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Introduction: The current study evaluated the efficacy and safety of external physical vibration lithecbole (EPVL) after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) or retrograde intrarenal surgery...

Purpose: To test the effectiveness (Participant A) and tolerability (Participant B) of urinary stone comminution in the first-in-human trial of a new technology, burst-wave lithotripsy (BWL). Materials and Methods: An investigational BWL and ultrasonic propulsion system was used to target a 7-mm kidney stone in the operating room before ureteroscopy (Participant A). The same system was used to target a 7.5 mm ureterovesical junction stone in clinic without anesthesia (Participant B). Results: For Participant A, a ureteroscope inserted after 9 minutes of BWL observed fragmentation of the stone to

To evaluate the distribution and dynamic trends in constituents of urinary stones in China. The composition of 23,182 stones were analyzed and then recorded between January 2011 and December 2019. The characteristics in terms of stone patient’s gender, age and calendar year were analyzed. Most stones (22,172, 95.64%) had several crystal components, among which 40.25% (8925/22,172) were mixtures with infection components. Calcium oxalate (CaOx) and uric acid (UA) stones were more commonly encountered in men, but calcium phosphate (CaP), magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) and carbonate apatite (CA) stones were more prevalent in women (p

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Evaluar la capacidad del endourologo para evaluar la composicion del calculo mediante la observacion de imagenes endoscopicas. Materiales y metodos Una serie de 20 videoclips de tratamientos endoscopicos de calculos urinarios que tambien estaba disponible el resultado de la espectroscopia infrarroja se cargo en un sitio de YouTube accesible solo a miembros del South Eastern Group for Urolithiasis Research (SEGUR) a quienes se les pregunto para identificar la composicion de los calculos. Resultados Un total de 32 endourologos de 9 paises diferentes participaron en el estudio. El numero promedio de detecciones correctas de participantes fue de 7.81 ± 2.68 (1–12). La precision general fue del 39% (250 de 640 predicciones). Calculos de dihidrato de oxalato de calcio se han detectado correctamente en el 69.8%, monohidrato de oxalato de calcio en el 41.8%, acido urico en el 33.3%, oxalato de calcio / acido urico en el 34.3% y cistina en el 78.1%. Las tasas de precision para estruvita (15.6%), fosfato de calcio (0%) y oxalato de calcio / fosfato de calcio (9.3%) fueron bastante bajas. Conclusiones La observacion del calculo durante el procedimiento endoscopico no fue confiable para identificar la composicion de la mayoria de los calculos, aunque los calculos de oxalato de calcio dihidrato y cistina pueden identificarse con buena precision. Sin embargo, se debe alentar la presentacion de fotos o videos de calculo intacto y su estructura interna para implementar los resultados del analisis de calculo despues de la cirugia. Los endourologos deben mejorar su capacidad de identificacion visual de los diferentes tipos de calculos.

