Diagnostic value ultrasound signs of stones less than or equal to 10 mm and clinicoradiological variants of ureteric colic

Objective:To determine the diagnostic value of ultrasound signs of urinary stones less than or equal to 10 mm and to determine clinico-radiological variants of ureteric colic.Methods:A total of 455 ultrasound investigations were performed in patients referring to emergency department with urolithiasis and symptoms suspected of ureteric colic between January 2021 and May 2021.In addition to microscopic evaluation of urine sediment to detect different crystals and non-contrast spiral computed tomography to detect stones,B-mode and color Doppler sonography was performed to assess the presence of acoustic shadow(AS)and twinkle artifacts(TA)as possible signs of stone(s)in ureter.Results:While the sensitivity and specificity of AS and TA were higher than 90%in patients with stones greater than 5 mm;positive prognostic values of these parameters were found to be extremely low for stones with sizes of 1-3 mm with specificity and sensitivity values not exceeding 53%.The sensitivity and specificity of AS and TA in the upper and lower ureters were higher for stones greater than or equal to 5 than for compared to those less than 5 mm.At the same time,the diagnostic values of TA and AS for middle ureter stones were very limited.The most prevalent clinico-radiological variants of ureteric colic were types I,III,and V being observed in 39%,28% and 21% cases,respectively.Conclusion:Our results demonstrate that TA and AS parameters seem to have a very low sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of urinary stones less than 5 mm.The diagnostic value of TA and AS increase significantly in stones greater than or equal to 5 mm.Therefore,clinicians need to be very careful for overestimating the diagnostic values of TA and AS for stones less than 5 mm and non-contrast spiral computed tomography must be the method of choice for patients presenting to emergency department with ureteric colic.

Distal Ureteric Dilatations Functioning as Urinary Reservoir in a Case of Ectopic Vesicae;A Case Report

Background: Bladder exstrophy is a rare congenital malformation of the genitourinary system, with an estimated incidence of approximately 1 per 50,000 live births. Clinically, patients do not have capacity to accumulate urine and urine continously leak. We present patient with partial storing capacity from the dialated distal ureters. A case of dialated distal ureters from an 8-year-old female patient with ectopic vesicae is described. The dialated ureters act as reservoir of urine where the patient is partially continent in the night time. These dialated ureters are the compensation for the literally absent bladder. During reconstruction, we observed that they can be used as an additional bladder volume reducing risk of reconstruction failure from tension.

Utility of trans-vaginal ultrasound in diagnosis and follow-up of non-pregnant sexually active females with lower ureteric calculi

objective:To assess the utility of trans-vaginal ultrasonography in evaluation of non-pregnant sexually active female patients with lower ureteric calculi.Methods:A prospective study was done from January 2015 to December 2017 including non-pregnant sexually active females with suspected ureteric calculus.Trans-abdominal ultrasound was initially done in all patients.In those patients in whom trans-abdominal ultrasound was inconclusive or there was indirect evidence of lower ureteric calculus in form of ureteral dila-tion but no calculus was evident,trans-vaginal ultrasound was done.The patients with ureteric calculi detected on trans-vaginal ultrasound and kept on conservative management were also followed up with trans-vaginal ultrasound.Non-contrast computed tomography was done in patients with inconclusive trans-vaginal ultrasound.Results:As per the study protocol,156 out of the total 468 patients evaluated by trans-abdominal ultrasound were eligible for trans-vaginal ultrasound.Trans-vaginal ultrasound was done in 149 patients,as seven patients did not give consent.Seventy-nine patients were detected with a lower ureteric calculus on trans-vaginal ultrasound and 27 patients had gyne-cologic or other cause for their symptoms.Forty-three patients had an inconclusive trans-vaginal ultrasound of which 36 underwent non-contrast computed tomography,among them only one patient had a lower ureteric calculus.Stone free status could be easily demonstrated on follow-up trans-vaginal ultrasound.

Spontaneous distal ureteric rupture: A rare case report and review of literature

Spontaneous rupture of the ureter is a very interesting and unusual phenomenon which normally occurs due to ureteral obstruction.We present a case of spontaneous rupture of the distal ureter,secondary to a ureteric calculus.Our patient presented with a history of acute on chronic abdominal pain and was septic on arrival to hospital.

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.

