Diagnosing upper tract urothelial carcinoma: A review of the role of diagnostic ureteroscopy and novel developments over last two decades

Objective: The role of ureteroscopy in the diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma is yet to be fully determined. We aimed to provide an up to date evaluation of its role and the emerging technologies in the field.Methods: A literature search of the last two decades (from 24th May, 2001 to 24th May, 2021) was carried out identifying 147 papers for potential inclusion within this narrative review.Results: Diagnostic ureteroscopy is undeniably useful in its ability to visualise and biopsy indeterminate lesions, and to risk stratify malignant lesions that may be suitable for kidney sparing surgery. However, an increased risk of intravesical recurrence following nephroureterectomy when a prior diagnostic ureteroscopy has been performed, inadequate sampling at biopsy, complications from the procedure, and difficult ureteric access are all potential drawbacks. Furthermore, whilst generally an accurate diagnostic procedure, it risks missing carcinoma in-situ lesions. Despite this, evidence shows that routine use of ureteroscopy changes the management of patients in a large proportion of cases, preventing unnecessary surgery or facilitating kidney sparing surgery. The overall rate of complications is low, and improved biopsy techniques and the use of tissue biomarkers for improved staging and grading are encouraging. The risks of delays to definitive management and post-ureteroscopy intravesical recurrence do not seem to affect survival, and trials are in progress to determine whether intravesical therapy can mitigate the latter. Further promising techniques are being investigated to improve shortcomings, particularly in relation to improved diagnosis of carcinoma in situ and preoperative staging.Conclusion: Ureteroscopy has a role in the diagnosis of upper tract malignancy, though whether it should be used routinely is yet to be determined.

Clinical efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for large kidney stones:A retrospective comparative study

BACKGROUND Renal stones ranging 20–40 mm are very common in China.Although no largesample clinical studies have confirmed the clinical efficacy and safety of this method,there is also a lack of comparative data with traditional treatment.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy of flexible ureteroscopy(FURS)and percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)by postoperative stone clearance and changes in soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1(sVCAM-1)and kidney injury molecule 1(KIM-1)levels in patients with large kidney stones(>2 cm in diameter).METHODS This single-center observational study was performed at a Chinese hospital between January 1,2021,and October 30,2023.All 250 enrolled patients were diagnosed with large kidney stones(>2 cm)and divided into a FURS group(n=145)and a PCNL group(n=105)by the surgical method.The FURS group was treated with flexible ureteroscopy and the PCNL group was treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy.The operation time,time to palinesthesia,intraoperative blood loss,drop in hemoglobin,length of hospital stay,stone clearance rate,and complications were recorded in the two groups.Preoperative and postoperative serum sVCAM-1 levels,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),urine KIM-1 levels,preoperative and postoperative pain visual analog scale(VAS)and Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life Questionnaire(WISQOL)scores were also documented.RESULTS All 250 eligible patients completed the follow-up.There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups(P>0.05).The operation time in the FURS group was significantly greater than that in the PCNL group.The time to ambulation,intraoperative blood loss,decrease in hemoglobin,and length of hospital stay were significantly lower in the FURS group than in the PCNL group.The FURS group also had a significantly higher stone clearance rate and a lower incidence of postoperative complications.There was no significant difference in antibiotic use between the groups.Postoperative serum sVCAM-1 levels,urine KIM-1 levels,and VAS scores were lower in the FURS group than in the PCNL group,but postoperative ESR and WISQOL scores were greater in the FURS group than in the PCNL group.CONCLUSION FURS demonstrated superior clinical efficacy in treating large kidney stones(>2 cm in diameter)compared PCNL.It not only improved the postoperative stone clearance rate and reduced complications and recovery time but also positively affected serum SCM-1,ESR,and urine KIM-1 levels,subsequent improvement of patient quality of life.