Background Virtual unenhanced (VUE) images obtained by using a dual-energy CT (DECT) multimaterial decomposition algorithm hold promise for diagnostic use in the abdomen in lieu of true unenhanced (TUE) images. Purpose To assess VUE images obtained from a DECT multimaterial decomposition algorithm in patients undergoing renal mass and urinary stone evaluation. Materials and Methods In this retrospective Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study, DECT was performed in patients undergoing evaluation for renal mass or urinary stone. VUE images were compared quantitatively to TUE images and qualitatively assessed by four independent radiologists. Differences in attenuation between VUE and TUE images were summarized by using 95% limits of agreement. Diagnostic performance in urinary stone detection was summarized by using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity. Results A total of 221 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 61 years ± 14; 129 men) with 273 renal masses were evaluated. Differences in renal mass attenuation between VUE and TUE images were within 3 HU for both enhancing masses (95% limits of agreement, -3.1 HU to 2.7 HU) and nonenhancing cysts (95% limits of agreement, -2.9 HU to 2.5 HU). Renal mass classification as enhancing mass versus nonenhancing cyst did not change (reclassification rate of enhancing masses, 0% [0 of 78]; 95% CI: 0, 5; reclassification rate of nonenhancing cysts, 0% [0 of 193]; 95% CI: 0, 2) with use of VUE in lieu of TUE images. Among 166 urinary stones evaluated, diagnostic performance of VUE images for stone detection was lower compared with that of TUE images (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.79 [95% CI: 0.73, 0.84] vs 0.93 [95% CI: 0.91, 0.95]; P < .001) due to reduced sensitivity of VUE for detection of stones 3 mm in diameter or less compared with those greater than 3 mm (sensitivity, 23% [25 of 108; 95% CI: 12, 40] vs 88% [126 of 144; 95% CI: 77, 94]; P < .001). Conclusion Compared with true unenhanced images, virtual unenhanced (VUE) images were unlikely to change renal mass classification as enhancing mass versus nonenhancing cyst. Diagnostic performance of VUE images remained suboptimal for urinary stone detection due to subtraction of stones 3 mm or less in diameter. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Sosna in this issue.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a change in the numbers of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with non-COVID symptoms, resulting in delayed presentations of many medical and surgical conditions. Aims To examine the impact of COVID-19 on acute urolithiasis presentations to the ED. Methods In this retrospective, single-centre, observational study, we reviewed all CT KUBs (and their corresponding cases) ordered in ED for possible acute urolithiasis in a 100-day period immediately prior to COVID-19 and in a 100-day period immediately afterwards. We sought to establish the number of CT KUBs performed and the number confirming urolithiasis. We recorded patients’ age, gender, stone size and location. We also analysed CRP, WCC and creatinine as well as the duration of patients’ pain and the management strategy adopted for each case. Results One hundred ninety-eight CT KUBs were performed, 94 pre-COVID and 104 intra-COVID. A total of 70.2% (n = 66) and 66.3% (n = 69) were positive for urolithiasis pre-COVID and intra-COVID respectively (p = 0.56). There was a significantly higher percentage of females pre-COVID compared with intra-COVID (54% vs 36%, p = 0.012). There was no difference in median ureteric stone size seen between the groups (4.7 mm pre-COVID vs 4.0 mm intra-COVID, p = 0.179). There were no significant differences in WCC, CRP or creatinine levels. One patient in the pre-COVID group and two in the intra-COVID groups required percutaneous nephrostomies. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic did not result in fewer or sicker patients presenting with acute ureteric colic cases to the ED.

To analyze various compositions of urinary stones using revolution spectral CT (rapid kV switching dual-energy CT) in vivo. 202 patients with urinary stones underwent spectral CT before surgery. Zeff peak, overall scope and CT values were detected. Moreover, water/iodine attenuating material images were obtained. Removed stones were subjected to infrared spectroscopy after surgery. The results of infrared spectroscopy were compared with CT. 28 stones (14.08%) with single composition, 165 stones with two mixed compositions (81.68%), and 9 stones with three mixed compositions (4.46%) were observed. When Zeff peaks of stones with single/mixed compositions were summarized together, 146 peaks of calcium oxalate monohydrate, 119 peaks of calcium oxalate dihydrate, 55 peaks of carbapatite, 38 peaks of urate, 16 peaks of struvite, and 11 peaks of brushite were totally observed. 93.8% of calcium oxalate monohydrate had Zeff peaks between 13.3 and 14.0. 91.6% of calcium oxalate dihydrate had peaks between 12.0 and 13.3. For carbapatite, 90.9% of stones had peaks from 14.0 to 15.0. A total of 94.8% of urate had peaks between 7.0 and 11.0. 93.8% of struvite had peaks between 11.0 and 13.0, and 90.9% of brushite had peaks between 12.0 and 14.0. Moreover, densities of urate, struvite and brushite were low density in iodine-based images and high-density in water-based images. The in-vivo analysis of spectral CT in urinary stone revealed characteristics of different compositions, especially mixed compositions. An in-vivo predictive model may be constructed to distinguish stone compositions.

