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The article comments on the study "Current Standard Technique for Modern Flexible Ureteroscopy: Tips and Tricks" by G. Giusti and others.

Introduction: The aim was to propose initial and pre-therapeutical assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms in adult men through a systematic review and clinical practice guidelines Methods: These guidelines were based on a systematic review performed between January 2011 and November 2021 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (CRD42022336418). The recommendations and the methodology of elaboration were prospectively validated by the French Health Authority (Haute Autorité de Santé - HAS)., Results: In total, 1662 publications were screened for eligibility and 311 met the inclusion criteria, 167 studies were retained among them 17 guidelines from French, European or International institutions. Perform on initial evaluation: identification of cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic syndrome, current medication, urinary and sexual symptoms (by structured interview or validated self-questionnaires), physical examination (lumbar fossa, pelvis, prostate, genitalia), urinalysis (dipstick or microscopy), abdominal ultrasound of the urinary tract (kidneys, bladder, prostate), post-void residual urine measurement (by ultrasound or automated measurement; under physiological conditions). Micturition flowmetry is recommended (except for general practitioners). Update and complete initial assessment before medication, interventional or surgical treatment if too old or incomplete. Perform a preoperative assessment (bleeding risk, infectious risk, geriatric risk). Urodynamic assessment, endorectal ultrasound and cystoscopy should not be systematically performed (only if additional information is needed). Perform urodynamics and urethrocystoscopy in case of failed interventional or surgical treatment. Following the initial workup, it is recommended to refer the patient to a urologist in case of: macroscopic hematuria, recurrent urinary tract infection or persistent perineal and/or suprapubic pain, persistent microscopic hematuria or leukocyturia in absence of urinary tract infection, predominant storage-phase symptoms, abnormal examination of the genitals or suspected prostate cancer, urinary retention, urinary tract stones, ureterohydronephrosis or morphological abnormalities of the prostate or the urinary tract., Conclusion: These guidelines aimed to define the recommended investigation for LUTS in adult men at diagnosis, before medical treatment and before surgical and interventional treatments, in order to better personalize management and avoid unnecessary and/or invasive examinations., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Objective: The objective of the CUROPF and CTMH was to establish recommendations about ketamine induced uropathy management., Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted on Pubmed/Medline by the members of the French committees of female urology and male lower urinary tract symptoms focusing on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of ketamine induced uropathy, evaluating references and level of evidence., Results: Recommendations include epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of ketamine induced uropathy. It represents a rising healthcare issue, with major augmentation of ketamine consumers and new patients across the world. Several pathophysiology pathways are suspected and need clinical validation. The diagnosis is clinical, with hyperactive bladder symptoms mostly including pollakiuria, but also lower urinary tract symptoms, and histological, requiring bladder biopsies to rule out carcinoma and show specific features and inflammation. Therapeutics are currently limited and non-specific, combining abstinence, hydrodistension, pentosane polysulfate and Botox injections. Complex reconstructive surgeries should be avoided and be considered as a last resort., Conclusion: These guidelines should provide tools to help every physician confronted to ketamine induced uropathy patients, which represents a growing issue. Hopefully, this work will allow the improvement of the screening, management and care of ketamine induced uropathy in the future., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

This review addresses the management of urolithiasis in renal transplant recipients, a notably vulnerable group due to the unique anatomical and physiological alterations of the transplanted organ. The prevalence of nephrolithiasis in these patients varies between 0.1% and 6.3%, with a significant impact on graft longevity and function. Surgical access complications due to the renal graft's position on the iliac vessels and the variety of urinary anastomoses complicate the treatment approaches. This study evaluates the effectiveness and outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and ureteroscopy (URS), two primary minimally invasive strategies for managing graft stones. Through a narrative review using the PubMed and EMBASE databases, it was found that PCNL offers high stone-free rates especially beneficial for large stones, whereas URS provides a less invasive option with a lower risk of complications for small stones. Both techniques require tailored approaches based on stone composition-mostly calcium oxalate-and specific patient anatomical factors. This review underscores the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate treatment selection, and continuous post-treatment monitoring to mitigate risks and promote long-term renal function in transplant recipients.

