Search

Objective: To report our experience with silent ureteral stones and expose their true influence on renal function. Methods: We analyzed 506 patients who had undergone ureterolithotripsy from January 2005 to May 2010. Silent ureteral stones were calculi found in the absence of any specific or subjective ureteral stone-related symptoms. Of the 506 patients, 27 (5.3%) met these criteria (global cohort). All patients were assessed postoperatively with dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy (DMSA). A difference in relative kidney function of >10% was considered abnormal. Pre- and postoperative comparative DMSA analyses were electively obtained for 9 patients (kidney function cohort). A t test was used to assess the numeric variables, and the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables. Two-tailed P<.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Stones were diagnosed by radiologic abdominal evaluation for nonurologic diseases in 40% and after previous nephrolithiasis treatment in 33%. The primary therapy was ureterolithotripsy in 88%. The mean follow-up time was 23 months. The overall ureteral stone-free rate after 1 and 2 procedures was 96% and 100%, respectively. In the global cohort, the mean pre- and postoperative serum creatinine levels were similar (P=.39), and the mean postoperative function on DMSA was 31%. In the kidney function cohort, no difference was found between the pre- and postoperative DMSA findings (22%±12.1% vs 20%±11.8%; P=.83) and serum creatinine (0.8±0.13 mg/dL vs 1.0±0.21 mg/dL; P=.45). Conclusion: Silent ureteral stones are associated with decreased kidney function present at the diagnosis. Hydronephrosis tends to diminish after stone removal, and kidney function remains unaltered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery (ECIRS) has emerged as a promising technique for the management of large and complex kidney stones, potentially offering advantages over traditional Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). This study aims to evaluate best practices, outcomes, and future perspectives associated with ECIRS., Materials and Methods: A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted from 2008 to 2024, using MESH terms and the following key words: "ECIRS" and "Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery" The search yielded 157 articles, including retrospective cohort studies, two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and four meta-analyses comparing ECIRS with PCNL. Most important findings were summarized regarding indications, patient positioning, kidney access, tract size, surgical outcomes, and complications., Results: ECIRS demonstrated higher stone-free rate, lower complication rate, and a reduced need for multiple procedures compared to traditional PCNL. Additionally, ECIRS has the potential to integrate new technologies to further enhance outcomes., Conclusion: ECIRS demonstrates significant advantages in the management of large kidney stones. Future research should focus on well-designed RCTs to provide robust evidence of its efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness, potentially establishing ECIRS as the first option treatment for complex kidney stones., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

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., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Objective: To compare the outcomes of retrograde flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) with retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RLU) for large proximal ureteric stones., Patients and Methods: A prospective randomised trial was conducted from January 2018 through December 2022 including patients with impacted proximal ureteric stones of 15-25 mm. Patients underwent fURS or RLU. Primary outcome was the stone-free rate. Demographic data, stone features, and complications rates were also compared between groups., Results: A total of 64 patients were enrolled, 32 in each group. The mean impacted stone time was similar between groups, as well as stone size (17 mm) and stone density (>1000 Hounsfield Units). The ureteric stone-free rates between the two groups (93.7% in fURS vs 96.8% in RLU; odds ratio [OR] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.72 to 3.17; P = 0.554), and overall success rates, which take into account residual fragments in the kidney (84.3% in fURS vs 93.7% in RLU; OR 1.02, 95% CI -0.69 to 2.74; P = 0.23), were similar. Operative time was also not statistically significantly different between groups (median 80 vs 82 min; P = 0.101). There was no difference in hospital length of stay. Retropulsion rate was higher with fURS (65.6% vs 3.1%; p < 0.001). Residual hydronephrosis (34.3% each group) and complication rates did no differ according to treatment., Conclusion: Flexible URS and RLU are both highly efficient and present low morbidity for large impacted proximal ureteric stone treatment. RLU is not superior to fURS., (© 2024 BJU International.)

Purpose: This prospective study aimed to identify risk factors associated with progression to stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the occurrence of kidney stone formation or growth following nephrectomy for urolithiasis., Materials and Methods: From January 2006 to May 2013, patients undergoing nephrectomy for urolithiasis were enrolled. Renal function was assessed using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) via the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation, while kidney stone events were detected using computed tomography., Results: Among 107 patients followed for an average of 83.5 months, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) significantly increased the risk of progression to stage 3 CKD by 34.79-fold (p=0.004). Age was associated with a 15% increase in the odds of developing stage 3 CKD per year (p=0.01), while higher preoperative eGFR was protective (OR=0.84, p<0.01). DMSA-99mTc values below 15% were less likely to lead to renal function deterioration. New kidney stone formation occurred in 15.9% of patients and stone growth observed in 12.1%. Contralateral kidney stones (p<0.01) and hypercalciuria (p=0.03) were identified as risk factors for kidney stone events., Conclusions: T2DM and age were predictors of CKD progression, while higher preoperative eGFR was protective. Hypercalciuria and contralateral kidney stones increased the risk of kidney stone formation and/or growth post-nephrectomy for urolithiasis., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Purpose: Urologists encounter multiple challenges in managing ureteral stones with ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy. This meta-analysis assesses the effectiveness of alternative surgical positioning, reverse Trendelenburg (RevTren) and Trendelenburg (Tren), in reducing stone migration and enhancing outcomes compared with standard dorsal lithotomy positioning., Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, searching MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science up to March 2024. This review focused on studies evaluating RevTren or Tren positioning during ureteroscopic lithotripsy compared with standard dorsal lithotomy, analyzing end points such as stone migration, conversion rates, success rates, complications, and operative time., Results: Of 137 studies identified, 8 met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 1374 patients. RevTren significantly reduced ureteral stone migration (odds ratio [OR], 0.20; 95% CI, 0.08-0.47), lowered the need for conversion to a flexible ureteroscope (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12-0.67), and improved success rates (OR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.88-4.48). Tren increased migration of ureteral and calyceal stones toward upper renal calyces (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.48-3.04) and achieved a higher success rate (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 2.15-5.92). Complications were comparable across all positions., Conclusions: Adjusting patient positioning during ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy can enhance procedure outcomes. RevTren effectively reduces ureteral stone migration and the necessity for flexible ureteroscopes, whereas Tren facilitates ureteral and calyceal stone migration toward upper calyces, increasing success rates. Both positioning techniques offer significant advantages over standard positioning and can be safely adopted in clinical practice without compromising patient safety.