The widely held dogma of three physiological narrowings in the upper urinary tract has proven incorrect by recent several studies using computed tomography images. There are only two common obstruction sites: the upper ureter and the ureterovesical junction. The second narrowing, where the ureter crosses the iliac vessels, cannot be regarded anymore as a common obstruction site. The mechanism by which stones lodge in the upper ureter is explained anatomically by the change in ureteral mobility and compliance at the level where the ureter exits the perirenal space. This level can be identified radiologically as the point where the ureter crosses under the ipsilateral gonadal veins, termed the “crossing point”. Kinking of the upper ureter is another manifestation of this anatomical phenomenon, visible in radiological images. It is caused by loosening of the ureter at or above the crossing point (within the perirenal space), corresponding with renal descent such as during the inspiratory phase. This new anatomical discovery in the retroperitoneum will not only bring about a paradigm shift in terms of the physiological narrowings in the upper urinary tract, but may also lead to the development of new surgical concepts and approaches in the area.

We present results from experimental studies supporting the use of electrolytic glow discharge plasma to destroy renal concretions. The rate of fragmentation of urinary stones was assessed in relation to the power of the plasma discharge and the duration of treatment. The process of plasmakinetic lithotripsy was found to be effective for fragmentation of different types of urinary stone. The results lead to the conclusion that plasmakinetic destruction of renal concretions is a fundamentally novel, effective, and economical method which combines well with technologies using radio-frequency surgery in saline for the treatment of pathological processes in urology.

Objective: To improve endoscopic recognition of the most frequently encountered kidney stone morphologies for a better etiological approach in lithiasis by urologists. Materials and methods: An expert urologist intra-operatively and prospectively (between June 2015 and June 2018) examined the surface, the section and the nucleus of all encountered kidney stones. Fragmented stones were subsequently analysed by a biologist based on both microscopic morphological (i.e. binocular magnifying glass) and infrared (i.e. FTIR) examinations (microscopists were blinded to the endoscopic data). Morphological criteria were collected and classified for the endoscopic and microscopic studies. The Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test was carried out to detect differences between the endoscopic and microscopic diagnoses. A diagnosis for a given urinary stone was considered "confirmed" for a non-statistically significant difference. Results: A total of 399 urinary stones were included in this study: 51.4% of the stones exhibited only one morphological type while 48.6% were mixed stones (41% had at least two morphologies and 7.6% had three morphologies). The overall matching rate was 81.6%. Diagnostics were confirmed for the following morphologies: whewellite (Ia or Ib), weddellite (IIa or IIb), uric acid (IIIa or IIIb), carbapatite-struvite association (IVb), brushite (IVd). Conclusions: Our preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility of using endoscopic morphology for the most frequently encountered urinary stones and didactic boards of confirmed endoscopic images are provided. The current study constitutes the first step toward endoscopic stone recognition, which is essential in lithiasis. We provide didactic boards of confirmed endoscopic images which paves the way for automatic computer-aided in-situ recognition.

