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Objectives: To evaluate a population of children with non-refluxing primary megaureter (NRPM), we investigated spontaneous resolution of ureteral dilation and the pattern (proximal to distal or distal to proximal) in which it occurs., Methods: From our prospectively collected prenatal hydronephrosis (HN) database (0-24 months, 2008-2017), selecting those with NRPM (n = 92). We excluded patients who underwent surgery (n = 20), children with <6 months follow-up (n = 2) and without a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) (n = 4). Images were segregated into 198 ureteric segments (proximal/mid/distal). We defined resolution as Society for Fetal Urology (SFU) (0/1), anteroposterior diameter (APD) <10 mm, and ureteric dilatation <5 mm. Descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier curves were created for time-to-resolution analyses., Results: Of 66 patients and 198 ureteral segments, median age at presentation was 2 months (0-12), 83% were male (33% circumcised). Mean APD at baseline was 11 ± 4 mm, and 79% had (SFU 3/4) HN. Mean dilatation of ureteral segments (mm) at baseline was: 9 ± 2 proximal, 9 ± 2 mid, and 11 ± 3 distal. At a median follow-up time of 26 (7-83) months, dilation of 55 (83%) proximal, 48 (72%) mid, and 22 (33%) distal ureteric segments had resolved. Overall, HN resolution occurred in 76% of patients. Resolution rates were similar for proximal/mid-ureters (83% vs 72%; P = .20); however, they were significantly different from distal segments (83% proximal vs 33% distal; 72% mid vs 33% distal, P <.01)., Conclusion: Our data suggest that spontaneous resolution of NRPM follows a proximal to distal progression. Distal ureteric dilatation takes up to 10 months longer to resolve compared to that of proximal and mid-ureteric segments, as well as that of the renal pelvis., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To create an in vitro anatomic bench model that can mimic in vivo intrapelvic pressure (IPP) during ureteroscopy (URS) and compare it against existing in vivo and ex vivo data., Methods: A silicone kidney model (Simagine Health) that permits intrarenal endoscopic navigation was engineered to have a fluid-tight seal for the ureteral opening and a Tuohy-Borst valve in the renal pelvis incorporating a 0.2 mm pressure sensor (Opsens). To calibrate the model, a Cobra ureteroscope (Wolf) was inserted to the pelvis with 200cmH 2 O irrigation, and the valve adjusted until an IPP of 54cmH 2 O was obtained (prior human data). All experiments were conducted with a laser fiber in the working channel, with and without ureteral access sheaths (UAS) (11/13F, 13/15F) at irrigation setting of 61, 102, 153, and 193cmH 2 O using an automated system (Rocamed). Study outcome was mean steady-state IPP for each UAS/irrigation condition., Results: Fluid leakage through the Tuohy-Borst valve, which could be adjusted, was critical to simulate ureteric outflow during URS. IPP values for each condition corresponded with data from in vivo and ex vivo models. In the no UAS condition, IPP increased with increasing irrigation pressures, and surpassed 40cmH 2 O when ≥153cmH 2 O. When using a UAS, IPP was below 40cmH 2 O for all irrigation pressures., Conclusions: An in vitro kidney model can simulate in vivo and ex vivo IPP profiles, and be tailored to different conditions by controlling fluid outflow. This bench model can be useful for testing of new technologies and their impact on IPP., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Context: The European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines Panel on Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC) has prepared updated guidelines to aid clinicians in the current evidence-based management of UTUC and to incorporate recommendations into clinical practice., Objective: To provide an overview of the EAU guidelines on UTUC as an aid to clinicians., Evidence Acquisition: The recommendations provided in the current guidelines are based on a thorough review of available UTUC guidelines and articles identified following a systematic search of Medline. Data on urothelial malignancies and UTUC were searched using the following keywords: urinary tract cancer, urothelial carcinomas, upper urinary tract carcinoma, renal pelvis, ureter, bladder cancer, chemotherapy, ureteroscopy, nephroureterectomy, neoplasm, adjuvant treatment, instillation, recurrence, risk factors, and survival. References were weighted by a panel of experts., Evidence Synthesis: Owing to the rarity of UTUC, there are insufficient data to provide strong recommendations. The 2017 tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) classification is recommended. Recommendations are given for diagnosis and