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Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global event that has caused significant fear and anxiety across all populations. To date, there have been no studies on how major health crises have affected the stone-related quality-of-life (QOL) of urolithiasis patients. In this multi-institutional study, we investigated whether the fear of COVID-19 affects the QOL of urolithiasis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and the Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life (WISQOL) questionnaires. Materials and Methods Patient-reported data collection occurred between April-October 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic where many procedures (radiological or surgical) and visits were either delayed or cancelled. The scores generated from patient-reported responses to questionnaires were correlated and then further sub-analyzed dependent on categorical responses related to procedural delays or care and were analyzed via the Student's T-test. A single factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to analyze varying QOL scores across the FCV-19S quartiles. Results 400 respondents participated in this study. Overall mean total standardized FCV-19S and WISQOL scores (both transformed to min-max 0-100) were 34.3 and 70.3 respectively. A significant inverse correlation (r=-0.265, p

The medical and surgical management of kidney stones is one of the most common functions of the urologist. Management choices are often nuanced, involving the decision to embark on one surgical plan among several options. As the wider medical community critically evaluates the care we provide to an increasingly diverse population, it will be important to examine patient outcomes with a particular focus on ensuring equitable care. This review examines the influence of social parameters on the care of kidney stone patients. The dearth of literature in this area warrants rigorous studies on the relationship between race as well as socioeconomic status and the management of kidney stone disease.

Context Paediatric stone disease is an important clinically entity and management is often challenging. Although it is known that the condition is endemic in some geographic regions of the world, the global incidence is also increasing. Patient age and sex; the number, size, location, and composition of the stone; and the anatomy of the urinary tract are factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing a treatment modality. Objective To provide a general insight into the evaluation and management of urolithiasis in the paediatric population in the era of minimally invasive surgery. Evidence acquisition A nonsystematic review of the literature on management of paediatric urolithiasis was conducted with the aim of presenting the most suitable treatment modality for different scenarios. Evidence synthesis Because of high recurrence rates, open surgical intervention is not the first option for paediatric stone disease, except for very young patients with very large stones in association with congenital abnormalities. Minimally invasive surgeries have become the first option with the availability of appropriately sized instruments and accumulating experience. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is noninvasive and can be carried out as an outpatient procedure under sedation, and is the initial choice for management of smaller stones. However, for larger stones, SWL has lower stone-free rates and higher retreatment rates, so minimally invasive endourology procedures such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy and retrograde intrarenal surgery are preferred treatment options. Conclusions Contemporary surgical treatment for paediatric urolithiasis typically uses minimally invasive modalities. Open surgery is very rarely indicated. Patient summary Cases of urinary stones in children are increasing. Minimally invasive surgery can achieve high stone-free rates with low complication rates. After stone removal, metabolic evaluation is strongly recommended so that medical treatment for any underlying metabolic abnormality can be given. Regular follow-up with imaging such as ultrasound is required because of the high recurrence rates.

Context Although percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been performed for decades and has gone through many refinements, there are still concerns regarding its more widespread utilization because of the long learning curve and the potential risk of severe complications. Many technical details are not included in the guidelines because of their nature and research protocol. Objective To achieve an expert consensus viewpoint on PCNL indications, preoperative patient preparation, surgical strategy, management and prevention of severe complications, postoperative management, and follow-up. Evidence acquisition An international panel of experts from the Urolithiasis Section of the European Association of Urology, International Alliance of Urolithiasis, and other urology associations was enrolled, and a prospectively conducted study, incorporating literature review, discussion on research gaps (RGs), and questionnaires and following data analysis, was performed to reach a consensus on PCNL. Evidence synthesis The expert panel consisted of 36 specialists in PCNL from 20 countries all around the world. A consensus on PCNL was developed. The expert panel was not as large as expected, and the discussion on RGs did not bring in more supportive evidence in the present consensus. Conclusions Adequate preoperative preparation, especially elimination of urinary tract infection prior to PCNL, accurate puncture with guidance of fluoroscopy and/or ultrasonography or a combination, keeping a low intrarenal pressure, and shortening of operation time during PCNL are important technical requirements to ensure safety and efficiency in PCNL. Patient summary Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been a well-established procedure for the management of upper urinary tract stones. However, according to an expert panel consensus, core technical aspects, as well as the urologist’s experience, are critical to the safety and effectiveness of PCNL.

Introduction: It has been more than a year since the first case of Covid-19 was diagnosed in Brazil, and its most problematic feature is the oversaturation of the healthcare system capacity. Urolithiasis is a disease that requires timely and appropriate management. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic in hospital admissions for urolithiasis in the Brazilian public healthcare system. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, hospital admissions were obtained from the Brazilian Public Health Information system. All hospital admissions associated with urolithiasis diagnosis (ICD-10 N20) between March 2017 and February 2021 were analyzed. Results: During the COVID-19 outbreak, there was a significant decrease in hospital admissions (p

Background Metabolic syndrome is associated with formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) uroliths in humans. Objectives To investigate the association between obesity and hyperlipidemia with CaOx lower urinary tract uroliths in client‐owned dogs. Animals Dogs with (n = 55, U [uroliths]‐dogs) and without (n = 39, UF [uroliths‐free]‐dogs) CaOx lower urinary tract uroliths. Methods Case‐control study. U‐dogs were retrospectively enrolled and compared to UF‐dogs. Body condition score (BCS; 1‐9 scoring scale), serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (CH) concentrations and glycemia (after >12‐hour food withholding) were recorded in both groups. Results On univariate logistic regression, when excluding Miniature Schnauzers, odds of having uroliths increased by a factor of 3.32 (95% CI 1.38‐11.12) for each mmol/L of TG (P = .027), of 39 (95% CI 9.27‐293.22) for each mmol/L of glycemia (P

Objective Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine which may be related to urolithiasis. Genetic polymorphisms of the interleukin-1β (IL-1β) have been proposed as markers for urolithiasis in some areas. Due to the high incidence of urolithiasis in Uighur children (Xinjiang, China) and existence of ethnic difference, our aim is to explore the potential of IL-1 gene polymorphisms and urolithiasis among these children. Methods Genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood of 115 patients and 98 controls were used for genotype polymorphisms analyses. IL-1 receptor antagonist gene (IL-1RN) variable numbers of a tandem repeat (VNTR) gene polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR method. PCR-based restriction analysis was done for the IL-1β (−511) and IL-1β (+3954) gene polymorphisms by endonucleases Ava I and Taq I, respectively. The genotype distribution, allele frequencies, carriage rate and haplotype frequencies were statistically analyzed. Results No significant differences were observed in genotypic frequencies between pediatric urolithiasis patients and control group for IL-1RN gene (χ2 = 1.906, p = 0.605), IL-1β (−511) gene (χ2 = 0.105, p = 0.949), or IL-1β (+3954) gene (χ2 = 3.635, p = 0.169). There were yet no significant differences of the allele frequencies of IL-1RN VNTR gene (p = 0.779), IL-1β (-511) gene (p = 0.941), and IL-1β (+3954) gene (p = 0.418) in the case and control groups, as well as the carriage rate and haplotype of them (all p > 0.05). Conclusions The associations between IL-1RN VNTR, IL-1β (-511) and IL-1β (+3954) genes polymorphisms and urolithiasis were not significant in Uighur children. The results need to be confirmed in studies with larger population sample size, as well as in other ethnic groups.