Objective: Knowing the composition of a urinary stone is valuable in its treatment, helping to define stone etiology, guide management, and prevent stone recurrence. This study aims to identify the incidence of various stone compositions in a university-based, tertiary care hospital. Material and Method: This retrospective study was conducted at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Data of stone composition by infrared spectroscopy were collected from all patients undergoing upper urinary tract stone removal surgery from January 2015 to December 2018. Demographic data including age, gender, comorbidities, and stone characteristics were also collected. Results: A total of 173 stone analyses were included in this study. The main stone composition was calcium oxalate monohydrate (whewellite 49.7%), calcium carbonate apatite (dahllite 34.1%), calcium oxalate dihydrate (weddellite 5.2%), magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite 4%), and ammonium hydrogen urate (2.9%). A small proportion of uric acid (1.7%), cystine (1.7%), and calcium phosphate (brushite 0.6%) was also found. No correlation was found between stone composition and age, gender or occupation. Multivariate analysis revealed that calcium oxalate stones were more common in males than females (odds ratio=2.21, 95%CI: 1.91-4.12; p-value=0.01). Phosphate-containing stones (struvite, dahllite and brushite) were more common in patients with a history of urinary tract infection (odds ratio=3.06, 95%CI: 1.18-7.92; p-value=0.02). Conclusion: Calcium oxalate and calcium carbonate apatite were the most common stone compositions found in this study. Male gender was a risk factor for oxalate stone, and a history of urinary tract infection was a risk factor for phosphate-containing stones.

Backgound: The composition of stones formed in the urinary tract plays an important role in their management over time. The most common imaging method for the non-invasive evaluation of urinary stones is radiography and computed tomography (CT). However, CT is not very sensitive, and cannot differentiate between all critical stone types. In this study, we propose the application, and evaluate the potential, of a multi-modal (or multi-contrast) X-ray imaging technique called speckle-based imaging (SBI) to differentiate between various types of urinary stones. Methods: Three different stone samples were extracted from animal and human urinary tracts and examined in a laboratory-based speckle tracking setup. The results were discussed based on an X-ray diffraction analysis and a comparison with X-ray microtomography and grating-based interferometry. Results: The stones were classified through compositional analysis by X-ray diffraction. The multi-contrast images obtained using the SBI method provided detailed information about the composition of various urinary stone types, and could differentiate between them. X-ray SBI could provide highly sensitive and high-resolution characterizations of different urinary stones in the radiography mode, comparable to those by grating interferometry. Conclusions: This investigation demonstrated the capability of the SBI technique for the non-invasive classification of urinary stones through radiography in a simple and cost-effective laboratory setting. This opens the possibility for further studies concerning full-field in vivo SBI for the clinical imaging of urinary stones.

The prevalence of urolithiasis is increasing not only in South Korea but also around the world. Urolithiasis has a high recurrence rate, therefore, reducing it is very important in the quality of life for stone formers. For this purpose, dietary modifications and drug therapy can be performed through stone analysis and 24-hour urine collection. Stone analysis is recommended for all stone formers, and the 24-hour urine collection is usually recommended for recurrent stone formers or high-risk groups. A general dietary modification for all stone formers includes a sufficient fluid intake, low levels of sodium, sugar, and animal protein, a normal calcium diet, as well as a high amount of citrate intake. Drug therapy should be performed in cases such as the recurrence of stones or increase of the existing ones, even after the application of preservation therapy, such as dietary modification. The ideal drug therapy should prevent the occurrence of urolithiasis, have no side effects, and have a suitable patientsʼ compliance. Follow-up should be performed periodically, through 24-hour urine collections and imaging studies. For follow-up imaging studies, a lowdose non-enhanced computed tomography is recommended, and it can be performed once a year if the patient is in a stable state. To control various and complex metabolic abnormalities in recurrent stone formers, multiple approaches may be required through diet modifications, drug therapy, treatment of the metabolic syndrome, and lifestyle modifications.

Urolithiasis is a common urological disease that causes a significant deterioration in patients’ life quality due to severe pain and frequent recurrence. With increases in the incidence of urolithiasis, different treatment methods have been developed. Although urolithiasis is still managed in Korea with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, the development of minimally invasive techniques and endoscopy instruments has led to increased surgery. Prior to the introduction of endoscopy, urolithiasis surgery was performed as open procedures such as ureterolithotomy, pyelolithotomy, and nephrolithotomy. However, most recent stone surgeries are performed using endoscopy with comparable outcomes and fewer complications. Laparoscopic or robot-assisted laparoscopic surgeries are performed in exceptional cases. Since urolithiasis can be found in various urinary organs, such as the kidney, ureter, bladder, and even the urethra, the approach, method, and availability of endoscopy will vary depending on the stoneʼs size and location. Understanding the types and characteristics of each surgical method will determine the appropriate procedure for each patient and improve the surgical outcomes.