Objectives: To characterize and compare in vitro the surfaces of ureteral stents (STENTS) before utilization., Methods: Our in vitro experiment included six unused STENTS models: three double-pigtail with side orifices (ImaJin and Stenostent [Coloplast©,France], TriaSoft [BostonScientific©,USA]), two double-pigtail without side orifice (Vortek-TumorStent [Coloplast©,France], Urosoft-TumorStent [Bard-Angiomed©,Germany]) and one single-pigtail (J-Fil [Rocamed©,Monaco]). STENTS were made of polyurethane except for ImaJin (silicone). For all STENTS, four parts of the stent were specifically analyzed under high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM,FEI-XL40 [Philips©,France]): surface core, lateral orifice, ureteral loop, and black marking surface. Each experiment was repeated with three different samples from three different stents. STENTS analysis included multiple imperfection searches, defined as irregularities>10μm., Results: All STENTS presented imperfections with no discernible differences. Imperfections were mainly located on the stent loop and on the lateral orifice. For STENTS without side orifice (J-Fil, Urosoft) imperfections were also reported, on the beveled cut as well as the distal loop orifice. Marking surfaces examinations found defects in the Urosoft and imperfections in the ImaJin and Stenostent. The Triasoft presented a better smoothness on marking surfaces compared to other STENTS. Additional matter was reported on the loop distal orifice for J-Fil and ImaJin but all STENTS presented irregular cross-sectional aeras., Conclusion: All ureteral stents are not perfectly smooth even before utilization. Imperfections were noticed regardless to stent composition or shape, and could play a role in the incrustation phenomenon, is association with inner irregularities, infection, and urine composition. Both manufacturing and material could have an impact on the stent external surface's smoothness., (Copyright © 2024 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: An accurate estimation of the stone burden is the key factor for predicting retrograde intra-renal surgical outcomes. Volumetric calculations better stratify stone burden than linear measurements. We developed a free software to assess the stone volume and estimate the lithotrity duration according to 3D-segmented stone volumes, namely the Kidney Stone Calculator (KSC). The present study aimed to validate the KSC's reproducibility in clinical cases evaluating its inter-observer and intra-observer correlations., Methods: Fifty patients that harbored renal stones were retrospectively selected from a prospective cohort. For each patient, three urologists with different experience levels in stone management made five measurements of the stone volume on non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (NCCT) images using the KSC., Results: the overall inter-observer correlation (Kendall's concordance coefficient) was 0.99 ( p < 0.0001). All three paired analyses of the inter-observer reproducibility were superior to 0.8. The intra-observer variation coefficients varied from 4% to 6%, and Kendall's intra-observer concordance coefficient was found to be superior to 0.98 ( p < 0.0001) for each participant. Subgroup analyses showed that the segmentation of complex stones seems to be less reproductible., Conclusions: The Kidney Stone Calculator is a reliable tool for the stone burden estimation. Its extension for calculating the lithotrity duration is of major interest and could help the practitioner in surgical planning., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to disclose other than the following: Olivier Traxer is a consultant for the Boston Scientific Corporation, Coloplast, Quanta System, Rocamed, Wolf, Court Medical, B-Braun, and IPG. Steeve Doizi is a consultant for the Boston Scientific Corporation and Coloplast. Frederic Panthier is a consultant for Dornier.

Introduction: Thulium lasers (TLs), namely the Thulium fiber laser (TFL) and the Thulium:YAG (Tm:YAG), are being increasingly adopted for the conservative treatment of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). However, to date, the real clinical impact of TLs on UTUC management remains not well-characterized. We performed a review of the literature to summarize the current evidence on TLs for UTUC treatment., Materials and Methods: We performed a systematic review in January 2023 using the Embase and Medline online databases, according to the PRISMA recommendations and using the PICO criteria. Outcomes of interest were: (i) to assess the safety and feasibility of TLs in the treatment of UTUC, and (ii) to evaluate the oncological outcomes in terms of tumor recurrence and conservative treatment failure. Moreover, we described TL characteristics and its interaction with soft tissue., Results: a total of 458 articles were screened, and six full texts including 273 patients were identified. All the included studies were retrospective series. Mean patient age ranged from 66 to 73 years. The indication of a conservative treatment was elective and imperative in 21.7-85% and 15-76% of cases, respectively. Laser power settings varied from 5 to 50 W. No intraoperative complications were reported, and all the procedures were successfully performed. The tumor recurrence rate was 17.7-44%, and the indication to radical nephroureterectomy was 3.7-44% during a follow-up of 6-50 months. Most of the postoperative complications were mild and transient, and ureteral strictures were reported in two studies. Major limitations were the retrospective nature of the studies, the small sample sizes, and the short follow-up., Conclusions: TL is an effective and safe technology for endoscopic UTUC treatment. However, current available literature lacks prospective and multicentric studies with large population sizes and long-term follow-up.

