Outcomes using a fourth-generation lithotripter: a new benchmark for comparison?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a fourth-generation lithotripter, the Sonolith Vision (Technomed Medical Systems, Vaulx-en-Velin, France) for treating single previously untreated renal calculi, and to compare the results with the reference standard HM-3 (Dornier MedTech Europe GmbH, Wessling, Germany) in the same population originally studied by the USA Cooperative Study Group in 1986. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Sonolith Vision uses an innovative electroconductive shock-wave generator with an elliptical reflector specially designed to give the maximum concentration of energy on the stone. We reviewed the treatment sessions from our prospectively maintained database of the first 1000 consecutive patients with urinary stone disease who were treated with the Sonolith Vision between September 2004 and March 2006. Patients with previously untreated solitary renal calculi in anatomically normal kidneys were included. The outcome was assessed by plain films for radio-opaque stones, and renal ultrasonography for radiolucent stones, at 1 and 3 months after lithotripsy; the results were analysed according to stone size and location. RESULTS: Data from 309 patients who had a complete follow-up and with 373 renal calculi that matched the above criteria were analysed. The initial fragmentation rate was 94%. The stone-free rate for stones of <10 mm was 77%, for 11-20 mm was 69% and for >20 mm was 50%. The overall stone-free rate 3 months after lithotripsy was 75%. Within a month of lithotripsy, 221 patients (59%) became stone-free. Additional procedures to render patients stone-free after lithotripsy were needed in only 22 cases (7%). The overall efficiency quotient was 62%. The stone-free rates for lower, upper, middle calyceal and renal pelvic calculi were 74%, 70%, 78.5% and 75%, respectively. There were no serious complications. CONCLUSIONS: When similar populations of stone formers were assessed the Sonolith Vision achieved a high success rate, comparable with that using the HM-3 machine but with lower analgesia requirements and very low re-treatment rates. This method of comparison belies the commonly held view that newer lithotripters are less effective than the original spark-gap machines.

Endourologic management of patients with upper-tract transitional-cell carcinoma: long-term follow-up in a single center.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of endoscopic management of upper-tract transitional-cell carcinoma (TCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 1991 to March 2006, 40 patients with upper-tract TCC were treated by an endoscopic approach as the primary management: 37 (90.2%) by ureteroscopy and by percutaneous techniques or both approaches in 2 cases each (5%). Follow-up was between 5 and 115 months (mean 41.6 months). Most of the patients, 26 (65%), had a normal contralateral kidney, and the indication for conservative management was low tumor grade or tumor size (<2 cm) and patient commitment to a rigorous follow-up protocol. Absolute and relative indications for conservative management such as solitary kidney were met in 14 patients (35%). RESULTS: Treatment consisted of electrocautery only in 15 cases (36.6%), neodymium:YAG or holmium:YAG laser only in 11 (26.8%), and combinations in 15 (36.6%). Most of the patients (74.3%) had an upper-tract recurrence. The renal-preservation rate was 70.7%, and the survival rate was 80%. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment is preferred in patients with bilateral disease, a solitary kidney, or co-morbidities that contraindicate major surgery. Patients with low-grade, low-stage disease and normal contralateral kidneys also benefit from this approach provided adequate endoscopic follow-up can be achieved and the surgeon has a low threshold for carrying out ablative surgery.

The management of ureteric colic.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The management of ureteric colic has changed significantly over the past three decades,. Factors such as stone size, location, composition as well as patient and surgeon preference influence the management decision. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent work has looked at the expansion of the role of medical therapy beyond symptomatic control to attempt to target some of the reversible factors in stone retention and thereby improve the likelihood of spontaneous stone expulsion. Changes in shock wave lithotripsy and ureteroscopy offer patients highly effective, minimally invasive options for stone clearance that can often be performed on an outpatient basis. SUMMARY: This paper reviews the options available to the urologist in the treatment of ureteric colic as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each therapy.