Objective: Our goals were to validate stone comminution with an investigational burst wave lithotripsy (BWL) system in patient-relevant conditions and to evaluate the use of ultrasonic propulsion to move a stone or fragments to aid in observing the treatment endpoint. Materials and Methods: The Propulse-1 system, used in clinical trials of ultrasonic propulsion and upgraded for BWL trials, was used to fragment 46 human stones (5–7 mm) in either a 15-mm or 4-mm diameter calix phantom in water at either 50% or 75% dissolved oxygen level. Stones were paired by size and composition, and exposed to 20-cycle, 390-kHz bursts at 6-MPa peak negative pressure (PNP) and 13-Hz pulse repetition frequency (PRF) or 7-MPa PNP and 6.5-Hz PRF. Stones were exposed in 5-minute increments and sieved, with fragments >2 mm weighed and returned for additional treatment. Effectiveness for pairs of conditions was compared statistically within a framework of survival data analysis for interval censored data. Three reviewers blinded to the experimental conditions scored ultrasound imaging videos for degree of fragmentation based on stone response to ultrasonic propulsion. Results: Overall, 89% (41/46) and 70% (32/46) of human stones were fully comminuted within 30 and 10 minutes, respectively. Fragments remained after 30 minutes in 4% (1/28) of calcium oxalate monohydrate stones and 40% (4/10) of brushite stones. There were no statistically significant differences in comminution time between the two output settings (p = 0.44), the two dissolved oxygen levels (p = 0.65), or the two calyx diameters (p = 0.58). Inter-rater correlation on endpoint detection was substantial (Fleiss' kappa = 0.638, p

Objective: Due to a lack of studies regarding the need for computed tomography (CT) in measuring the size of each urinary calculus before surgery, this study was conducted to elucidate the difference between ultrasonography (US) and CT in measuring the size of urinary stones. Methods: A retrospective review of 100 stones from 83 patients. Each urinary stone was measured using both US and CT; both measurements were then compared. Results: Of 83 patients, the mean age was 39.29 ± 23.76 years; 47 (56.62%) were male and 36 (43.37%) were female. Most of the urinary stones were 21 mm), (P < 0.001). Spearman's rho correlation test revealed strong compatibility between stone diameters measured by US and CT (r = 0.755), (P = 0 < 0.001). T-test for equality of means revealed no significant difference in the measured size using US and CT (mean = 11.80 ± 5.83 vs. 11.65 ± 6.59, respectively), mean difference = 0.15, and P = 0.865, 95% confidence interval: -1.584–1.884. Conclusion: No significant difference in measuring the size of urinary stones using US and CT. However, US may slightly overestimate small stones in some cases.

Background: Renal stones represent a common urological pathology where standard treatment advised is ESWL in current practice. However, NCCT based determination of stone fragility may help to predict the outcome of ESWL treatment, hence optimizing its clinical use. Therefore, this study evaluated the role of NCCT determined urinary stone fragility in predicting the outcome of ESWL treatment in local clinical settings. Patients and methods: One hundred patients with single renal calculus of 0.6-2 cm in size were included. NCCT based determination of stone fragility in HU units was done for all patients. Patients were then subjected to ESWL, with a maximum of 3000 shock waves given per ESWL session. Plain film and/or ultrasonography was used to monitor ESWL treatment progress with a final NCCT evaluation at 12 weeks to determine the clearance of the calculi for each patient. Association of NCCT based stone fragility and outcome of ESWL was statistically analyzed using Fisher exact test. Results: The mean age of the patients was 37.7 ± 10.9 years with 54% being male. Decreasing stone fragility on NCCT (high = 18000 shock waves for low fragility group, respectively) necessary for clearance of urinary stones (p

Introduction:We sought to identify predictors of index surgical care setting and to determine if care setting influences risk adjusted perioperative costs and/or 30-day revisits following e...