Objective: The aim of this review is to summarize the existing suction systems in flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) and to evaluate their effectiveness and safety., Methods: A narrative review was performed using the Pubmed and Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) databases. Additionally, we conducted a search on the Twitter platform. Studies including suctions systems in fURS were included. Editorials, letters and studies reporting intervention with semirigid ureteroscopy, PCNL and mPCNL were excluded., Results: A total of 12 studies were included in this review. These studies comprised one in vitro study, one ex vivo study, one experimental study and eight cohort studies. The Pubmed and WoSCC searches identified three suction techniques (Irrigation/Suctioning system with control of pressure, suction ureteral access sheath (sUAS) and direct in scope suction (DISS)), and the Twitter search identified four of them. The overall results showed that suction is an effective and safe technique that improves stone-free rates, reduces operative time and limits complication rates after fURS., Conclusions: The use of suctioning during common endourological procedures has been shown to improve safety and efficacy in several indications. However, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm this.

(1) Introduction: To evaluate the feasibility of measuring the intrapelvic pressure (IPP) during flexible ureterorenoscopy (f-URS) with a PressureWire and to optimize safety by assessing IPP during surgery. (2) Methods: Patients undergoing f-URS for different treatments were recruited. A PressureWire (0.014", St. Jude Medical, Little Canada, MN, USA) was placed into the renal cavities to measure IPP. Gravity irrigation at 40 cmH 2 O over the patient and a hand-assisted irrigation system were used. Pressures were monitored in real time and recorded for analysis. Fluid balance and postoperative urinary tract infection (UTI) were documented. (3) Results: Twenty patients undergoing f-URS were included with successful IPP monitoring. The median baseline IPP was 13.6 (6.8-47.6) cmH 2 O. After the placement of the UAS, the median IPP was 17 (8-44.6) cmH 2 O. With irrigation pressure set at 40 cmH 2 O without forced irrigation, the median IPP was 34 (19-81.6) cmH 2 O. Median IPP during laser lithotripsy, with and without the use of on-demand forced irrigation, was 61.2 (27.2-149.5) cmH 2 O. The maximum pressure peaks recorded during forced irrigation ranged from 54.4 to 236.6 cmH 2 O. After the surgery, 3 patients (15%) presented UTI; 2 of them had a positive preoperative urine culture, previously treated, and a positive fluid balance observed after the surgery. (4) Conclusion: Based on our experience, continuous monitoring of IPP with a wire is easy to reproduce, effective, and safe. In addition, it allows us to identify and avoid high IPPs, which may affect surgery-related complications.

