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ABSTRACT Introduction: The ureteral access sheath (UAS) is a medical device that enables repeated entrance into the ureter and collecting system during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Its impact on stone-free rates, ureteral injuries, operative time, and postoperative complications remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing RIRS with versus without UAS for urolithiasis management. Purpose: To compare outcomes from retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for stone extraction with or without ureteral access sheath (UAS); evaluating stone-free rate (SFR), ureteral injuries, operative time, and postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library in June 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety outcomes of UAS use in RIRS for urolithiasis treatment. Articles published between 2014 and 2024 were included. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs) were calculated for binary and continuous outcomes, respectively. Results: Five RCTs comprising 466 procedures were included. Of these, 246 (52.7%) utilized UAS. The follow-up ranged from 1 week to 1 month. UAS reduced the incidence of postoperative fever (RR 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29–0.84; p=0.009), and postoperative infection (RR 0.50; 95% CI 0.30–0.83; p=0.008). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of SFR (RR 1.05; 95% CI 0.99–1.11; p=0.10), ureteral injuries (RR 1.29; 95% CI 0.95–1.75; p=0.11), operative time (MD 3.56 minutes; 95% CI −4.15 to 11.27 minutes; p=0.36), or length of stay (MD 0.32 days; 95% CI −0.42 to 1.07 days; p=0.40). Conclusion: UAS leads to a lower rate of post-operative fever and infection. However, UAS did not significantly reduce or increase the SFR or the rate of ureteral injuries during RIRS for patients with urolithiasis. The use of UAS should be considered to decrease the risk of infectious complications, particularly in those who may be at higher risk for such complications.

Rationale & Objective: Continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) is the predominant form of acute kidney replacement therapy used for critically ill adult patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Given the variability in CKRT practice, a contemporary understanding of its epidemiology is necessary to improve care delivery. Study Design: Multicenter, prospective living registry. Setting & Population: 1,106 critically ill adults with AKI requiring CKRT from December 2013 to January 2021 across 5 academic centers and 6 intensive care units. Patients with pre-existing kidney failure and those with coronavirus 2 infection were excluded. Exposure: CKRT for more than 24 hours. Outcomes: Hospital mortality, kidney recovery, and health care resource utilization. Analytical Approach: Data were collected according to preselected timepoints at intensive care unit admission and CKRT initiation and analyzed descriptively. Results: Patients’ characteristics, contributors to AKI, and CKRT indications differed among centers. Mean (standard deviation) age was 59.3 (13.9) years, 39.7% of patients were women, and median [IQR] APACHE-II (acute physiologic assessment and chronic health evaluation) score was 30 [25-34]. Overall, 41.1% of patients survived to hospital discharge. Patients that died were older (mean age 61 vs. 56.8, P

Authors report an emphysematous pyelonephritis case of bilateral urogenital lithiasis diseases on one hand, and on other, therapeutic approach through 38-year-old patient observation, non-diabetic, treated by percutaneous drainage in first intention, followed by a Nephro-ureterolithotomy and the right double J probe installation. Evolution post-treatment was satisfactory.

ABSTRACT Purpose: High intra-renal pressures during flexible ureteroscopy have been associated with adverse renal tissue changes as well as pyelovenous backflow. Our objective was to investigate the effect of various intra-renal pressures on histologic changes and fluid extravasation during simulated ureteroscopy. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four juvenile pig kidneys with intact ureters were cannulated with an Olympus flexible ureteroscope with and without a ureteral access sheath and subjected to India ink-infused saline irrigation for 30 minutes at constant pressures ranging from sphygmomanometer settings of 50mm, 100mm and 200mmHg. Renal tissue samples were collected, processed and stained, and were evaluated by a blinded pathologist for depth of ink penetration into renal parenchyma as a percentage of total parenchymal thickness from urothelium to renal capsule. Results: The mean percentage of tissue penetration for kidneys with ink present in the cortical tubules at sphygmomanometer pressure settings of 50, 100, and 200mm Hg without a ureteral access sheath was 33.1, 31.0 and 99.3%, respectively and with ureteral access sheath was 0, 0 and 18.8%, respectively. Overall, kidneys with an access sheath demonstrated a smaller mean tissue penetration among all pressure compared to kidneys without a sheath (6.3% vs. 54.5%, p=0.0354). Of kidneys with sheath placement, 11% demonstrated any ink compared to 56% of kidneys without sheath placement. Conclusions: Pressurized endoscopic irrigation leads to significant extravasation of fluid into the renal parenchyma. Higher intra-renal pressures were associated with increased penetration of irrigant during ureteroscopy in an ex-vivo porcine model.

