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Background: Patients with urolithiasis have access to a wide range of efficacious therapeutic surgical options, including shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), retrograde ureteric or intrarenal surgery with semi-rigid and flexible ureteroscopes (URS or fURS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). In recent years, there have been many peer-reviewed publications evaluating new techniques and new equipment, such as pulse-modulated Holmium:YAG and thulium fibre lasers. However, when reviewing this extensive literature, it becomes apparent that there is no consensus on what constitutes a 'successful' stone treatment outcome. Objectives: The purpose of this article is to review the existing measures of 'success' after the ureteroscopic treatment of urolithiasis and to promote a standardised and holistic approach to reporting outcomes in clinical trials. Methods: Our narrative review focussed on studies examining measures of success in urolithiasis treatment published within the last 10 years. Conclusions: Due to markedly different reported outcome measures of treatments for urolithiasis, comparing results between studies can be difficult. In addition to measuring clinical outcomes, there is an increasing acknowledgement of the importance of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in determining treatment success, and the need to consider the cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability of various treatments. We suggest that all future studies on this common urological condition should incorporate holistic and tranpsarent outcome measures. Level of evidence: Not applicable [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To perform a systematic review on artificial intelligence (AI) performances to detect urinary stones. Methods: A PROSPERO-registered (CRD473152) systematic search of Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed databases was performed to identify original research articles pertaining to AI stone detection or measurement, using search terms ("automatic" OR "machine learning" OR "convolutional neural network" OR "artificial intelligence" OR "detection" AND "stone volume"). Risk-of-bias (RoB) assessment was performed according to the Cochrane RoB tool, the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for nonrandomized studies, and the Checklist for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging (CLAIM). Results: Twelve studies were selected for the final review, including three multicenter and nine single-center retrospective studies. Eleven studies completed at least 50% of the CLAIM checkpoints and only one presented a high RoB. All included studies aimed to detect kidney (5/12, 42%), ureter (2/12, 16%), or urinary (5/12, 42%) stones on noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT), but 42% intended to automate measurement. Stone distinction from vascular calcification interested two studies. All studies used AI machine learning network training and internal validation, but a single one provided an external validation. Trained networks achieved stone detection, with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates ranging from 58.7% to 100%, 68.5% to 100%, and 63% to 99.95%, respectively. Detection Dice score ranged from 83% to 97%. A high correlation between manual and automated stone volume (r = 0.95) was noted. Differentiate distal ureteral stones and phleboliths seemed feasible. Conclusions: AI processes can achieve automated urinary stone detection from NCCT. Further studies should provide urinary stone detection coupled with phlebolith distinction and an external validation, and include anatomical abnormalities and urologic foreign bodies (ureteral stent and nephrostomy tubes) cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To report the results of a clinical audit conducted by the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) of ureteric stone care pathways, with results reported with reference to national quality standards. Patients and Methods: The BAUS conducted a clinical audit of all patients presenting as an emergency to 107 hospitals in England during November 2020 with ureteric stones. All patients were followed up until 31 March 2021 and the inpatient and outpatient management received was recorded. Results: Data for 2192 patients across 117 units were submitted. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of patients per unit was 16 (9–27); 70% of patients were male and the median (IQR) patient age was 46 (34–59) years. Initial management was conservative treatment for 70% of patients. Overall, primary shockwave lithotripsy was performed in 34% of patients and primary ureteroscopy in 23% of cases when surgical intervention was required to treat the stone. However, 40% of patients in whom active intervention was appropriate underwent placement of a temporizing ureteric stent rather than undergo definitive surgical intervention at the outset. Female patients were less likely to have a computed tomography (CT) scan of the kidneys, ureters and bladder performed within 24 h of presentation (13% vs 7.3% for men [chi‐squared P = 0.01]) and to be given correct analgesia (66% vs 73% for men [chi‐squared P = 0.03]). Patients aged 60 years or older