Ureteroscopy with Holmium: YAG Laser—A Initial Study in the Urology Department of the Pr Bocar Sidy Sall University Hospital of Kati

Introduction: Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive endoscopic surgery which provides access to the ureter, pyelon and calyceal cavities via the urethra and the bladder. Laser ureteroscopy uses the laser as an energy source to treat the stone and eliminate it naturally. Minimally invasive endoscopic methods are struggling to become popular in sub-Saharan African countries, especially for the upper urinary tract. The objective of our work was to report the results of our first laser ureteroscopy experience in the department. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective and descriptive study running from December 1, 2023 to February 19, 2024. Included in our study was any case of upper urinary tract stone operated by Laser ureteroscopy. The characteristics of the lithiasis were determined by CT scan. Sterilization of urine was verified by carrying out a cytobacteriological examination of urine. Ureteral lithiasis was approached by semi-rigid ureteroscopy. Renal lithiasis was immediately addressed by flexible ureteroscopy. Ureteroscopy was coupled with a Holmium YAG laser. A double J ureteral catheter was placed after the operation. A 230 µm laser fiber was used in each case with a generator with a power of 35 watts (Storz Calculase III type). An access sheath was used in all cases of flexible ureteroscopy. The parameters studied were: sociodemographic characteristics, lithiasis (site, size, number, density, topography), type of anesthesia, duration of laser use, duration of intervention, postoperative outcomes. Data entry and analysis were carried out using the software (Word 2016 and SPSS). Result: We collected 30 cases of laser ureteroscopy. The average age was 37 years with extremes of 9 and 79 years. The male gender was more represented. The most common age group was 24-39 years old. Renal colic was the most frequent reason for admission, 12 patients (40%). On physical examination, lumbar tenderness was present in 47% (14 patients). ECBU was positive in 4 patients (13%). CT scan was performed in all our patients before the intervention. The average stone size was 12 mm and the largest was 23 mm. The majority of stones, i.e. 59% (18 patients), had a density greater than 1000 HU. The stone was unique in 19 patients (63%). The location of the stone was pyelic in 8 patients or 27%. An impact on the upper urinary tract was found in 16 of our patients or 53%. General anesthesia was used in 25 patients (83%). A digital flexible ureteroscopy was used in 24 patients and a semi-rigid ureteroscopy (URS) in 6 patients. Full-course fragmentation was the most used therapeutic method, 9 patients or 32%. The average duration of interventions was 61 minutes. Drainage by double J catheter at the end of the procedure was performed in all our patients. The length of hospitalization was 24 hours. Only one case of failure in the USSR was recorded, and one case of failure was in the semi-rigid URS. Conclusion: Laser ureteroscopy is an effective minimally invasive surgery in the management of lithiasis of the upper urinary tract. It significantly reduces the length of hospitalization. Mastery of this technique and the acquisition of the equipment necessary for its implementation is an undeniable asset in the management of renal and ureteral lithiasis.

Flexible ureteroscopy:Technological advancements,current indications and outcomes in the treatment of urolithiasis

The last 3 decades have witnessed great improvements in the technology and clinical applications of many minimally invasive procedures in the urological field.Flexible ureteroscopy(fURS)has advanced considerably to become a widely utilized diagnostic and therapeutic tool for multiple upper urinary tract pathologies.The most common indication for fURS is the treatment of upper urinary tract stones with the aid of Holmium:Yttrium Aluminium Garnet(YAG)laser lithotripsy.Advancements in endoscope technologies and operative techniques have lead to a broader application of fURS in the management of urolithiasis to include larger and more complex stones.fURS has proved to be an effective and safe procedure with few contraindications.Continued progression in fURS may increase its clinical applicability and supplant other procedures as the first line treatment option for urolithiasis.

Use of a modified ureteral access sheath in semi-rigid ureteroscopy to treat large upper ureteral stones is associated with high stone free rates