To identify whether urolithiasis with or without hydronephrosis has an impact on acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with urinary tract infection (UTI). This study aimed to identify whether urolithiasis with or without hydronephrosis has an impact on AKI in patients with UTI. This retrospective study enrolled hospitalized UTI patients who underwent imaging in an acute care setting from January 2006 to April 2019. Of the 1113 participants enrolled, 191 (17.2%) had urolithiasis and 76 (6.8%) had ureteral stone complicated with hydronephrosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that in UTI patients with urolithiasis, the presence of ureteral stone with concomitant hydronephrosis was an independent risk factor for AKI (odds ratio [OR] 2.299, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.112–4.755, P = 0.025). In addition, urolithiasis was associated with an increased risk for AKI (OR 2.451, 95% CI 1.369–4.389, P = 0.003) in UTI patients without hydronephrosis. The presence of ureteral stone with hydronephrosis increases the risk for AKI of UTI patients with urolithiasis, and urolithiasis remains a risk factor of AKI in UTI patients without hydronephrosis.

Purpose: to evaluate the effect of low-calorie diet on 24-hour urinary metabolic parameters of obese adults with idiopathic calcium oxalate kidney stones. Materials and Methods: Adult idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers, with body mass index (BMI) ≥30kg/m2 and a known lithogenic metabolic abnormality, were submitted to low-calorie diet for twelve weeks. After enrolment, anthropometric measures, serum exams, 24-hour urinary metabolic parameters and body impedance were collected one month prior to dietary intervention and at the end of twelve weeks. Correlations between weight loss, waist circumference loss, fat loss and variation in 24-hour urinary lithogenic parameters and calcium oxalate urinary supersaturation (CaOx SS) as per Tiselius equation were analysed. Results: From January 2017 to January 2018, 39 patients were enrolled to participate in this study. Median (range) prescribed diet was 1300 (1100-2100) Kcal/day. Mean age was 51.7±11.0 (29-68) years old and 69.2% were female. 30.8% of the participants shifted from obesity to BMI

Purpose To balance epidemic prevention with the therapeutic needs of patients with urolithiasis during the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a triage system to guide medical staff in making priority decisions. Methods The study began with a review of the literature to propose a theoretical framework. Then, focus groups were assembled to develop, supplement, refine and form a consensus on the indications of the triage system. Finally, the system was implemented in the clinic. The validity and reliability of the system were tested by a content validity index and the interrater reliability kappa coefficient. Changes in patient characteristics and waiting time before and after the epidemic were compared. Results The theoretical framework was based on disease pathophysiology, including obstruction, infection, kidney dysfunction, and other symptoms. With this guide, a 28-item triage system with categories of T1–5 (low priority to urgent) was developed. The content validity index and the interrater reliability coefficient were 0.833 and 0.812, respectively. During clinical application, although the total number of patients remained steady, the proportion of T1 decreased significantly; even though the overall waiting time of patients did not change significantly, it increased for T1 and decreased for T2–4 in 2020 compared with 2019 (P

Kidney stone formation is complex; urinary protein inhibitors play a major role in natural defense against stone formation. Using attenuated total-reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy of kidney stones, proteins are usually not quantified and often reported as 'organic matrix', for which there is little attention: treatment of urolithiasis is based on the nature of the major organic/inorganic stone compound. Literature no longer regards urinary proteins as innocent bystander, but highlights the role of proteins as urolithiasis modulators. We explored the potential significance of the protein content of kidney stones.800 stones were analyzed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy; spectra were corrected for protein content. The ratio of the amide I peak (1655 cmProtein concentration showed a marked variation according to the stone composition. High relative protein content (0.4% stone mass) was found in mixed calcium apatite/calcium oxalate dihydrate stones, mixed calcium oxalate dihydrate/calcium oxalate monohydrate/calcium apatite stones, and mixed calcium oxalate monohydrate/brushite stones, whereas lower protein percentages were found in cystine, urate, and calcium oxalate monohydrate stones. Protein concentration was dependent of the patient's age.ATR-FTIR is a practical way for assessing protein concentration in kidney stones.A: absorbance; as, asymmetric vibrations; ATR-FTIR, attenuated total-reflectance Fourier-transform infrared; β, standardized regression coefficient; CAP, calcium apatite; COD, calcium oxalate dihydrate; COM, calcium oxalate monohydrate; CV, coefficient of variation; δ, bending vibrations; ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; IQR, interquartile range; IR, infrared; LOD, limit of detection; LOQ, limit of quantification; MIR, mid-infrared; N or n, amount; r, correlation; r

A tendency towards growing life expectancy in old age can be clearly observed in most countries of the world over the past number of decades. This tendency is also seen in our country. Despite the fact that people started living longer, which would seem to be a good indicator of the country’s socio-economic development, the doctors have encountered a rather difficult challenge to overcome. The question at issue is that health specialists are faced with many somatic diseases due to the fact that people started living longer. When life expectancy was much less, many of them have never encountered such a volume of diseases. Today, the share of the elderly in the population has significantly increased and they live longer, which, accordingly, has an impact on the number of nosological units in the clinical practice of almost any health specialist. This article is focused on the issue of non-decreasing incidence of urinary tract diseases; in particular, the challenges of bladder stone disease (BSD) are considered. According to the latest data, the disease prevalence does not tend to decrease. Moreover, the incidence of BSD in women has increased significantly, although this pathological condition is more typical for men. In light of the fact that female patients spend about a third of their lives in the postmenopausal period, it is worth paying special attention to some features of the woman’s body functioning during this time period due to the likelihood of the formation of an inflammatory process, which often mediates the development of the BSD. Older female patients are often concerned about inflammatory bladder diseases, which can lead to the development of BSD by ascending infection in the future. Therefore, it is crucially important to know what therapeutic capabilities doctors have today to effectively fight the BSD.

Introduction. Urolithiasis is a multifactorial recurrent disease, unevenly spread throughout the world and characterizedby the formation of urinary stones of various chemical compositions, depending on pathogenesis, etiological, and epidemiological risk factors. Understanding the composition of chemicals and their prevailing ratios can help make decisions about treatment tactics, preventive measures to reduce the risk of recurrence and the prevalence of urolithiasis.Purpose of the study. To assess the distribution of chemical components in urinary stones along with an analysis of their population significance.Materials and methods. The urinary stones were obtained from 2854 patients with urolithiasis. The composition of urinary stones was analyzed by using an infrared spectroscopy method.Results. The predominance of oxalate stones was determined in multicomponent kidney stones (83,7%) and the prevalence of urate stones (54,2%) was revealed in monocomponent kidney stones. Urinary stones with a predominance of oxalates contained significantly fewer impurities (12.4%) than urinary stones with a predominance of urates, phosphates and carbonates with an average amount of impurities >24.0%.Conclusion. The analysis of urinary stones distribution based on pathogenic factors showed that the calcium metabolism disturbances prevail in the population of the Russian Federation (88.0%).

