstruction of the left ureteropelvic junction. Although initially believed to be unrelated to her history of prior malignancy, intraoperative assessment of tissue from the ureteropelvic junction during planned laparoscopic pyeloplasty revealed urothelial infiltration by carcinoma of breast origin.

The Expanded Use of Percutaneous Resection for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A 30-Year Comprehensive Experience.

INTRODUCTION: The gold standard treatment for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). The role of endoscopic resection is limited to low-risk patients. In this study, we present our 30-year experience in the endoscopic management of UTUC. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we identified 141 patients who underwent percutaneous UTUC resection. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including tumor characteristics, bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and mitomycin use, tumor recurrence, progression to RNU, and overall survival (OS), and compared in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 66 months. Recurrence occurred in 37% of low-grade patients and 63% of high-grade (HG) patients, with a median time to recurrence of 71.4 vs 36.4 months, respectively. Grade was the only predictor of recurrence (HR 2.12, p = 0.018). The latest time to recurrence occurred after 116 months of surveillance. RNU was avoided by 87% of patients. Age, imperative indications for endoscopy, a history of bladder cancer, and tumor stage and grade were predictors of OS; however, in multivariate analysis, grade and stage lost significance. BCG and mitomycin did not protect against recurrence, progression to RNU, or death over resection alone. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous management of UTUC allows for renal preservation in the majority of patients with resectable disease. Patients with HG tumors are more likely to experience recurrence, but are not at an increased risk of death. Intraluminal BCG and mitomycin continue to have a limited adjuvant role to resection. Recurrence may occur many years following initial resection and therefore prolonged surveillance is advised.

Live surgical demonstrations: An endangered species.

Despite the increasing controversy surrounding live surgical demonstrations, they remain an incredibly valuable tool for urologic education. Live surgery is the most effective means to demonstrate certain surgical techniques and intraoperative decision making. The many potential benefits far outweigh the potential concerns when live surgical events are performed in a thoughtful regulatory framework. Appropriate patient and surgeon selection is integral to successful live surgical events. Under these circumstances, live surgery should remain safe for the patient and instructive for the urologist.

Does hypertension impact 24-hour urine parameters in patients with nephrolithiasis?

OBJECTIVE: To examine the differences in 24-hour urine parameters and stone composition between patients with and without systemic hypertension (HTN) in a large cohort of stone formers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review over a 10-year period of patients with stone, who had completed a 24-hour urinalysis (Litholink) and for whom demographic information was available, including the presence of HTN. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, comparing the 24-hour urinalysis profiles of patients with HTN with that of normotensive patients. RESULTS: Of the 1115 patients eligible for inclusion, 442 patients (40%) had HTN and 673 (60%) did not. Patients with HTN were significantly older, had a higher body mass index, and had a greater number of comorbid conditions than normotensive patients. Univariate analysis revealed significantly lower urine pH, calcium, supersaturation (SS) of calcium oxalate (CaOx) and SS calcium phosphate (all P <.05) in patients with HTN. Multivariate analysis showed significantly lower calcium, citrate, and SS CaOx in patients with HTN (all P <.05). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate lower levels of calcium and SS CaOx on univariate and multivariate analysis, as well as lower levels of citrate on multivariate analysis in patients with HTN. These results suggest that lower levels of citrate may contribute to stone formation to a greater degree in patients with HTN than abnormalities in calcium metabolism.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy during uninterrupted aspirin therapy in high-cardiovascular risk patients: preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility and safety of performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in high-cardiovascular risk patients remaining on aspirin therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all PCNLs performed by 3 fellowship-trained endourologists at a single institution between July 2012 and January 2014. All patients remaining on aspirin for imperative indications through the day of surgery were evaluated for surgical outcomes and thromboembolic events. RESULTS: Of 281 PCNL procedures performed during the study period, 16 (5.7%) were performed in 14 patients taking aspirin, uninterrupted, through surgery. Mean surgery time was 66 minutes, mean estimated blood loss was 161 mL, and mean length of hospital stay was 2.8 days. All patients were stone free. There were no intraoperative complications. A total of 5 patients experienced a postoperative complication (n = 4, Clavien grade II; n = 1, Clavien grade IIIa). No patient experienced a perioperative thromboembolic or cardiac event. Three patients required a blood transfusion postoperatively, and none experienced delayed renal bleeding. CONCLUSION: PCNL can be performed safely and effectively in high-cardiovascular risk patients continuing aspirin perioperatively. Compared with the potential sequelae of a thromboembolic or cardiac event, PCNL is associated with an acceptably low transfusion rate, and should be considered a viable treatment option for large renal stones in this population.

Performing in the surgical amphitheater of today: perception of urologists conducting live case demonstrations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the perception of urologists who have participated in live case demonstrations (LCDs) regarding safety, educational value/benefits, and ethics. METHODS: A 19-question anonymous survey was sent to urologists who performed and/or moderated LCDs at the World Congress of Endourology meetings from 2008 to 2012. E-survey was distributed via e-mail, and automatic reminders were sent 2 weeks after original distribution if no response was obtained. RESULTS: Eighty-one percent (92/113) of the urologists responded to the survey of whom 75% practice full time in an academic setting. Only 48.0% were fellowship trained, however. More than 60% had performed more than five LCDs at their home and/or away institutions. Performing LCD at an away institution was associated with a higher level of anxiety when compared with performing LCDs at a home institution (79.8% vs 34.6%; P<0.01). Respondents considered film equipment and crew; audience and moderator discussions; unfamiliar team, instruments and tools; language barrier; and having to narrate the procedure, as distractors. Seventy-nine percent considered LCD as an ethical practice, and 90.5% regarded LCDs as a "beneficial" and a "great way" to educate. Similarly, considering the various factors and conditions associated with LCDs, 95% would agree to participate in another LCD. CONCLUSION: LCDs are perceived to be an effective mode of education by performers and moderators of LCDs. Standard guidelines and policies are needed, however, for the selection of patient, surgeon and team, equipment, and facility. Studies are needed to evaluate the impact of this education process.