Objective:To examine differences in outcomes of semi-rigid ureteroscopy(URS)with or without a modified-ureteral-access-sheath(mUAS)to treat large upper ureteral stones.Methods:Patients with single,radio-opaque large upper ureteral stone(≥10 mm)treated using semi-rigid URS between August 2013 and October 2016 were retrospectively evaluated.The stone-free status was determined from Kidney-ureter-bladder(KUB)X-ray films taken on postoperative Day 1 and after 1 month.Results:Of 103 patients meeting inclusion criteria,43(41.75%)and 60(58.25%)were treated with semi-rigid URS with and without mUAS,respectively.The immediate stone-free rate(SFR)for the mUAS group was significantly higher than the non-mUAS group(40[93.0%]vs.46[76.7%];p=0.033).The SFR at 1 month was also high for patients treated using mUAS,but not statistically different from patients not treated with mUAS(41[95.3%]mUAS vs.51[85.0%]non-mUAS;p=0.115).Auxiliary procedure rates were significantly lower for mUAS patients compared to non-mUAS patients(2[4.7%]vs.14[23.3%];p=0.01).There were no significant differences in surgical duration and hospital stays,and the overall complication rates were statistically similar for mUAS patients compared to non-mUAS patients(1[2.3%]vs.3[5.0%];p=0.638).

The role of ureteroscopy for treatment of staghorn calculi: A systematic review

Objective:To define the role of ureteroscopy for treatment of staghorn calculi.Methods:A systematic review was conducted using the Scopus and Medline databases.Original articles and systematic reviews were selected according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines.Only studies relating to the role of ureteroscopy for treatment of staghorn calculi were included.Results:In five studies on ureteroscopic monotherapy,stone-free rate(SFR)ranged from 33%to 93%,with a maximum four ureteroscopy sessions per patient and no major complications.Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery(ECIRS)was compared with percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PNL)in two studies and reached significantly higher SFR(88%e91%vs.59%e65%)and lower operative times(84e110 min vs.105e129 min).The role of salvage ureteroscopy for residual stones after primary PNL has been highlighted by two studies with a final SFR of 83%e89%.One study reported on the feasibility of ureteroscopy for ureteral stones and same-session PNL for contralateral staghorn calculi,with a SFR of 92%.Conclusion:Ureteroscopy plays a pivotal role in the setting of a combined approach to staghorn calculi.Ureteroscopy is also particularly suitable for clearance of residual stones.In specific cases,ureteroscopy may become the sole applicable therapeutic option to staghorn calculi.Technological advances and refinement of techniques suggest a major role of ureteroscopy for staghorn calculi treatment in close future.

Validation of laparoscopy and flexible ureteroscopy tasks in inanimate simulation training models at a large-scale conference setting

Objective:Simulation based training with training models is being increasingly used as a tool to help trainees mount the learning curve.However,validation studies of surgical simulators are often limited by small numbers.We aim to evaluate the feasibility of validating simulation-training tasks in laparoscopy and flexible ureteroscopy(FURS)rapidly at a large-scale conference setting for residents.Methods:Seventy-six urology residents from various Asian countries were assessed on their laparoscopic and FURS skills during the 14th Urological Association of Asia Congress 2016.Residents performed the peg transfer task from the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery(FLS)and completed inspection of calyces and stone retrieval using a flexible ureteroscope in an en-dourological model.Each participant’s experience(no experience,1-30 or>30 procedures)in laparoscopy,rigid ureteroscopy(RURS)and FURS was self-reported.Results:Median time taken to complete the laparoscopic task decreased with increasing laparoscopic experience(209 s vs.177 s vs.145 s,p=0.008)whereas median time taken to complete the FURS tasks reduced with increasing FURS experience(405 s vs.250 s vs.163 s,p=0.003)but not with RURS experience(400.5 s vs.397 s vs.331 s,p=0.143),demonstrating construct validity.Positive educational impact of both tasks was high,with mean ratings of 4.16/5 and 4.10/5 respectively,demonstrating face validity.Conclusion:Our study demonstrates construct and face validities of laparoscopy and FURS simulation tasks among residents at a conference setting.Validation studies at a conference setting can be an effective avenue for evaluating simulation models and curriculum in the future.