Context: Nowadays, urolithiasis has become a highly prevalent disease. Recent studies indicate that retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is becoming more popular among surgical treatments due to the preference of patients and providers. This minimally invasive procedure results in high stone-free rates and relatively low morbidity; however, complications resulting from infection can still occur, including acute urinary tract infection, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and sepsis., Objective: To identify the independent risk factors for sepsis following RIRS, as well as general risk factors that may contribute to this life-threatening complication in the pre- and intraoperative periods., Evidence Acquisition: A literature review was conducted in April 2020 using the Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. We searched the references of included papers., Evidence Synthesis: We screened 2306 manuscripts and selected 13 for inclusion. The sepsis rate ranged from 0.5% to 11.1%, and the septic shock rate ranged from 0.3% to 4.6%. All selected studies mentioned risks for sepsis and/or infective complications (including sepsis), but only four of them addressed independent risks for urosepsis. These independent risk factors were stone size, high irrigation pressure, prolonged stent dwelling time (>30 d), sepsis as an indication for stent insertion, female gender, positive intraoperative bladder urine culture, longer surgical time, and diabetes mellitus., Conclusions: RIRS is associated with a low sepsis rate, according to the latest evidence. However, given that this is a serious life-threatening complication, knowing its potential risk factors is extremely important., Patient Summary: In this report, we looked at the outcome of sepsis after planned retrograde intrarenal surgery for stone disease in patients with and without comorbidities. This information may be useful for colleagues in their daily practice., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Background: Endocorporeal laser lithotripsy (EL) during flexible ureteroscopy (URS-f) often uses "dusting" settings with "painting" technique. The displacement velocity of the laser fiber (LF) at the stone surface remains unknown and could improve EL's ablation rates. This in vitro study aimed to define the optimal displacement velocity (ODV) for both holmium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Ho:YAG) and thulium fiber laser (Tm-Fiber)., Methods: A 50W-TFL (IRE Polus ® , Moscow, Russia) and a 30W-MH1-Ho:YAG laser (Rocamed ® , Signes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France), were used with 272 µm-Core-Diameter LF (Sureflex, Boston Scientific © , San Jose, CA, USA), comparing three TFL modes, "fine dusting" (FD: 0.05-0.15 J/100-600 Hz); "dusting" (D: 0.5 J/30-60 Hz); "fragmentation" (Fr: 1 J/15-30 Hz) and two Ho:YAG modes (D: 0.5 J/20 Hz, Fr: 1 J/15 Hz). An experimental setup consisting of immerged cubes of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) stone phantoms (Begostone Plus, Bego © , Lincoln, RI, USA) was used with a 2 s' laser operation time. LF were in contact with the stones, static or with a displacement of 5, 10 or 20 mm. Experiments were repeated four times. Stones were dried and µ-scanned. Ablation volumes (mm 3 ) were measured by 3D-segmentation., Results: ODV was higher in dusting compared to fragmentation mode during Ho:YAG lithotripsy (10 mm/s vs. 5 mm/s, respectively). With Tm-Fiber, dusting and fragmentation OVDs were similar (5 mm/s). Tm-Fiber ODV was lower than Ho:YAGs in dusting settings (5 mm/s vs. 10 mm/s, respectively). Without LF displacement, ablation volumes were at least two-fold higher with Tm-Fiber compared to Ho:YAG. Despite the LF-DV, we report a 1.5 to 5-fold higher ablation volume with Tm-Fiber compared to Ho:YAG., Conclusions: In dusting mode, the ODV Tm-Fiber is lower compared to ODV Ho:YAG , translating to a potential easier Tm-Fiber utilization for "painting" dusting technique. The ODV determinants remain unknown. Dynamic ablation volumes are higher to static ones, regardless of the laser source, settings or LF displacement velocity.

Objectives: To compare the risk of laser fiber fracture between Ho:YAG laser and Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) with different laser fiber diameters, laser settings, and fiber bending radii., Methods: Lengths of 200, 272, and 365 μm single use fibers were used with a 30 W Ho:YAG laser and a 50 W Super Pulsed TFL. Laser fibers of 150 µm length were also tested with the TFL only. Five different increasingly smaller bend radii were tested: 1, 0.9, 0.75, 0.6, and 0.45 cm. A total of 13 different laser settings were tested for the Ho:YAG laser: six fragmentation settings with a short pulse duration, and seven dusting settings with a long pulse duration. A total of 33 different laser settings were tested for the TFL. Three laser settings were common two both lasers: 0.5 J × 12 Hz, 0.8 J × 8 Hz, 2 J × 3 Hz. The laser was activated for 5 min or until fiber fracture. Each measurement was performed ten times., Results: While fiber failures occurred with all fiber diameters with Ho:YAG laser, none were reported with TFL. Identified risk factors of fiber fracture with the Ho:YAG laser were short pulse and high energy for the 365 µm fibers ( p = 0.041), but not for the 200 and 272 µm fibers ( p = 1 and p = 0.43, respectively). High frequency was not a risk factor of fiber fracture. Fiber diameter also seemed to be a risk factor of fracture. The 200 µm fibers broke more frequently than the 272 and 365 µm ones ( p = 0.039). There was a trend for a higher number of fractures with the 365 µm fibers compared to the 272 µm ones, these occurring at a larger bend radius, but this difference was not significant., Conclusion: TFL appears to be a safer laser regarding the risk of fiber fracture than Ho:YAG when used with fibers in a deflected position.