risk stratification as well as for radical and conservative treatment, and prognostic factors are discussed. A single postoperative dose of intravesical mitomycin after nephroureterectomy reduces the risk of bladder tumour recurrence. Kidney-sparing management should be offered as a primary treatment option to patients with low-risk tumour and two functional kidneys. After radical nephroureterectomy, cisplatin-based chemotherapy is indicated in locally advanced UTUC., Conclusions: These guidelines contain information on the management of individual patients according to a current standardised approach. Urologists should take into account the specific clinical characteristics of each patient when determining the optimal treatment regimen, based on the proposed risk stratification of these tumours., Patient Summary: Urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract is rare, but because 60% of these tumours are invasive at diagnosis, an appropriate diagnosis is most important. A number of known risk factors exist., (Copyright © 2020 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Diaphragmatic herniations are the rarest form of ureteral herniations with only around 9 cases reported since 1958. 1-10 Though uncommon, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a posterior diaphragmatic or paraspinal opacity with associated hydronephrosis. Correct diagnosis is of paramount importance and can be easily established by noninvasive imaging technique. In symptomatic individuals, laparoscopic intervention can be offered with good results in fit patients with ureteral stenting reserved for poor surgical candidates. Here we present a successful laparoscopic management of an elderly female who presented with right flank pain and was diagnosed with a right sided diaphragmatic ureteral herniation., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Metastasis of prostate cancer to renal pelvis is extremely rare. A 64-year-old man was hospitalized for increased prostate-specific antigen after radical prostatectomy. 68 Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT showed hydronephrosis caused by a mass in the left renal pelvis without significant uptake of prostate-specific membrane antigen tracer. The histopathology indicated metastatic prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 5 + 5 but negative for prostate-specific membrane antigen following nephroureterectomy. Although metastasis to renal pelvis is rare, the occurrence possibility could not be ignored when with hydronephrosis is found in prostate cancer patients., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To address the incidence and potential risk factors of port site metastasis (PSM) in patients who underwent laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma., Materials and Methods: Between January 2013 and December 2018 laparoscopic RNU were performed in 240 patients at our institution, including 145 with renal pelvic tumor and 135 with ureteral tumor (40 patients have both tumor). Laparoscopies were performed through the transperitoneal approach in 28 patients, and retroperitoneal in 212 patients. Clinical data are retrospectively collected., Results: Perioperative and pathologic data are available in all 240 cases. After a mean follow-up of 12.6 months (range 3-45 months), 4 patients (1.7%) developed PSM following retroperitoneal RNU at an average of 4.3 months. Tumor stage is T2N0M0 in one, T3N0M0 in two, and T3N1M0 in one, respectively. Tumor grade are high-grade urothelial carcinoma in all. The incidence of PSM is 2.8% (4/145) and 0.7% (1/135) in renal pelvic and ureteral tumor, respectively., Conclusion: We report a 1.7% incidence of PSM in upper tract urothelial carcinoma after laparoscopic RNU. We suggest that air leakage during retroperitoneal approach, high tumor stage (pT3) and grade, and advanced renal pelvic tumor with micrometastases could increase the potential risks of PSM., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Fibroepithelial polyps represent a rare cause of intrinsic ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the pediatric population, accounting for less than 5% of cases. Herein, we present this peculiar case of a 10-year-old boy with multiple large intraluminal FEPs resembling Medusa's hair and the challenges associated with its subsequent treatment plan., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is a common cause of upper urinary tract obstruction and consequent hydronephrosis. We present a case of right UPJO caused by a crossing vessel suspected to be the right second lumbar vein. While crossing vessels are a common cause of UPJO in older children and adults, they are usually attributed to lower pole vessels. We believe that this is the first case report of UPJO