Introduction. Timely unresolved upper urinary tract (UUT) obstruction in patients with infection can cause severe complications, such as sepsis, pyonephrosis and even death. There are no clear recommendations regarding the methods and timing of drainage. At the same time, this issue is still the subject of discussion in publications of recent years.Purpose of the study. To optimize the timing of lithotripsy after drainage of the UUT in patients with urolithiasis and obstructive uropathy (OU).Materials and methods. At the first stage, 90 patients with OU caused by the stone of the ureteropelvic junction underwent drainage of the UUT using a percutaneous nephrostomy. Subsequently, percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNLT) was performed at various times after drainage. The level of inflammatory markers (IL-8) and profibrotic factor (MCP-1) in the urine was determined. The calculated concentrations of urinary biomarkers were normalized by the level of urinary creatinine. Urine sampling for the analysis was carried out during and after the PCN placement (nephrostomy urine) 7 days later, and then once weekly before surgery. The coefficient K was calculated using a patented formula to evaluate the process of kidney remodeling. Urine sampling was performed for culture to determine the bacterial spectrum and antibiotic sensitivity.Results. The values of K ≤ 1.85 were observed in 11 patients of the group with OU (12.2%), K > 1.85 in 79 (87.8%) by day 21. The values of K ≤ 1.85 were achieved in 70 patients (88.6%) by day 28 and 4 patients (80.0%) by day 35. PNLT was performed on 21 days in patients with K ≤ 1.85 (11 patients), no complications were noted in the postoperative period., PNLT was performed in patients with K ≤ 1.85 (70 patients) by day 28, exacerbation of pyelonephritis and the development of chronic kidney disease were not noted. Six patients with values of K ˃ 1.85 underwent PNLT by day 28. In the postoperative period, all patients had an exacerbation of calculous pyelonephritis, 50% had a decrease in glomerular filtration rate within 3 months after surgery. The bacteria in urine were detected in 55 (61.0%) patients. Escherichia coli (63.0%), Proteus mirabilis (18.0%), Enterococcus faecalis (14.5%), Streptococcus haemolyticus (2.5%) were identified most often.Conclusion. The use of the developed remodeling index allows optimizing the surgery timing and minimizing the development of complications during the postoperative period. The presence of bacteria is associated with a long process of renal parenchymal remodeling.

Urolithiasis is currently one of the most urgent problems in the world. Every eleventh worldwide inhabitant suffers from this disease. Previously, the only way to get rid of kidney stones and the urinary tract was open surgery, which was characterized by high trauma. Over the past decades, the development of technologies has made a significant contribution to the development of new methods of urolithiasis treatment. One of these methods is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). The first lithotripter Dornier HM-1 was produced in 1980. Subsequent models have got many changes, both in terms of ergonomics and power. The researchers noticed that the efficiency of stone crushing in the Dornier HM-1 lithotripter was higher than in newer models since the lower power provided the less intensive formation of cavitation bubbles that prevent the effective transit of subsequent waves through the stone. Nowadays, a new method of remote stone crushing is being developed based on low-amplitude high-frequency technology combined with ultrasonic propulsion, which is the main difference from traditional shock-wave lithotripters. The new technology of stone crushing is called «burst wave lithotripsy» (BWL). Currently, the data have been obtained that this method is more effective in terms of crushing quality and less traumatic.

Background Urolithiasis is a pathology that changes with time and with the evolution of human societies. The prevalence of this pathology has gradually increased during the last decades, especially because of dietary changes. Methods This work is a retrospective descriptive epidemiological study of the temporal type carried out at the level of the urology service of the University Hospital Center of Oran between the first January 1965 and December 31, 2014. The objectives of this work are to study the epidemiological profile of urolithiasis and to determine the evolutionary trend of the disease over time. Results This study confirms some current data in the direction of an increase in surgical activity concerning the treatment of urinary stones. The analysis over time shows us a significant decrease (p Conclusion The analysis of epidemiological data is essential to better evaluate the evolution of the urolithiasis disease, which was affirmed in our study, where a constant evolution of the characteristics of the disease was revealed, testifying the change of the socio-economic level in Algeria.

Background To develop and validate a practical nomogram for predicting the probability of patients with impacted ureteral stone. Methods Between June 2020 to March 2021, 214 single ureteral stones received ureteroscopy lithotripsy (URSL) were selected in development group. While 82 single ureteral stones received URSL between April 2021 to May 2021 were included in validation group. Independent factors for predicting impacted ureteral stone were screened by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The relationship between preoperative factors and stone impaction was modeled according to the regression coefficients. Discrimination and calibration were estimated by area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve and calibration curve respectively. Clinical usefulness of the nomogram was evaluated by decision curve analysis. Results Age, ipsilateral stone treatment history, hydronephrosis and maximum ureteral wall thickness (UWTmax) at the portion of stone were identified as independent predictors for impacted stone. The AUROC curve of development and validation group were 0.915 and 0.882 respectively. Calibration curve of two groups showed strong concordance between the predicted and actual probabilities. Decision curve analysis showed that the predictive nomogram had a superior net benefit than UWTmax for all examined probabilities. Conclusions We developed and validated an individualized model to predict impacted ureteral stone prior to surgery. Through this prediction model, urologists can select an optimal treatment method and decrease intraoperative and postoperative complications for patients with impacted ureteral calculus.

Review based on the analysis of more than 40 scientific papers published in the Pubmed and Medline databases from 1984 to 2019, dedicated to intraoperative hemostasis of the percutaneous tract and its tightness during nephrostomyfree percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The article aimed to summarize scientific data on this issue. We presented information about the history and development of percutaneous surgery in the treatment of urolithiasis. In our review, we have been demonstrated various methods of surgical and intraoperative hemostasis during nephrostomy-free PCNL.

Objectives: To determine the safety and efficacy of flexible ureteroscopy in the treatment of transplant urolithiasis. Materials and Methods: We reviewed a single-center series of 2652 patients who...

Many serious and fatal infections with urogenital mycoplasmas in immunocompromised patients have been reported. M. genitalium is recognized as a cause of male urethritis and other common genitourinary diseases. The aim of the study was to estimate prevalence of urogenital mycoplasmas which can cause complications in men with common genitourinary diseases. Study included 85 men with genitourinary tract carcinoma (n = 35), urolithiasis (n = 36), and BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) (n = 14). The control group consisted of 50 healthy men. FVU (first void urine) samples were examined by PCR for the presence of urogenital mycoplasmas DNA. Occurrence of urogenital mycoplasmas was significantly more common in study group compared with control 24/85 (28.2%) and 7/50 (14%), respectively (p = 0.05). In men with urolithiasis, positive results for mycoplasmas DNA were significantly more frequent than in control: 33.3% vs. 14% (p U. urealyticum was most often found, while in the genitourinary carcinoma and BPH groups, U. parvum was more frequent. Incidence of M. fermentans was also significantly higher in the urolithiasis group vs. control (p = 0.03). A higher percentage of positive results for urogenital mycoplasma DNA in study group has been found. Further studies are required to confirm the role of urogenital mycoplasmas in the development of infectious complications among patients with urolithiasis, genitourinary carcinoma, and BPH.

Introduction: In patients with a history of radical cystectomy and with intestinal diversion, urolithiasis in the upper urinary tract is a frequent event. Material and methods: We describe for the first time a case of retrograde endoureterotomy used to treat a calculus proximal to the ureterointestinal junction. Results: This technique is of interest when antegrade access is not possible. In our example, after passing the guidewire percutaneously, and externalize it through the stoma, the left meatus was reached with a resectoscope inserted through the ileal duct. After the use of a balloon to prevent migration of the calculus, a retrograde endoureterotomy was performed with a Collins knife and the stone removed. The patient’s progress was satisfactory. Conclusion: Endoscopic management of calculi in patients with intestinal diversion can be performed with different approaches. We recommend retrograde endoureterotomy as a feasible treatment option for the removal of impacted calculi at the ureterointestinal junction.

