Miniaturised percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus flexible ureteropyeloscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing clinical efficacy and safety profile.

PURPOSE: This study aims to comparatively evaluate clinical outcomes of mini-PCNL and FURS for treating urinary tract calculi in a single session. METHODS: A systematic search using electronic databases was performed for studies comparing mini-PCNL and FURS for the treatment of urinary tract calculi. The primary outcome measurements were stone-free rates (SFRs) and complication rates for both techniques. Secondary outcome measurements were to compare patient demographics, operative duration, and inpatient stay. Meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager version 5.3 software. RESULTS: Sixteen studies on 1598 patients (n = 877 for mini-PCNL and n = 721 for FURS) met inclusion criteria. Demographics including age (p = 0.26), body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.51), and gender ratio (p = 0.6), were similar in both groups. Overall, SFR was significantly greater in the mini-PCNL group compared to the FURS group (n = 763/877, 89.3 ± 8.4% versus n = 559/721, 80.1 ± 13.3% [OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.53-2.64; p < 0.01]). Duration of inpatient stay was significantly greater in the mini-PCNL group compared to the FURS group (n = 877, 4 ± 1.6 days versus n = 721, 2.5 ± 2.2 days, respectively [WMD: 1.77; 95% CI 1.16-2.38, p < 0.01]. Overall complication rates were not significantly different between mini-PCNL and FURS (n = 171/877, 19.5 ± 19.1% versus n = 112/721, 15.5 ± 18.9%, respectively [OR 1.43; 95% CI 0.85-2.4, p = 0.18]). CONCLUSIONS: Mini-PCNL is associated with greater SFRs and longer inpatient stay compared to FURS. Complication rates were similar for both techniques. The advantages and disadvantages of both technologies should be familiar to urologists and conveyed to patients prior to urological intervention for nephrolithiasis.

Single-use flexible ureteropyeloscopy: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Data assessing the effectiveness of single-use flexible ureteropyeloscopy (FURS) are limited. This study evaluates and compares single-use FURS with conventional reusable FURS. METHODS: A systematic search using electronic databases (Pubmed and Embase) was performed for studies evaluating single-use FURS in the setting of urinary tract stone disease. Outcome measures included a comparative evaluation of their mechanical, optical and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Eleven studies on 466 patients met inclusion criteria. In vitro comparative data were available on three single-use flexible ureteropyeloscopes (LithoVue™, Polyscope™ and SemiFlex™) and clinical data were available on two (LithoVue™ and Polyscope™). The overall stone-free rate and complication rate associated with single-use FURS was 87 ± 15% and 9.3 ± 9%, respectively. There were no significant differences in procedure duration, stone size, stone clearance and complication rates when single-use FURS and reusable FURS were compared (duration: 73 ± 27 versus 74 ± 13 min, p = 0.99; stone size: 1.36 ± 0.2 versus 1.34 ± 0.18 cm, p = 0.93; stone-free rate: 77.8 ± 18 versus 68.5 ± 33%, p = 0.76; complication rate 15.3 ± 10.6 versus 15 ± 1.6%, p = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Single-use FURS demonstrates comparable efficacy with reusable FURS in treating renal calculi. Further studies on clinical efficacy and cost are needed to determine whether single-use FURS will reliably replace its reusable counterpart.

[Initial experience in clinical application of thulium laser contact lithotripsy for transurethral treatment of urolithiasis].