ABSTRACT Patients with staghorn renal stones are challenging cases, requiring careful preoperative evaluation and close follow-up to avoid stone recurrence. In this article we aim to discuss the main topics related to staghorn renal stones with focus on surgical approach. Most of staghorn renal stones are composed of struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and are linked to urinary tract infection by urease-producing pathogens. Preoperative computed tomography scan and careful evaluation of all urine cultures made prior surgery are essential for a well-planning surgical approach and a right antibiotics choice. Gold standard surgical technique is the percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). In cases of impossible percutaneous renal access, anatrophic nephrolithotomy is an alternative. Shockwave lithotripsy and flexible ureteroscopy are useful tools to treat residual fragments that can be left after treatment of complete staghorn renal stone. PCNL can be performed in supine or prone position according to surgeon’s experience. Tranexamic acid can be used to avoid bleeding. To check postoperative stone-free status, computed tomography is the most accurate imaging exam, but ultrasound combined to KUB is an option. Intra-operative high-resolution fluoroscopy and flexible nephroscopy have been described as an alternative for looking at residual fragments and save radiation exposure. The main goals of treatment are stone-free status, infection eradication, and recurrence prevention. Long-term or short-term antibiotic therapy is recommended and regular control imaging exams and urine culture should be done.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Two automated irrigation systems have been released for use during endoscopic procedures such as ureteroscopy: the Cogentix RocaFlow® (CRF) and Thermedx FluidSmart® (TFS). Accurate pressure control using automated systems may help providers maintain irrigation pressures within a safe range while also providing clear visualization. Our objective was to directly compare these systems based on their pressure accuracy, pressure-flow relationships, and fluid heating capabilities in order to help providers better utilize the temperature and pressure settings of each system. Materials and Methods: An in vitro ureteroscopy model was used for testing, consisting of a short semirigid ureteroscope (6/7, 5F, 31cm Wolf 425612) connected to a continuous digital pressure transducer (Meriam m1550). Each system pressure output and flow-rate, via 100mL beaker filling time, was measured using multiple trials at pressure settings between 30 and 300mmHg. Output fluid temperature was monitored using a digital thermometer (Omega DP25-TH). Results: The pressure output of both systems exceeded the desired setting across the entire tested range, a difference of 15.7±2.4mmHg for the TFS compared to 5.2±1.5mmHg for the CRF (p

Ectopic ureter opening into the vestibulum (EUV) is a rare congenital cause of urinary incontinence in female adolescents. Diagnosis be challenging. We report an EUV in a 16- year-old female. This is the first case of EUV reported in DR Congo. The evaluation and diagnosis are discussed. Keywords: Urinary incontinence, Urogenital fistula, Duplex kidney, Ectopic ureter, Vestibulum, Adolescent

Background and purpose: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common urologic disorder affecting older men, necessitating medical or surgical intervention. Limited data exists regarding the effect these surgeries have on the endourologist’s musculoskeletal system following the surgery because of the required difficult posture, prolonged procedures, repetitive movements, and the settings of an adjustable visual display terminal workstation. The aim of our study was to survey the prevalence and possible causes of musculoskeletal disorders among endourologists performing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser prostatectomy using either holmium laser enucleation or thulium laser enucleation. Materials and methods: An email inviting all members of the Endourological Society to participate in the survey was sent. The questionnaire included different demographic and practice characteristics, with concern regarding performing either TURP or laser prostatectomy and the incidence and type of musculoskeletal incidents following these surgeries. All responses were collected by a commercially available internet based survey host ( www.surveymonkey.com ) over a period of 6 weeks. Results: Of the 121 complete responses, 84 (69%) of endourologists complained of a musculoskeletal disorder following TURP or laser prostatectomy. The most frequent complaint was for neck (64%), followed by back (57%), shoulder (48%), hand (40%), and elbow (18%). The average prostate volume turned out to be the most compelling predictor for musculoskeletal disorder occurrence with an average prostate volume of 76 g operated on by the complaining group compared with 59 g in the noncomplaining group. Those with more severe symptoms were linked to a mean prostate size of 80 g (60–146) and constantly complained of shoulder, neck, or back trouble compared with the less-severely complaining group. Conclusions: A high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among urologists performing endourologic prostatectomy was confirmed and was found to be proportionally related to the size of the prostate. The integration of an ergonomic specialist inside the operation room to watch and correct the surgeon’s position during endourologic procedures may reduce the endourologist’s exposure to these occupational hazards.