Background and objective: Urolithiasis or renal stones form a major urinary tract infection with formation of calcifications in the bladder and uterus. With the lifestyle diseases burgeoning, the renal stones have become a common cause with an approximate 1 in 1000 people affected all over the world with a risk ratio of 3 : 1 in men and women. On the other hand, prostate or genitourinary cancers are well documented to be associated with urolithiasis. Methods: A gene list was prepared from the published NCBI dataset, comprising all the genes related to urolithiasis primarily with mutations (both pathogenic and likely pathogenic Single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNP’s) for every particular gene screened later from the published datasets. To see the interactions among all the potential genetic factors, PPI based tools were used and an interaction map was prepared. For the characterization of mutations, we have used gnomAD for verifying all the SNPs whether they are synonymous or nonsynonymous mutations. Results: We outlined the list of genes and discussed the systems bioinformatics integrated approach associated with it. Conclusion: We found a large number of genes common to them and their association is subtly known for immunomodulatory response.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: While there are several well-known anatomical and physiological changes during pregnancy that could contribute to kidney stone formation, evidence that they increase the risk of kidney stones during pregnancy is lacking. This study aimed to determine whether there was an increased risk of a first-time symptomatic kidney stone during and after pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: A population-based matched case-control study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 945 female first-time symptomatic kidney stone formers aged 15–45 years and 1,890 age-matched female controls in Olmsted County, Minnesota from 1984–2012. Index date was the date of onset of a symptomatic kidney stone for both the case and their matched controls. EXPOSURE: The primary exposure was pregnancy with assessment for variation in risk across different time intervals before, during, and after pregnancy. Medical records were manually reviewed to determine the conception and delivery dates for pregnancies. OUTCOME: Medical record-validated first-time symptomatic kidney stone. ANALYTIC APPROACH: Conditional and unconditional multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Compared to non-pregnant women, the odds of a symptomatic kidney stone in women was similar in the first trimester (OR, 0.92; p=0.8), began to increase during the second trimester (OR, 2.00; p=0.007), further increased during the third trimester (OR, 2.69; p=0.001), peaked at 0–3 months after delivery (OR, 3.53; p1 year ago) was also associated with a first-time symptomatic kidney stone (OR, 1.27; p=0.01). LIMITATIONS: Observational study design in predominantly white population. The exact timing of stone formation cannot be determined. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy increases the risk of a first-time symptomatic kidney stone. This risk peaks close to delivery and then improves by 1 year after delivery, though a modest risk of a kidney stone still exists beyond 1 year after delivery.

Background Polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) are associated with calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis in humans. Objectives To investigate the association between VDR polymorphisms and susceptibility to CaOx urolithiasis in dogs. Animals Thirty‐five dogs with CaOx urolithiasis were compared with 40 stone‐free dogs. Methods This was a case‐control study. Two VDR gene polymorphisms (rs851998024 and rs852900542) were detected by specific TaqMan real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay, and their relationship with serum 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D, serum and urinary electrolyte concentrations was evaluated. Results The distribution of the rs852900542 polymorphism was significantly different between the case and the control dogs (x 2 = 6.369, P = .04). Dogs with a CC or CT genotype had an increased risk of CaOx stones than those with the TT genotype (odds ratio = 3.82, 95% confidence interval 1.04‐13.98). The CaOx dogs with the TT genotype had a significantly lower urinary calcium‐to‐creatinine ratio than the CT+CC genotypes. 1,25‐(OH)2D concentrations did not differ between the cases and the controls (308.7 ± 217.4 vs 286.7 ± 185.1 pg/mL, P = .45). Conclusions and Clinical Importance This finding suggests that vitamin D metabolism might play a role in CaOx stone formation in dogs.

Outcome data in primary hyperoxaluria type 3 (PH3), described as a less severe form of the PH's with a low risk of chronic kidney disease, are scarce. To investigate this, we retrospectively analyzed the largest PH3 cohort reported so far. Of 95 patients, 74 were followed over a median of six years. Median age of first symptoms and diagnosis were 1.9 and 6.3 years, respectively. Urolithiasis was the major clinical feature observed in 70% of pediatric and 50% of adult patients. At most recent follow-up available for 56 of the 95 patients, 21.4% were in chronic kidney disease stages 2 or more. For better characterization, samples from 49 patients were analyzed in a single laboratory and compared to data from patients with PH1 and PH2 from the same center. Urinary oxalate excretion was not significantly different from PH1 and PH2 (median: 1.37, 1.40 and 1.16 mmol/1.73m2/24hours for PH1 not responsive to vitamin B6, PH2, and PH3, respectively) but was significantly higher than in vitamin B6 responsive patients with PH1. Urinary oxalate excretion did not correlate to stone production rate nor to estimated glomerular filtration rate. Normocitraturia was present even without alkalinisation treatment; hypercalciuria was found rarely. Median plasma oxalate was significantly different only to the vitamin B6-unresponsive PH1 group. Thus, PH3 is more comparable to PH1 and PH2 than so far inferred from smaller studies. It is the most favorable PH type, but not a benign entity as it constitutes an early onset, recurrent stone disease, and kidney function can be impaired.

We herein report the case of a kidney transplant patient with recurrence of obstructive nephropathy that was not diagnosed as adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) deficiency until gene testing identified a pathogenic homozygous variant three years after renal transplantation. Subsequently, the patient was treated with allopurinol, and the allograft function increased progressively to normal. In addition, 20 cases of APRT deficiency in renal transplant recipients were also reviewed. We hope this case increases awareness of APRT deficiency in repeated obstructive nephropathy post-transplantation, which is a treatable disease for which the misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis should be avoided.

Background Patients with urolithiasis undergo radiation overexposure from computed tomography (CT) scans. Improvement of image reconstruction is necessary for radiation dose reduction. Purpose To evaluate a deep learning-based reconstruction algorithm for CT (DLIR) in the detection of urolithiasis at low-dose non-enhanced abdominopelvic CT. Material and Methods A total of 75 patients who underwent low-dose abdominopelvic CT for urolithiasis were retrospectively included. Each examination included three reconstructions: DLIR; filtered back projection (FBP); and hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR; ASiR-V 70%). Image quality was subjectively and objectively assessed using attenuation and noise measurements in order to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), absolute contrast, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Attenuation of the largest stones were also compared. Detectability of urinary stones was assessed by two observers. Results Image noise was significantly reduced with DLIR: 7.2 versus 17 and 22 for ASiR-V 70% and FBP, respectively. Similarly, SNR and CNR were also higher compared to the standard reconstructions. When the structures had close attenuation values, contrast was lower with DLIR compared to ASiR-V. Attenuation of stones was also lowered in the DLIR series. Subjective image quality was significantly higher with DLIR. The detectability of all stones and stones >3 mm was excellent with DLIR for the two observers (intraclass correlation [ICC] = 0.93 vs. 0.96 and 0.95 vs. 0.99). For smaller stones (Conclusion For low-dose abdominopelvic CT, DLIR reconstruction exhibited image quality superior to ASiR-V and FBP as well as an excellent detection of urinary stones.