Effect of ureteric stents on urological infection and graft function following renal transplantation

AIM: To compare urological infections in patients with or without stents following transplantation and to determine the effect of such infections on graft function.METHODS: All 285 recipients of kidney transplantation at our centre between 2006 and 2010 were included in the study. Detailed information including stent use and transplant function was collected prospectively and analysed retrospectively. The diagnosis of urinary tract infection was made on the basis of compatible symptoms supported by urinalysis and/or microbiological culture. Graft function, estimated glomerular filtration rate and creatinine at 6 mo and 12 mo, immediate graft function and infection rates were compared between those with a stent or without a stent.RESULTS: Overall, 196(183 during initial procedure, 13 at reoperation) patients were stented following transplantation. The overall urine leak rate was 4.3%(12/277) with no difference between those with or without stents- 7/183 vs 5/102, P = 0.746. Overall, 54%(99/183) of stented patients developed a urological infection compared to 38.1%(32/84) of those without stents(P = 0.0151). All 18 major urological infections occurred in those with stents. The use of stent(Wald χ2 = 5.505, P = 0.019) and diabetes mellitus(Wald χ2 = 5.197, P = 0.023) were found to have significant influence on urological infection rates on multivariate analysis. There were no deaths or graft losses due to infection. Stenting was associated with poorer transplant function at 12 mo.CONCLUSION: Stents increase the risks of urological infections and have a detrimental effect on early to medium term renal transplant function.

Success Factors of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) for Renal &Ureteric Calculi in Adult

The purpose of this study was to define factors that have a significant impact on the stone-free rate after ESWL. Methods: A total of 417 patients harboring renal or ureteral stones underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) between October 2008 and July 2012. Eighty five patients were lost on follow up. The remaining (n = 332). All patients were >18 yr of age. Siemens and SLX-F2 electromagnetic machines were used to impart shock waves. Patients were stratified according to localization (pelvic, calyceal, or ureteral stones) and stone size (up to 10 mm, 10 - 20 mm, and >20 mm). Result: The overall success rate was 251/332 (75.6%) achieve stone free status. Repeated ESWL sessions were needed in 258 (61.9%). Of eleven variables were studied including age, sex, side, location (pelvic, calyx, ureter), ureteric stent, previous renal surgery, stone size, number of shock waves, opacity of stone, renal system state, and type of lithotripter, three variables were significantly affect the success rate namely stone size, number of shock waves and location of stone. Conclusions: ESWL remains one of the most commonly utilized treatments for patients with upper urinary tract calculi;Stone diameter, location, and number of shock waves, are the most important predictors determining stone clearance after ESWL of renal and ureteric calculi. To optimize treatment outcomes with ESWL the presence of treating urologist is essential to optimize the final result.

Efficiency of Tamsulosin after Shockwave Lithotripsy for the Treatment of Lower Ureteric Stone: Alkaramah Teaching Hospital Experience, Iraq

Background: Stone disease is a wide health problem;certain drugs have been used as supplement with ESWL for the treatment of symptomatic uncomplicated lower ureteric stone like Nefidipine, Alfuzosin and Tamsulosin. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Tamsulosin for the treatment of lower ureteric stone of 5 - 10 mm diameter after ESWL. Methods: A total of 105 patients with lower ureteric stone of less than 10 mm diameters were divided into two groups. Group 1 including 48 patients received 0.4 mg Tamsulosin and diclofenac sodium analgesia as needed immediately after ESWL and continued until stone expulsion was confirmed up to maximum of 30 days. Group 2 including 47 patients was given diclofenac sodium only as needed after ESWL. Result: 46 of 49 patients in group 1 and 44 of 48 patients in group 2 ultimately passed stones. The number of ESWL sessions was 1.4 ± 0.6 in group 1 & 1.42 ± 0.75 in group 2. There were 10 patients who needed analgesia after ESWL in group 1 and 17 patients in group 2. Visual analogue scale pain severity score was 5.32 ± 1.23 and 6.41 ± 1.26 in group 1 and 2, respectively. The time to stone expulsion in group 1 and 2 was 8 ± 5.4 days and 12 ± 10.3 days, respectively. No significant complications or side effects occurred. Conclusion: The use of Tamsulosin in combination with ESWL in patients with lower ureteric stone of 5 - 10 mm was effective for reducing the time to stone expulsion, decreasing need for analgesia, and facilitating stone passage without significant improvement in stone free rate.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in the Treatment of Single Ureteric Stone. Initial Data from Iraq