Laparoscopic ureterolysis with simultaneous ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephroscopy for treating complex ureteral obstruction after failed endoscopic intervention:A technical report

Objective:Complex ureteral obstruction is refractory to conventional urological intervention.This report describes a case of laparoscopic ureterolysis with simultaneous ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephroscopy for treating complex ureteral obstruction.Methods:Right-side multiple ureteral stones and complicating ureteral obstruction failed an initial attempt of ureteroscopy lithotripsy with simultaneous percutaneous nephroscopy in a 23-year-old male.Laparoscopic ureterolysis with ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephroscopy was used simultaneously to dissect the periureteral adhesions with the patient placed in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position.The ureter was incised to allow the insertion of a ureteral catheter through the twisted ureter,and a guide wire was advanced into the pelvis using ureteroscopy.A double-J stent was placed into the right-side ureter using antegrade percutaneous nephroscopy.Results:The laparoendoscopic procedure lasted 330 min with an estimated bleeding volume of 100 mL.The patient underwent an uneventful postoperative course,and postoperative followup radiography confirmed good positioning of the double-J stent.The double-J stent was removed 3 months after operation.The patient remained asymptomatic within a 13-month follow-up period.Conclusion:Laparoscopic ureterolysis with simultaneous ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephroscopy is an effective and safe treatment option for complex ureteral obstruction.

Ureteral Stenting Following Uncomplicated Ureteroscopy for Ureteric Stones: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: The objective is to assess the benefits and adverse effects of routine ureteral stenting after uncomplicated ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Material and Methods: Sixty patients with ureteric calculi amenable to ureteroscopic lithotripsy were randomized to an unstented (30 patients) or a stented (30 patients) treatment group, standard ureteroscopic lithotripsy done using 8 French semirigid ureteroscope, and pneumatic lithotripter used to fragment the stones. They were followed up for postoperative flank pain, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and hematuria. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean age (stenting 37.8 year and 33.5 year unstenting) of patients, gender and stone size in both groups. No significant difference in the mean flank pain within 3 days postoperative, while at day 14 postoperative flank pain for stenting group was significant (P = 0.03). Dysuria and urgency were high for stenting group (P = 0.002 and 0.011). Hematuria within 3 and 14 days was higher in the stenting group. Conclusion: After uncomplicated ureteroscopy, stents can be safely omitted. Unstented patients have significantly fewer LUTS, haematuria and flank pain.

Holmium Laser Ureteroscopy in the Treatment of the Upper Urinary Tract Stones: Concerning 54 Cases in the Surgical Department of the Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

The treatment of urinary stones uses a varied therapeutic arsenal. Nowadays the mini-invasive techniques are the most used. We report our first experience on the results of flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy in the treatment of the upper urinary tract stones. Materials and Methods: A 20-month prospective study on flexible laser ureteroscopy was conducted at the Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou. The inclusion criteria were for patients who had given informed consent and the presence of an unilateral obstructive upper urinary tract stone with an indication of surgical management. Results: 54 patients were treated with Holmium laser photo vaporization between January 2018 and August 2019. The average age of patients was 37.74 ± 17 years (11 - 83 years). The men were predominant at 55.56%, or a sex-ratio of 1.25. The average size of stones of 17.55 mm ± 4.16 mm (11 mm to 25 mm) with pyelic, ureteral and calyceal localization in respectively 42.6%, 33.3% and 24.1% of cases. The average duration of the interventions was 77.92 ± 43.57 minutes (11 to 180 minutes). We used drainage in 90.91% of the cases. The average duration of hospitalization was 1.2 ± 0.73 days with extremes ranging from one day to 6 days. The vaporization without residual fragment which is a success was 78.46%. Conclusion: Laser ureteroscopy is a newly used method at the Saint Camille hospital. The achievement of good results and its low morbidity encourage us to promote its extension and its use in sub-Saharan African hospitals.

Ureteroscopy and stones:Current status and future expectations

Urolithaisis is becoming an ever increasing urological,nephrological and primary care problem.With a lifetime prevalence approaching 10% and increasing morbidity due to stone disease,the role of ureteroscopy and stone removal is becoming more important.We discuss the current status of stone disease and review the ever increasing role that ureteroscopy has to play in its management.We discuss technological advances that have been made in stone management and give you an overview of when,how and why ureteroscopy is the most common treatment option for stone management.We touch on the role of robotic ureteroscopy and the future of ureteroscopy in the next 10 years.