Background: Acute obstructive pyelonephritis due to urolithiasis represents a medico-surgical emergency that can lead to life-threatening complications. There are still no established factors that reliably predict progression toward acute pyelonephritis in patients presenting with a simple renal colic. Objective: To investigate clinical and paraclinical factors that are associated with the onset of acute obstructive pyelonephritis. Methods: Patients presenting to the emergency department for renal colic with obstructive urolithiasis on imaging were enrolled in the study. Demographic data, vital signs, medical comorbidities, blood test results, urinalysis, and radiological findings were recorded. Obstructive pyelonephritis was defined by the presence of two or more of the following criteria: fever, flank pain or costovertebral angle tenderness, and a positive urine culture. Results: Seventeen patients out of 120 presenting with renal colic, were diagnosed with acute obstructive pyelonephritis (14%). Parameters that were associated with the onset of obstructive pyelonephritis were: diabetes ( p = 0.03), elevated CRP ( p = 0.01), stone size (>5 mm) ( p = 0.03), dilatation of renal pelvis ( p = 0.01), peri-renal fat stranding ( p = 0.02), and positive nitrites on urinalysis ( p 10/mm3), hypertension, and were not associated with the onset of obstructive pyelonephritis. Conclusion: This study showed that known diabetic status, elevated CRP, positive urine nitrites, stone size (>5 mm), pyelic dilatation, and peri-renal fat stranding were associated with the onset of pyelonephritis in patients presenting to the emergency department with obstructive urolithiasis.

We present a clinical case of urolithiasis. A patient diagnosed with stage 5 chronic kidney disease due to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease after bilateral nephrectomy underwent kidney transplantation with ureteral graft stenting. Two months after the operation, a stone was found in the upper third of the ureteral graft, complicated by necrosis in this area. Reconstructive plastic surgery on the ureter of the transplanted kidney with removal of the ureteral stone achieved the desired clinical effect.

Objectives: Urolithiasis is one of the most common presentations in urological practice and it is becoming increasingly important to provide structured, simulation-based training using validated training models. This systematic review aims to identify current simulation-based training models and to evaluate their validity and effectiveness. Methods: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a comprehensive search was performed on the Medline and EMBASE databases for English language articles published between 2000 and 2018 describing and/or assessing validity of simulation models for urolithiasis procedures. Studies were qualitatively assessed for validity using the Messick validity framework and models were assigned levels of recommendation using the McGaghie model of translational outcomes. Results: A total of 98 studies were included in this study assessing 51 models, with 28 studies concerning models for urethrocystoscopy, 46 studies for ureterorenoscopy, and 39 studies for percutaneous access and/or nephrolithotomy. Only four models demonstrated a level of recommendation of 4. The most validated models were the URO/PERC-Mentor (Simbionix, Lod, Israel) with multiple studies for each across various procedural skills. Conclusion: There is a wide spectrum of simulation-based models currently available for urolithiasis procedures, mostly with limited validity evidence from small studies. Further research is required with higher levels of evidence including randomized controlled trials. In addition, long-term transfer of skills to the operating room should be assessed to establish whether there is genuine skill development and retention using simulation models and whether this helps to reduce surgical complications.

To determine the influence of socioeconomic parameters on urinary stone surgeries.A retrospective cohort study analyzed patients undergoing urolithiasis surgery in our community network hospital in North Carolina from 2005-2018.Of 7731 patients, 2160 (28%), 5,174 (67%), and 397 (5%) underwent SWL, URS, and PCNL, respectively. A higher proportion of Whites underwent URS (67%) and SWL (74%) than PCNL (56%); whereas a larger percentage of Blacks underwent PCNL (24%) than URS (20%) and SWL (15%) groups (P.001). Private insurance payers were greater in the SWL (95%) group than URS (80%) and PCNL (81%) (P.001). The distribution of median income was significantly different amongst the 3 surgeries with higher income classes overutilizing SWL and underutilizing PCNL compared to lower income classes (P.001). In linear regression modeling, the proportion of SWL in a postal code was positively associated with median income (ROur study suggests that socioeconomic status impacts urolithiasis surgical management, underscoring disparity recognition importance in endourologic care and ensuring appropriate surgical care regardless of socioeconomic status.

Introduction. According to current clinical guidelines, the use of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for lower calyx stones is indicated when their size is less than 1 cm. This is due to the low efficiency and high frequency of repeated procedures for larger stones.Purpose of the study. To examine the results of ESWL usage in the treatment of children with lower calyx stones of various sizes.Materials and methods. ESWL was performed on 33 children with lower calyx stones during 2013 - 2018 yrs. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I - 24 (72.7%) patients with primary stones, Group II - 9 (27.3%) patients after ESWL of kidney pelvis stones that migrated to the lower calyx. Both groups are divided into subgroups: a - children with stones less than 1 cm and b - with stones more than 1 cm. ESWL was performed under general anesthesia and ultrasound guidance. In all patients after ESWL we used the inversion technique. The result was considered positive in case of the complete elimination of stones was achieved.Results. After the first ESWL session, stone-free status was achieved in 21/33 (63.6%) patients of all groups, after the second ESWL session in 26/33 (78.8%), after 3 sessions - 30/33 (90.9%). In subgroups Ia and IIa, there were 14/22 (63.6%) children after the first ESWL with complete elimination of calculi, and after subsequent sessions, the success rate was 90.9% (20/22 calculi). After the first ESWL session in subgroups Ib and IIb, complete elimination of stones was achieved in 7/11 (63.6%) children, after repeated sessions in 10/11 (90.9%) children.Conclusions. ESWL demonstrates a high efficiency in the treatment of lower calyx stones less and more than 1 cm, both after the first and third sessions, and in the treatment of primary and residual (migrated) stones.

Introduction. Currently, a large number of techniques are used in the treatment of patients with ureteral stones: extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL), retrograde ureterolithotripsy (RULT), laparoscopic and retro-peritoneoscopic ureterolithotomy.Purpose of the study. To evaluate the possibilities and effectiveness of percutaneous antegrade ureterolithotripsy in the treatment of patients with proximal ureteral stones in comparison with transurethral contact ureterolithotripsy.Materials and methods. Twenty-eight patients with urolithiasis were treated, who underwent percutaneous antegrade ureterolithotripsy (PAULT) and 27 patients of the control group, who underwent RULT. All patients included in the study underwent a standard preoperative examination: complete blood count and urine analysis, bacteriological urine culture, biochemical tests, and X-ray research methods. Plain urography, renal ultrasound, computed tomography were used as imaging methods. The OLYMPUS URF-V3 8.4 Ch (Olympus Europa SE & Co. KG., Germany) video uretero-renoscope was used for PAULT in patients of the main group; lithotripsy was performed using thulium laser. The results of the study were subjected to statistical processing in order to determine the statistical significance of the differences between the data obtained. Quantitative variables were described using the arithmetic mean (M) and standard deviation (5). Qualitative variables were estimated by absolute and relative frequencies (percentages). The data were considered reliable at p values < 0.05.Results. The average time of surgical intervention in patients of the main group from the moment of placement of the ureteral catheter was 47 ± 12 min, with access without preliminary renal catheterization: 28 ± 4 min. Average time of surgical intervention in patients of the control group: 42.0 ± 10.7 minutes. The presented data indicate a significant (p < 0.05) greater cases' number of complete stone removal among patients of the main group compared with patients in the control group (74.0%).Conclusion. PAULT is preferred among choice treatment methods for patients with proximal ureteral large stones, for whom RULT and ESWL cannot be performed with a high level of “stone-free” rate and a minimum number of complications.