Purpose: to identify risk factors for urinary septic shock in patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)., Materials and Methods: Data from PCNL procedures performed between January 2009 and February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The study included all patients over 18 years old with kidney stones larger than 15 mm who underwent PCNL. Patients who underwent mini-PCNL or combined surgeries, such as ureteroscopy or bilateral procedures, were not included in the study. Logistic regression was conducted to determine the risk factors for urinary septic shock within 30 days post-operation in patients who underwent PCNL., Results: Urinary septic shock was observed in 8 out of the 1,424 patients analyzed (0.56%). The presence of comorbidities, evaluated using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (OR 1.46 [CI 95% 1.15-1.86], p=0.01), larger stones (41.0 mm [IQR 30.0-47.5 mm] vs. 24.0 mm [IQR 17.0-35.0 mm], OR 1.03 [CI 95% 1.01-1.06], p=0.04), and a positive preoperative urine culture (OR 8.53 [CI 95% 1.71-42.45], p < 0.01) were shown to significantly increase the risk of postoperative urinary septic shock. Patients with a CCI > 2, larger stones (≥ 35 mm), and a positive preoperative urine culture were at even higher risk of urinary septic shock (OR 15.40 [CI 95% 1.77-134.21], p=0.01)., Conclusion: Patients with larger stones, positive preoperative urine culture, and a higher CCI are at risk for urinary septic shock after PCNL. These findings are of utmost importance for optimizing the perioperative care of these patients to prevent life-threatening complications., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Introduction: Ureteral stricture is often a consequence of urolithiasis or previous endourological procedures (1-3). Precisely delineating the stricture zone intraoperatively is crucial to minimize ureter shortening and target only the affected tissue (4, 5). Flexible ureteroscopy offers a significant advantage in this regard., Objective: This video aims to demonstrate the step-by-step technique of flexible ureteroscopic guided laparoscopic ureteroplasty for treating ureteral stricture caused by urolithiasis and prior endourological interventions., Patient and Methods: We present a case of a 36-year-old male with a history of urolithiasis and unsuccessful endourological treatments, including endoureterotomy and balloon dilation, diagnosed with re-stenosis of the proximal ureter of 1 cm through ureteroscopy and pyelography. He underwent a successful laparoscopic ureteroplasty. While the lead surgeon performed the laparoscopy, an assistant conducted the flexible ureteroscopy. Intraoperatively, using transillumination facilitated by the flexible ureteroscope, we can precisely identify the narrowed area, allowing for resection of only the damaged segment. Subsequently, we perform the end-to-end ureteroplasty, confirming its patency through the seamless passage of the ureteroscope. Upon completion, we employ a fat patch to safeguard the anastomosis., Results: The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. Double J stent was removed six weeks after surgery. Symptoms resolved. Renal function improved: eGFR 49 to 67 ml/min. Furthermore, improvement was observed in the DTPA scan, and a decrease in hydronephrosis was noted on the follow-up tomography., Conclusion: Flexible ureteroscopy effectively identifies the stricture zone in laparoscopic ureteroplasty, enhancing surgical precision and outcomes. This approach is safe, effective, and reproducible, offering a valuable technique in the surgical treatment of ureteral strictures., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Background: Success rates in endourological procedures, notably percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and ureteroscopy (URS), have demonstrated suboptimal outcomes, leading to more reinterventions and radiation exposure. Recently, the use of intraoperative computed tomography (ICT) scans has been hypothesized as a promising solution for improving outcomes in endourology procedures. With this considered, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis encompassing all available studies that evaluate the impact of the use of intraoperative CT scans on surgical outcomes compared to conventional fluoroscopic-guided procedures., Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Multiple databases were systematically searched up to December of 2023. This study aimed to directly compare the use of an ICT scan with the standard non-ICT-guided procedure. The primary endpoint of interest was success rate, and the secondary endpoints were complications and reintervention rates, while radiation exposure was also evaluated. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed following Cochrane recommendations. Data was presented as an Odds ratio with 95%CI across trials and a random-effects model was selected for pooling of data., Results: A comprehensive search yielded 533 studies, resulting in the selection of 3 cohorts including 327 patients (103 ICT vs 224 in non-ICT). Primary outcome was significantly higher in the experimental group versus the control group (84.5% vs 41.4% respectively, 307 patients; 95% CI [3.61, 12.72]; p<0.00001; I2=0). Reintervention rates also decreased from 32.6% in the control to 12.6% in the ICT group (OR 0.34; 95%CI [0.12,0.94]; p =0.04; I2= 48%), whereas complication rates did not exhibit significant differences. Radiation exposure was also significantly reduced in two of the included studies., Conclusion: This meta-analysis highlights a favorable outcome with intraoperative CT scan use in PCNL procedures, showing a considerable increase in SFR when compared to standard fluoroscopy and nephroscopy. Despite limited studies, our synthesis underscores the potential of ICT scans to significantly reduce residual stones and their consequences for endourology patients, as reinterventions and follow-up ionizing radiation studies., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Purpose: We searched for perioperative renal function deterioration risk factors in patients that underwent bilateral flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) for kidney stones., Methods: From August 2016 to February 2020, symptomatic patients > 18 years old with bilateral kidney stones up to 20 mm in each side were prospectively studied. Serum creatinine samples were collected on admission to surgery, immediate postoperative (IPO), on POD 3, 10, and 30. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation (CKD-EPI) without a race coefficient., Results: Thirty patients underwent bilateral fURS. Comparing to preoperative eGFR, median IPO and POD3 eGFR (p < 0.001) were significantly lower, and POD10 (p = 0.092) and POD30 (p = 0.648) were similar to preoperative eGFR. During follow-up, 22/30 (73.3%), 14/30 (46.7%), and 7/30 (23.3%) of the patients presented a decrease > 10% eGFR, > 20% eGFR, and > 30% eGFR, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that lower preoperative eGFR is a risk factor for eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , p = 0.019 [1.021-1.263; 1.136]; ASA > 1 is a risk factor for decrease of eGFR > 10%, p = 0.028 [1.25-51.13; 8.00]; longer operative time is a risk factor for decrease of eGFR > 20%, p = 0.042 [1.00-1.05; 1.028]; and operative time ≥ 120 min is a risk factor for decrease of eGFR > 30%, p = 0.026 [0.016-0.773; 0.113]., Conclusions: Renal function suffers a reversible decrease after bilateral fURS. Our study suggests that adequate selection of patients and maintaining operative time < 120 min are relevant factors in preventing acute renal function deterioration following bilateral fURS., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: The aim of this study is to perform a high-quality meta-analysis using only randomized controlled trials (RCT) to better define the role of postoperative antibiotics in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)., Materials and Methods: A literature search for RCTs in EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science up to May 2023 was conducted following the PICO framework: Population-adult patients who underwent PCNL; Intervention-postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis until nephrostomy tube withdrawal; Control-single dose of antibiotic during the induction of anesthesia; and Outcome-systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis and fever after PCNL. The protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022361579). We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A random-effects model was employed, and the alpha risk was defined as < 0.05., Results: Seven articles, encompassing a total of 629 patients, were included in the analysis. The outcome of SIRS or sepsis was extracted from six of the included studies, while the outcome of postoperative fever was extracted from four studies. The analysis revealed no statistical association between the use of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis until nephrostomy tube withdrawal and the occurrence of SIRS/sepsis (OR 1.236, 95% CI 0.731 - 2.089, p=0.429) or fever (OR 2.049, 95% CI 0.790 - 5.316, p=0.140)., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that there is no benefit associated with the use of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis until nephrostomy tube withdrawal in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We recommend that antibiotic prophylaxis should be administered only until the induction of anesthesia in PCNL., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Introduction: We aim to publish our innovative modified biplanar 0-90 endoscopic guided puncture technique for percutaneous nephrolithotomy in supine recorded with a GoPro® camera for standardization of the technique. It solves drawbacks of the fluoroscopic technique, i.e., in kidneys with complex anatomy, it may be challenging to distinguish calyces as they are often superposed, and it does not allow for all benefits of a combined endoscopic approach (1, 2). Our technique shortens puncture and fluoroscopic time and is easy to teach and reproduce., Methods: A 77-year-old female patient had previous double J insertion due to an obstructing stone in the right distal ureter. She managed to pass the distal stone but remained with the double J and a 20mm stone (1300HU) in the right renal pelvis. The shared decision was for the actual standard of care (3, 4) endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS). The MiniECIRS started with flexible ureteroscopy and a posterior calix which gave direct access to the stone was chosen. The tip of the flexible scope was used to mark point A with the C-arm in the 0-degree position and line B in the 90-degree position. Puncture was fast and the MiniECIRS was uneventful with a single mid-pole access guided by the flexible scope. The surgeon had a Full-HD GoPro® camera mounted on his head, controlled by the surgical staff. All essential surgical steps were recorded., Results: The quality of the recorded movie was graded as excellent, and the camera did not cause any discomfort to the surgeon. Operative and X-Ray time were 120minutes and 2minutes (7.64mGy). Hemoglobin drop was 0.8g/dL. The post-operative day-1 computed tomography scan was stone-free. The patient was discharged 24h after surgery. Kidney stent was left with a string and removed after 5days. The patient remained asymptomatic and metabolic evaluation revealed a calcium oxalate stone, low urinary volume and hypocitraturia which were treated with potassium citrate and hydration., Conclusion: The Modified Biplanar (0-90 degree) Endoscopic-Guided Puncture Technique for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy joins the reproducibility of the same technique under fluoroscopy with advantages regarding safety and efficiency of ECIRS., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Purpose: The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of extended dose of preoperative antibiotics to reduce infectious risk in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)., Materials and Methods: A literature search for prospective case-control studies or randomized controlled trials was done. PICO framework was used., Population: adult patients that underwent to PCNL; Intervention: extended dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis before PCNL; Control: short dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis before PCNL; and Outcome: systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis, fever after PCNL and positive intraoperative urine and stone culture. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO database under the number: CRD42022359589., Results: Three RCT and two prospective studies (475 patients) were included. SIRS/sepsis outcome was retrieved from all studies included. Seven days preoperative oral antibiotics for PCNL was a protective factor for developing SIRS/sepsis (OR 0.366, 95% CI 0.234 - 0.527, p < 0.001). There was no statistical association between seven-day use of antibiotics and fever (OR 0.592, 95% CI 0.147 - 2.388, p = 0.462). Patients who received seven days preoperative antibiotics had lower positive intraoperative urine culture (OR 0.284, 95% CI 0.120 - 0.674, p = 0.004) and stone culture (OR 0.351, 95% CI 0.185 - 0.663, p = 0.001) than the control group., Conclusion: one week of prophylactic oral antibiotics based on local bacterial sensitivity pattern plus a dose of intravenous antibiotics at the time of surgery in patients undergoing PCNL reduces the risk of infection., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Objective: Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a recent advancement in the field of kidney stone treatment; however, its role has not been completely established. We aimed to compare the outcomes of initial Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy., Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive mini-percutaneous procedures was performed. Inclusion criteria were as follows: all percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures performed with an access sheath up to 24Fr, kidney stone burdens up to 1550 mm3; and the presence of postoperative computed tomography (for control). The data collected for Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures were paired 1:2 with patients treated with flexible ureteroscopy for stones between 100 and 1550 mm3, and with postoperative computed tomography for control. A 14Fr Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy set was used. The stone-free rate was defined as the absence of fragments on the control computed tomography, whereas success was limited to 2-mm residual fragments. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 19., Results: A total of 63 patients met the inclusion criteria (42 with flexible ureteroscopy and 21 with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy). Demographic data were comparable. The stone-free rate and success were similar between the groups (76.2 vs. 66.7%, p=0.42 and 90.5 vs. 85.7%, p=0.57). The complication rate was also similar (26.1 vs. 9.6%, p=0.188), but Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy had longer hospitalization and fluoroscopy time (p=0.001 in both)., Conclusions: Our initial study of Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy showed that it is a promising procedure, with outcomes similar to flexible ureteroscopy, but with higher inpatient numbers and fluoroscopy times. A larger study population size and better equipment may improve the outcomes of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