Cystinuria (OMIM 220100) is an autosomal recessive hereditary disorder in which high urinary cystine excretion leads to the formation of cystine stones because of the low solubility of cystine at normal urinary pH. We developed clinical practice recommendation for diagnosis, surgical and medical treatment, and follow-up of patients with cystinuria. Elaboration of these clinical practice recommendations spanned from June 2018 to December 2019 with a consensus conference in January 2019. Selected topic areas were chosen by the co-chairs of the conference. Working groups focusing on specific topics were formed. Group members performed systematic literature review using MEDLINE, drafted the statements, and discussed them. They included geneticists, medical biochemists, pediatric and adult nephrologists, pediatric and adult urologists experts in cystinuria, and the Metabolic Nephropathy Joint Working Group of the European Reference Network for Rare Kidney Diseases (ERKNet) and eUROGEN members. Overall 20 statements were produced to provide guidance on diagnosis, genetic analysis, imaging techniques, surgical treatment (indication and modalities), conservative treatment (hydration, dietetic, alkalinization, and cystine-binding drugs), follow-up, self-monitoring, complications (renal failure and hypertension), and impact on quality of life. Because of the rarity of the disease and the poor level of evidence in the literature, these statements could not be graded. This clinical practice recommendation provides guidance on all aspects of the management of both adults and children with cystinuria, including diagnosis, surgery, and medical treatment., (Copyright © 2020 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To define the role of ureteroscopy for treatment of staghorn calculi., Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the Scopus and Medline databases. Original articles and systematic reviews were selected according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Only studies relating to the role of ureteroscopy for treatment of staghorn calculi were included., Results: In five studies on ureteroscopic monotherapy, stone-free rate (SFR) ranged from 33% to 93%, with a maximum four ureteroscopy sessions per patient and no major complications. Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) was compared with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in two studies and reached significantly higher SFR (88%-91% vs. 59%-65%) and lower operative times (84-110 min vs. 105-129 min). The role of salvage ureteroscopy for residual stones after primary PNL has been highlighted by two studies with a final SFR of 83%-89%. One study reported on the feasibility of ureteroscopy for ureteral stones and same-session PNL for contralateral staghorn calculi, with a SFR of 92%., Conclusion: Ureteroscopy plays a pivotal role in the setting of a combined approach to staghorn calculi. Ureteroscopy is also particularly suitable for clearance of residual stones. In specific cases, ureteroscopy may become the sole applicable therapeutic option to staghorn calculi. Technological advances and refinement of techniques suggest a major role of ureteroscopy for staghorn calculi treatment in close future., Competing Interests: Dr. Etienne Xavier Keller is a consultant for Olympus, Recordati and Debiopharm. Dr. Vincent De Coninck is a consultant for Boston Scientific. Dr. Steeve Doizi is a consultant for Coloplast. Prof. Olivier Traxer is a consultant for Coloplast, Rocamed, Olympus, EMS, Boston Scientific and IPG Medical., (© 2020 Editorial Office of Asian Journal of Urology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.)

With an increase in the number of ureteroscopy (URS) procedures, URS is now performed more widely and is becoming a standard procedure for all urologists. There is also a rise in the complexity of these procedures and URS is now offered for treatment of stones as well as for diagnosis and treatment of urothelial tumours. We wanted to provide a 'pictorial review' of the 'tips and tricks' of URS, as the finer and technical details are often easier to understand and remember with images rather than through textual explanations., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2019 Translational Andrology and Urology. All rights reserved.)