Intraluminal Lithotripsy with Rigid Ureteroscopy for Proximal and Distal Ureteral Stones: Results of a Single Center in Cameroon

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraluminal lithotripsy with a pneumatic lithotripter (EMS, Switzerland) and laser Holmium YAG in retrograde rigid ureteroscopy for proximal and distal ureteric calculi. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out from January 2015 to December 2019 including 175 patients with ureteric calculi who presented with ureteric colic at a mini-invasive surgical urological center in Douala, Cameroon. All the patients underwent retrograde ureteroscopy with a 7F rigid ureteroscope, and fragmentation was done with either a pneumatic lithotripter or a laser holmium YAG. Six patients who had urinary tract infection benefited from double J stent placement before retrograde ureteroscopy. The study variables included age, clinical symptoms, size and location of the stone, the type of lithotripsy, operating time, and the results of lithotripsy. Results: We included a total of 175 patients with a mean age of 40.95 ± 12.50 years. Seventy-six (43.43%) of our participants were females and all patients had at least one calculus confirmed by a CT scan. Stone sizes ranged from 5 - 26 mm (median of 12 mm). Fifteen (8.57%) stones were located in the upper ureter (pyeloureteric junction), 64 in the middle ureter, 20 in the iliac ureter, 43 in the pelvic ureter, and 33 at the vesico-ureteric orifice. The success rate was 100% for stones located in the iliac ureter, pelvic ureter and the ureteric orifice. For those in the middle and upper ureter, the success rate was 92.18% and 60%, respectively. Conclusion: Rigid ureteroscopy is an excellent treatment modality for ureteral calculi, especially those located at the distal part of the ureter. The procedure is associated with a shorter operation time and a shorter post-operative hospitalization period, in addition to its safety and effectiveness compared to open surgery.

Rigid ureteroscopy in prone split-leg position for fragmentation of female ureteral stones:A case report

BACKGROUND Ureteroscopy is widely used in the treatment of ureteral stones due to the increased morbidity of turolithiasis.This is the first report of a case of ureteral calculi treated with rigid ureteroscopy in the modified prone split-leg position.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old Asian woman was diagnosed with a ureteral stone and underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy twice.However,the abdominal computer tomography scan showed persistent calculi on the right lower ureter.Her left hip movement was limited because of a left femoral neck fracture that did not receive proper treatment in a timely manner.She was unable to undergo surgery in the lithotomy position and refused to accept flexible ureteroscopy treatment.Therefore,rigid ureteroscopy was performed with her in the modified prone split-leg position.The ureteral calculi were successfully fragmented.CONCLUSION It is feasible to treat lower ureteral calculi in women in the prone split-leg position with the implementation of rigid ureteroscopy.

Effects of flexible ureteroscopy combined with percutaneous nephrolithotomy on inflammatory immune indexes and related factors in patients with renal calculi

Objective:To explore the effects of flexible ureteroscopy combined with percutaneous nephrolithotomy on inflammatory immune indexes and related factors in patients with renal calculi.Methods: From December 2016 to November 2017, 97 patients with renal calculi were selected and divided into control group (48 cases) and observation group (49 cases), the control group was treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy. On the basis of the treatment of the control group, the observation group was treated with ureteroscopic lithotripsy. The changes of inflammatory mediators, immune index, thyroxine (TH), urokinase (UK) and renal function were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.Results: After treatment, the levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), substance P (SP), nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxide (LPO) in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment, and the levels of PGE2, SP, NO and LPO in the control group were significantly higher than those in the observation group;the levels of CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment, but the levels of CD8+ were significantly higher than those before treatment, and the levels of CD4+, CD4+/CD8+in the control group were significantly lower than those in the observation group, and the levels of CD8+ were significantly higher than those in the observation group;the levels of TH in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment, but the levels of UK were significantly higher than those before treatment, and the levels of TH in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the levels of UK were significantly higher than those in the control group;the levels of urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), cystatin C (CysC) in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment, and the levels of BUN, Scr, CysC in the control group were significantly higher than those in the observation group. Conclusions:The combination of ureteroscope and percutaneous nephroscope can relieve inflammation stress, alleviate immunosuppression, enhance stone clearance and reduce the damage to renal function. It is of clinical significance.