caused by a lumbar vein. Recognition of crossing vessels requires knowledge of variant vasculature anatomy around the kidneys. Due to this unusual crossing vessel origin, our case likely represented an anatomical variant that would be of interest to both fields of urology and radiology., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To describe a modified technique for easily locating cystic wall during flexible ureteroscopic surgery for treatment of parapelvic renal cysts., Methods: Nineteen patients with symptomatic/asymptomatic parapelvic renal cyst were treated with modified or conventional flexible ureteroscopic surgery between February 2015 and March 2017, and the differences of the 2 techniques were compared. The detailed surgical procedures and results, postoperative complications, and patients' follow-ups were evaluated., Results: All the patients received endoscopic management by flexible ureteroscope successfully, without requiring another complicated surgery. The cysts were seen clearly in 9 patients with modified method. Two of ten patients who underwent conventional ureteroscopic surgery changed to the modified surgery intra-operatively since it was difficult to identify the cyst. The total time of search and incision of cysts was 24.2 ± 6.2 minutes and 17.7 ± 2.5 minutes for conventional and modified technique respectively (P = .01), of which 11.4 ± 4.8 minutes and 5.1 ± 1.1 minutes to search the cysts, respectively (P = .002), and the mean time of the procedure of puncture was 8 ± 2.3 minutes. Duration of pure incising the cystic wall was 12.8 ± 3.3 minutes and 12.6 ± 2.5 minutes for patients who underwent conventional and modified technique, respectively (P = .859). All patients acquired relief from the presentation of flank discomfort after surgery. All of the patients were followed-up over 12 months and no serious complications and recurrence was observed., Conclusion: The modified technique can decrease time of searching the renal cyst and decrease the total time in flexible ureteroscopic treatment of parapelvic cysts. The limitations of our study were also observed and further studies are needed., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To describe our en bloc technique of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) during retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma and evaluate perioperative outcomes., Methods: From 2002 to 2015, 114 patients with urinary tract urothelial carcinoma located at the pelvis or upper or middle ureter underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy at 2 institutions. Performance of RPLND began in February 2009. The template of RPLND included the renal hilar and para-aortic lymph nodes (left side) and the renal hilar, paracaval, retrocaval, and intra-aortocaval lymph nodes (right side). After incising Gerota fascia longitudinally, the aorta (left side) or inferior vena cava (right side) was exposed, and the lymphatic and surrounding fatty tissue in the template and kidney was dissected in a single monoblock. Preoperative data were compared between the RPLND and the no-RPLND groups using propensity score matching., Results: In total, 32 matched pairs were evaluated. RPLND was successfully accomplished without open conversion in all cases. The operative time in the RPLND group was approximately 100 minutes longer than that in the no-RPLND group, but there was no significant difference in the blood loss volume or complication rate. The pathologic stages were similar in both groups. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 10.7 (range 3-27), and lymph node metastasis was detected in 5 (16%) cases., Conclusion: Retroperitoneoscopic en bloc RPLND permits complete and radical removal of the lymphatic tissue contained in the RPLND template. Our en bloc technique is a safe and feasible procedure with comparable blood loss and complication rates., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A 65-year-old woman presented with recurrent urinary tract infections. A computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis shows a dilated and malrotated right renal pelvis consistent with a ureteropelvic junction obstruction as well as multiple renal arteries arising from the aorta. A computed tomography angiography revealed 5 separate renal arteries originating from the aorta with a single renal artery crossing over and obstructing the right renal pelvis. On Lasix renogram, the affected kidney contributes 45% of total renal function. The patient remained asymptomatic (absent of hematuria, flank pain, infection) and opted for active surveillance., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We report a case of botryoid Wilms tumor that occupied the renal pelvis. A 2-year-old boy was referred to us with a chief complaint of macrohematuria. Ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumor occupying the left renal pelvis. Radical nephroureterectomy was performed. The resected specimen showed a botryoid sarcoma-like appearance, with a pedicle attaching to the pelvicalyceal wall, occupying the left renal pelvis. Histologic findings confirmed botryoid Wilms tumor. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was executed. There was no recurrence or metastasis 6 months after nephroureterectomy., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To explore the feasibility of extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (EL-RNU) and lymph node dissection in a modified supine position for managing urothelial carcinomas in the renal pelvis or in the upper two-thirds of the ureter., Patients and Methods: Consecutively from January 2014 to October 2015, 15 patients with high-risk urothelial carcinoma in the renal pelvis or in the upper two-thirds of the ureter underwent EL-RNU and extraperitoneal laparoscopic lymph node dissection (EL-LND). Clinical and pathologic data, histologic nodal status, perioperative complications, and recurrence data were collected., Results: All of the 15 patients were treated with EL-RNU and EL-LND in a modified supine position, and none was converted to open surgery. The mean operation time was 178 ± 18 minutes. The mean estimated blood loss was 140 ± 40 mL. The mean postoperative intestinal function recovery time was 2 days. The mean postoperative hospitalization was 7 ± 1 days. Pathologic studies revealed positive lymph nodes in 3 patients (20%). The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 12 ± 3. No local recurrence and distant metastasis were found after a median follow-up of 14.4 months (7-23 months)., Conclusion: EL-RNU and EL-LND in the modified supine position are mini-invasive and feasible for patients with urothelial carcinoma in the renal pelvis or in the upper two-thirds of the ureter. Good exposure and dissection of the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava and the integrity of the peritoneum are key to the operational success of this approach., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To determine if rural status was associated with kidney and renal pelvis cancer (KCa) incidence and mortality in Illinois while controlling for known KCa risk factors and access to care variables., Materials and Methods: Age-adjusted KCa incidence rates from 1991 to 2010 were calculated from Illinois State Cancer Registry data. Age-adjusted KCa mortality rates were obtained from health statistics embedded within SEER*Stat. Rural Urban Continuum Codes designated Illinois' 102 counties as urban, rural adjacent to, and rural non-adjacent to a metropolitan area. County-level demographics and physician density were obtained from the Area Health Resource File. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data were used for smoking, obesity, and hypertension prevalence. Analysis of variance, correlation, and regression analyses were used., Results: The incidence of KCa was found to be higher among urban compared to rural counties after controlling for known risk factors (P < .01). A larger proportion of cases were diagnosed at a localized stage in urban counties (<0.01). Mortality rates were significantly higher in rural counties (P = .02). The final regression model found rural status, higher incidence rate, fewer with localized stage at diagnosis, and lower urologist density to be variables significantly associated with higher KCa mortality., Conclusion: KCa incidence was higher in urban counties whereas mortality was higher in rural counties. The higher number of KCa cases diagnosed at a localized stage in urban counties and lower urologist density in rural counties suggest that poorer access to care may contribute to higher KCa mortality in rural Illinois. Telemedicine may be an opportunity to improve this disparity., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The development of renal arteriopelvic fistula after percutaneous renal interventions is an extremely rare complication. We report a case of iatrogenic left renal arteriopelvic fistula in a 78-year-old man with unique imaging features on contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Migration of foreign bodies into the renal collecting system is very rare and usually concerns iatrogenically implanted objects. Migration of a foreign body from the gastrointestinal tract to the kidneys is even more rare. We present a case of migration of a wooden toothpick from the duodenum into the pelvis of the right kidney. The patient was not aware that he swallowed a toothpick; the foreign body resulted in hematuria and flank pain. The toothpick was missed during the