were also significantly less likely to be offered nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug analgesia appropriately. In total, 87% of patients had their calcium measured within the last 2 years and 73% of patients had evidence of being offered stone prevention diet and fluid advice. Conclusions: The audit demonstrates that the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence Quality Standards are both measurable and achievable. However, there was considerable variation in the delivery of these standards, including with regard to sex and age, highlighting inequalities for patient care across the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessment of residual fragments (RFs) is a key step after treatment of kidney stones. Objective: To evaluate differences in RFs estimation based on unenhanced computerized tomography (CT) versus X-rays/ultrasound after retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney stones. Design: A retrospective analysis of data from 20 centers of adult patients who had RIRS was done (January 2018–August 2021). Methods: Exclusion criteria: ureteric stones, anomalous kidneys, bilateral renal stones. Patients were divided into two groups (group 1: CT; group 2: plain X-rays or combination of X-rays/ultrasound within 3months after RIRS). Clinically significant RFs (CSRFs) were considered RFs⩾4mm. One-to-one propensity score matching for age, gender, and stone characteristics was performed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate independent predictors of CSRFs. Results: A total of 5395 patients were included (1748 in group 1; 3647 in group 2). After matching, 608 patients from each group with comparable baseline and stone characteristics were included. CSRFs were diagnosed in 1132 patients in the overall cohort (21.0%). Postoperative CT reported a significantly higher number of patients with RFs⩾4mm, before (35.7% versus 13.9%, p<0.001) and after matching (43.1% versus 23.9%, p<0.001). Only 21.8% of patients in the matched cohort had an ancillary procedure post-RIRS which was significantly higher in group 1 (74.8% versus 47.6%, p<0.001). Age [OR 1.015 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.009–1.020, p<0.001], stone size (OR 1.028 95% CI 1.017–1.040, p<0.001), multiple stones (OR 1.171 95% CI 1.025–1.339, p=0.021), lower pole stone (OR 1.853 95% CI 1.557–2.204, p<0.001) and the use of post-operative CT scan (OR 5.9883 95% CI 5.094–7.037, p<0.001) had significantly higher odds of having CSRFs. Conclusions: CT is the only reliable imaging to assess the burden of RFs following RIRS and urologist should consider at least one CT scan to determine the same and definitely plan reintervention only based on CT rather than ultrasound and X-ray combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To develop a nomogram that could predict spontaneous stone passage (SSP) in patients presenting with acute ureteric colic who are suitable for conservative management. Patients and Methods: A 2517 patient dataset was utilised from an international multicentre cohort study (MIMIC, A Multi‐centre Cohort Study Evaluating the role of Inflammatory Markers In Patients Presenting with Acute Ureteric Colic) of patients presenting with acute ureteric colic across 71 secondary care hospitals in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Inclusion criteria mandated a non‐contrast computed tomography of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. SSP was defined as the 'absence of the need for intervention'. The model was developed using logistic regression and backwards selection (to achieve lowest Akaike's information criterion) in a subset from 2009–2015 (n = 1728) and temporally validated on a subset from 2016–2017 (n = 789). Results: Of the 2517 patients, 1874 had SSP (74.5%). The mean (SD) age was 47 (14.7) years and 1892 were male (75.2%). At the end of the modelling process, gender: male (odds ratio [OR] 0.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64–1.01, P = 0.07), neutrophil count (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.06, P = 0.08), hydronephrosis (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.59–1.05, P = 0.1), hydroureter (OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.97–1.75, P = 0.08), stone size >5–7 mm (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.16–0.25, P < 0.001), stone size >7 mm (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.08–0.15, P < 0.001), middle ureter stone position (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.43–0.81, P = 0.001), upper ureter stone position (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.25–0.39, P < 0.001), medical expulsive therapy use (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.1–1.67, P = 0.001), oral nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use (OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.99–1.71, P = 0.06), and rectal NSAID use (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.9–1.53, P = 0.24) remained. The concordance‐statistic (C‐statistic) was 0.77 (95% CI 0.75–0.80) and a nomogram was developed based on these. Conclusion: The presented nomogram is available to use as an on‐line calculator via www.BURSTurology.com and could allow clinicians and patients to make a more informed decision on pursuing