Background: Single-use flexible ureterorenoscopes (fURSs) have been recently introduced aiming to offer solutions to the sterilization, fragility and cost issues of the reusable fURSs. In order to be a viable alternative, the single-use scopes must prove similar capabilities when compared to their reusable counterparts. The goal of our in-vitro study was to compare the current reusable and single-use digital fURSs regarding their deflection, irrigation and vision characteristics., Methods: We compared in-vitro 4 single-use fURSs-LithoVue™ (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA), Uscope™ (Zhuhai Pusen Medical Technology Co. Ltd., Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China), NeoFlex™ (NeoScope Inc, San Jose, California, USA) and ShaoGang™ (YouCare Technology Co. Ltd., Wuhan, China) versus 4 reusable fURSs-FLEX-X c (Karl Storz SE & Co KG, Tuttlingen, Germany), URF-V2 (Olympus, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan), COBRA vision and BOA vision (Richard Wolf GmbH, Knittlingen, Germany). Deflection and irrigation abilities were evaluated with different instruments inserted through the working channel: laser fibres (200/273/365 µm), retrieval baskets (1.5/1.9/2.2 Fr), guide wires [polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) 0.038 inch, nitinol 0.035 inch] and a biopsy forceps. A scoring system was designed to compare the deflection impairment. Saline at different heights (40/80 cm) was used for irrigation. The flow was measured with the tip of the fURS initially straight and then fully deflected. The vision characteristics were evaluated (field of view, depth of field, image resolution, distortion and colour representation) using specific target models., Results: Overall, the single-use fURSs had superior in-vitro deflection abilities than the reusable fURSs, in most settings. The highest score was achieved by NeoFlex™ and the lowest by ShaoGang™. PTFE guide wire had most impact on deflection for all fURSs. The 200 µm laser fibre had the lowest impact on deflection for the single-use fURSs. The 1.5 Fr basket caused the least deflection impairment on reusable fURSs. At the end of the tests, deflection loss was noted in most of the single-use fURSs, while none of the reusable fURSs presented deflection impairment. ShaoGang™ had the highest irrigation flow. Increasing the size of the instruments occupying the working channel led to decrease of irrigation flow in all fURSs. The impact of maximal deflection on irrigation flow was very low for all fURSs. When instruments were occupying the working channel, the single-use fURSs had slightly better in-vitro irrigation flow than the reusable fURSs. The field of view was comparable for all fURSs, with LithoVue™ showing a slight advantage. Depth of field and colour reproducibility were almost similar for all fURSs. ShaoGang™ and Uscope™ had the lowest resolution. FLEX X c had the highest image distortion while LithoVue™ had the lowest. Partial field of view impairment was not for Uscope™ and ShaoGang™., Conclusions: In-vitro , there are differences in technical characteristics of fURSs. It appears that single-use fURSs deflect better than their reusable counterparts. Irrespective of deflection, the irrigation flow of the single-use fURSs was slightly superior to the flow of the reusable fURSs. Overall, reusable fURSs had better vision characteristics than single-use fURSs. Further in-vivo studies might be necessary to confirm these findings., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: Prof. Olivier Traxer is consultant for Coloplast, Boston Scientific, Olympus, Rocamed, EMS and IPG; Mr Oliver Wiseman is consultant for Boston Scientific, Coloplast and EMS; the other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2019 Translational Andrology and Urology. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Radiation exposure during urological procedures is still of concern in the urology community. It has been reported that percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in supine position has less irradiation, as the puncture is mostly done under ultrasound guidance. However, it can also be done under fluoroscopy guidance. Unfortunately, data on radiation exposure during PCNL is lacking since they are often drawn from generalization and extrapolation, or they do not evaluate new procedures or different positions. The aim of our study was to compare the radiation dose depending on the position of the surgeon during PCNL., Methods: A portable C-arm was used in standard mode (32 impulsions/second; 98 kV, 3.8 mA). Specific dosimeters were placed for lens, extremity, and torso. Anthropomorphic models and hand phantom models were used to reproduce the position of surgeon and patient (with same bone density as human) during PCNL in prone and modified supine position. Fluoroscopy time (FT) was six minutes to obtain higher exploitable signal, and the results are given for a FT of three minutes (more realistic). Ten percent of the FT is done with an angulation of 15 degrees and the rest in anteroposterior position., Results: The equivalent doses (ED) are given in uSV (uncertainty k=2). During the modified supine position: neck, lens, right index finger, left thumb, and index finger received EDs of 99 (20%), 62 (18%), 437 (10%), 112 (12%), and 204 (10%), respectively. In a prone position, the phantom received ED on the neck, lens, right thumb and index finger, left thumb and index finger of 85 (20%), 92 (12%), 401 (10%), 585 (10%), 295 (10%), and 567 (10%), respectively. In both positions, the right hand seems more exposed than the left hand., Conclusions: The effective dose is 1.5- and 1.3-fold higher for lens and extremities, respectively, in prone position PCNL compared to modified supine position. Both positions are still well below the recommended limit for professional exposure.

During the past 3 decades, the surgical management of kidney stones has undergone many technological advances and one is the development of the flexible ureteroscopy. The development of this instrument as well as ancillary equipment such as baskets, graspers, and others, and improvements in lithotripsy with Holmium: YAG laser have led to expand its indications with diagnostic and therapeutic management of medical issues of the upper urinary tract such as urolithiasis and urothelial tumors. The objective of this review is to describe its indications and results in the different scenarios for the treatment of urinary stones.