Background: The three-way indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) is used for continuous bladder irrigation and is considered the cornerstone for clinical treatment of patients with macroscopic hematuria. Although there seems to be a logical relationship between catheter size and efficacy of irrigation and drainage, we often observe relevant variations in these parameters between different brands of catheters available on the market. The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical properties of different models of latex and silicone three-way catheters in an in vitro setting that resembles clinical use. Methods: Three different three-way catheters were evaluated: Gold Silicone-Coated Rusch ® (Model A), 100% Silicone Rusch ® (Model B) and X-Flow Coloplast ® (Model C). Irrigation channel, drainage channel, and overall cross-sectional areas were all digitally measured. Irrigation and drainage channel flow rates were measured and correlated with their corresponding catheter cross-sectional area values. Results: Different catheter models of the same caliber have different internal irrigation port diameters, internal drainage port diameters and internal cuff port diameters. The Model C IUC internal irrigation port diameter is significantly larger than models A and B. When flows were evaluated, we found that in the same model, the increase in caliber of the IUC was related to an increased drainage flow, but not to an increased irrigation flow. Conclusion: Precise measurements of the internal architecture of the three-way catheter, rather than relying on the caliber itself, could assist surgeons in choosing the best product for each specific patient, while minimizing complications.

ABSTRACT Introduction: To demonstrate the entire surgeon's point of view of a prone split-leg (PSL) endoscopic guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (ePCNL) recorded with a GoPro® camera for standardization of the essential technical steps towards a successful procedure (1). Materials and methods: A 40y.o female patient presented with right flank pain for three years. She had previously been submitted to shock wave lithotripsy without success. Non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) revealed a 2cm stone in the renal pelvis with 1400HU and stone-to-skin distance of 11cm (Guy's Stone Score 1). PCNL approach was chosen for providing higher chances of stone-free after a single procedure. Informed consent was obtained. The PSL ePCNL was uneventful with a single access in a mid-pole. The surgeon had a Full HD GoPro Hero 4® camera mounted on his head, controlled by the surgical staff with a remote control. All essential surgical steps were recorded. Results: Operative time was 90 minutes. Hemoglobin drop was 0.7g/dL. The post-operative NCCT scan was stone-free. The patient was discharged 24h after surgery. Kidney stent was left with a string and removed after 5days. The camera worked properly and didn't cause any kind of discomfort to the surgeon. The quality of the recorded movie was excellent. Conclusion: By recording the surgeon's perspective of an endoscopic urological procedure, we were able to provide a comprehensive understanding of the surgical technique by assembling the endoscopic, fluoroscopic, and operative field views. The GoPro® camera proved to be an interesting tool to document surgical procedures without compromising outcomes and has great potential for educational purposes.

Introduction. Both elevated testosterone and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have been speculated as possible risk factors for kidney stone formation; however, the details of this potential relationship with regards to 24-hour urine metabolic panels and stone composition have not previously been characterized. Methods. A total of 74 PCOS patients were retrospectively identified and matched with a cohort of female stone formers at a 3 : 1 ratio (by age and BMI). All patients had 24-hour urinary metabolic panels and stone compositions. These groups were compared using Pearson chi-square and Student t-tests. Additionally, the PCOS group was differentiated based on free testosterone using multivariate analysis. Results. The case-control cohort showed that PCOS patients had significantly lower sodium excretion p=0.015 and hypernatriuria rates (28.9% vs 50.9%, p=0.009). The PCOS-testosterone cohort demonstrated that high testosterone patients had significantly higher citrate values p=0.041 and significantly lower odds of hypocitraturia (36.7% vs 54.2%, OR = 0.2, p=0.042). The high testosterone group also had higher sodium excretion p=0.058 with significantly higher odds of having hypernatriuria (40.0% vs 13.6%, OR = 13.3, p=0.021). No significant patterns were revealed based on stone composition analysis. Conclusions. Compared to healthy stone formers, PCOS patients did not demonstrate significant differences in 24-hour urine and stone composition values. Elevated free testosterone in PCOS patients has a significant association with higher urinary citrate and sodium values: findings that in and of themselves do not confirm the hypothesized increased risk of stone formation. This patient cohort may provide deeper insight into the interplay between androgens and stone formation; however, further study is needed to fully characterize the possible relationship between PCOS and stone formation.