Can Computerized Hounsfield Unit Estimation Be Used as Predictor for Ureteric Stone Localization by Fluoroscopy during Extra Corporal Shock Wave Lithotripsy and Ureteroscopy?

Current minimally invasive interventions for ureteric stones involve either ESWL or Ureteroscopy and stone localization is mandatory for successful treatment in both. Objectives: To avoid doing KUB radiograph before ESWL routinely by correlating the stone attenuation value on CT KUB with stone visualization at fluoroscopy. Methods: This is a prospective cross sectional hospital based, Multicentric study carried out on 1010 patients with ureteric stones in Sudan from August 2014 to March 2016. Results: Mean stone density in HU was 704.45 ± 300 (SD) ranging (81 - 1873) HU. All of the stones were localized using fluoroscopy and only 26.5% of them were not seen under fluoroscopy. I.V contrast was used mostly, and also mainly in the upper ureter. More than 80% of the application of contrast through the ureteric catheter was in the lower ureteric stones. 91.2% of patients with stone density ≤ 400 HU failed to appear at fluoroscopy and therefore 400 HU attenuation value can be used as a cut-off level to request doing KUB before ESWL and Ureteroscopy. Conclusion: the ureteric stones with density ≤400 HU the likelihood of being non-visualized at fluoroscopy is 91.2% therefore if the stone has ≤400 HU at CT KUB it is mandatory to do KUB before treatment above that it is most likely to be seen at fluoroscopy and no need to request KUB for them before ESWL or URS. 1) Inclusion Criteria: All patients diagnosed by CT scan to have ureteric stones for ESWL or Ureteroscopy. 2) Exclusion Criteria: Patients for whom treatment of ureteric stone by ESWL or ureteroscopy is not indicated like severe infection or poor kidney function where nephrectomy is needed.

Comparison of combined laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy with percutaneous nephrolithotomy for removing large impacted upper ureteral stones with concurrent renal stones

Objectives:The present study compared the safety and efficacy of combined laparoscopic ureterolithotomy(LU)and flexible ureteroscopy with percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)for removing large impacted upper ureteral stones with concurrent renal stones.Methods:This study included 52 patients who underwent combined LU and retrograde flexible ureteroscopy for removing renal stones(group A)or PCNL(group B)for removing large upper impacted ureteral stones and concurrent renal stones at our department from January 2014 to December 2016.Patient demographics,stone characteristics,and procedure-related parameters including stone-free rate,operation time,hospital stay after surgery,mean decrease in hemoglobin levels,visual analog scale(VAS)score,auxiliary procedure rate,and complication rate were compared between groups A and B.Results:Results of this study showed that both procedures were effective for removing large impacted upper ureteral stones with concurrent renal stones.The stone-free rate after a single procedure was 95.7%in group A and 89.7%in group B(p?0.62).The operation time was longer in group A than in group B(112.2±23.3 min versus 96.2±16.4 min,p?0.006).However,no significant difference was observed between the two groups with respect to the length of hospital stay after the surgery(5 days versus 6 days,p?0.06).The decrease in hemoglobin levels was significantly higher in group B than in group A(0.64±0.36 g/dL versus1.44±0.65 g/dL,p<0.0001).The mean VAS scores obtained at 24 hours(2.91±1.08 versus 5.10±1.01,p<0.0001)and 48 hours after the surgery(1.09±0.73 versus 2.28±0.96,p<0.0001)were significantly higher for group B than for group A.Moreover,the auxiliary procedure rate was higher in group B than in group A(6.9%versus 0%).Conclusion:These results indicate that both combined LU and flexible ureteroscopy and PCNL are suitable for removing large impacted upper ureteral stones with concurrent renal stones and are associated with a high rate of patients being stone free afterwards.Despite the longer operation time,the combined laparoscopic and endourological procedure may be associated with less postoperative pain and fewer major complications.However,the choice of treatment depends on the preferences of surgeons and patients.

Staged ureteroscopy in complicated cases

Objective To discuss the feasibility and benefits of staged ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy in complicated cases. Methods From May 2005 to May 2008,the staged ureteroscopic procedure was done in 56 cases for ureteric stricture,kinking,spasm or high mobility of ureteric mucosa. Encountering difficulties,with the guide

Role of virtual reality in improving the spatial perception of the kidney during flexible ureteroscopy:A feasibility study using virtual reality simulators and 3D models

Background:The aims were to describe a software-based reconstruction of the patient-specific kidney cavity intraluminal appearance via a head-mounted device and to estimate its feasibility for training novices.Materials and methods:In total,15 novices were recruited.Each novice was shown a three-dimensional reconstruction of a patient's computed tomography scan,whose kidney was printed.They then joined the surgeon in the operating room and assisted them in detecting the stone during flexible ureteroscopy on the printed model.Then,each participant did a 7-day virtual reality(VR)study followed by virtual navigation of the printed kidney model and came to the operating room to help the surgeon with ureteroscope navigation.The length of the procedure and the number of attempts to find the targeted calyx were compared.Results:With VR training,the length of the procedure(p=0.0001)and the number of small calyces that were incorrectly identified as containing stones were significantly reduced(p=0.0001).All the novices become highly motivated to improve their endourological skills further.Participants noticed minimal values for nausea and for disorientation.However,oculomotor-related side effects were defined as significant.Five specialists noticed a good similarity between the VR kidney cavity representation and the real picture,strengthening the potential for the novice's education via VR training.Conclusions:Virtual reality simulation allowed for improved spatial orientation within the kidney cavity by the novices and could be a valuable option for future endourological training and curricula.

Ureteroscopy during pregnancy under local anesthesia and light sedation:Technique and video

Ureteroscopy during pregnancy has become increasingly recognized as a safe intervention.Performing it under local anesthesia and light sedation reduces the risks associated with general or regional anesthesia,such as difficult airway scenarios,hypothermia,and hypotension.In addition,this approach reduces the total amount of fetal exposure to medications and anesthetic agents.Performing ureteroscopy in this manner requires a number of adjustments and modifications to the standard technique.This article provides a summary in a step-by-step format,as well as an accompanying video demonstration.

Ureteroscopy during pregnancy:Outcomes and lessons learned over 4 decades at a tertiary center in Norway

Background:The management of suspected kidney stone disease in pregnancy is challenging.In cases of persistent flank pain and where investigations may have rendered equivocal results,ureteroscopy(URS)is a recognized diagnostic and therapeutic intervention.This study aimed to investigate the safety and outcomes associated with performing URS during pregnancy,as the technique has evolved over the past 4 decades at our center.Materials and Methods:We performed a retrospective analysis of pregnant patients who underwent URS at our tertiary center between 1984 and 2022.Outcomes of interest included anesthetic approach,operative time,hospital stay,and complications.Results:Eighty-seven pregnant patients underwent 96 URS procedures,and 60%(n=57)of these procedures were performed during the third trimester.Overall,58%(n=56)of the procedures were achieved with local anesthesia and light sedation.During the most recent decade,the latter was successfully carried out in 97%of the procedures,with the remainder occurring under spinal anesthesia as per patient choice.Overall,57%(n=50)of the whole study group had ureteral calculi found at the time of surgery and in 88%(n=44)of these cases,fragmentation/extraction was performed.The remainder had insertion of ureteral stent with definitive clearance deferred until postpartum.Mean operative time and postprocedure hospital stay was 33 minutes(range,7-100 minutes)and 2.2 days(range,0-16 days),respectively.The overall intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were 2%and 11%,respectively.During the final decade,the latter improved to 6%and all adverse events were minor(ClavienⅠ/Ⅱ),with the exception of a single case.Regarding exit strategy,ureteral stent was placed in 42%(n=40)of the procedures,23%(n=22)had ureteral catheter inserted,and the remainder(35%,n=34)had none.Conclusions:Ureteroscopy can be safely performed during pregnancy using anesthetic approach with local anesthesia and light sedation.Development of a local protocol and multidisciplinary management algorithm are instrumental in enabling the delivery of such a service.