The local immunity of the lower urinary tract (LUT) is often presumed to influence the development of ascending infections and local inflammation. Due to small ruminants being at a higher risk of developing obstructive urolithiasis after early castration, a relationship is expected to exist between disturbed local immunity, castration and disease. However, the underlying pathophysiology and histological correlation of this assumption are unknown. This study examines the local cellular immunity of the LUT in male lambs with respect to castration status or a recent history of obstructive urolithiasis. Various tissue samples were taken and examined. The sample consisted of 34 male lambs, aged six months (n = 11 early and n = 11 late castration; n = 12 intact) and eight rams that had undergone necropsy due to fatal outcome after obstructive urolithiasis. Immunohistochemical stainings for CD3-T-cells, CD79α-B-cells and MAC 387-macrophages were performed and compared among the groups. Whereas no global group differences were evident, significant differences were found for the localizations (P = 0.002) with a significant interaction between group and localization (P = 0.004). The immunohistochemical results suggest that castration did not affect the cell number, but did have an effect on the distribution pattern of local T-cells within the urethra. In the urolithiasis cases, a reduction of CD3-positive cells along the middle part of the urethra was noticeable.

Objective: To determine the frequency and factors responsible for access failure during primary ureteroscopy (URS). Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Aga Khan University, Karachi Pakistan, from Jan to Jul 2019. Methodology: All patients undergoing Ureterorenoscopy for upper urinary tract urolithiasis were included. Ureterorenoscopy was performed with either semi rigid, rigid digital or fiber opticflexible ureterorenoscope as appropriate. Data was collected for demographics, history of stone passage, previous Ureterorenoscopy /double J stenting and history of stent placement. Preoperative imaging reviewed for stone location, size and number. Level of access failure (proximal/mid/distal ureter) was noted. Post-operative complications and need of ancillary procedure was noted. Results: We included 250 participants undergoing ureteroscopy for the upper urinary tract calculi. Mean age of the patients was 44.15 ± 13.76 years. Mean stone size was 9.12 ± 4.23mm. Overall access failure rate was found to be 8% (20/250), all required an ancillary procedure. None of the patients with previous history of endoscopic intervention or stone passage had access failure. On univariate and multivariate analysis only stone location was found to be significant factor predicting access failure. Conclusion: Failure to access is not uncommon during primary ureteroscopy. Access failure is more common in proximal ureteral stone and in patients with no previous episode of ureteral stones and procedure. Information from this study will help in counseling patients’ pre-operatively and may be a guide to urologists on pre stenting of selected patients at high risk of access failure.

Objectives To assess if the lockdown period (March-April 2020) during the coronavirus disease-19 outbreak in Italy influenced the number, presentation, and treatment of urgent admissions to the emergency department for ureteral lithiasis, and to evaluate the same variables during the reopening phase (May-June 2020). Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the emergency department of three different hospitals (two coronavirus disease-19 hubs). Demographics and data on acute pyelonephritis, acute kidney injury, urinoma, hematuria, inpatient admission/discharge home, and type of treatment were gathered and compared with the same periods in 2019. Results A total of 516 patients were admitted during the study period, of whom 62.4% were male. Their mean age was 58.86 ± 16.24 years. The number of admissions decreased significantly, by 51.25% (P = 0.003), during lockdown compared to 2019 (78 vs 160 admissions). The number of admissions in the reopening phase (May-June 2020) was in line with that in 2019 (n = 138). The number of hospitalizations (P = 0.005), acute obstructive pyelonephritis (P = 0.019), and complications (P = 0.02) was statistically significantly higher during lockdown compared to 2019. The increase in the rate of surgical procedures nearly reached significance (P = 0.059). The odds of having complications and being hospitalized were almost fivefold (odds ratio 4.68, 95% confidence interval 1.98-11.07) and twofold greater (odds ratio 2.39, 95% confidence interval 1.29-4.43) compared to the same period in 2019. No difference was noted between May-June 2020 and 2019. Conclusion The coronavirus disease-19 lockdown period provoked a meaningful reduction in symptomatic ureteral lithiasis admission. Most patients presented with complicated disease, which required an increased rate of interventional procedures compared to the equivalent period in 2019. Admissions reverted to normal levels during the reopening phase.

To evaluate the associations of DECT parameters with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) outcomes in pediatric patients. A retrospective study of consecutive patients with calculi who underwent ESWL and DECT in our hospital was performed in 2011–2019. The primary outcome was DECT imaging’s correlation with ESWL outcomes. The secondary outcome was to determine DECT parameters independently predicting ESWL outcomes, including stone-free (SF) and residual stone (RS) statuses. The study included 207 patients. The mean CT attenuations at 140 kVp, 80 kVp, and 120 kVp and effective atomic number (Zeff) were significantly correlated with stone free (SF) and residual stone (RS) (P

Objective: Overweight and obesity increased worldwide over four decades. In 2016, nearly 11% of men and 15% of women over 18 years old were obese. Obesity is accepted as a risk factor for renal stones. The relationship between obesity and urolithiasis is complicated. Various complications can occur during perioperative or postoperative follow-up in obese patients. Minimal invasive nature and high efficacy of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) present itself as a safe and less morbid treatment option. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of RIRS in the treatment of kidney stones in different BMI levels.Material and Methods: Files of 552 patients who underwent RIRS for renal stones between January 2012 and December 2017 were reviewed. We classified patients according to the World Health Organisation classification. These three groups were compared for stone-free rate, complication rate, operative and fluoroscopy times and length of hospital stay.Results: The stone-free rate (SFR) of the study population was 80.8%. It was 81% for Group 1, 83.7% for Group 2 and 77.7% for Group 3. There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups among SFR (p=0.346). Clinical insignificant residual fragments (CIRF) status was also similar among three groups (p=0.254). Complication rates between the three groups were statistically similar (p=0.416).Conclusion: In this study, we have shown that RIRS is a suitable option for all urolithiasis patients even for obese individuals. Stone-free rates, length of hospital stay, operation time and complication rates in obese patients are similar with non-obese patients., Amaç: Obezite, son kırk yılda dünya çapında artış göstermiştir. 2016'da, 18 yaşın üzerindeki erkeklerin yaklaşık % 11'i ve kadınların% 15'i obezdi. Obezite böbrek taşları için bir risk faktörü olarak kabul edilmektedir. Obezite ve ürolitiyazis arasındaki ilişki karmaşıktır. Obez hastalarda perioperatif veya postoperatif takipte çeşitli komplikasyonlar ortaya çıkabilir. Retrograd Intrarenal Cerrahi (RIRS), minimal invaziv yapısı ve yüksek etkinliği nedeniyle obez hastalar için güvenli ve daha az morbid bir tedavi seçeneği olarak kendini göstermektedir. Bu çalışmada, farklı Vücut Kitle İndeksi (VKİ) seviyelerindeki böbrek taşlarının tedavisinde RIRS prosedürünün etkililiğini ve güvenliğini karşılaştırmayı amaçladık.Gereç ve Yöntemler: Ocak 2012 - Aralık 2017 tarihleri arasında böbrek taşı nedeniyle RIRS yapılan 552 hastanın dosyaları incelendi. Dünya Sağlık Örgütü sınıflandırmasına göre normal kilolu hastalar Grup 1, fazla kilolu hastalar Grup 2 ve obez hastalar Grup 3 olarak sınıflandırıldı. Bu üç grup taşsızlık oranı, komplikasyon oranı, ameliyat ve floroskopi süreleri ve hastanede kalış süreleri açısından karşılaştırıldı.Bulgular: Çalışma popülasyonunun taşsızlık oranı (SFR) % 80,8 idi. Grup 1 için % 81, Grup 2 için % 83,7 ve Grup 3 için % 77,7 idi. Üç grup arasında SFR arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark yoktu (p = 0,366). Klinik önemsiz rezidüel fragman (CIRF) saptanan hasta sayısı da üç grup arasında benzerdi (p = 0.254 ). Üç grup arasındaki komplikasyon oranları istatistiksel olarak benzerdi (p = 0,416).Sonuç: Bu çalışmada obez bireyler de dahil olmak üzere RIRS’nin tüm ürolitiyazis hastaları için uygun bir seçenek olduğunu gösterdik. Obez hastalarda taşsızlık oranları, hastanede kalış süreleri, ameliyat süreleri ve komplikasyon oranları obez olmayan hastalarla benzerdir.