conservative management vs early intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on the care of patients with urolithiasis. Recommendations and prioritization of endourologic surgical procedures vary among regions, and a comprehensive overall international directive is needed. We used the Delphi method to obtain international consensus on managing urolithiasis patients during the pandemic. Methods: A three-round Delphi process was used to elicit expert consensus (53 global key opinion leaders within the Endourological Society from 36 countries) on an extensive survey on management of endourologic patients in a pandemic. Questions addressed general management, inpatient and outpatient procedures, clinic visits, follow-up care, and best practices for suspension and resumption of routine care. Results: Consensus was achieved in 64/84 (76%) questions. Key consensus findings included the following: consultations should be delivered remotely when possible. Invasive surgical procedures for urolithiasis patients should be reserved for high-risk situations (infection, renal failure, etc.). To prevent aerosolization, spinal anesthesia is preferred over general, whenever feasible. Treatment of asymptomatic renal stones should be deferred. Primary definitive treatment of obstructing or symptomatic stones (both renal and ureteral) is preferred over temporizing drainage. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy should be continued for obstructive ureteral stones. There was consensus on treatment modalities and drainage strategies depending on location and size of the stone. Conclusion: International endourologist members of the Endourological Society participated in this Delphi initiative to provide expert consensus on management of urolithiasis during a pandemic. These results can be applied currently and during a future pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With webinars looking to be the mainstay post-pandemic, it is important to demonstrate whether webinars are, indeed, effective educational tools for professional training and skill acquisition. We aim at demonstrating, via a global survey, the efficacy of webinars on percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and how this knowledge transforms clinical practice. Methods: A structured online survey covering the following sections: (1) Demographics, (2) PCNL techniques, and (3) PCNL equipment was circulated. The target study population were practicing urologists and residents. Categorical data were presented with counts and percentages, and they were compared by using Chi-square test. Continuous data were analyzed with non-parametric methods. Respondents were dichotomized according to attendance of webinar type, attendees of dedicated PCNL webinars (Group A), or attendees of endourological webinars that discussed some aspects of PCNL (Group B). Results: A total of 303 respondents from 38 countries participated. Overall, 91.7% (n = 278) were in Group A and 8.3% (n = 25) were in Group B; 77.9% were younger than 50 years, whereas 51.8% had more than 10 years of urology experience. In group A, urologists of all ages, in academic institutions and private practitioners, significantly benefited in gaining knowledge about the merits of newer devices and the role of suction-assisted devices in modern PCNL. The majority of group A also reflected that by attending a dedicated PCNL-based webinar they benefited in learning newer positions for PCNL access, especially supine, and how to effectively use laser as energy devices for lithotripsy. In Group B, the only area of benefit was in lasing techniques and the use of newer lasers such as the thulium fibre laser. Conclusion: Our survey positively validates the two proposed hypothesis, that is, webinars as a medium of education do benefit practicing urologists in knowledge and the clinical practice domains. Age, experience, or place of practice is no barrier to adopting newer mediums of education such as webinars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tele-handover for Smart Learning In addition to improvements in patient care and departmental service provision, the tele-handover meeting has been a positive for trainees during a challenging period. This brief report on our tele-handover morning meeting aims to highlight the positive impact of this simple change in relation to patient care, inpatient efficiency, working patterns and teaching for urology trainees at our department. COVID-19 has brought unprecedented disruption to medicine, urology and training. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: To assess the relationship of white blood cell count (WBC) and other routinely collected inflammatory and clinical markers including stone size, stone position, and medical expulsive therapy use (MET), with spontaneous stone passage (SSP) in a large contemporary cohort of patients with acute ureteric colic, as there are conflicting data on the role of WBC and other inflammatory markers in SSP in patients with acute ureteric colic. Patients and methods: Multicentre retrospective cohort study coordinated by the British Urology Researchers in Surgical Training (BURST) Research Collaborative at 71 secondary care hospitals across four countries (UK, Republic of Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand). In all, 4170 patients presented with acute ureteric colic and a computed tomography confirmed single ureteric stone. Our primary outcome measure was SSP, as defined by the absence of need for intervention to assist stone passage (SP). Multivariable mixed effects logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between key patient factors and SSP. Results: In all, 2518 patients were discharged with conservative management and had further follow‐up with a SSP rate of 74% (n = 1874/2518). Sepsis after discharge with conservative management was reported in 0.6% (n = 16/2518). On multivariable analysis neither WBC, neutrophils count, nor C‐reactive protein (CRP) predicted SSP, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91–1.04, P = 0.38), 1.06 (95% CI 0.99–1.13, P = 0.1) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.99–1.00, P = 0.17), respectively. MET also did not predict SSP (adjusted OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.76–1.61). However, stone size and stone position were significant predictors. SSP for stones <5 mm was 89% (95% CI 87–90) compared to 49% (95% CI 44–53) for stones ≥5–7 mm, and 29% (95% CI 23–36) for stones >7 mm. For stones in the upper ureter the SSP rate was 52% (95% CI 48–56), middle ureter was 70% (95% CI 64–76), and lower ureter was 83% (95% CI 81–85). Conclusion: In contrast to the previously published literature, we found that in patients with acute ureteric colic who are discharged with initial conservative management neither WBC, neutrophil count, nor CRP, helps determine the likelihood of SSP. We also found no overall benefit from the use of MET. Stone size and position are important predictors and our present findings represent the most comprehensive SP rates for each millimetre increase in stone size from a large contemporary cohort adjusting for key potential confounders. We anticipate that these data will aid clinicians managing patients with acute ureteric colic and help guide management decisions and the need for intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents author's comments on antibiotic resistance which is recognized as a threat to global health. It focuses on the need to review antibiotic prescribing practice for treatment and prophylaxis. It focuses on the rise in bacterial resistance with the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis and no treatment in patients undergoing upper tract ureteroscopy/ureterorenoscopy.

Background: The incidence of spina bifida (SB) is~1:1000, and risk of stone disease is substantially raised in SB. This is the unique published study of the outcome of patients with SB undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) compared to a neurologically intact historically matched control group at the same institution. Patients and Method: A series of 96 PCNLs in 13 SB and 50 non-SB patients was analyzed. The following measurements were recorded: (1) Comorbidities; (2) Preoperative: (renal function, American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] score); (3) Intraoperative: (anesthesia time, number of tracks, stone-free rate); and (4) Postoperative: (sepsis, intensive therapy unit and total length of stay, transfusion rate, stone composition, rate of stone disease-related nephrectomy). Results: Retrograde access to the ureter was impossible in all cases of SB. The median ASA grade (OR 10.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.6-42.7) and operative time (median difference 30 minutes, 95% CI 20-40) were both higher in the SB cohort. Surgeon's estimate of stone-free rate was significantly lower in the SB cohort (46% vs 82%). Intensive care requirement (0.29 days/PCNL vs 0.1 days/PCNL); total hospital stay (7 days vs 4 days); postoperative transfusion rate (11.8% vs 1.6%); and sepsis rate (38% vs 1.6%) were all significantly higher in the SB group. Repeat PCNL and nephrectomy for recurrent stone disease were both significantly increased in SB cohort compared to control group. Conclusions: PCNL in patients with SB is associated with multiple parameters of poor outcome. Patients with SB should be counseled about increased peri-operative risk and likelihood of stone recurrence. In an era where hospitals are judged according to comparative outcomes, a case may be made for comparing PCNL in this cohort of patients separately because of the significantly increased peri- and postoperative morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical simulators offer an invaluable educational resource for medical trainees. However, owing to cost and portability restrictions, they have traditionally been limited to simulation centres. With the advent of sophisticated mobile technology, simulators have become cheaper and more accessible. Touch Surgery is one such freely downloadable mobile application simulator (MAS) used by over one million healthcare professionals worldwide. Nevertheless, to date, it has never been formally validated as an adjunct in undergraduate medical education. Methods: Medical students in the final 3 years of their programme were recruited and randomised to one of three revision interventions: 1) no formal revision resources, 2) traditional revision resources, or 3) MAS. Students completed pre-test questionnaires and were then assessed on their ability to complete an undisclosed