ABSTRACT Objectives To determine whether spot urine pH measured by dipstick is an accurate representation of 24 hours urine pH measured by an electrode. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed urine pH results of patients who presented to the urology stone clinic. For each patient we recorded the most recent pH result measured by dipstick from a spot urine sample that preceded the result of a 24-hour urine pH measured by the use of a pH electrode. Patients were excluded if there was a change in medications or dietary recommendations or if the two samples were more than 4 months apart. A difference of more than 0.5 pH was considered an inaccurate result. Results A total 600 patients were retrospectively reviewed for the pH results. The mean difference in pH between spot urine value and the 24 hours collection values was 0.52±0.45 pH. Higher pH was associated with lower accuracy (p6.5. Samples taken more than 75 days apart had only 49% the accuracy of more recent samples (p

A 27-year woman presented with irritative lower urinary tract symptoms and alleged small right distal ureteric stone that had been diagnosed with KUB and non-contrast spiral CT. Patient was scheduled for ureteroscopic lithotripsy, revealing absence of the presumed stone, while cystoscopy showed unexpected 2 cm pedunculated grayish white lesion, situated on the right lateral wall of the bladder with sparse hairs covering it. An incomplete TURBT was done; the histological findings correlated with the gross picture seen on cystoscopy. Following CT urography, the patient went an open partial cystectomy and right oophorectomy; the histopathology was consistent with mature bladder teratoma.

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Objective To identify whether stabilization of larger bladder stones would improve the efficacy of combination (ultrasonic/pneumatic) lithotripsy in a phantom bladder stone model for percutaneous cystolithopaxy. Materials and Methods Using 1cm phantom Bego stones, a spherical model bladder was used to simulate percutaneous bladder access. A UroNet (US Endoscopy, USA) was placed alongside a Swiss Lithoclast probe through the working channel of a Storz 26Fr rigid nephroscope. Using a 30Fr working sheath, the stone was captured, and fragmented for 60seconds. Resulting fragments and irrigation were filtered through a 1mm strainer, and recorded. Five trials were performed with and without the UN. Durability was then assessed by measuring net defects, and residual grasp strength of each instrument. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviations) were used to summarize the data, and Student’s t-tests (alpha

IntroductionTubeless PCNL has been utilized to shorten hospital stay and improve patient postoperative pain control. Prior studies have excluded those patients with significant bleeding or other complications. Our objective was to evaluate the utility of tubeless PCNL in all patients irrespective of intraoperative outcome.Materials and MethodsA retrospective review of the charts of patients who underwent PCNL at our institute was performed. Patients were assigned to one endourologist who routinely performed tubeless PCNL and to a second endourologist who routinely left a small-bore pigtail nephrostomy. Preoperative demographics operative and postoperative outcomes were compared.ResultsOut of 159 patients included, 83 patients had tubeless PCNL while 76 patients had standard PCNL. There was no difference between groups regarding age, gender, ASA score, number, maximum diameter of stones, number of calyces involved, stone density (HU), laterality and use of preoperative narcotics. While staghorn stones were more common in patients who underwent standard PCNL (p = 0.008). Tubeless patients had less number of access tracts (p ≤ 0.001), shorter hospital stay (1.7 vs. 3.0 days, p = 0.001) when compared to standard PCNL group. Multivariable analysis controlling for confounding factors including staghorn calculi and number of accesses confirmed that tubeless PCNL was associated with shorter hospital stay and less postoperative pain. There was no significant difference in complication rates between the two groups.ConclusionOur report confirms the previous reports of shorter hospital stay, less pain and analgesia as compared to standard PCNL, and establishes its safety irrespective of bleeding, perforation, extravasation or other intraoperative issues that have previously been utilized as exclusionary criteria for this approach.

The pathophysiology of nephrolithiasis is not fully understood. The pioneering work of Alexander Randall in the 1940s sought to clarify our understanding of stone formation. This review traces the inception of the theory of Randall′s plaques and the refinement of the hypothesis in the early days of kidney stone research. It then reviews the contemporary findings utilizing sophisticated investigative techniques that shed additional light on the pathophysiology and redefine the seminal findings of Dr. Randall that were made 70 years ago.