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., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Purpose: High-quality evidence comparing supine to prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the treatment of complex stones is lacking. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of supine position (SUP) and prone position (PRO) PCNL., Materials and Methods: A noninferior randomized controlled trial was performed according to the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials) criteria. The inclusion criteria were patients over 18 years of age with complex stones. SUP was performed in the Barts flank-free modified position. Except for positioning, all the surgical parameters were identical. The primary outcome was the difference in the success rate on the first postoperative day (POD1) between groups. The secondary outcome was the difference in the stone-free rate (SFR) on the 90th postoperative day (final SFR). A noninferiority margin of 15% was used. Demographic, operative, and safety variables were compared between the groups. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05., Results: Overall, 112 patients were randomized and their demographic characteristics were comparable. The success rates on POD1 were similar (SUP: 62.5% vs PRO: 57.1%, p=0.563). The difference observed (-5.4%) was lower than the predefined limit. The final SFRs were also similar (SUP: 55.4% vs PRO: 50.0%, p=0.571). SUP had a shorter operative time (mean±SD 117.9±39.1 minutes vs 147.6±38.8 minutes, p <0.001) and PRO had a higher rate of Clavien ≥3 complications (14.3% vs 3.6%, p=0.045)., Conclusions: Positioning during PCNL for complex kidney stones did not impact the success rates; consequently, both positions may be suitable. However, SUP might be associated with a lower high-grade complication rate.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of single-dose tranexamic acid on the blood transfusion rate and outcomes of patients with complex kidney stones undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)., Patients and Methods: In a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 192 patients with complex kidney stone (Guy's Stone Scores III-IV) were prospectively enrolled and randomised (1:1 ratio) to receive either one dose of tranexamic acid (1 g) or a placebo at the time of anaesthetic induction for PCNL. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence rate of perioperative blood transfusion. The secondary outcome measures included blood loss, operative time, stone-free rate (SFR), and complications. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02966236., Results: The overall risk of receiving a blood transfusion was reduced in the tranexamic acid group (2.2% vs 10.4%; relative risk, 0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03-0.76, P = 0.033; number-needed-to-treat: 12). Patients randomised to the tranexamic acid group had a higher immediate and 3-month SFR compared with those in the placebo group (29% vs 14.7%, odds ratio [OR] 2.37, 95% CI 1.15-4.87, P = 0.019, and 46.2% vs 28.1%, OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.20-4.02, P = 0.011, respectively). Faster haemoglobin recovery occurred in patients in the tranexamic acid group (mean, 21.3 days; P = 0.001). No statistical differences were found in operative time and complications between groups., Conclusions: Tranexamic acid administration is safe and reduces the need for blood transfusion by five-times in patients with complex kidney stones undergoing PCNL. Moreover, tranexamic acid may contribute to better stone clearance rate and faster haemoglobin recovery without increasing complications. A single dose of tranexamic acid at the time of anaesthetic induction could be considered standard clinical practice for patients with complex kidney stones undergoing PCNL., (© 2021 The Authors BJU International © 2021 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

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 < 30kg/m2 and none to BMI < 25kg/m2. A significant correlation was found between baseline 24-hour urinary oxalate and weight (p=0.018) and BMI (p=0.026). No correlation was found between variation of weight, waist circumference, fat mass and 24-h urinary stone risk factors or CaOx SS., Conclusions: Short-term modest weight loss induced by twelve weeks of low-calorie diet is not associated with a decrease of 24-hour urinary lithogenic parameters in idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers. Calcium oxalate urinary stone formation is probably multifactorial and driven by other factors than weight., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a previous standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) on the outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS)., Materials and Methods: Outcomes of RIRS performed from January 2017 to January 2020 in adult patients with residual stone fragments ≤20mm after a standard PCNL (Post-PCNL) and symptomatic adult patients with kidney stones ≤20mm (Control) were prospectively studied. Stone-free rate (SFR) was evaluated on a postoperative day 90 non-contrast computed tomography. Surgical complications based on Clavien-Dindo classification during the 90 days of follow-up were recorded., Results: Outcomes of 55 patients and 57 renal units of the post-PCNL group were compared to 92 patients and 115 renal units of the control group. SFR was lower in post-PCNL group than in control (28/57, 49.1% vs. 86/115, 74.8%, p < 0.001). Overall complications were more frequent in post-PCNL group (p=0.004). Infundibula strictures were identified and incised with laser in 15/57 (26.3%) renal units of the post-PCNL group. Thirteen renal units had infundibulum stricture at the site of previous percutaneous tract (13/15; 86.7%, p=0.004) and one renal unit had three infundibula strictures. Postoperative complications were not affected by the treatment of infundibula strictures (p=0.198)., Conclusions: Previous standard PCNL significantly impairs the outcomes of RIRS. Infundibula strictures can be found in 26.3% of the patients with residual stone fragments after standard PCNL for large burden kidney stones. The main site of infundibulum stricture after standard PCNL is the infundibulum of the entry calyx., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Objective: The big data provided by Google Trends may reveal patterns in health information-seeking behavior on population from Brazil and United States (US). Our objective was to explore and compare patterns of stone disease online information-seeking behaviors in both nations., Materials and Methods: To compare Relative Search Volume (RSV) among different urologic key words we chose "US" and "Brazil" as country and "01/01/2009 - 31/12/2018" as time-range. The final selection included 12 key words in each language. We defined "ureteroscopy" as a reference and compared RSV against it for each term. RSV was adjusted by the reference and normalized in a scale from 0-100. Trend presence was evaluated by Mann Kendall Test and magnitude by Sen's Slope (SS) Estimator., Results: We found an upward trend (p<0.01) in most of the researched terms in both countries. Higher temporal trends were seen for "Kidney Stone" (SS=0.36), "Kidney Pain" (SS=0.39) and "Tamsulosin" (SS=0.21) in the US. Technical treatment terms had little search volumes and no increasing trend. "Kidney Stent" and "Double J" had a significant increase in search trend over time and had a relevant search volume overall in 2018. In Brazil, "Calculo Renal", "Colica Renal", "Dor no Rim" and "Pedra no Rim" had a significant increase in RSV (p<0.001). More common and popular terms as "Kidney Stent" and "Tamsulosin" were highly correlated with "Kidney Pain" and "Kidney Stone" in both countries., Conclusions: In the last decade, there was a significant increase in online search for medical information related to stone-disease. Population from both countries tend to look more for generic terms related to symptoms, the disease, medical management and kidney stent, than for technical treatment vocabulary., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Purpose: To analyse patterns of stone disease online information-seeking behaviours in the United States and to correlate with urological literature publication aspects., Methods: To compare Relative Search Volume (RSV) among different twelve preselected urologic keywords we chose "United States" as country and "01/01/2009-31/12/2018" as time range on Google Trends (GT). We defined "ureteroscopy" as a reference and compared RSV against it for each term. RSV was adjusted and normalized in a scale 0-100. Trend presence was evaluated by Mann-Kendall Test and magnitude by Sen's Slope Estimator (SS). Weather influence on RSV was also investigated by comparison of the ten hottest versus ten coldest states. Pearson correlation analysis was performed between number of Pubmed publications and RSV for each term over time., Results: We found an upward tendency (p < 0.01) for most terms. Higher temporal trends were seen for "kidney stone" (SS = 0.36), "kidney pain" (SS = 0.39) and "tamsulosin" (SS = 0.21). Technical treatment terms had little search volumes and no increasing trend. States with hotter weather showed higher mean RSV for "kidney stone" than colder ones. There was little correlation between GT and Pubmed for most terms, with the exception of "kidney stone" (R = 0.89; p < 0.01), "URS" (R = 0.81; p < 0.01), and "laser lithotripsy" (R = 0.74; p = 0.01)., Conclusion: There was a significant increase in online search for medical information related to stone disease. Citizens tend to look for generic terms related to symptoms or the disease itself. States with hotter weather show higher RSV than colder states. There is a discrepancy between public and medical community medical terms., (© 2020. Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To assess the complication and stone-free rates of PCNL in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to evaluate whether this population should be assigned a Guy's stone score (GSS) of 4., Methods: A case-control study was conducted, and electronic charts were reviewed to search for patients with SCI, bladder dysfunction, and kidney stones who had undergone PCNL. Control cases were randomly selected from among patients with complete staghorn calculus (GSS = 4)., Results: One hundred and seventeen patients were included. Patients with SCI had a significant shorter operative time (119 vs. 141 min; p = 0.018). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the patients' position, number of renal tracts, bleeding or transfusion rate; however, there was a significantly higher complication rate (23.1% vs. 7.8%; p = 0.009) and a longer hospital stay (5.8 vs. 3.1 days; p = 0.002) among patients with SCI. With regards to the stone-free rate in patients with different grades of GSS patients with SCI who had a GSS of 1 had a stone-free rate of 85.7%, while those with a GSS of 2, 3, or 4 had 50%, 50%, and 31.5%, respectively (p = 0.024). Only patients with a GSS of 4 in the SCI group had outcomes that were similar to those of control patients (31.5% vs. 31.6%)., Conclusion: Patients with SCI should not be automatically assigned GSS 4. Stone-free rate is related to stone burden in these patients, although they do show a higher complication rate and a longer hospital stay than non-neurological patients.

Background: Despite technology incorporation to percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), residual stone fragments (RSFs) may still persist after PCNL and need to be addressed to avoid regrowth or ureteral obstruction. The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) to extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) for treating patients with RSFs after a previous standard PCNL. Materials and Methods: Adult patients with RSF after a standard PCNL submitted to RIRS or SWL in our Institution from January 2017 to January 2020 were retrospectively studied. Stone-free rate (SFR) was evaluated on postoperative day (POD) 90 by noncontrast CT (NCCT) or ultrasound and kidney, ureter, and bladder radiograph (KUB) for each renal unit. Surgical complications based on Clavien-Dindo classification during the 90 days of follow-up were recorded. Sample size was calculated for a power of 80% and a significance level of 0.05, assuming SFR of 20% for SWL and 50% for RIRS. Results: Thirty-three patients treated by SWL were compared with 36 patients treated by RIRS. Hospitalization time was longer in the RIRS group (4.18 vs 12.33 hours, p  = 0.001). SFR and success rate were lower in SWL than RIRS group (24.2% vs 58.3%, p  = 0.007 and 30.3% vs 72.2%, p  = 0.004, respectively), using POD 90 NCCT in 81.8% and ultrasound and KUB in 18.2% of the SWL group and using POD 90 NCCT in 100% of the RIRS group. Minor complications (Clavien-Dindo < III) occurred in 11 of 36 (30.6%) patients submitted to RIRS and in 2 of 33 (6.1%) patients submitted to SWL group ( p  = 0.025). Two patients (6.1%) of the SWL group had Clavien-Dindo IIIb complication owing to Steinstrasse and were submitted to ureteroscopy. Emergency room visits were similar between groups (6.1% vs 8.3%, p  = 1.0). Conclusions: RIRS has better SFR, higher minor complications, and lower major complications than SWL for the treatment of RSFs after standard PCNL.

Background and Objective: Magnesium ammonium phosphate stones (MAP), also known as struvite stones, are associated with urinary infection and impairment of renal unit. The aim of this study is to evaluate the urinary metabolic risk factors for recurrence of renal calculi in patients submitted to nephrectomy due to MAP stones., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients > 18 years old submitted to total nephrectomy due to pure MAP stones and pure calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones from July 2006 to July 2016. Urinary metabolic parameters were assessed through 24-hour urine exams ≥ 3 months after nephrectomy. Urinary metabolic parameters and new event related to lithiasis were compared., Results: Twenty-eight and 39 patients were included in MAP and CaOx group, respectively. Abnormalities in 24-hour urine samples were similar between groups. Hypercalciuria occurred in 7.1 and 10.3% of patients in MAP and CaOx group, respectively (p = 0.66), whereas hypocitraturia was present in 65.2 and 59.0% of patients with MAP and CaOx group, respectively (p = 0.41). No significant difference in new events was found between MAP and CaOx groups (17.9 vs. 23.1%, respectively; p = 0.60)., Conclusion: A 24-hour urine evaluation should be offered to patients submitted to nephrectomy due to pure MAP stones in order to detect metabolic risk, improve treatment, and prevent stone recurrence.

COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly spreading virus that is changing the World and the way doctors are practicing medicine. The huge number of patients searching for medical care and needing intensive care beds led the health care system to a burnout status especially in places where the care system was already overloaded. In this setting, and also due to the absence of a specific treatment for the disease, health authorities had to opt for recommending or imposing social distancing to relieve the health system and reduce deaths. All other medical specialties non-directly related to the treatment of COVID-19 had to interrupt or strongly reduce their activities in order to give room to seriously ill patients, since no one knows so far the real extent of the virus damage on human body and the consequences of doing non deferrable procedures in this pandemic era. Despite not been a urological disease, the urologist needs to be updated on how to deal with these patients and how to take care of himself and of the medical team he works with. The aim of this article is to review briefly some practical aspects of COVID-19 and its implications in the urological practice in our country., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to prospectively compare the outcomes of bilateral same-session retrograde intrarenal surgery (BSS RIRS) with unilateral RIRS and to compare the outcomes of first with second operated kidneys in BSS RIRS. Subjects and Methods: Consecutive symptomatic adult patients with kidney stones up to 20 mm who accepted to be treated by RIRS were prospectively studied. Stone-free rate (SFR) was evaluated by non-contrast CT for each renal unit, and surgical complications were evaluated based on Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: SFR (73.9% vs 76.1%, p  = 0.830) and hospitalization time (14.43 ± 18.81 hours vs 13.00 ± 4.89 hours, p  = 0.564) were similar between unilateral and BSS RIRS groups, with less consumption of disposable devices in BSS RIRS ( p  = 0.017). Operative time was longer in BSS RIRS (61.24 ± 26.62 minutes vs 88.65 ± 33.19 minutes, p  < 0.001). Bilateral group had significant more overall complications by Clavien-Dindo classification than unilateral (15.9% vs 39.9%, p  = 0.030) and more emergency room (ER) visits (11.6% vs 34.8%, p  = 0.026). Moreover, although both groups temporarily increased creatinine levels, it was significantly higher in bilateral RIRS ( p  = 0.019). First operated kidney outcomes were similar to second operated kidney outcomes of BSS RIRS. Conclusion: Although BSS RIRS had similar SFR and consumed less disposable devices, it had a higher overall complication rate, a higher frequency of ER visits, and higher creatinine levels during follow-up than unilateral RIRS. There is no significant outcome difference between first and second operated kidneys in BSS RIRS.

Introduction: Patients with bilateral kidney stones and burdened by large stones are challenging cases for endourologists. Simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy (sbPCNL) is an option; however, it may be accompanied by important morbidity. An alternative is a staged PCNL, operating one side each time. Herein, we compare the impact of sbPCNL and staged PCNL on complication rates and renal function., Methods: Patients who underwent sbPCNL or staged bilateral PCNL with a frame time of 6 months were searched in our prospectively collected kidney stone database. Groups were compared for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities (classification by the American Society of Anesthesiology - ASA), stone size, Guy's score, stone-free status, renal function, blood loss, blood transfusion rate, complication rate, and length of hospital stay., Results: Twenty-six patients and 52 kidney units were enrolled. The mean operative time was 134.7 min. Only 11.3% of cases had complications, all of them minor (Clavien ≤ 2). Overall, the stone-free rate was 61.50%. Comparing the groups, there was a significantly longer operative time in the sbPCNL group (172.5 vs. 126.3 min; p=0.016), as well as a higher transfusion rate (12.5% vs. 5.6%; p=0.036). There was no statistically significant difference in creatinine levels between the groups. Regarding the stone-free rate, there was a significantly higher proportion of patients in the staged PCNL group (64.9% vs. 43.8%; p=0.012)., Conclusion: sbPCNL is a safe procedure; however, when compared to staged procedures it has a higher transfusion and lower stone-free rate.

Diabetes can elicit direct deleterious effects on the myocardium, independent of coronary artery disease or hypertension. These cardiac disturbances are termed diabetic cardiomyopathy showing increased risk of heart failure with or without reduced ejection fraction. Presently, there is no specific treatment for this type of cardiomyopathy and in the case of type I diabetes, it may start in early childhood independent of glycemic control. We hypothesized that alterations in isolated myocyte contractility and cardiac function are present in the early stages of experimental diabetes in rats before overt changes in myocardium structure occur. Diabetes was induced by single-dose injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in rats with data collected from control and diabetic animals 3 weeks after injection. Left ventricle myocyte contractility was measured by single-cell length variation under electrical stimulation. Cardiac function and morphology were studied by high-resolution echocardiography with pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) measurements and three-lead surface electrocardiogram. Triglycerides, cholesterol and liver enzyme levels were measured from plasma samples obtained from both groups. Myocardial collagen content and perivascular fibrosis of atria and ventricle were studied by histological analysis after picrosirius red staining. Diabetes resulted in altered contractility of isolated cardiac myocytes with increased contraction and relaxation time intervals. Echocardiography showed left atrium dilation, increased end-diastolic LV and posterior wall thickness, with reduced longitudinal systolic peak velocity (S') of the septum mitral annulus at the apical four-chamber view obtained by TDI. Triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were elevated in diabetic animals. Intertitial collagen content was higher in atria of both groups and did not differ among control and diabetic animals. Perivascular intramyocardial arterioles collagen did not differ between groups. These results suggest that alterations in cardiac function are present in the early phase in this model of diabetes type 1 and occur before overt changes in myocardium structure appear as evaluated by intersticial collagen deposition and perivascular fibrosis of intramyocardial arterioles., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Introduction: Lower pole kidney stones have been associated with poor shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) outcomes because of its location. However, the real impact of collecting system anatomy on stone clearance after SWL is uncertain. There is a lack of prospective well-controlled studies to determine whether lower pole kidney stones have inferior outcomes than nonlower pole kidney stones when treated with SWL. Methods: We prospectively evaluated patients with a single kidney stone of 5-15 mm undergoing SWL from June 12 through January 19. All patients were subjected to computed tomography before and 3 months after the procedure. Demographic data (age, gender, and body mass index), stone features (stone size, stone area, stone density, and stone-skin distance-SSD), and collecting system anatomy (infundibular length and width, and infundibulopelvic angle) were recorded. Outcomes (fragmentation and stone clearance rates) were compared between lower pole and nonlower pole cases. Then, a multivariate analysis including all variables was performed to determinate which parameters significantly impact on SWL outcomes. Results: One hundred and twenty patients were included in the study. Mean stone size was 8.3 mm and mean stone density was 805 Hounsfield units. Overall stone fragmentation, success, and stone-free rates were 84.1%, 64.1%, and 34.1%, respectively. There were no significant differences in stone fragmentation (76.0% vs 71.4%; p  = 0.624), success rate (57.6% vs 53.3%; p  = 0.435), and stone-free rate (40.2% vs 35.7%; p  = 0.422) in the lower vs nonlower pole groups, respectively. On multivariate analysis, only stone density ( p  < 0.001) and SSD ( p  = 0.006) significantly influenced fragmentation. Stone size ( p  = 0.029), stone density ( p  = 0.002), and SSD ( p  = 0.049) significantly influenced kidney stone clearance. Conclusions: Stone size, stone density, and SSD impact on SWL outcomes. Lower pole kidney stones have similar fragmentation and stone clearance compared with nonlower pole kidney stones.

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease characterized by epithelioid noncaseating granulomas associated with clinical and radiologic findings. The cause of this disease is still uncertain. Sarcoidosis affects mostly lungs and lymph nodes and is not usually considered a urological disease, therefore, this etiology may be overlooked in several urological disorders, such as hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis. It affects all races and genders. This review aims to describe the urological manifestations of sarcoidosis and to elucidate how the disease may affect the management of numerous urological conditions., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Objective: To define computed tomography (CT) predictors of residual fragments after retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney stones up to 20 mm in patients never submitted to surgical procedures for stone removal., Methods: From August 2016 to August 2017, symptomatic adult patients with kidney stones less than 20 mm treated by RIRS had their pre- and postoperative CT prospectively evaluated in search for predictors of residual stone fragments. Stone size, stone volume, number of stones, stone density, and location were evaluated in preoperative CT and analyzed as predictors for residual stone fragments on 90 POD CT. Stone location was represented by the infundibulopelvic angle (IPA) measured for each stone on preoperative noncontrast CT using multiplanar reconstruction., Results: Ninety-two patients were successfully submitted to RIRS. Bilateral procedures were performed in 23 patients (25%) resulting in 115 renal units operated. Operative time was 54.5 ± 26.7 minutes (mean ± SD) and 96.7% (89/92) of the patients were discharged up to 12 hours after the procedure. Postoperative CT demonstrated stone-free in 86 of 115 (74.8%), 0-2 mm in 10 of 115 (8.7%), and > 2 mm residual fragments in 19 of 115 (16.5%) procedures. Logistic regression analysis revealed steep IPA was a predictor for any residual stone fragment after RIRS for kidney stones < 20 mm (P= .012). ROC curve showed that IPA < 41° was associated with a higher chance of residual fragments after RIRS., Conclusion: IPA < 41° is associated with a higher chance of residual fragments after RIRS for kidney stones up to 20 mm., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of endovascular treatment of TRAS with PTA., Materials and Methods: We searched our prospectively collected database looking at cases of TRAS between January 2005-December 2011. CCT was the gold-standart for diagnosis of TRAS. Parameters analysed comprised technical aspects, arterial blood pressure variation, and renal function. A minimum follow-up of 24 months was considered., Results: Of the 2221 renal transplants performed in the selected period, 22 (0.9%) patients were identifi ed with TRAS. Fourteen (63.6%) were male and mean age was 377±14.8years (12-69). Kidney graft was from deceased donnors in 20 (80%) cases. On doppler evaluation, mean blood fl ow speed after transplantation, at TRAS diagnosis and after TAP was 210.6±99.5, 417±122.7 and 182.5±81.6mL/sec, respectively (p<0.001). For SBP and DBP, there was a signifi cant difference between between preintervention and all post-treatment time points (p<0.001). After 1 month of the procedure, there was stabilization of the Cr level with a signifi cant difference between mean Cr levels along time (p<0.001). After a mean follow-up of 16±4.2 (3-24) months, overall success rate was 100%., Conclusions: Endovascular treatment with PTA/stenting is a safe and effective option for managing TRAS, ensuring the functionality of the graft and normalization of blood pressure and renal function., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Objectives: Measurements of stone features may vary according to the non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) technique. Using magnified bone window is the most accurate method to measure urinary stones. Possible differences between stone measurements in different NCCT windows have not been evaluated in stones located in the kidney. The aim of this study is to compare measurements of kidney stone features between NCCT bone and soft tissue windows in patients submitted to retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS)., Materials and Methods: Preoperative and 90th postoperative day NCCT were performed in 92 consecutive symptomatic adult patients (115 renal units) with kidney stones between 5 mm to 20 mm (< 15 mm in the lower calyx) treated by RIRS. NCCT were evaluated in the magnified bone window and soft tissue window in three axes in a different time by a single radiologist blinded for the measurements of the NCCT other method., Results: Stone largest size (7.92±3.81 vs. 9.13±4.08; mm), volume (435.5±472.7 vs. 683.1±665.0; mm3) and density (989.4±330.2 vs. 893.0±324.6; HU) differed between bone and soft-tissue windows, respectively (p<0.0001) 5.2% of the renal units (6/115) were reclassified from residual fragments > 2 mm on soft tissue window to 0-2 mm on bone window., Conclusion: Kidney stone measurements vary according to NCCT window. Measurements in soft tissue window NCCT of stone diameter and volume are larger and stone density is lesser than in bone window. These differences may have impact on clinical decisions., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Purpose: To critically review all literature concerning the cost-effectiveness of flexible ureteroscopy comparing single-use with reusable scopes., Materials and Methods: A systematic online literature review was performed in PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar databases. All factors potentially affecting surgical costs or clinical outcomes were considered. Prospective assessments, case control and case series studies were included., Results: 741 studies were found. Of those, 18 were duplicated and 77 were not related to urology procedures. Of the remaining 646 studies, 59 were considered of relevance and selected for further analysis. Stone free and complication rates were similar between single-use and reusable scopes. Operative time was in average 20% shorter with digital scopes, single-use or not. Reusable digital scopes seem to last longer than optic ones, though scope longevity is very variable worldwide. New scopes usually last four times more than refurbished ones and single-use ureterorenoscopes have good resilience throughout long cases. Longer scope longevity is achieved with Cidex and if a dedicated nurse takes care of the sterilization process. The main surgical factors that negatively impact device longevity are lower pole pathologies, large stone burden and non-use of a ureteral access sheath. We have built a comprehensive fi nancial costeffective decision model to fl exible ureteroscope acquisition., Conclusions: The cost-effectiveness of a fl exible ureteroscopy program is dependent of several aspects. We have developed a equation to allow a literature-based and adaptable decision model to every interested stakeholder. Disposable devices are already a reality and will progressively become the standard as manufacturing price falls., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Objective: To evaluate whether reducing the dose of fluoroscopy to ¼ of standard dose during unilateral ureteroscopy for ureteral stone treatment would impact in a reduction of total radiation emitted and whether this strategy would impact operation time, stone-free rate, and complication rate. Methods: From August 2016 to August 2017, patients over 18 years submitted to ureteroscopy for ureteral stone between 5 and 20 mm were prospectively randomized for ¼ dose reduction or standard dose fluoroscopy. Patients with abnormal urinary anatomy such as horseshoe kidney, pelvic kidney, or duplex system were excluded from the study. Results: Ninety-four patients were enrolled. The fluoroscopic dose reduction strategy to ¼ of the standard dose was able to significantly reduce the cumulative radiation emitted by C-arm fluoroscopy and the dose area product (3.6 ± 4.5 mGy vs 16.2 ± 19.3 mGy, p  = 0.0001 and 0.23 ± 0.52 mcGycm 2 vs 1.15 ± 2.74 mcGycm 2 , p  = 0.02, respectively). Fluoroscopy time was similar between groups (74.5 ± 84.8 seconds vs 88.3 ± 90 seconds, p  = 0.44). There was no need to increase the fluoroscopy dose during any of the procedures. Surgical outcomes were not affected by fluoroscopic dose reduction strategy. Conclusion: Low dose fluoroscopy reduces the emitted radiation during ureteroscopy without compromising surgical outcomes.

Objective: to investigate the risk factors for conversion to open surgery in laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) for urolithiasis., Methods: we reviewed data on all patients over 18 years of age submitted to LN between January 2006 and May 2013 at our institution. We analyzed the Charlson's index, the ASA score, renal function by the equation and stage of MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease), preoperative computed tomography (CT) findings, complications by the Clavien-Dindo classification and conversion rate. We used logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors for conversion., Results: eighty-four patients underwent LN, 16 (19%) sustaining convertion to open surgery due to the strong adhesion of the renal hilum to the adjacent organs. Other causes associated with conversion were excessive bleeding (n=6) and lesion of the large intestine (n=3). In the univariate analysis, previous renal surgery, perirenal fat blurring, renal abscess, perirenal abscess, pararenal abscess, fistula, adherence to the liver or spleen, and adherence to the intestine were associated with conversion. In the multivariate analysis, pararenal abscess and adherence to the intestine were significant risk factors for conversion., Conclusion: pararenal abscess and bowel adhesions demonstrated in the preoperative CT are risk factors for conversion to open surgery in LN due to urolithiasis.

The aim of our study was to determine regions of loss of heterozygosity, copy number variation analysis, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Brazilian patients with cystinuria. A linkage study was performed using DNA samples from six patients with cystinuria and six healthy individuals. Genotyping was done with the Genome-Wide Human SNP 6.0 arrays (Affymetrix, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA). For validation, SNPs were genotyped using a TaqMan ® SNP Genotyping Assay Kit. The homozygote polymorphic genotype of SNP rs17383719 in the gene PBX1 was more frequent (P = 0.015) in cystinuric patients. The presence of the polymorphic allele for this SNP increased the chance of cystinuria by 3.0-fold (P = 0.036). Pre-B-cell leukaemia transcription factor 1 (PBX1) was overexpressed 3.3-fold in patients with cystinuria. However, when we compared the gene expression findings with the genotyping, patients with a polymorphic homozygote genotype had underexpression of PBX1, while patients with a heterozygote or wild-type homozygote genotype had overexpression of PBX1. There is a 3-fold increase in the risk of the development of cystinuria among individuals with this particular SNP in the PBX1 gene. We postulate that the presence of this SNP alters the expression of PBX1, thus affecting the renal absorption of cystine and other amino acids, predisposing to nephrolithiasis., (© 2018 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.)

Introduction: The optimal patient positioning for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) based on the complexity of stone burden is not yet defined. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the intraoperative parameters, effectiveness and complications of patients undergoing PCNL between the endoscopic-guided prone split-leg PCNL (ePSL) and the supine PCNL by stratifying patients according to Guy's stone score (GSS)., Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients undergoing PCNL at two high-volume tertiary referral centers. At one center, patients underwent PCNL using the ePSL technique, while at the second center, patients underwent PCNL in supine. Patient demographics and stone characteristics, operative details, complications and effectiveness were compared between groups. The impact of obesity was also investigated., Results: Of 830 subjects, a total of 449 (54%) underwent PCNL in ePSL and 381 (46%) in supine. The ePSL group had a greater mean age and body mass index. No statistical differences were found in gender, serum chemistry and Charlson comorbidity index. After stratifying patients by GSS, the differences in baseline stone burden between PSL and supine lost significance and both groups could be compared. Complications were not statistically different between both groups. Univariate analysis demonstrated that multiple tracts and lower pole access were more prevalent in supine. In addition, for GSS1-3, ePSL was correlated with reduced operative time, radiation exposure, length of hospital stay and need for secondary procedure. Multivariate analysis correlated ePSL with lower radiation exposure and need for secondary procedures (p = 0.01). In comparison to the whole trial population, the same tendencies were appreciated for obese cohort., Conclusions: This is the first report focusing on the performance differences between ePSL and supine PCNL stratified by GSS. Both techniques are safe, with a low rate of complications. For GSS1-3, ePSL reduces radiation exposure and requires less need for both multiple access and secondary procedure.

Objectives: To define the most suitable approach to assess residual stone fragments after retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS)., Methods: Ninety-two patients (115 renal units) submitted to RIRS for symptomatic kidney stones >5 mm and <20 mm or <15 mm in the lower Calyx diagnosed by noncontrast CT (NCCT) were prospectively studied. Residual fragments were assessed by endoscopic evaluation (END) at the end of the procedure and by NCCT, ultrasonography (US), and kidney, ureter, and bladder radiograph (KUB) on the 90th postoperative day (POD). NCCT was considered the gold standard for the evaluation of residual fragments after RIRS., Results: The 90th POD NCCT resulted in stone-free status in 74.8% (86/115), 0-2 mm in 8.7% (10/115), and >2 mm residual fragments in 16.5% (19/115) renal units. Stone-free status by END at the end of RIRS was coincident with NCCT in 93.0% of the cases (40/43). There were no cases of residual fragments >2 mm on NCCT if END resulted in stone-free status. In all cases where END resulted in residual fragments >2 mm, US proved to be correct according to NCCT. Neither US nor KUB was able to identify residual fragments between 0 and 2 mm. KUB had only 31.6% (6/19) sensitivity to detect residual fragments >2 mm and did not add sensitivity or specificity to US., Conclusions: In the follow-up imaging after RIRS, we suggest that if END resulted in residual fragments <2 mm, a 90th POD NCCT should be performed. US may be used if END showed fragments >2 mm.

Phyllanthus niruri (P.niruri) or stone breaker is a plant commonly used to reduce stone risk, however, clinical studies on this issue are lacking., Objective: To prospectively evaluate the effect of P. niruri on the urinary metabolic parameters of patients with urinary lithiasis., Materials and Methods: We studied 56 patients with kidney stones <10mm. Clinical, metabolic, and ultrasonography assessment was conducted before (baseline) the use of P. niruri infusion for 12-weeks (P. niruri) and after a 12-week (wash out) Statistical analysis included ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey's/McNemar´s test for categorical variables. Significance was set at 5%., Results: Mean age was 44±9.2 and BMI was 27.2±4.4kg/m2. Thirty-six patients (64%) were women. There were no significant changes in all periods for anthropometric and several serum measurements, including total blood count, creatinine, uric acid, sodium, potassium, calcium, urine volume and pH; a significant increase in urinary potassium from 50.5±20.4 to 56.2±21.8 mg/24-hour (p=0.017); magnesium/creatinine ratio 58±22.5 to 69.1±28.6mg/ gCr24-hour (p=0.013) and potassium/creatinine ratio 39.3±15.1 to 51.3±34.7mg/gCr24- hour (p=0.008) from baseline to wash out. The kidney stones decreased from 3.2±2 to 2.0±2per patient (p<0.001). In hyperoxaluria patients, urinary oxalate reduced from 59.0±11.7 to 28.8±16.0mg/24-hour (p=0.0002), and in hyperuricosuria there was a decrease in urinary uric acid from 0.77±0.22 to 0.54±0.07mg/24-hour (p=0.0057)., Conclusions: P.niruri intake is safe and does not cause significant adverse effects on serum metabolic parameters. It increases urinary excretion of magnesium and potassium caused a significant decrease in urinary oxalate and uric acid in patients with hyperoxaluria and hyperuricosuria. The consumption of P.niruri contributed to the elimination of urinary calculi., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared., (Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.)

Purpose: To investigate risk factors for septic shock and death in patients with obstructive pyelonephritis due to ureteral stone, who underwent urinary tract decompression., Patients and Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients who presented at the emergency department of our institution with clinical signs of pyelonephritis, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), and obstructive ureteral stone confirmed by computed tomography scan. Forty patients that underwent urinary tract decompression were included. Demographical, medical, and laboratorial characteristics were recorded; antibiotic regimen and time from presentation to decompression were compared between patients with septic complications., Results: Septic shock and death occurred in 6 (15%) and 2 (5%) patients, respectively. Gender, age, and comorbidities were not associated with septic complications. Urinary culture was negative in 40% of the cohort and the most prevalent pathogen was Escherichia coli. Administration of antibiotics other than third-generation cephalosporin was associated with septic shock (p = 0.02). There was no difference between groups regarding the time of antibiotics use (p = 0.63) and time from presentation to urinary tract decompression (p = 0.07). Patients with leukocyte count above 15.6 × 10 3 /μL had 2.2-fold greater risk of having septic shock (p = 0.027)., Conclusions: We failed to find an association between time of antibiotic use or delayed urinary tract decompression and occurrence of septic complications; antibiotic choice was determinant of prognosis. Elevated serum leukocytes could be used as a trigger to indicate prompt surgical intervention.