male urinary catheterisation scenario. Following a one-hour quarantined revision period, all students repeated the scenario. Both attempts were scored by allocation-blinded examiners against an objective 46-point mark scheme. Results: A total of 27 medical students were randomised (n = 9 per group). Mean scores improved between baseline and post-revision attempts by 8.7% (p = 0.003), 19.8% (p = 0.0001), and 15.9% (p = 0.001) for no resources, traditional resources, and MAS, respectively. However, when comparing mean score improvements between groups there were no significant differences. Conclusions: Mobile simulators offer an unconventional, yet potentially useful adjunct to enhance undergraduate clinical skills education. Our results indicate that MAS’s perform comparably to current gold-standard revision resources; however, they may confer significant advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and practice flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinicians are faced with multiple diagnostic and treatment challenges when managing pregnant women with urolithiasis. Anatomical and physiological changes during pregnancy have to be taken into account whilst simultaneously considering both the expectant mother and the foetus. Ultrasonography remains the first-choice imaging modality, notwithstanding its potentially poor diagnostic accuracy. There is currently no consensus on second-line investigation for suspected urolithiasis. Low-dose non-contrast CT is highly sensitive, but the long-term effects of ionizing radiation on the foetus remain unknown. As far as treatment is concerned, expectant therapy is the primary option for management in the majority of cases. Percutaneous nephrostomy or ureteric stent placements are safe temporizing measures in relieving an acutely obstructed system and should be expedited in the presence of sepsis. Studies have shown ureteroscopy to be safe and effective during pregnancy with no significant risk to the foetus. It is important for the clinician to explain clearly the risks associated with the investigation and management options to the pregnant patient, including an acknowledgement that some of these remain unquantified, or even unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has become customary that a session is held at the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) annual meeting wherein the most important advances in the major urological sub-specialities are summarised by British opinion leaders for the benefit of the core urologist. It gives us pleasure to present in this paper (to which the six authors contributed equally) the topics covered at the Liverpool BAUS meeting in June 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has become customary that a session is held at the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) annual meeting, wherein the most important advances in the major urological sub-specialities are summarised by British opinion leaders for the benefit of the core of urologists. It gives us pleasure to present in this paper the topics covered at the BAUS meeting in June 2015, in Manchester, UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) techniques have changed the management of renal stones. We discuss the technological advances in PCNL and explain the meaning, requirements and set up costs for each of these ‘newer’ techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate patient safety, educational value, and ethical issues surrounding 'Live surgical broadcast' (LSB) and 'As-live surgical broadcast' (ALB) using data obtained from urologic delegates attending two recent endourology meetings in the United Kingdom. Subjects and Methods: Two hundred twelve delegates at the UK section meeting of the Société Internationale d'Urologie (SIU) were invited to complete an online survey using SurveyMonkey® to compare their previous perceptions of LSB and ALB, and to compare their current experience of ALB to previous experience of LSB. One hundred three delegates at the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) Endourology meeting used live voting keypads to compare their experience of LSB and ALB simultaneously, as well as comparing their current experience of ALB to previous experience of LSB. Responses were recorded using a Likert scale. Results: One hundred sixty-five responses were analyzed from the meetings. Most delegates were in specialist practice as a consultant or trainee (89.1%). LSB had been witnessed more than ALB (87.1% vs 66.6%, p=0.049). Based on previous experiences, the educational value of both formats was felt similar, but delegates felt there were significant patient safety benefits with ALB over LSB. Delegates were significantly less likely to recommend a friend or family, or volunteer themselves to be a patient in an LSB setting. On-the-day comparison of LSB and ALB shows a similar educational value to both formats, but with significantly less concern for the surgeon and patient's outcome with ALB. Conclusion: ALB offers similar educational opportunities to delegates when compared with LSB, while appearing to offer significant welfare benefits to both surgeon and patient. Further studies are required to objectively quantify these subjective observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]