The epidemiology of kidney stones is evolving - not only is the prevalence increasing, but also the gender gap has narrowed. What drives these changes? Diet, obesity or environmental factors? This article will review the possible explanations for a shift in the epidemiology, with the hope of gaining a better understanding of the extent to which modifiable risk factors play a role on stone formation and what measures may be undertaken for disease prevention in view of these changing trends.

Purpose to test the effect of stone entrapment on laser lithotripsy efficiency. Materials and Methods Spherical stone phantoms were created using the BegoStone® plaster. Lithotripsy of one stone (1.0g) per test jar was performed with Ho:YAG laser (365µm fiber; 1 minute/trial). Four laser settings were tested: I-0.8J,8Hz; II-0.2J,50Hz; III-0.5J,50Hz; IV-1.5J,40Hz. Uro-Net (US Endoscopy) deployment was used in 3/9 trials. Post-treatment, stone fragments were strained though a 1mm sieve; after a 7-day drying period fragments and unfragmented stone were weighed. Uro-Net nylon mesh and wire frame resistance were tested (laser fired for 30s). All nets used were evaluated for functionality and strength (compared to 10 new nets). Student's T test was used to compare the studied parameters; significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Laser settings I and II caused less damage to the net overall; the mesh and wire frame had worst injuries with setting IV; setting III had an intermediate outcome; 42% of nets were rendered unusable and excluded from strength analysis. There was no difference in mean strength between used functional nets and non-used devices (8.05 vs. 7.45 lbs, respectively; p = 0.14). Setting IV was the most efficient for lithotripsy (1.9 ± 0.6 mg/s; p < 0.001) with or without net stabilization; setting III was superior to I and II only if a net was not used. conclusions Laser lithotripsy is not optimized by stone entrapment with a net retrieval device which may be damaged by high energy laser settings.

In the last one to two decades, flexible ureteroscopy has rapidly expanded its role in the treatment of urologic stone disease. With the frequent and expanded use of flexible ureteroscopy, other ancillary instruments were developed in order to ease and facilitate this technique, such as ureteral access sheaths (UAS) and a variety of wires and baskets. These developments, along with improved surgeon ureteroscopic competence, have often brought into question the need to implement the "traditional technique" of flexible ureteroscopy. In this review, we discuss a brief history of flexible ureteroscopy, its expanded indications, and the controversy surrounding the use of UAS, wires, and baskets.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The management of urolithiasis in patients on anticoagulants presents a challenge to the endourologist. Due to multiple comorbidities, it may be impossible to safely discontinue the anticoagulant treatment. Other modalities such as shock wave lithotripsy and PCNL are contraindicated in these patients, so ureteroscopic treatment may be the only option. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to look at the safety and efficacy of ureteroscopic management in these patients. METHODS: Systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis was performed using studies identified by a systematic electronic literature search from January 1990 to August 2011. All articles reporting on treatment for stones in patients with a bleeding diathesis using ureteroscopy and a Holmium:YAG laser were included. Two reviewers independently extracted the data from each study. The data was included into a meta-analysis and discussed. RESULTS: Three studies were identified reporting on 70 patients (73 procedures). All patients had stone fragmentation using Holmium laser. The mean stone size was 13.2mm with a range of 5-35mm. The quality of the included studies was modest. Stone free status was achieved in sixty-four patients (87.7%). There were no major complications and only 11% of the patients developed minor complications with only 4% rate of minor bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde stone treatment using ureteroscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy can be safely performed in patients with bleeding diathesis with a low complication rate.

The authors present an objective review of what is new in endourology instrumentation, based on up-to-date scientific data gathered from meetings, state-of-art lectures and current literature. The main scope of this review is to highlight the most recommended device options for each step of an ureteroscopy, in order to offer best care to patients.

Objective: To assess the evidence-based literature supporting the use of traditional Chinese medicine Kampo herbal and Acupuncture in stone disease management. Materials and Methods: Four of the most commonly used herbal components of Kampo medicine in the treatment of stone disease are described according to their in vitro and in vivo effects. We also reviewed the role of Acupuncture in urologic clinical setting as well as its proposed mechanisms of action and results. Medline database was assessed using isolated and conjugated key words (Chinese Medicine, Kampo, Chinese Herbal, Calculi, Stone Disease, Kidney, Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine). Articles were reviewed and summarized. Results: Herbal medicine has been proven to be free from side-effects and therefore suitable for long term use therapy. Its antilithic beneficial effects include increased urinary volume, increased magnesium excretion (Takusya), inhibitory activity on calcium oxalate aggregation (Takusya, Wulingsan and Desmodyum styracyfolium), inhibition of calcium oxalate nucleation and hydroxyapatite internalization (Wulingsan). In contrast, acupuncture, has shown to be effective as a pre-treatment anxiolytic and analgesic during colic pain and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy treatment, reducing the need for complementary sedative drugs. Conclusion: Chinese traditional medicine is promising as regards its role in stone prevention. An effort must be made in order to standardize study protocols to better assess acupuncture results since each procedure differs in regards to selected acupoints, electrostimulation technique and adjunct anesthetics. Similarly, standardization of Kampo formulations and acceptable clinical endpoints (imaging vs. symptomatic events) is needed.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to evaluate the insertion forces utilized during simulated placement of a urethral catheter by healthcare individuals with a variety of catheter experience. Materials and Methods: A 21F urethral catheter was mounted to a metal spring. Participants were asked to press the tubing spring against a force gauge and stop when they met a level of resistance that would typically make them terminate a catheter placement. Simulated catheter insertion was repeated fives times, and peak compression forces were recorded. Healthcare professionals were divided into six groups according to their title: urology staff, non-urology staff, urology resident/ fellow, non-urology resident/ fellow, medical student, and registered nurse. Results: A total of fifty-seven healthcare professionals participated in the study. Urology staff (n = 6) had the lowest average insertion force for any group at 6.8 ± 2.0 Newtons (N). Medical students (n = 10) had the least amount of experience (1 ± 0 years) and the highest average insertion force range of 10.1 ± 3.7 N. Health care workers with greater than 25 years experience used significantly less force during catheter insertions (4.9 ± 1.8 N) compared to all groups (p < 0.01). Conclusions: We propose the maximum force that should be utilized during urethral catheter insertion is 5 Newtons. This force deserves validation in a larger population and should be considered when designing urethral catheters or creating catheter simulators. Understanding urethral catheter insertion forces may also aid in establishing competency parameters for health care professionals in training.

Objectives : To review the evidence-based literature on the causes, characteristics, and options to manage double J stent-related symptoms. Methods : We performed a Medline database assessment on papers that investigated the prevalence, mechanisms, risk factors, bothersome and management of double-J stent-related symptoms. Articles in English were reviewed and summarized. Results : Stent-related symptoms have a high prevalence and may affect over 80% of patients. They include irritative voiding symptoms including frequency, urgency, dysuria, incomplete emptying; flank and suprapubic pain; incontinence, and hematuria. Assessment tools are important to determine their intensity and allow for comparisons between different points in the timeline. The Urinary Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) is the most proper tool used for this purpose. Management should be focused on the prevention and management of symptoms. In this sense, research has focused on new materials and stent designs that would be more compatible to the physiologic properties of the urinary tract and medications that can ameliorate the sensitivity and motor response of the bladder. Conclusions : Stent-related symptoms are very common in the Urological clinical setting. It is of major importance for the urologist to understand their physiopathology and to be familiar with ways to avoid or manage them.

PURPOSE: The dynamics of percutaneous balloon expansion may differ with increasing extrinsic compressive forces and increasing inflation pressures. This study compares the ability of percutaneous balloons to expand under different radial constrictive forces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three 30F nephrostomy balloons were tested: Bard X-Force™, Boston Scientific Microvasive Amplatz Tractmaster™, and Cook Ultraxx™. With a super stiff guidewire in place, the balloon tip was secured by elevated vice grips on either side of the balloon. A string was wrapped around the balloon center once, and incremental increases in load were added (2g, 42g, 82g, and 122g) to represent increasing extrinsic compression. The balloon was inflated with a contrast agent and circumference changes were measured at increments of 4 ATM, 10 ATM, and burst pressure. Balloons were tested in triplicate for each load. RESULTS: All balloons were unable to reach 90% of their expected diameter with larger constrictive loads (122g) at low (4 ATM) and nominal (10 ATM) inflation pressures. Only the Bard and Cook balloons reached at least 90% of the expected diameter with a coefficient of variance (CV) less than 10% at burst pressure under the larger constrictive load (122g), 94.3% ± 6.7%, CV 7.1% and 96.3% ± 2.9%, CV 3.0% respectively. All balloons performed well under low constriction forces and reached at least 80% of the expected diameter by 10 ATM under all constrictive loads. CONCLUSIONS: The Bard X-Force and Cook Ultraxx percutaneous nephrostomy balloons achieved the most reliable radial dilation against large constrictive forces simulating fascial or retroperitoneal scar tissue.

PURPOSE: Catheter-based medical devices are an important component of the urologic armamentarium. To our knowledge, there is no population-based data regarding normal male urethral length. We evaluated the length of the urethra in men with normal genitourinary anatomy undergoing either Foley catheter removal or standard cystoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male urethral length was obtained in 109 men. After study permission was obtained, the subject's penis was placed on a gentle stretch and the catheter was marked at the tip of the penis. The catheter was then removed and the distance from the mark to the beginning of the re-inflated balloon was measured. Alternatively, urethral length was measured at the time of cystoscopy, on removal of the cystoscope. Data on age, weight, and height was obtained in patients when possible. RESULTS: The mean urethral length was 22.3 cm with a standard deviation of 2.4 cm. Urethral length varied between 15 cm and 29 cm. No statistically significant correlation was found between urethral length and height, weight, body mass index (BMI), or age. CONCLUSIONS: Literature documenting the length of the normal male adult urethra is scarce. Our data adds to basic anatomic information of the male urethra and may be used to optimize genitourinary device design.

Introduction: Technological advances have increased the application of the endoscopic management of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). Materials and Methods: Published, peer-reviewed articles on endoscopic treatment of upper tract TCC and UPJO were identified using the MEDLINE database. Results: Although nephroureterectomy remains the gold standard for upper tract TCC treatment, low-grade, low-stage and small tumors, especially in patients with solitary kidneys or poor renal function can be managed with encouraging success rates, despite the considerable recurrence rate. Endoscopic alternatives to pyeloplasty for UPJO can be used especially in cases with absence of crossing vessels, stricture length less than 1.5 cm, severe hydronephrosis and renal function less than 30%. Conclusion: Proper patient selection is critical for the successful endoscopic management of treatment of upper tract TCC and UPJO.

OBJECTIVE: Conduct a prospective randomized single-blind comparison of two nephrostomy catheter designs, evaluating specifically intraoperative placement and postoperative comfort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The single-blind, prospective randomized trial was conducted with institutional review board approval. All patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy who gave informed consent were randomized to placement of either a Boston Scientific Flexima 8.3F pigtail nephrostomy tube #27-180 (PIG) or a Boston Scientific 8.2F nephroureteral stent #410-126 (NUS). Randomization was concealed from the surgeon until time of placement. Subjective intraoperative placement characteristics were rated by the surgeon on a scale of 1 = excellent, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = poor. The patient's postoperative pain intensity was evaluated with a Visual Analog Pain Score (0 = no pain to 10 = worst pain). RESULTS: Nine patients were randomized to each group. The PIG group was rated significantly better than the NUS group with regards to ease of placement (p = 0.007) and radiopacity of the tube (p = 0.007) by surgeon. Visual analog pain scores on postoperative day one, was significantly lower in the PIG group (mean = 2+/-2) than the NUS group (mean = 5+/-1) (p = 0.004). The mean amount of intra-venous morphine equivalent given in the PIG group (mean = 1+/4 Eq morphine) was less on average compared to the NUS group (mean = 6+/13 Eq morphine), but the differences did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Following percutaneous nephrolithotomy, use of a small pig-tail nephrostomy tube results in greater ease of placement and less postoperative pain than a nephroureteral catheter.

Instrumentation is the key to success in endourology. Indeed, endourology could be redefined as "enginurology" as the marriage between engineering and urology to develop instrumentation to improve patient outcomes is the key facilitator in the advancement of minimally invasive techniques. This review article will identify the evidence-base that supports our current recommendations for equipment used during ureteroscopy.

Success with endourological procedures requires expertise and instrumentation. This review focuses on the instrumentation required for ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and provides a critical assessment of in vitro and clinical studies that have evaluated the comparative effectiveness of these medical devices.