Introduction: Since 2012 Elmed has been working on a robot specifically designed for flexible ureteroscopy. After the first version of Avicenna Roboflex, a second version was developed in 2015, with significant changes especially in the irrigation system. We consider mandatory for the endourologist that works with the Avicenna Roboflex be aware of the functioning of the irrigation system., Materials and Methods: We connected a container to the pump's irrigation system and measured the quantity of saline per second delivered by each speed setting, with/without the flush in five different modalities: pump on its own, pump with ureteroscope, with two laser fibers, with 1.9 Fr basket, and with a Terumo guidewire., Results: The highest mean flow-rates were observed in the 200- micrometer laser fiber, after the pump on its own. Median flowrates for all speed settings were significantly higher for the pump on its own than for the URS in both flushed and nonflushed modes (p = 0.045, p = 0.039 respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in median flow-rates between the guide wire and basket in all of the speed settings (p = 0.932 and p = 0.977). For both laser fibers there was no statistically significant difference between the median flow rate on both nonflush and flush modes. (p = 0.590 & p = 0.590). There was a linear correlation between the speed setting and the increase measured with the flush-option for pump only measurements (r = 0.602, p = 0.038). There was no statistically significant difference between laser fibers and the pump on its own on the increase of flow rate with flush mode. (p = 0.443 for the 272- micrometer fiber and p = 0.219 for the 200-micrometer fiber)., Conclusion: The irrigation system of the new Avicenna Roboflex is optimized compared to the previous version. However other more complex studies concerning the live flow/pressure relationship are needed before firm conclusions can be made.

Introduction: We assessed the clinical performance of a new digital single-use flexible ureteroscope (UscopePU3022)., Material and Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out across 11 centers (July-Oct. 2017). The UscopePU3022 was assessed regarding ease of insertion; deflection, image quality, maneuverability and overall performance using either a visual analog* or Likert scale., Results: A total of 56 procedures were performed in 11 centers (16 surgeons) with the indication being renal stones in 83%. The median score for ease of scope insertion was 10 (3-10). Intraoperative maneuverability was rated as 'good' in 38% and 'very good' in 52%. Visual quality was rated as 'poor or bad' in 18%, 'fair' in 37% and 'good or very good' in 43%. Two scopes failed intraoperatively (4%). Preoperative and postoperative median upward and downward deflection was 270 degrees. Compared to standard flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) maneuverability was rated as 'equivalent' in 30% and 'better' in 60%; visual quality was 'worse' in 38% and 'equivalent or better' in 62%; limb fatigue scores were 'better' in 86%; and overall performance was 'worse' in 55% and 'equivalent or better' in 45%., Conclusions: UscopeTM3022 performed well with regards to maneuverability, deflection and limb fatigue and appears to be at least non-inferior to standard f-URS with regards to these parameters. Poor image quality is a concern for UscopePU3022 with it receiving a low overall performance rating when compared to standard f-URS. Despite this it scored highly when investigators were asked if they would use it in their practice if it was cost-effective to do so.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acquisition of basic ureteroscopic skills with and without Roboflex Avicenna by subjects with no prior surgical training., Material and Methods: Ten medical students were divided in two groups: Group 1 was trained with Roboflex Avicenna and Group 2 with flexible ureteroscope alone, using the K-box ® simulator model. Participants were scored on their ability to perform or not two exercises, recording the time. In addition, the participants were evaluated on the quality of their performance for the following parameters: respect of the surrounding environment, flow of the operation, orientation, vision centering and stability., Results: The first exercise was completed only by three and four out of five of students in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Stability with the scope was significantly more accurate in the first group compared with the second (P = 0.02). There were no differences in timing, flow or orientation between groups. Although not significant, a tendency of respecting the surrounding tissue and maintaining centered vision was perceived more in the first group. As for the second exercise, there were no differences between groups in regard of orientation, flow, respecting the surrounding tissue, stability or the ability of maintaining centered vision. Although not significant, the second group had a tendency of performing the exercise faster., Conclusions: According to these preliminary results, the acquisition of basic ureteroscopic skills with and without robotic fURS in the K-box ® simulator, by subjects with no prior surgical training, is similar., Competing Interests: Traxer O: consultant for Coloplast, Rocamed, Olympus, Lumenis, Boston Scientific, Biohealth, EMS. Giusti G: consultant for Coloplast, Rocamed, Olympus, Lumenis, Boston Scientific, Karl Storz, Cook Medical.