Urinary stone disease constitutes significant burden for healthcare system worldwide. Metaphylaxis after removal or spontaneous passage of urinary stone may be an effective measure for the prevention of recurrent stone episodes. An adjustment of urine pH, based on the type of urinary stone plays a key role in the metaphylaxis of urolithiasis. The use of combined preparations based on herbal plants, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activity and diuretic effect, and also affects pH level of urine without impairment of the body microbiome, is very promising for the metaphylaxis of urinary stone disease.

We compared the effect of standard office-based consultation (OC) and phone correspondences (PC) on dietary 24-h urinary parameters. The medical record of all patients treated between January and April 2019 was reviewed. Only patients who had at least two consecutive 24-h urine collections were included. Linear and logistic regressions were used to investigate the difference between the changes in urinary parameters after OC and PC. Forty-three patients underwent 135 OC and 34 PC. Twenty-one received OC and PC, and 22 had only OC. Gender, age, the distance to stone clinic, the number of previous stone episodes, and baseline urinary parameters were similar between the groups. Patients who had both OC and PC had a longer follow-up time (51.7 vs 18.5 months, p

To evaluate whether stone dust can be obtained from all prevailing stone composition types using the thulium fiber laser (TFL) for lithotripsy. Where applicable, stone dust was further characterized by morpho-constitutional analysis. Human urinary stones were submitted to in vitro lithotripsy using a FiberLase U2 TFL generator with 150 µm silica core fibers (IPG Photonics®, IPG Medical™, Marlborough, MA, USA). Laser settings were 0.05 J, 320 Hz and 200 μs. A total of 2400 J were delivered to each stone composition type. All evaluated stones had a > 90% degree of purity (calcium oxalate monohydrate, calcium oxalate dihydrate, uric acid, carbapatite, struvite, brushite and cystine). Spontaneously floating stone particles were considered as stone dust and collected for analysis by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Stone dust could be retrieved from all evaluated urinary stones after TFL lithotripsy. Most stone dust samples revealed changes in crystalline organization, except for calcium oxalate monohydrate and carbapatite, which conserved their initial characteristics. Mean maximal width of stone dust particles did not exceed 254 µm. The TFL is capable to produce stone dust from all prevailing stone types. Morpho-constitutional changes found in stone dust suggest a photothermal interaction of laser energy with the stone matrix during TFL lithotripsy.

Urinary stone disease during pregnancy is poorly understood but is thought to be associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity. We determined the prevalence of urinary stone disease in pregnancy and whether it is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.We identified all pregnant women from 2003 through 2017 in the Optum® national insurance claims database. We used diagnosis claims to identify urinary stone disease and assess medical comorbidity. We established the prevalence of urinary stone disease during pregnancy stratified by week of pregnancy. We further evaluated associations among urinary stone disease, maternal complications and pregnancy outcomes in univariable and multivariable analyses.Urinary stone disease affects 8 per 1,000 pregnancies and is more common in white women and women with more comorbid conditions. In fully adjusted models pregnancies complicated by urinary stone disease had higher rates of adverse fetal outcomes including prematurity and spontaneous abortions. This analysis is limited by its retrospective, administrative claims design.The rate of urinary stone disease during pregnancy is higher than previously reported. Urinary stone disease is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Urolithiasis has become more prevalent throughout China.Knowing stone composition helps identify their possible underlying etiology of urolithiasis, provide appropriate individualized treatment and prevent stone recurrence.To explore characteristics of urinary stone composition in China, and determine the effects of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), stone localization and geographical region on stone composition.We used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to analyse urinary stones from consecutive patients at 46 hospitals in seven geographic areas of China between June 1, 2010 and May 31, 2015.Chi-squared tests and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations between stone composition and sex, age, body mass index (BMI), stone location, and geographic region.The most common stone components were calcium oxalate (CaOx; 65.9%), carbapatite (15.6%), urate (12.4%), struvite (2.7%), brushite (1.7%), and cystine (0.9%). CaOx and urate occurred more frequently in males, whereas carbapatite and struvite were more common in females (p