INTRODUCTION: The choice of an effective and safe method of disintegration of stones in upper and lower urinary tract is very important in the context of continuous scientific and technological progress. In current clinical urological practice, various lithotriptors with rigid and flexible probes are used for contact disintegration of stones, having both advantages and disadvantages. This study aimed to analyze the first results of the clinical application of the native Tm: fiber Urolaz laser (STA IRE-Polyus, Russia) for contact transurethral lithotripsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 56 patients who underwent transurethral contact thulium laser lithotripsy for 68 stones of the upper and lower urinary tracts between April and September 2017. Forty-four patients had kidney and ureteral stones, and twelve patients had urinary bladder stones. Twenty-four kidney stones were removed by retrograde intrarenal surgery using ureteral casing, flexible ureteropyeloscope and thulium laser, 32 stones in various ureteral segments - by rigid contact thulium laser ureterolithotripsy and 12 bladder stones - by thulium laser cystolithotripsy. The size of the upper urinary tract stones varied from 0.6 to 1.8 cm, bladder stones measured from 1.1 to 3.5 cm. Also, experimental studies were carried out to investigate the effects of the fiber thulium and holmium laser on the stone displacement and temperature environment during lithotripsy. RESULTS: Full stone fragmentation was achieved in 100% of patients. 47.7% of patients required additional lithoextraction of fragments; there was no retrograde migration of large stones. The mean duration of stone disintegration was 19 minutes. Postoperatively, 15.9% of patients had an exacerbation of pyelonephritis, which was successfully managed by conservative measures. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.4+/-1.1 days. At follow-up examination 4-6 weeks after surgery, one patient was found to have a residual symptomatic ureteral stone, which required extracorporeal short-wave lithotripsy. The experimental study showed that fiber thulium laser lithotripsy produced much less propulsion of artificial stone than Holmium laser lithotripsy. With the use of therapeutic power, neither of the lasers resulted in "dangerous" rises of the washing fluid temperature during stone disintegration. CONCLUSION: Using the universal thulium laser system "Urolaz" provides a significant improvement in the effectiveness of endourologic upper urinary tract interventions and significantly reduces the likelihood of intraoperative trauma and postoperative complications, which contributes to improving the quality of specialized urological care.

Should we routinely stent after ureteropyeloscopy?

Arguments 'for' and 'against' ureteric stenting after ureteropyeloscopy are discussed. An individualised approach balancing renal function preservation, irritative lower urinary tract symptoms and emergent return to theatre needs to be adopted while being mindful of healthcare spending.

Ketamine-induced cystitis: A case report and literature review.

Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic drug, has gained popularity as a recreational substance, particularly among young adults. However, chronic ketamine abuse can lead to various complications including ketamine-induced cystitis. We present the case of a 46-year-old Caucasian male with a history of HIV infection and daily recreational ketamine use for 7 months, who was admitted to the emergency room with hypogastric pain and hematuria. Laboratory examinations and contrast-enhanced abdominal CT tomography revealed significant irregular circumferential thickening of both ureters, substantial bilateral pyeloureteral ectasia, and a bladder with markedly thickened walls. Bilateral flexible ureteropyeloscopy, bladder transurethral resection, and bladder fulguration were performed, and pathology confirmed the diagnosis of ketamine-induced cystitis. Treatment consisted of ketamine withdrawal, pain relief, and support from psychiatrists and urologists. The patient's symptoms improved and he was discharged without complications. This case highlights the importance of recognizing the potential adverse effects of recreational ketamine use and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to managing ketamine-induced cystitis. Further research is necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying this condition and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Contributions to expenditure in endoscopic stone management: a costly process.

No comprehensive cost estimates exist for performing ureteropyeloscopy (URS), which is increasingly utilised as a treatment of upper tract urolithiasis in Australia. To estimate expenditure associated with URS in an Australian public hospital setting and determine factors contributing to increased cost. Patients who underwent flexible URS for urolithiasis over a 2-year period at a Victorian public health site were included. Data describing demographics, stone factors, disposable equipment and admission length were retrospectively collected. Procedures were performed using reusable flexible scopes. Previously validated costing models for cystoscopic stent extraction, theatre and recovery per hour and ward admission were used to attach cost to individual episodes. The cost of emergency stent insertion was beyond the scope of this study. 222 patients underwent URS; the combined total number of procedures was 539, comprising 202 stent extractions and 115 stent insertions in addition to 222 URS. Mean procedural cost was $2885 (range $1380-$4900). Mean episode cost excluding emergency stent insertion was $3510 (range $1555-$7140). A combination of flexible scopes, operative time and disposable equipment accounted for nearly 90% of the total procedural cost. Significant cost is associated with URS for treatment of renal and ureteric stones. A large burden of the cost is time in theatre, equipment and the need for multiple associated procedures per episode. Utilising other available treatments such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (SWL) where appropriate may reduce the financial burden of URS and associated procedures.

Which has more complications?-Shockwave lithotripsy versus endoscopic treatment of renal calculi with 1-year follow-up in an Australian population.