Purpose Urolithiasis is one of the commonest disease of the urinary system. This study aimed to assess the long-term urolithiasis incidence trends in China between 1990 and 2019. Patients and Methods The incidence data of urolithiasis were extracted from Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, and an age-period-cohort framework was used to estimate the age, period, and cohort effects. Results We found that the net drift was -2.72% (95% CI: -2.84% to -2.60%) per year for men and -2.14% (95% CI: -2.24% to -2.05%) per year for women, and except men in age group 0-4, the local drift values were below 0 in all age groups (P

The technological advancements of flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) and its accessories have resulted in broadening its indications to include the management of complex renal stones, with long operative time. The surgeon’s understanding about the ergonomics of the ureteroscopes and their cognizance of the operation theatre layout helps to improve their performance, including the surgical outcomes. This paper will describe the ergonomics that are involved in conducting FURS which in turn will aid in developing a more conducive surgical environment for the surgeon during the procedure, based on scientific literature review and expert opinions in high-volume centres. Proper surgeon position, well-arranged operation theatre layout, monitor and pedal position, anaesthesia type, and surgical team are important factors to decrease musculoskeletal strains for surgeons and increase work efficiency. Different types of flexible ureteroscope have different characters and knowing these special characters leads to better ergonomics during surgery. Robotic-assisted FURS have shown good safety and ergonomics in clinical application.

Background:. The indications for retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS) have greatly increased, however, there is still no consensus on the use of spinal anesthesia (SA) during this procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparability of surgical conditions and outcomes with RIRS performed under SA versus general anesthesia (GA) for renal stones. Materials and methods:. This was a prospective, observational study in patients scheduled for RIRS in a single teaching hospital in Italy. Inclusion criteria were age >18 years and the presence of single or multiple renal stones. We recorded information concerning the site of lithiasis, the number of calculi, total stone burden, and the presence of concomitant ureteral stones or hydronephrosis. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed to evaluate the results in terms of surgical outcome, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and analgesia demand balanced for confounding factors. Patients were followed-up until day 90 from discharge. Results:. We included 120 patients, the propensity score-matched cohort included 40 patients in the SA and 40 in the GA groups. The stone-free rate was 67.5% in the GA group and 70.0% in the SA group (p = 0.81). The use of auxiliary procedures within 90 days did not differ between groups (25.0% vs. 22.5%, p = 0.79). No cases of conversion from SA to GA were recorded. We did not find any differences in intraoperative bleedings, perforations, and abortions. Complication rates were similar in the 2 groups (10.0% in GA vs. 5.0% in SA, p = 0.64). Conclusions:. In our cohort, RIRS performed under SA and GA was equivalent in terms of surgical results and complications.

Flexible ureteroscopy is a well-established method for treatment of urinary stones but flexible ureteroscopes are expensive and fragile devices with a very limited lifetime. Since 2006 with the advent of digital flexible ureteroscopes a great evolution has occurred. The first single-use flexible ureteroscope was launched in 2011 and new models are coming to the market. The aim of this article is to review the characteristics of these devices, compare their results with the reusable devices and evaluate the cost-benefits of adopting single-use flexible ureteroscopes in developing countries. Materials and Methods: an extensive review of articles listed at PubMed and published between 2000 and 2021 was performed. Results: Single-use flexible ureteroscopes have a shaft with 65 to 68cm length and weight between 119 and 277g. Their deflection goes up to 300 degrees. Their stone-free rates vary between 60 and 95% which is comparable to reusable scopes and operative times ranges from 54 to 86 minutes which are lower when compared to reusable flexible scopes. Their costs vary between 800 and 3180 US dollars. Conclusion: single-use flexible ureteroscopes are lighter and have superior quality of image when compared to fiberoptic ones. There are no definite data showing a higher stone-free rate or less complications with the use of single-use flexible ureteroscopes. Each institution must perform a cost-benefit analysis before making the decision of adopting or not such devices depending on the local circumstances.

The role of medical expulsive treatment (MET) is controversial. Fragility index is an additional metric to assess randomized controlled trials (RCTs) outcome validity and indicates how many patients would be required to convert a trial from being statistically significant, to not significant. The larger is the FI, the better the trial’s data. The aim of this study is to assess FI of RCTs regarding MET for ureteral stones. A systematic literature search was performed. RCTs, reporting stone expulsion as a dichotomous outcome, showing statistical significance were eligible. FI (the number of patients needed to change from a non-event to event group, to lose statistical significance) and Fragility quotient (FI divided by total sample size), were calculated while Pearson’s correlation and Mann–Whitney U test were used as appropriate. Thirty-six RCTs were eligible, with median FI = 3.5 and fragility quotient = 0.042, median sample size = 81, median journal impact factor = 1.73 and median reported p value = 0.008. In 33.3% of the studies, number of patients lost during follow-up was larger than FI, while in 13.89% of the studies, FI was 0, indicating use of inappropriate statistical method. Pearson’s correlation showed significant positive association between FI and sample size (r = 0.981), number of events (r = 0.982) and impact factor (r = 0.731), while no association was found with p value or publication year. In this analysis, a calculated FI of 3.5 indicates that findings from RCTs on MET for ureteral stones are fragile and should be interpreted in combination with clinical thinking and expertise.

Objectives Parshioshan (Adiantum capillus-veneris L.), Duqu (Peucedanum grande C.B. Clarke), Kaknaj (Physalis alkekengi L.) and Kharekhasak (Tribulus terresteris L.) have been selected for this study as they have been associated with medicinal actions for litholytic activity. Methods The experiment was carried out in Sprague Dawley rats divided into seven groups, serving as plain control, disease control, standard control, curative A and B and preventive A and B groups. Animals of plain control received distilled water. Remaining six groups received Ethylene glycol 0.75% and Ammonium chloride 1% by adding in the drinking water for the first three days followed by 0.75% Ethylene glycol for 18 days. From 8th day till 21st day, standard control received Cystone in the dose of 750 mg/kg. Preventive and curative test groups were treated with hydroalcoholic extract of the test drug in the dose of 132 mg/kg and 264 mg/kg from 1st to 21st day and 8th to 21st day of calculi induction. Results Test drug reduced the number of calcium oxalate crystals in the urine; the level of urinary calcium, creatinine, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and chloride decreased significantly in standard and test groups. The urine volume increased significantly in all the test groups. The level of serum calcium, urea, phosphorus and creatinine were significantly reduced in all the test groups. Conclusions These results indicated that the test drug reduced and prevented the growth of urinary stones. Moreover, the test drug also possessed significant antiurolithiatic activity. However, the protective effect was found more than its curative effect.