To determine whether a modified non-contrast very low-dose computed tomography (VLD-CT) protocol is applicable for confirmation of known urolithiasis. Consecutive adult patients with a CT scan showing urinary tract stone(s) between 6/2017–12/2018 were included. They were referred to a modified VLD-CT protocol if stone presence was equivocal or if stone location needed reassessment before an endourological interventional procedure. The scanned area was limited to the level of initial stone location caudally. Data on patients' demographics andbody mass index, were collected. The scanned length and radiation dose were calculated. Images were reviewed by two radiologists who assessed stone size and location. Follow-up reference standard included stone passage, surgical removal, and other imaging and clinical information. Sixty-three patients [63 stones, mean BMI 28.7 (range 19–41.9)] were included. VLD-CTs revealed 31 stones in 31 patients, with a mean stone length of 5.5 mm. Fifteen stones remained at the same location, and 16 had migrated, of which two appeared in the bladder. Thirty-two stones were not observed on VLD-CT. The mean span scanned on the VLD-CT was 274 mm (± 80). The average radiation exposure was 1.47 mGy (range 1.09–3.3), and the absorbed dose was 0.77 mSv (range 0.39–1.43), compared to 10.24 mGy (range 1.75–28.9) and 7.87 mSv (range 1.44–18.5) in the previous scan. The mean radiation dose reduction between scans was 89%. On follow-up, all VLD-CT findings were confirmed. A modified imaging protocol is applicable for confirmation of stone presence and location by utilizing very low-dose radiation exposure.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To investigate the application of artificial intelligence in the management of nephrolithiasis. RECENT FINDINGS Although rising, the number of publications on artificial intelligence for the management of urinary stone disease is still low. Most publications focus on diagnostic tools and prediction of outcomes after clinical interventions. Artificial intelligence can, however, play a major role in development of surgical skills and automated data extraction to support clinical research. SUMMARY The combination of artificial intelligence with new technological developments in the field of endourology will create new possibilities in the management of urinary stones. The implication of artificial intelligence can lead to better patient selection, higher success rates, and furthermore improve patient safety.

Background and Aim: one of the known complications of phototherapy in the treatment of jaundice in newborns is the reduction of serum calcium and the cause of this phenomenon is still not well defined. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of phototherapy on increasing calcium urinary excretion and to answer the question whether phototherapy can be associated with increased urinary excretion of calcium as a risk factor for nephrolithiasis? Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study 77 infants less than 2 weeks of age with normal weight who were hospitalized for non-physiologic jaundice were enrolled in a sampling study. These infants lack systemic underlying disease and were not treated with Antibiotics - No serum therapy and blood transfusion. Urine specimens were taken at the time of admission and 48 hours after phototherapy of newborns and ca, cr in urine was measured. Then, the ratio Ca/Cr was calculated. Finally, the obtained data was entered into SPSS 19 software and analyzed. Results: Average random urine Ca/Cr ratio before phototherapy was 0.38± 0.03 and the average random urine of ca/cr after phototherapy was 0.674 ± 0.26. The difference between the mean of Ca/Cr ratio of neonates with jaundice before and after phototherapy was significant (P 0.8). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, which indicates an increase in urinary excretion of calcium, phototherapy in newborns can be considered as a risk factor for the incidence of hypercalciurea and nephrolithiasis.

Introduction: Urinary stone disease is responsible for more than 1 million emergency department (ED) visits annually. There is increasing regulatory and cost pressure to reduce unplanned episodes o...