Introduction and objectives: Renal calculi are a common medical problem with incidence rates calculated to be approximately 6%-9% in men & 3%-4% in women worldwide. Incidence appears to be increasing. This study compares emergency presentations and unplanned readmissions between extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and pyeloscopic stone treatment in the population of Victoria, Australia after 1-year follow-up. Methods: This is a population study comparing all patients with renal calculi electively treated with SWL to those initially treated with flexible ureteroscopy (URS) in Victoria, Australia. We used data linkage across the state of Victoria to follow patients treated with either modality in a 12 months period (with no urological surgery in the prior 12 months). Each patient's emergency presentations and subsequent re-admissions were followed up for 1 year after their index treatment to assess for stone complications. We assessed for selection bias between the two patient groups by comparing age, gender, insurance status, geographical location, and comorbidity scores. Results: We report stone-related complications for 739 flexible URS and 1317 SWL procedures undertaken across public and private hospitals in Victoria over 12 months. Unplanned emergency presentations within 60-days of surgery were (22/739) 2.98% for flexible URS patients and (83/1317) 6.30% for SWL patients (P = .001); however, at 12 months, this became 16.23% (120/739) for flexible URS patients and 12.83% (169/1317) for SWL patients (P = .034). Flexible URS patients were more likely than SWL patients to be admitted with 71.76% of flexible URS versus 53.97% of SWL patients requiring an admission at any given emergency presentation (P ≤ .001) within 12 months. On multivariate analysis, both flexible URS ([OR] 1.67, CI 1.23-2.26, P = .001) and being a public patient ([OR] 3.06, CI 2.24-4.18, P < .001) significantly increased the likelihood that patients required an unplanned re-admission within 12 months. Conclusions: There is work needed to reduce emergency presentations and unplanned re-admissions after both SWL and flexible URS. At 12-months follow-up, unplanned emergency visits and re-admission rates were significantly more after flexible URS. Symptoms at emergency presentation indicate that better education regarding stent management is needed, especially in the public health care system.

Pressurized-Bag Irrigation Versus Hand-Operated Irrigation Pumps During Ureteroscopic Laser Lithotripsy: Comparison of Infectious Complications.

Introduction and Objectives: A variety of irrigation systems are available during ureteroscopy. We sought to compare gravity-driven pressure bags with hand-operated irrigation pumps in terms of postoperative complications after ureteroscopy with lithotripsy. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 234 patients undergoing flexible ureteropyeloscopy with laser lithotripsy by 24 supervised trainees over 4 years at a single teaching institution. Patients were divided into those who had procedures performed by using gravity-driven pressure bags fixed at 60 to 204 cm H2O, vs those who had procedures performed by using a hand-operated irrigation pump capable of delivering 1 to 10 mL per flush. Variables including surgical duration, hypotension, fever, sepsis, and hematuria were extracted from the charts, along with the surgical techniques utilized. Statistical analyses included chi-squared tests and Student's t-tests. Results: There were no differences in gender, age, indication, or stone size in the two groups. Postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome was significantly greater in the hand-assisted n = 11/144 (7.6%) compared with the fixed irrigation group n = 1/90 (1.1%); p = 0.032. Emergency room presentations were greater in the hand irrigation group, n = 46/144 (32%) vs n = 12/90 (13%) in the pressure-bag irrigation, p = 0.002. Postoperative fever was also greater in the hand pump irrigation cohort compared with the continuous pressure cohort (13/144 [9%] vs 1/90 [1%], p = 0.011). No statistical difference was found between the two groups with respect to stone clearance and subsequent procedures required (p = 0.123). Conclusions: This analysis suggests that using continuous flow irrigation at a fixed maximum pressure of 150 mmHg (204 cm H2O) or less may result in decreased pain, infection, and sepsis compared with handheld pressure irrigation.

Surgical management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Upper tract urothelial cell carcinoma accounts for 5% of all urothelial tumors. Compared to lower urinary tract tumors, upper tract urothelial carcinoma is diagnosed more frequently at advanced stages. Open radical nephroureterectomy remains the gold standard treatment option for upper tract tumors. However, with the advancement of minimally invasive techniques and the benefits of these procedures regarding perioperative morbidity, cosmesis, and earlier convalescence, these options have shown promise in managing the patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Despite the perioperative advantages, concerns exist on the oncological safety after minimally invasive surgery. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the surgical management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma.