Larger Stone Size Research Articles

The Association between S.T.O.N.E. Nephrolithometry Score and Hemoglobin Drop in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Nephrolithiasis is a very common condition with significant burden to patients. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is safe procedure considered as gold standard for large renal stones. The most common complication of PCNL is bleeding which can require blood transfusion to angioembolization and may even need nephrectomy. The purpose of this study is to assess if STONE Nephrolithometry Score can predict hemoglobin drop in PCNL procedure. A total of 104 patients who underwent PCNL during one year period from October of 2022 to September of 2023 were taken using consecutive sampling method. All patients with renal stones underwent routine blood tests including complete blood counts, renal function and electrolytes. CT scans were then done and STONE nephrolithometry Score was evaluated. PCNL was performed and hemoglobin investigation was sent at 24 hours postoperatively. The two data were compared with the STONE nephrolithometry Score and other factors. More than three-fourths (78.8%) of the patients had comorbidities with hypertension being the commonest (76.9%). There was a significant association of drop of hemoglobin more than 1 g/dl with age <30 years (p <0.034), higher preoperative hemoglobin (p <0.046), larger stone size (p <0.001), shorter tract length (p=0.017) and STONE Score greater than 10 (p<0.001). On correlation study only STONE score (p = 0.015) and larger stone size (p = 0.002) were associated with hemoglobin drops of more than 1 g/dl. STONE Nephrolithometry score is a good predictor of bleeding complications during PCNL and higher score is associated with more drop in hemoglobin levels.

Robotic Ureterolithotomy for Retained Stent With Massive Encrustation: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Massive encrustation is a rare complication of retained foreign bodies in the urinary tract. Large stone size and coexisting artificial material can limit endoscopic options, necessitating surgical removal. We present a case of massive encrustation of a retained ureteral stent treated with robotic-assisted laparoscopic ureterolithotomy.

Safety and efficacy of ureteroscopy for the treatment of large impacted proximal ureteralstones

Introduction and objective: Management of large impacted proximal ureteral stones is often challenging due to the presence of mucosal edema, inflammation and angulations of the ureter. Improvements in ureteroscopic technology increased the efficacy and safety of ureteroscopy (URS) as a first-line treatment in large impacted stones in the proximal ureter. The objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of URS for the management of impacted proximal ureteral stones ≥ 10 mm. Material and methods: The medical records of 700 patients with ureteral stones, who underwent ureteroscopy and intracorporeal lithotripsy between January 2016 and Аpril 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. 179 patients had impacted stones ≥ 10 mm located in the proximal ureter – 125 (70%) were stones sized 10÷15 mm and 54 (30%) – stones ≥ 15 mm. URS was performed with 8.6 or 6.4Fr semirigid ureteroscope and Holmium laser. Flexible URS was performed in cases with tortuous ureter or stone retropulsion. Data on patients‘ preoperative characterstics, stone-free rates, operating times, intra- and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: Patients’mean age was 54.1±12.3 years and mean stone size – 14.7±.4.8 mm. 30 % of the patients had previous unsuccessful shock- wave lithotripsy of the stone. Mean operative time was 45.1±15.7 min min and overall success rate – 85.3%. 66.2% of patients were treated with semirigid URS and 33.8% – with flexible URS. On subgroup analysis patients with stones 10÷15 mm and patients with stones ≥ 15 mm had similar preoperative characteristics. Success rate after a single procedure was higher and operating times significantly shorter in the subgroup of stones sized 10÷15 mm (87.1% vs 71.3%, p=0.159 and 41.3±12.9 vs 53.3±21.3 min, p=0.040,respectively). There were no statistically significant differences between the two subgroups in intraoperative stent JJ placement (34.1% vs 50.0%, p=0.400), stone retropulsion (21.3% vs 23.1%, p=0.847) and overall postoperative complications rate (9.3% vs 0%, p=0.161). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that URS is a safe and effective treatment for management of patients with large impacted proximal ureteral stones. Larger stone size was a predictor of lower success rate after a single procedure.

The Utility and Safety of Ureteral Access Sheath During Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery in Children

ObjectivesTo compare retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) with and without ureteral access sheath (UAS) in different pediatric age groups. MethodsThe data of RIRS for kidney stone in children were obtained from 9 institutions. Demographic characteristics of patients and stones, intraoperative and postoperative results were recorded. While analyzing the data, patients who underwent RIRS without UAS (group 1) (n=195) and RIRS with UAS (group 2) (n=194) were compared. ResultsGroup 1 was found to be young, thin, and short (p<0.001, p=0.021, p<0.001), but there was no gender difference and similar symptoms were present except hematuria, which was predominant in group 2 (10.6% vs 17.3%, p<0.001). Group 1 had smaller stone diameter (9.91 +/- 4.46 vs 11.59 +/- 4.85 mm, p=0.001), shorter operation time (p=0.040), less stenting (35.7% vs 72.7%, p=0.003). Re-intervention rates and stone free rates (SFR) were similar between groups (p=0.5 & p=0.374). However, group 1 had significantly high re-RIRS (p=0.009). SFR had a positive correlation with smaller stone size and TFL usage compared to HFL (p<0.001 & p=0.020), but multivariate analysis revealed only large stone size as a risk factor for residual fragments (p=0.001). ConclusionRIRS can be performed safely in children with and without UAS. In children of smaller size or younger age (<5 years), limited use of UAS was observed. UAS may be of greater utility in stones larger than 1 cm, regardless of the age, and using smaller diameter UAS and ureteroscopes can decrease the complications.

Indications for Intervention in Patients Undergoing Ureteroscopic Therapy for Ureteric Calculus: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Urolithiasis is one of the most common urological problems worldwide. The fastest treatment modality to achieve stone clearance of ureteral stones is Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy (URSL). However, it is negated by both the cost burden and potential risk to the patient. Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET) is a treatment option for upto 10 mm stones but has failure rates of 40-60% in the literature. Aim: To analyse the various indications for surgery, whether MET was used or not, if used-its details, operative findings at ureteroscopy including the reason for the failure of MET. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study consisting of 72 patients with ureteric calculi undergoing URSL was analysed from June 2017 to December 2018 at Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre, Bangalore , Karnataka, India. Indications were assessed at the time of admission. During ureteroscopy, factors like impaction, distal obstruction, and unusual findings were studied, which could have contributed to the failure of MET. The Chi-square test was used as a test of significance for categorical data. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was used as a test of significance to identify the mean difference between continuous variables. The p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age in the study was 41.65±13.4 years (range 20-69 years), and the mean stone size was 10.03±3.34 mm. Large stone was the most common indication (41, 56.9%, p=0.004), followed by failed MET (35, 48.6%). Even though MET could have been continued for four weeks in 17 patients (23.6%), they were taken up for surgery. The impaction rate was 70.8% (51), with 48.6% (35) being large impacted stones and 22.2% (16) being small impacted stones. The overall stone clearance rate was 68 out of 72 (94.4%). Conclusion: Large stone size (≥10 mm) and failed MET were the main indications for surgery. One reason for the failure of MET was not waiting for a duration of four weeks. During ureteroscopy, impaction of the stone, irrespective of size, was the most common finding and was the reason for the failure of MET. Ureteric stones on MET should not be neglected as there are reasons for the failure of MET, and they will require URSL after four weeks

Factors influencing the efficacy of ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in the treatment of ureteral stones: a retrospective study.

The aim of the study was to analyze the factors influencing the efficacy of ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of ureteral stones. The clinical data of 8102 patients (6083 men and 2019 women) who presented with ureteral stones were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were treated with ultrasound-guided ESWL. The stone-free rate (SFR) was calculated to evaluate the effect of ESWL. The characteristics of the patients and their stones, and the ESWL parameters applied were compared to identify the factors affecting the treatment outcomes. The SFR and that following one ESWL session were 94.6% (7663/8102) and 75.4% (6107/8102), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that stone location (OR 0.656, p < 0.001), stone size (OR 1.103, p < 0.001), and degree of hydronephrosis (OR 1.952, p < 0.001) independently affected SFR; and age (OR 1.005, p = 0.022), stone location (OR 0.729, p < 0.001), stone size (OR 1.103, p < 0.001), degree of hydronephrosis (OR 1.387, p = 0.001), maximum energy level(OR 0.691, p < 0.001) independently affected SFR following one session. Ultrasound-guided ESWL is effective in all levels of ureteral stones. Large stone size and moderate hydronephrosis are correlated with treatment failure. Ultrasound-guided ESWL may be the first choice for distal ureteral stones.

Efficient and Accurate Computed Tomography-Based Stone Volume Determination: Development of an Automated Artificial Intelligence Algorithm.

Given the shortcomings of current stone burden characterization (maximum diameter or ellipsoid formulas), we sought to investigate the diagnostic accuracy and precision of a University of California, Irvine-developed artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for determining stone volume determination. A total of 322 noncontrast CT scans were retrospectively obtained from patients with a diagnosis of urolithiasis. The largest stone in each noncontrast CT scan was designated the "index stone." The 3D volume of the index stone using 3D Slicer technology was determined by a validated reviewer; this was considered the "ground truth" volume. The AI-calculated index stone volume was subsequently compared with ground truth volume as well with the scalene, prolate, and oblate ellipsoid formulas estimated volumes. There was a nearly perfect correlation between the AI-determined volume and the ground truth (R=0.98). While the AI algorithm was efficient for determining the stone volume for all sizes, its accuracy improved with larger stone size. Moreover, the AI stone volume produced an excellent 3D pixel overlap with the ground truth (Dice score=0.90). In comparison, the ellipsoid formula-based volumes performed less well (R range: 0.79-0.82) than the AI algorithm; for the ellipsoid formulas, the accuracy decreased as the stone size increased (mean overestimation: 27%-89%). Lastly, for all stone sizes, the maximum linear stone measurement had the poorest correlation with the ground truth (R range: 0.41-0.82). The University of California, Irvine AI algorithm is an accurate, precise, and time-efficient tool for determining stone volume. Expanding the clinical availability of this program could enable urologists to establish better guidelines for both the metabolic and surgical management of their urolithiasis patients.

Predictors of success of conventional ERCP for bile duct stones and need for single-operator cholangioscopy.

Background and study aims The characteristics of difficult stones requiring cholangioscopy-assisted lithotripsy are poorly defined. We sought to determine clinician perception of these characteristics and decision-making in biliary endoscopy. Methods One hundred twenty-four delegates attending an online course were invited to assess 20 clinical stone cases. Each image was graded on a 4-point Likert for: grading of stone difficulty, confidence of clearance with conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) methods, likelihood of needing cholangioscopy-assisted lithotripsy, and confidence of clearance with one session of lithotripsy. An independent reviewer rated each case on largest stone size, stone number, presence of stricture distal to stone, size of stone relative to distal duct size, and acute common bile duct (CBD) angulation < 135°. Multilevel (mixed) statistical methods with a two-level model were utilized with multilevel ordinal logistic regression. Results Stone size and location, stricture and stone diameter:duct ratio impacted perceived procedural difficulty P < 0.01). Stone:duct ratio (< 50% odds ratio [OR] 0.22, P < 0.001), stricture (OR 7.26, P < 0.001) and stone location impacted confidence of clearance with conventional ERCP. Intrahepatic and cystic duct stones were least likely to engender confidence ( P < 0.01). The same factors plus CBD angulation < 135° predicted cholangioscopy requirement ( P < 0.01). Stone number did not influence procedure difficulty or cholangioscopy requirement. Strictures (OR 0.29, P < 0.001) and location, especially intrahepatic (OR 0.42, P < 0.001) impaired confidence in clearance with one cholangioscopy session. Conclusions Ductal anatomy, the presence of a stricture distal to a stone, cystic and intrahepatic stones and stones larger than the distal duct are considered by endoscopists to be significant predictors of requiring cholangioscopy-assisted lithotripsy.

Prevalence and implications of perinephric fluid on renal point-of-care ultrasound in the emergency department

BackgroundPoint-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) is commonly utilized in the setting of renal colic. The presence of perinephric fluid may be an overlooked finding associated with ureteral obstruction. Our aims were to determine the prevalence of perinephric fluid on emergency physician-performed PoCUS and to determine whether perinephric fluid was associated with stone size or urologic intervention. MethodsThis was a 12-month cross-sectional study at an academic emergency department (ED) that took place from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. All adult ED patients ≥18 years of age who had a renal PoCUS examination performed were included. Patients with missing or inadequate PoCUS images were excluded. Investigators blinded to PoCUS images and interpretations performed chart review for demographic data and outcome variables, while separate investigators blinded to clinical data reviewed PoCUS images to assess for perinephric fluid and hydronephrosis. A chi-square analysis was used to determine significance of association between perinephric fluid and outcome variables (stone size, urologic intervention). ResultsThere were 442 patients screened; 18 were excluded due to inadequate images and 4 were repeat visits of which only the initial visit was analyzed. Of the remaining 420 patients included, the prevalence of perinephric fluid was 6.2% (n = 26). Most patients (23/26) with perinephric fluid had final diagnoses consistent with ureterolithiasis. Hydronephrosis was present in 115 of the 420 patients (27.4%) and of these, 22 (19.1%) had perinephric fluid which was significantly associated with a need for urologic intervention; odds ratio (OR) 10.38 (95% CI 2.70–39.85), p < 0.01. Among the 67 patients with confirmed ureterolithiasis on computed tomography, perinephric fluid was associated with stone size ≥5 mm; OR 4.00 (95% CI 1.01–15.85), p = 0.04. ConclusionThe prevalence of perinephric fluid on emergency physician-performed renal PoCUS was 6.2% of all studies and 19.1% of patients with hydronephrosis. In the setting of ureterolithiasis, perinephric fluid was associated with larger stone size and need for urologic intervention.

Outcome of routine histopathological examination of gallbladder specimen following cholecystectomy in Egyptian population

Background Gallbladder diseases (GBDs) are one of the most common surgical diseases. Gallbladder stones (GBSs) are the commonest pathology affecting the gallbladder. Gallbladder cancers (GBCs) are rare though lethal malignancy. GBCs represent a diagnostic and clinical challenge, since its presentation is often nonspecific and its diagnosis commonly occurs at an advanced stage. Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of the routine histopathological examination of all cholecystectomy specimens. Patients and methods This study was a retrospective analysis, conducted on 1011 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholecystitis, in KASR AL-AINY Hospital, General Surgery Department between June 2021 and November 2022. Results Age of patients ranged from 14 to 79 years, females patients were 857 and male patients were 154. Chronic cholecystitis was the most common GBD, 1006 specimens were benign. One specimen was premalignant; dysplasia, and 4 specimens were malignant; 1 case was focal intraepithelial neoplasia, and 3 cases were adenocarcinomas. There was no statistically significant difference between both sexes. The mean thickness of gallbladder was 0.39 cm. multiple gallbladder stones were found in 619 patients, single stones were found in 249 patients, and no stones were found in 143 patients. The largest stone size was 6.00 cm. Female patients have increased preponderance for the development of all GBDs. Nonneoplastic lesions were more common below fifth decade and neoplastic lesions thereafter. Conclusion In this study, the rate of incidental GBCs is very low. All cholecystectomy specimens were routinely sent for histopathology to detect incidental GBC.

Does gender influence retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) outcomes? Data from the Flexible Ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry (FLEXOR)

Introduction and objectivesAs well established flexible ureteroscopy (RIRS). There is still no evidence if gender can have any influence on the outcomes and complication when performing. This study aims to evaluate the role that gender has in performing flexible ureteroscopy from a large series of patients. MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent RIRS for renal stones from January 2018 to August 2021 within the multicentric FLEXOR registry. Demographics, stone characteristics, perioperative findings, results and complications were analyzed and compared between gender groups. ResultsA total of 6669 patients were included, 66.1% were male and 33.9% were female. Stone characteristics was comparable between groups. Female patients had significant higher fever and positive urine culture rates (12% vs. 8% and 37% vs. 34%). Also, females had a slight longer hospital stay (3.8 vs. 3.5 days; P < 0.001) and more residual fragments after the procedure (23.03% vs. 20.97 (P = 0.032). Overall complications were slightly significantly higher in women (15.74% vs. 14% (P = 0.042)) mainly at the expense of fever rates (6.9% vs. 5.7%) whereas the risk of sepsis was similar in both groups. A multivariate analysis showed that larger stone size, multiple and lower pole stones seem to have a negative impact in the incidence of residual stones and complications. ConclusionOur real life global study reflects that female gender may have a correlation with a slightly increased residual fragment rate and overall low grade complications. However, women can safely be treated with RIRS with no increased the rate of sepsis with appropriate care.

Influencia del sexo en los resultados de la cirugía retrógrada intrarrenal (CRIR). Datos obtenidos del Flexible Ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry (FLEXOR)

Introduction and objectivesAs well established flexible ureteroscopy (RIRS). There is still no evidence if gender can have any influence on the outcomes and complication when performing This study aims to evaluate the role that gender has in performing flexible ureteroscopy from a large series of patients. MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent RIRS for renal stones from January 2018 to August 2021 within the multicentric FLEXOR registry. Demographics, stone characteristics, perioperative findings, results and complications were analyzed and compared between gender groups. ResultsA total of 6669 patients were included, 66.1% were male and 33.9% were female. Stone characterictis was comparable between groups. Female patients had significant higher fever and positive urine culture rates (12% vs. 8% and 37% vs. 34%). Also, females had a slight longer hospital stay (3.8 vs. 3.5 days; P < 0.001) and more residual fragments after the procedure (23.03% vs. 20.97 (P = 0.032). Overall complications were slightly significantly higher in women (15.74% vs. 14% (P = 0.042)) mainly at the expense of fever rates (6.9% vs. 5.7%) whereas the risk of sepsis was similar in both groups. A multivariate analysis showed that larger stone size, multiple and lower pole stones seem to have a negative impact in the incidence of residual stones and complications. ConclusionOur real life global study reflects that female gender may have a correlation with a slightly increased residual fragment rate and overall low grade complications. However, women can safely be treated with RIRS with no increased the rate of sepsis with appropriate care.

Development and Validation of a Model to Predict Ureteral Stent Placement Following Ureteroscopy: Results From a Statewide Collaborative

To develop and validate a model to predict whether patients undergoing ureteroscopy (URS) will receive a stent. Using registry data obtained from the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative Reducing Operative Complications from Kidney Stones initiative, we identified patients undergoing URS from 2016 to 2020. We used patients' age, sex, body mass index, size and location of the largest stone, current stent in place, history of any kidney stone procedure, procedure type, and acuity to fit a multivariable logistic regression model to a derivation cohort consisting of a random two-thirds of episodes. Model discrimination and calibration were evaluated in the validation cohort. A sensitivity analysis examined urologist variation using generalized mixed-effect models. We identified 15,048 URS procedures, of which 11,471 (76%) had ureteral stents placed. Older age, male sex, larger stone size, the largest stone being in the ureteropelvic junction, no prior stone surgery, no stent in place, a planned procedure type of laser lithotripsy, and urgent procedure were associated with a higher risk of stent placement. The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.69 (95% CI 0.67, 0.71). Incorporating urologist-level variation improved the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve to 0.83 (95% CI 0.82, 0.84). Using a large clinical registry, we developed a multivariable regression model to predict ureteral stent placement following URS. Though well-calibrated, the model had modest discrimination due to heterogeneity in practice patterns in stent placement across urologists.

V01-12 ROBOTIC URETEROLITHOTOMY FOR RETAINED STENT WITH MASSIVE ENCRUSTATION: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023V01-12 ROBOTIC URETEROLITHOTOMY FOR RETAINED STENT WITH MASSIVE ENCRUSTATION: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE Lily Kong, Nathaniel Coddington, Gary Shahinyan, and Brian Flynn Lily KongLily Kong More articles by this author , Nathaniel CoddingtonNathaniel Coddington More articles by this author , Gary ShahinyanGary Shahinyan More articles by this author , and Brian FlynnBrian Flynn More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003221.12AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Massive encrustation is a rare complication of retained foreign bodies in the urinary tract. Large stone size and coexisting artificial material can limit endoscopic options, necessitating surgical removal. We present a case of massive encrustation of a retained ureteral stent treated with robotic-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) ureterolithotomy. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of a patient with massive encrustation of a retained ureteral stent placed one year prior in Colombia who was treated with RAL ureterolithotomy at our institution. Footage captured on the da Vinci Xi System was edited in Adobe Premiere to provide a video representation of our technique. A brief literature review was performed in MEDLINE, Emboss, and Preprints using the search term "robotic ureterolithotomy," which resulted in 88 studies. These were reviewed by two investigators for content and applicability, resulting in five studies included for review. RESULTS: Case duration was 194 minutes with an estimated blood loss (EBL) of approximately 15 ml. There were no complications and the patient was discharged on post-op day three with a right ureteral stent and percutaneous nephrostomy tube. Her stent was removed at a subsequent follow-up visit, as was her nephrostomy tube following a successful clamp trial. Due to difficult social circumstances, she is pending follow-up for renal lasix scan.Review of the literature showed 100% stone free rates in adults treated with RAL ureterolithotomy. Our case duration and EBL were similar to published reports, although the stone was significantly larger, at approximately 13 cm. CONCLUSIONS: RAL ureterolithotomy is safe and effective in the treatment of massively encrusted ureteral stents. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e83 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Lily Kong More articles by this author Nathaniel Coddington More articles by this author Gary Shahinyan More articles by this author Brian Flynn More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

MP35-06 DOES GENDER HAVE ANY INFLUENCE ON RIRS OUTCOMES? DATA FROM THE FLEXIBLE URETEROSCOPY OUTCOMES REGISTRY (FLEXOR)

MP35-06 DOES GENDER HAVE ANY INFLUENCE ON RIRS OUTCOMES? DATA FROM THE FLEXIBLE URETEROSCOPY OUTCOMES REGISTRY (FLEXOR)

Identification of Clinically Insignificant Renal Calculi on Sonography

To determine factors predicting if a radiologists... report of a ..stone... on ultrasound (US) was not actually a clinically significant stone, based on subsequent computed tomogram (CT). US often overestimates stone size and various pathologic entities are also hyperechoic;.ßthus, a subsequent CT without a clinically significant stone may represent unnecessary radiation exposure. A decision-tree and nomogram were developed to predict when stones are unlikely on subsequent CT. Retrospective analysis of patients, of any age, receiving CT within 24.ßhours of a sonographic report documenting a single renal stone, during 2019...2020, in any phase of care, at one institution. Novel stone-likelihood-systems for US and CT (US-SLS, CT-SLS) were devised and validated to classify stones as clinically significant or insignificant, with CT as the gold standard. Binomial logistic regression predicting clinically significant stones was performed with sonographic and patient characteristics. Eight hundred twenty patients had US followed by CT, 228 (27.8%) reported documented stones, 140 (17.1%) reported a single stone. Clinically significant stones were associated with larger stone size (P: .002), location (P: .002), hydronephrosis (P: .04), shadowing-artifact (P: .02) depth.ßto.ßstone (P: .008), and Body mass Index (BMI) (P: .01). US-SLS had higher sensitivity (95.4%) and negative-predictive-value (81.8%) compared to a multivariate model of significant variables. US-SLS appears to exclude clinically irrelevant ..stones... better than established criteria including twinkle or shadow in this retrospective analysis. A diagnostic algorithm and nomogram are presented. US-SLS and the associated decision tree can assist providers in avoiding unnecessary radiation when clinically significant stones are unlikely.

Development and validation of a predictive model for stone-free failure after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in patients with ureteral stone in a large prospective cohort

To develop and validate a nomogram for predicting stone-free failure after shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) guided by ultrasound in patients with ureteral stones. The development cohort consisted of 1698 patients who underwent SWL guided by ultrasound at our center from June 2020 through August 2021. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis was used for building a predictive nomogram with regression coefficients. An independent validation cohort consisted of 712 consecutive patients from September 2020 through April 2021. The performance of the predictive model was assessed in regard to discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness. Predictors of stone-free failure included distal stone location (odds ratio = 1.540, P < 0.001), larger stone size (odds ratio = 1.722, P < 0.001), higher stone density (odds ratio = 1.722, P < 0.001), larger skin to stone distance (SSD) (odds ratio = 1.058, P < 0.001), and higher grade of hydronephrosis (odds ratio = 1.755, P = 0.010). For the validation cohort, the model showed good discrimination with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.925 (95% confidence interval, 0.898, 0.953) and good calibration (unreliability test, P = 0.412). Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the model was also clinically useful. This study demonstrated that stone location, stone size, stone density, SSD, and hydronephrosis grade were significant predictors of stone-free failure after SWL guided by ultrasound in patients with ureteral stones. This may guide clinical practice.

RIRS with disposable or reusable scopes: does it make a difference? Results from the multicenter FLEXOR study.

With several single-use ureteroscopes now available, our aim was to analyze and compare data obtained globally from high-volume centers using both disposable and reusable flexible ureteroscopes and see if indeed in real-world practice either scope has a distinct advantage. Retrospective analysis was performed on the FLEXOR registry, which was created as a TOWER group (Team of Worldwide Endourological Researchers, research wing of the Endourological Society) endeavor. Patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for renal stones from January 2018 to August 2021 were enrolled from 20 centers globally. A total of 6663 patients whose data were available for analysis were divided into Group 1 (Reusable scopes, 4808 patients) versus Group 2 (Disposable scopes, 1855 patients). The age and gender distribution were similar in both groups. The mean stone size was 11.8 mm and 9.6 mm in Groups 2 and 1, respectively (p < 0.001). Group 2 had more patients with >2 cm stones, lower pole stones and of higher Hounsfield unit. Thulium fiber laser (TFL) was used more in Group 2 (p < 0.001). Patients in Group 2 had a slightly higher stone-free rate (SFR) (78.22%) and a lower number of residual fragments (RFs) compared with Group 1 (p < 0.001). The need for further treatments for RF and overall complications was comparable between groups. On multivariate analysis, overall complications were more likely to occur in elderly patients, larger stone size, lower pole stones, and were also more when using disposable scopes with longer operative time. RFs were significantly higher (p < 0.001) for lower pole, larger, harder, multiple stones and in elderly. Our real-world practice observations suggest that urologists choose disposable scopes for bigger, lower pole, and harder stones, and it does indeed help in improving the single-stage SFR if used correctly, with the appropriate lasers and lasing techniques in expert hands.

Spy basket retrieval method of an embedded hepaticogastrostomy stent (with videos).

EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is performed for benign biliary diseases as an alternative therapy for ERCP. However, a critical adverse event such as stent migration was reported.[1] Recently, stent retrieval method in the HGS route using Spy bite (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA),[2] forceps,[3] or balloon[4] has been reported. We report a case that the plastic stent (PS) retrieval method using Spy basket (Boston Scientific) [Figure 1] and grasping the flap of PS was efficient as a new stent retrieval method.Figure 1: Spy basket (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA)A 70-year-old man with a history of pancreaticoduodenectomy was admitted to our institution to treat intrahepatic biliary stones. Because we failed to remove stones under enteroscope-assisted ERCP due to the instability of the scope, we decided to perform EUS-HGS. At first, a PS was placed in the choledochojejunostomy route, and a metallic stent was placed across the HGS route due to the incomplete stone extraction because of large stone size [Video 1]. One month later, the PS was revealed to be placed into B2 [Figure 2a]. It seemed to be difficult to retrieve the PS because of embedding into not B3 but B2. After we removed the metallic stent in the HGS route, cholangioscope (Spy-Glass DS; Boston Scientific) was inserted. Although we failed to catch the PS by Spy bite under direct visualization [Video 2], we could successfully grasp the flap of embedded stent and easily retrieve it using a Spy basket [Figure 2b, c and Video 3]. Finally, stones were completely extracted using electrohydraulic lithotripsy with a cholangioscopy. No procedure-related adverse events occurred [Figure 2d]. Although stent dislocation can be a serious complication during interventional EUS and may need surgical intervention, cholangioscopy-guided grasping the flap of PS by Spy basket can be an effective method for retrieval of embedded PS.Figure 2: Retrieval of an embedded stent using a digital cholangioscopy and Spy basket; (a) An embedded plastic stent to the left lateral branch of the bile duct (B2). (b and c) The embedded stent was grasped using a Spy basket under digital cholangioscopic visualization, on the cholangioscopic image and fluoroscopic image. (d) Fluoroscopic image of the biliary duct after removal of the stent and intrahepatic biliary stonesDeclaration of patient consent The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form, the patient has given his consent for his images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patient understands that his name and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal his identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON PREDICTION OF DIFFICULTIES DURING LAPROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY IN CASES OF CHOLELITHIASIS BY PREOPERATIVE ULTRASONOGRAPHY

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the treatment of choice for cholelithiasis. Some reliable factors are needed to predict difficulties during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. So, our aim was to study various preoperative ultrasonographic parameters which may predict difficulties in performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHOD: One twenty five patients of cholelithiasis admitted for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were studied. Preoperative ultrasonographic parameters such as gall bladder(GB) wall thickness, transverse diameter of GB, pericholecystic fluid collection, gall stone mobility, number of stones & size of largest stone, common bile duct(CBD) diameter and emphysematous cholecystitis were given a score of 0 or 1 based on findings being negative or positive respectively. Total score was correlated with the difficulties faced during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. RESULT: Out of 125 cases, 42(33.6%) cases were found to be difficult during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 6 cases (4.8%) required conversion to open cholecystectomy. GB wall thickness (p value= 0.00001), transverse diameter of GB (p value= 0.001), pericholecystic fluid collection (p value= 0.00001), dilated CBD (p value=0.007), size of stone (p value= 0.007) found to be statistically significant in predicting difficulties during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Higher the preoperative USG score, higher were the chances of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy and conversion to open cholecystectomy. CONCLUSION: Pre operative ultrasonography in the form of a formulated score is a good predictor of difficulties during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.