Background: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) became the first line in the treatment of ureteric stone after failure of conservative treatment because of its safety, simplicity and effectiveness. It is not invasive procedure and can be done on outpatient basis without anesthesia and with few complications which is most probably temporary and treatable. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency and safety of ESWL in treatment of ureteric stone in Iraq. Materials and Methods: A total of 112 Iraqi patients with ureteric stones were participated in this prospective observational study in which patients scheduled for ESWL treatment for a period of 6 months. Patients were divided into 2 groups: 1) Group 1: 52 patients with proximal ureteric stone;2) Group 2: including 60 patients with distal ureteric stone. Preoperatively all patient underwent bowel preparation and were asked to fast for 8 hours before the procedure. Results: The age ranged between 22 and 55 with mean of 42 (SD = 5) years. Around 46% had proximal ureteric stone and the rest were in distal ureter. Around 44% needed one session and 40% needed two sessions to be stone-free respectively. In regards to associated symptoms, 74% had ureteric colic, 3% haematuria, 43% microhematuria and 12% UTI. Mild hydronephrosis was found in 90% of the cases and 30 reported had previous intervention. Success rate was 90%. Conclusions: ESWL is safe and effective in treatment of ureteric stone with few complications and must be regarded first choice after conservative treatment in a patient with uncomplicated ureteric stone.

Imaging Confirmation of Yo-Yo Reflux in Cases with Incomplete Ureteric Duplication

Background: Incomplete ureteric duplication can be associated with either ureteropelvic obstruction involving the lower moiety or reflux between the ureters (yo-yo reflux). Yo-yo reflux can be a cause of repeated urinary tract infection with subsequent renal damage. Aim of the work: The current study evaluated the presence of yo-yo reflux as reason of upper moiety dilation in cases with incomplete duplication of upper urinary tract. Methodology: 10 cases with a dilated upper moiety of duplex renal pelvicalyceal system were examined with color duplex ultrasonography. All were further investigated with intravenous pyelography (IVP), and ascending/micturating cystography. Results: 9 cases with upper moiety dilation showed complete duplication of the pelvicalyceal systems and ureters and 1 case with dilated upper moiety showed incomplete ureteric duplication in which the diagnosis of Yo-yo reflux was confirmed by color duplex ultrasound in addition to the intravenous pyelography findings. Conclusion: The presence of antegrade/retrograde flow within the dilated moiety of a duplex kidney during color duplex study in addition to the intravenous pyelography findings can confirm the diagnosis of yo-yo reflux.

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.

Management of symptomatic ureteric stumps laparoscopically

Aim: To study the advantage of excision of the distal symptomatic ureteric stumps with the retroperitoneal laparo-scopic approach. Methods: Four patients who had failed to settle their symptoms with the initial conservative man-agement were included in the study. All underwent excision of the distal symptomatic ureteric stumps with the retroperi-toneal laparoscopic approach and then received prophylactic antibiotics. Results: We have achieved better resultsthan those reported in the literature in terms of operating time (mean 1 h 45 min), blood loss ( < 10 mL), postopera-tive recovery (within 12 h) and hospital stay ( < 48 h). Conclusion; Retroperitoneal laparoscopic excision is asafe, simple and effective method in the management of symptomatic ureteric stumps.

Clinical features and management of ureteric stump syndrome:Single-centre experience and contemporary literature review

Dear editor,“Ureteric stump syndrome(USS)”is a rare entity(incidence 0.8%–1.0%)with left-over in situ distal-ureter being the culprit[[1],[2],[3]].The presentation may be recurrent urinary tract infection(UTI),flank/abdominal pain,or hematuria[1,4].Although only few of the patients require intervention(approximately 1.1%–10%)[[1],[2],[3]],either with open excision of the stump[[1],[2],[3]]or via minimally invasive endoscopic approach[5,6],prompt diagnosis is often delayed.During simple nephrectomy,dilemma exists whether to consider concomitant total ureterectomy to eliminate the future risk of USS[4],or to consider subtotal-ureterectomy along with nephrectomy[[1],[2],[3]].In this letter,we present a retrospective analysis of clinical presentation,diagnostic approach,and management of three patients of USS(Table 1)treated at our centre and try to solve all these dilemmas.