The present investigation exposes the main results raised from an active collaboration started in 2018 with the San Pio Hospital (Benevento, Southern Italy), aiming at a detailed mineralogical investigation of urinary stones of patients from the Campania region. Forty-nine uroliths (both bladder and kidney stones) have been surgically collected from patients admitted between 2018 and 2020 at the Department of Urology of the San Pio Hospital and characterized for clinical purposes and environmental biomonitoring from a mineralogical point of view. Possible causes and environmental implications were inferred according to the morpho-constitutional classification of the uroliths carried out by means of a conventional analytical approach. The mineralogical frequency distribution of uroliths from the Campanian region can be discussed as a function of dietary, socio-demographic, and environmental risk factors. Whewellite [CaC2O4·H2O] and weddellite [CaC2O4·(2+x)H2O], along with anhydrous calcium oxalate, represent the main mineralogical phases forming the biominerals examined here. Worth to note is that the percentage of oxalates in the Campanian region (ca. 51%) is quite comparable to those of other Mediterranean areas. Frequent uricite [C5H4N4O3] (ca. 33%), mainly observed in bladder stones of older male patients, could be related to an incorrect lifestyle and dietary habits. Occurrence of lower percentages of phosphate (i.e., brushite [CaHPO4·2(H2O)] and carbonated apatite [Ca10(PO4CO3)6(OH)8]) and mixed stones (such as, for example, a mixture of ammonium urate [NH4C5H3N4O3] and calcium oxalates) indicates specific etiopathogenetic mechanisms, suggesting proper therapeutical approaches.

Purpose: Urinary stone treatment has been strongly influenced by advances in technology. Nevertheless, the photonic characteristics of stones as the treatment target have been neglected. Monitoring fluorescence spectra is sufficient for automatic target differentiation and laser feedback control as previously described. We investigated the characteristics of fluorescence signals and the clinical practicability of real-time laser feedback control during lithotripsy. Materials and Methods: Fluorescence excitation light was superimposed on a holmium laser beam into the treatment fiber. Spectra were recorded and signal amplitude changes were analyzed during increases in distance between the fiber tip and the stone to identify the optimal threshold level for stone recognition. Ho:YAG lithotripsy was performed under in vitro surgical conditions in porcine tissue while our feedback system autonomously controlled the laser impulse release during lithotripsy. The tissue was then endoscopically and macroscopically examined for laser induced lesions. Results: Mean ± SD autofluorescence signal amplitudes from urinary stone samples varied between 142 ± 29 and 1,521 ± 152 ADU while tissue and endoscope coating emission was negligible. Signal amplitude decreased rapidly at distances larger than 1 to 2 mm. Clinically reliable threshold values for target recognition could be set to prevent laser pulse emission if the stone was out of range or urothelial tissue might be harmed by laser irradiation. We observed no incorrectly released laser pulse or injury to tissue during autonomously controlled holmium laser lithotripsy. Conclusions: Our laboratory study strengthens the evidence that tracking real-time autofluorescence spectra during endoscopic stone surgery via automatic feedback control of the laser impulse release may become a potentially useful clinical tool for surgeons who navigate in the upper urinary tract.

Introduction Complete ureteral avulsion represents a rare and fearsome complication of ureteroscopy, reported in less than 1% of cases. In literature there are few reports and different options are presented for its treatment. We present a case of a ureteral avulsion managed with ileal ureter replacement. Case presentation A 67‐year‐old man with a left proximal ureter stone was treated at our department with ureteroscopy. During retrieval of the instrument a complete ureteral avulsion was discovered, with a so‐called “scabbard lesion”. We decided to proceed with immediate laparotomy and we performed a ileal ureter replacement. Conclusion Ureteral avulsion is a rare complication but must be known as a possible complication in high volume center. There is no standard definition regarding its treatment, and in our experience immediate treatment with ileal ureter replacement proved to be safe and effective without any changes in renal function.