Continuing aspirin therapy during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: unsafe or under-utilized?

INTRODUCTION: Aspirin, as an inhibitor of platelets, is traditionally discontinued prior to percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) given the concern for increased surgical hemorrhage. However, this practice is based on expert opinion only, and mounting evidence suggests holding aspirin perioperatively can be more harmful than once thought. We sought to compared PCNL outcomes and complications in patients continuing aspirin to those stopping aspirin perioperatively. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 321 consecutive PCNLs done between July 2012 and March 2014. Patients were separated into two groups. The on-aspirin group consisted of patients continuing aspirin throughout the perioperative period. The off-aspirin group had aspirin held temporarily pre- and postoperatively. Surgical outcomes and complications were compared between groups. RESULTS: Of the 321 PCNLs, 60 (18.7%) occurred in patients chronically taking aspirin. The on-aspirin group included 17 PCNLs (5.2%), while the off-aspirin group included 43 PCNLs (13.4%). There were no differences between groups in terms of operative time (77 minutes vs 74 minutes, p=0.212), hemoglobin change (p=0.522), stone size (21 mm vs 22 mm, p=1.0), stone-free rate (p=0.314), median length of hospitalization (p=0.642), transfusion rate (p=0.703), or total complications (p=1.0). No patient experienced a thromboembolic event. CONCLUSIONS: PCNL is safe in patients continuing aspirin perioperatively and does not result in more blood transfusions, angioembolization procedures, or complications. Patients with large stone burdens who are at high risk for thromboembolic events appear to be able to safely undergo PCNL without discontinuing aspirin.

Open, laparoscopic, and robotic ureteroneocystotomy for benign and malignant ureteral lesions: a comparison of over 100 minimally invasive cases.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic (LAP) and robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) approaches have been applied to ureteroneocystostomies (UNC) although such experience has been limited to a small number of patients and limited follow-up. Herein, we detail our experience with over 100 minimally invasive UNC, the largest such series to date. METHODS: All minimally invasive UNC performed at our institution between 1997 and 2013 and all open UNC performed between 2008 and 2013 were identified. Perioperative parameters of relevance were identified and recorded. Chi-squared and ANOVA with post hoc Tukey analysis were performed for all categorical and continuous variables, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients met our study criteria. One hundred five underwent the minimally invasive approach (20 RAL and 85 LAP). Mean follow-up duration was 504 days. Patients in the RAL, LAP, and open cohorts were of similar age, gender and laterality distribution, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, body-mass index, history of previous abdominal surgery, history of prior treatment for the ureteral lesion, and surgical indication ( Table 1 ). Operative time was similar across all cohorts (235-257 minutes, p=0.123). Estimated blood loss (EBL) was significantly lower in the RAL and LAP cohorts (100 and 150 mL) compared to their open counterparts (300 mL, p=0.001) although a decrease in hematocrit was similar across all groups. Only four intraoperative complications (4.7%) and two (2.4%) conversions to open were identified in the LAP group, without statistical significance. No intraoperative complications or conversions were identified in the RAL or open cohorts. Median length of stay (LOS) was significantly shorter in the minimally invasive cohorts compared to open (p<0.002). Ninety-day readmission rates (18.8-20%), major complications (10-20%), and failure rates (5.9-16%) were highest in the open cohort although without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: RAL or LAP UNC is feasible, safe, and comparable to the open technique with some perioperative benefit in EBL, LOS, and stent duration.

Nature of crossing vessels in patients with radiographically normal ureteropelvic junctions: prevalence and anatomic characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of crossing vessels in asymptomatic patients with a radiographically normal ureteropelvic junction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the computed tomography angiography images of 601 patients who were evaluated for possible living organ donation at the University of Minnesota from 2005 to 2008. One patient had asymptomatic hydronephrosis and was excluded from the analysis. The prevalence and characteristics of crossing vessels at the ureteropelvic junction were determined, including vessel location, origin, size, distance from the ureteropelvic junction, and vessel type (artery or vein). RESULTS: The prevalence of crossing vessels at the radiographically normal ureteropelvic junction was 22.7%. A total of 163 crossing vessels were present in 136 patients; 60.1% were left-sided and 39.9% were right-sided. Arteries accounted for 81.0% of the crossing vessels and veins for 19.0%. Accessory lower pole renal vessels originating from the great vessels constituted 59.5% of the crossing vessels. The location of the crossing vessel relative to the ureteropelvic junction varied and included anterior (25.8%), anterolateral (36.8%), medial (14.6%), anteromedial (2.5%), lateral (12.9%), and posterior (7.4%). The mean diameter and mean distance of the crossing vessel from the ureteropelvic junction was 3.3 mm and 1.8 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of crossing vessels in asymptomatic, healthy patients with a radiographically normal ureteropelvic junction was 22.7%, lower than that seen in association with ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The location of the crossing vessels varied about the ureteropelvic junction, and no location was consistently free of traversing vessels.