Percutaneous antegrade management of large proximal ureteral stones using non-papillary puncture

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility and the safety of medial non-papillary percutaneous nephrolithotomy(npPCNL)for the management of large proximal ureteral stones.Methods:We evaluated prospectively collected data of 37 patients with large proximal ureteral stones more than 1.5 cm in diameter treated by prone npPCNL.Depending on stone size,in-toto stone removal or lithotripsy using the Lithoclast®Trilogy(EMS Medical,Nyon,Switzerland)was performed.Perioperative parameters including operative time(from start of puncture to the skin suturing),stone extraction time(from the first insertion of the nephroscope to the extraction of all stone fragments),and the stone-free rate were evaluated.Results:Twenty-one males and 16 females underwent npPCNL for the management of large upper ureteral calculi.The median age and stone size of treated patients were 58(interquartile range[IQR]:51-69)years and 19.3(IQR:18.0-22.0)mm,respectively.The median operative time and stone extraction time were 25(IQR:21-29)min and 8(IQR:7-10)min,respectively.One case(2.7%)of postoperative bleeding and two cases(5.4%)of prolonged fever were managed conservatively.The stone-free rate at a 1-month follow-up was 94.6%.Conclusion:The npPCNL provides a straight route to the ureteropelvic junction and proximal ureter.Approaching from a dilated portion of the ureter under low irrigation pressure with larger diameter instruments results in effective and safe stone extraction within a few minutes.

The optimal stent pusher position to achieve successful ureteral stent insertion under fluoroscopic guidance

Objective: To examine factors to predict the optimal stent pusher position when inserting ureteral stents under fluoroscopy.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 327 patients who underwent ureteral stent insertion. We considered the pubic bone as a useful anatomical landmark to insert ureteral stents under fluoroscopic guidance. Thus, we categorized patients into three groups (proximal, middle, and distal groups) according to the position of the radiopaque tip of the push catheter when inserting the ureteral stent. Success was defined as a completely curled ureteral stent tail. We compared stent insertion success rates among the three groups. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify the factors affecting stent insertion success.Results: In men, 36 (63.2%) cases were deemed successful in the proximal group compared with 40 (80.0%) cases in the middle group and 12 (20.7%) cases in the distal group (p<0.001). In women, 26 (45.6%) cases were deemed successful in the proximal group compared with 54 (98.2%) cases in the middle group and 38 (76.0%) cases in the distal group (p<0.001). With the multivariate analysis, the stent pusher position was the most significant factor influencing successful stent insertion (men: odds ratio 6.00, 95% confidence interval 2.66-13.51, p<0.001;women: odds ratio 37.80, 95% confidence interval 4.94-289.22, p<0.001).Conclusion: The position of the stent pusher affects stent insertion success. The middle of the pubic symphysis is the optimal position for the radiopaque tip of the pusher when inserting ureteral stents under fluoroscopic guidance.

Multi-aspect analysis of ureteral access sheath usage in retrograde intrarenal surgery: A RIRSearch group study

Objective:To evaluate the effect of ureteral access sheath(UAS)use and calibration change on stone-free rate and complications of retrograde intrarenal surgery(RIRS).Methods:Data from 568 patients undergoing RIRS for kidney or upper ureteral stones were retrospectively included.Firstly,patients were compared after 1:1 propensity score matching,according to UAS usage during RIRS(UAS used[+]87 and UAS non-used[−]87 patients).Then all UAS+patients(n=481)were subdivided according to UAS calibration:9.5-11.5 Fr,10-12 Fr,11-13 Fr,and 13-15 Fr.Primary outcomes of the study were the success and complications of RIRS.Results:Stone-free rate of UAS+patients(86.2%)was significantly higher than UAS−patients(70.1%)after propensity score matching(p=0.01).Stone-free rate increased with higher caliber UAS(9.5-11.5 Fr:66.7%;10-12 Fr:87.0%;11-13 Fr:90.6%;13-15 Fr:100%;p<0.001).Postoperative complications of UAS+patients(11.5%)were significantly lower than UAS−patients(27.6%)(p=0.01).Complications(8.7%)with 9.5-11.5 Fr UAS was lower than thicker UAS(17.2%)but was not statistically significant(p=0.09).UAS usage was an independent factor predicting stone-free status or peri-and post-operative complications(odds ratio[OR]3.654,95%confidence interval[CI]1.314-10.162;OR 4.443,95%CI 1.350-14.552;OR 4.107,95%CI 1.366-12.344,respectively).Conclusion:Use of UAS in RIRS may increase stone-free rates,which also increase with higher caliber UAS.UAS usage may reduce complications;however,complications seemingly increase with higher UAS calibration.