This article describes two cases of fatal complications of urolithiasis. The first case discusses the development of fatal urosepsis in a patient with a known mental health issue. The patient had self-introduced a thermometer into her bladder, which led to stone formation around the thermometer and consequently to fatal urosepsis. The second case deals with a motor vehicle accident in which a passenger with pre-existing hydronephrosis suffered a kidney injury leading to fatal bleeding into the surrounding adipose tissue. To provide a wider context, the paper also discusses the fatal complications and origin of urolithiasis.

Background The crossfolded ileal reservoir combined with an afferent tubular isoperistaltic segment for heterotopic continent urinary diversion has been performed on a regular basis for over 20 years. Yet data on long-term-outcomes remain sparse. Objective To report long-term functional and oncological outcomes, gastrointestinal and metabolic disturbances, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and quality of life. Design, setting, and participants Long-term functional and oncological outcomes of a consecutive series of 118 patients undergoing cystectomy and construction of a continent cutaneous crossfolded ileal reservoir from 2000 to 2018 were evaluated. Intervention Patients underwent cystectomy and construction of a continent cutaneous crossfolded ileal reservoir according to the Studer technique for bladder reconstruction. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Pre- and postoperative data until last follow-up appointment were entered prospectively in the departmental database. Self-reported questionnaires regarding quality of life, patient satisfaction, and difficulty in catheterisation were sent to patients preoperatively; after 3, 6, 12, and 24 mo; and at last follow-up, and were then manually entered in the departmental database. Results and limitations The median follow-up was 7.8 (interquartile range 3–12.7) yr. Patient satisfaction was high in 77.4% and moderate in 16.9%. Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate remained stable during follow-up. Of all patients, 81% (96/118) had at least one UTI during follow-up. Recurrent UTIs occurred in 67% (79/118) of patients. Urolithiasis was found in 12% (14/118), with 6% (7/118) having a single and 6% a recurrent event. Of all stone formers, 79% (11/14) had recurrent UTIs. In oncological patients, 12.5% (10/79) developed a local recurrence. Cancer-specific survival and overall survival were 90% and 88%, and 68% and 56% after 1 and 10 yr, respectively. A limitations is the retrospective analysis from prospectively assessed data. Conclusions A high satisfaction level, stability of kidney function, and low rates of urolithiasis in patients with a heterotopic continent ileal reservoir can be achieved, provided that close attention is paid to intra- and postoperative details. Regular lifelong follow-up is essential for timely detection and treatment of complications. Oncological outcome is not affected by the urinary diversion. Patient summary In patients with a continent cutaneous ileal reservoir, good quality of life and a high satisfaction rate are possible provided that patients adhere to regular lifelong follow-up.

Introduction: Fluoroscopy-guided endourology procedures require proper radiation protection to minimize radiation risk. This multicenter study aimed at investigating radiation protection practice and related radiation exposure of operating team members. Materials and Methods: Six endourology centers from the South-Eastern European Group for Urolithiasis Research answered questionnaires and collected data of 315 procedures performed within a 3-months period, with simultaneous measurement of dose to staff and dose area product (DAP) to patient. A pair of calibrated personal dosimeters, one for body and one for eye-lens dose, was worn by all key staff members. Dosimeters were centrally calibrated, measured, and analyzed. Results: The annual workload ranged from 173 to 865 procedures per center. Practice of personal dose monitoring and use of radiation protection shielding was found to be inconsistent. Lead aprons and thyroid collars were used by all, whereas protective eyewear was used in only half of centers. Due to the regular use of protective aprons, the whole-body dose of all 44 monitored staff members was safely below the regulatory dose limits. Eye-lens dose of 17 (14 urologists and 3 assisting staff) was above the dosimeter detection level, and dose per procedure varied from

Author(s): Kopecny, Lucy; Palm, Carrie A; Segev, Gilad; Westropp, Jodi L | Abstract: BackgroundUrolithiasis is a common and often recurrent problem in dogs.ObjectiveTo evaluate trends in urolith composition in dogs and to assess risk factors for urolithiasis, including age, breed, sex, neuter status, urolith location, and bacterial urolith cultures.Sample populationA total of 10 444 uroliths and the dogs from which they were obtained.MethodsThe laboratory database at the UC Davis Gerald V. Ling Urinary Stone Analysis Laboratory was searched for all urolith submissions from dogs between January 2006 and December 2018. Mineral type, age, breed, sex, neuter status, urolith location, and urolith culture were recorded. Trends were evaluated and variables compared to evaluate risk factors.ResultsCalcium oxalate (CaOx) and struvite-containing uroliths comprised the majority of all submissions from dogs, representing 47.0% and 43.6%, respectively. The proportion of CaOx-containing uroliths significantly decreased from 49.5% in 2006 to 41.8% in 2018 (P = .006), with no change in the proportion of struvite-containing urolith submissions. Cystine-containing uroliths comprised 2.7% of all submissions between 2006 and 2018 and a significant nonlinear increase in this mineral type occurred over time (1.4% of all submissions in 2006 to 8.7% in 2018; P l .001). Of all cystine-containing uroliths, 70.3% were from intact male dogs. Age, breed, and sex predispositions for uroliths were similar to those previously identified.Conclusions and clinical importanceAlthough calcium oxalate- and struvite-containing uroliths continue to be the most common uroliths submitted from dogs, a decrease in the proportion of CaOx-containing uroliths and an increase in the proportion of cystine-containing uroliths occurred during the time period evaluated.

To evaluate factors affecting the outcomes of short-term Mono-J insertion for 6 h following ureteroscopic stone removal. Patients treated with a Mono-J for 6 h after ureterorenoscopy and stone removal were analysed. FaST 1 and 2 (Fast Track Stent Studies), two consecutive single academic centre studies, were conducted between August 2014 and April 2018. In each study, we randomized patients with renal or ureteral calculi to two groups before ureterorenoscopy. FaST 1 compared a Mono-J insertion for 6 h versus Double-J insertion for 3–5 days after ureterorenoscopy. FaST 2 compared a Mono-J insertion to a tubeless procedure in the same clinical setting. All patients were pre-stented for 3–5 days before URS. The study endpoint was stent-related symptoms as assessed by a validated questionnaire (USSQ). Results were stratified by clinical parameters, stone characteristics and operation details. 108 of 156 initially randomized patients undergoing ureterorenoscopy were included. USSQ scores covering the time 3–5 weeks after stone removal showed a significantly reduced urinary symptoms and pain index compared to the scores before ureterorenoscopy. USSQ results before and after stone removal did not correlate with stone size or operation time and did not differ significantly depending on stone localization, the treating endourologist, or ureterorenoscopic device used (p > 0.05). Six patients (5%) required reintervention. Following secondary ureterorenoscopy and ureteral drainage with a Mono-J for 6 h, quality of life is independent of stone size and localization, operation time, the treating endourologist, and the URS device used. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00240-021-01264-4.