Understanding intrarenal backflow: Intrarenal pressure during ureteroscopy and beyond

The number of ureterorenoscopic procedures for upper urinary tract stone management has increased dramatically during recent years worldwide[1].Developments in flexible ureteroscope and laser technology have made it possible to successfully address larger and more complex stone scenarios retrogradely.On the other hand,this means that more and more patients are exposed to the potential adverse effects of ureteroscopy[2].In general,ureteroscopy is considered a safe procedure.However,serious complications and even deaths do occur,and these events are most likely underreported[3,4].

Percutaneous nephrostomy versus ureteral stent in hydronephrosis secondary to obstructive urolithiasis:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To assess if there is a preferable intervention between retrograde ureteral stent (RUS) and percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) tube, in cases of upper urinary tract stone obstruction with complications requiring urgent drainage, by evaluating outcomes regarding urinary symptoms, quality of life (QoL), spontaneous stone passage, and length of hospital stays, since there is no literature stating the superiority of one modality over the other.Methods: We searched MEDLINE and other sources for relevant articles in June 2019 without any date restrictions or filters applied. The selection was done first by the title and abstract screening and then by full-text assessment for eligibility. Only randomized controlled trials or cohort studies in patients with hydronephrosis secondary to obstructive urolithiasis that presented comparative data between PCN and RUS placement concerning at least one of the defined outcome measures were included. Lastly, MEDLINE database and PubMed platform were screened again using the same terms, from June 2019 until November 2022.Results: Of 556 initial articles, seven were included in this review. Most works were considered of moderate-to-high quality. Three studies regarding QoL showed a tendency against stenting, even though only one demonstrated statistically significant negative impact on overall health state. Two works reported significantly more post-intervention urinary symptoms in stenting patients. One article found that PCN is a significant predictor of spontaneous stone passage, when adjusted for stone size and location. Findings on length of hospital stays were not consistent among articles.Conclusion: PCN appears to be the intervention better tolerated, with less impact on the patient’s perceived QoL and less post-operative urinary symptoms, in comparison with RUS. Nevertheless, further studies with larger samples and a randomized controlled design are suggested.

Migration of varicocele coil leading to ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Varicocele embolization,a minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic varicoceles,carries a rare risk of complications like ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis.This case report documents such a case to raise awareness of these potential complications and showcase minimally invasive surgical management as a successful solution.CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old male presented with flank pain and hematuria following varicocele embolization.Imaging confirmed left ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis.Laparoscopic ureterolysis successfully removed the embolization coil and repaired the ureter,resolving the patient's symptoms.Follow-up at six months and two years showed sustained improvement.CONCLUSION Minimally invasive surgery offers an effective treatment option for rare complications like ureteral obstruction arising from varicocele embolization.

Concomitant treatment of ureteral calculi and ipsilateral pelvic sciatic nerve schwannoma with transperitoneal laparoscopic approach: A case report

BACKGROUND Schwannomas are rare peripheral neural myelin sheath tumors that originate from Schwann cells.Of the different types of schwannomas,pelvic sciatic nerve schwannoma is extremely rare.Definite preoperative diagnosis of pelvic schwannomas is difficult,and surgical resection is the gold standard for its definite diagnosis and treatment.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of pelvic schwannoma arising from the sciatic nerve that was detected in a 40-year-old man who underwent computed tomography for intermittent right lower back pain caused exclusively by a right ureteral calculus.Subsequently,successful transperitoneal laparoscopic surgery was performed for the intact removal of the stone and en bloc resection of the schwannoma.The total operative time was 125 min,and the estimated blood loss was inconspicuous.The surgical procedure was uneventful.The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 with the simultaneous removal of the urinary catheter.However,the patient presented with motor and sensory disorders of the right lower limb,caused by partial damage to the right sciatic nerve.No tumor recurrence was observed at the postoperative appointment.CONCLUSION Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of a schwannoma.Thus,laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible for concomitant extirpation of pelvic schwannomas and other pelvic and abdominal diseases that require surgical treatment.