initial computed tomography urography. Correct diagnosis was revealed by follow-up computed tomography. The toothpick was extracted endoscopically., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the application of intelligent pressure control devices (medical irrigation and suctioning platform with pressure feedback function, and suctioning ureteral access sheath with pressure-measuring function) in flexible ureteroscopy for monitoring and control of renal pelvic pressure., Materials and Methods: Nine pigs with a total of 18 kidneys were randomly divided into 3 groups according to varied renal perfusion flow rates: group A, 50 mL/min; group B, 100 mL/min; and group C, 150 mL/min. A ureteral catheter connected to an invasive blood pressure monitor was retrogradely placed to the upper renal calyx to measure upper calyceal pressure; the suctioning sheath was connected to a 3-channel tubing and was connected to an invasive blood pressure monitor; and the platform and renal pelvic outlet pressure was measured. Perfusion flow, intraluminal pressure control, and warning values were preset on the platform. A flexible ureteroscope was inserted into the upper, mid, and lower renal calyces, and to the front end of the sheath, respectively, each location was irrigated for 5 minutes, and pressure was measured every second., Results: No statistical significance was found between monitor renal pelvic outlet pressure and platform renal pelvic outlet pressure for each group, or between platform renal pelvic outlet pressure and upper renal caliceal pressure for each group at different locations when varied irrigation flow rates were used, or among groups for platform renal pelvic outlet pressure at various irrigation flow rates., Conclusion: The intelligent devices used in the flexible ureteroscopy can reliably and stably monitor and control the renal pelvic pressure within a safety range., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Renal lymphangiectasia is a rare disorder which may present as perirenal or peripelvic collection. Isolated renal sinus lymphangiectasia is a close differential diagnosis for pelviureteric junction obstruction on ultrasound, but can be resolved without ambiguity using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Here we describe such a case where imaging helped avoid unnecessary confusion., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Although unusual, placement of a Foley catheter into the renal pelvis or ureter has been reported. Proposed predisposing factors for errant placement include pre-existing hydronephrosis or congenital ureteral orifice enlargement. We report a case where aberrant placement of a Foley catheter into the renal pelvis of a transplanted kidney was detected by ultrasound in a patient being evaluated for acute kidney injury. The Foley had been in place for 2 weeks. This is the only reported case we are aware of involving accidental catheterization of a transplant's renal pelvis., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pediatric percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the flank-free modified supine position (FFMSP). PCNL in the supine position is increasingly and successfully used in pediatric age group. Different modifications of supine positions have been described; however, the best supine position is not well established and remains a matter of debate., Patients and Methods: This prospective study included 22 children presenting with single renal pelvis stone (2-3 cm) in the period between May 2012 and April 2014. Diagnosis was set by plain x-ray and computed tomography in all patients. PCNL was performed with the patients placed in the FFMSP. The operative time and hospital stay were estimated. The outcome and any perioperative complications or conflicts were recorded., Results: The study included 22 children (15 boys and 7 girls) with a solitary renal pelvis stone. Mean ± standard deviation age of the patients was 9.5 ± 3.2 years (range, 3-15.5 years). Stone length, operative time, and hospital stay had mean ± standard deviation of 2.4 ± 0.23 cm, 65.1 ± 18.7 minutes, and 4.4 ± 0.9 days. Stone-free rate was 90.9% after 1 session of PCNL. One patient (4.5%) needed a second-look PCNL. Shock wave lithotripsy was performed for another patient. Postoperative fever occurred in 4 patients (18.2%). One patient received postoperative blood transfusion. Postoperative transient urinoma occurred in 2 patients (9.1%)., Conclusion: PCNL in pediatric age group via FFMSP was proved to be safe and effective in management of renal pelvis stones of size 2-3 cm. It provides stone clearance rate comparable with that reported of conventional PCNL in the prone position., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To determine the ability of ureterorenoscopy (URS) to identify the precise number and location of all lesions as compared with pathologic review of nephroureterectomy specimens, which have not been previously determined. Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) comprises 5% of all urothelial malignancies in the United States. With advances in endoscopic equipment, there has been a move toward using flexible ureteroscopes to perform URS as part of the diagnostic evaluation and management., Methods: We identified patients who had undergone URS with biopsy before radical nephroureterectomy for UTUC. Operative reports for each procedure were reviewed and compared with the surgical pathology reports., Results: URS correctly identified the number and location of lesions in 57 of 76 patients (75%). The most common locations for missed lesions were in the ureter (9 patients) and renal pelvis (8 patients). Carcinoma in situ was missed on the initial biopsy for 9 patients. Three of 11 patients (27%) with a solitary lesion in the distal ureter visualized by URS had a missed lesion in the renal pelvis. URS with biopsy accurately predicted the grade of UTUC lesions in 79% of cases, whereas 65% of patients were upstaged on final pathology., Conclusion: URS with biopsy can accurately map UTUC in the majority of patients. However, up to 25% of patients will have missed lesions, and nearly 50% of these patients will have a missed carcinoma in situ lesion. Undergrading and understaging of UTUC lesions remain shortcomings with potentially severe consequences., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate contemporary national trends and outcomes of open pyeloplasty (OP) vs minimally invasive pyeloplasty (MIP) in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database., Methods: Patients treated by OP or MIP between 2006 and 2011 were identified by The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes corresponding to pyeloplasty as their primary operative procedure. Perioperative variables were analyzed using the chi-square and the Student t test. Multiple logistic regressions were used to identify morbidities and readmission risk factors., Results: Three hundred fifty-five patients were identified. Of them, 20.2% of cases were OP and 79.8% were MIP. There was a significant increase in MIP from 33% in 2006 to 83% in 2011 (P <.001). A total of 11.7% of patients in the MIP group underwent outpatient surgery (P = .002). Patients treated at a teaching hospital were over 3 times more likely to undergo MIP (odds ratio = 3.17; P = .001). There was significantly longer hospitalization in OP vs MIP (3.9 vs. 2.2 days; P = .001). OP was associated with significantly increased risk of reoperation or postoperative morbidity compared with MIP (11.1% vs. 4.2%; P = .02). Multivariate analysis confirmed a higher rate of overall morbidity in the OP cohort (P = .03). Male patients had significantly higher postoperative morbidity or reoperation rates (odds ratio = 4.38; P = .002). There was no significant difference in operative time between groups (P = .2)., Conclusion: Within the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program hospitals, MIP is associated with decreased reoperation and postoperative morbidity compared with OP., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: To present the outcomes of flexible ureterorenoscopy (F-URS) and laser lithotripsy for the treatment of calculi within pelvic ectopic kidney (PEK)., Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 26 patients with calculi in PEK treated with F-URS in 5 referral hospitals between 2010 and 2013. Patient demographics and stone characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, stone size, location, history of shock wave lithotripsy or kidney surgery), and perioperative measures (duration of operation, fluoroscopic imaging, and hospitalization and success and complication rates) were reviewed., Results: A total of 26 patients with mean age of 41.1 ± 15.8 years (7-72 years) were included in the study. The mean stone size was 17.0 ± 5.1 mm (10-28 mm). The mean procedure and fluoroscopy times were calculated as 52.1 ± 27.7 minutes (30-120 minutes) and 54.8 ± 48.9 seconds (10-180 seconds), respectively. The mean length of hospital stay was 2.7 ± 1.8 days (1-9 days). Treatment was deemed successful in 22 patients (84.6%). Ureteroscopy failed in 4 patients (15.4%) due to impaired passage of fragments (n = 3) or inability to reach the stone secondary to the location in an isolated lower calyx (n = 1). Minor postoperative complications were observed in 5 patients (19.2%; persistent hematuria [n = 1], fever [n = 1], renal colic [n = 2], and urinary tract infection [n = 1]). No severe complications or mortality occurred., Conclusion: Our results suggest that F-URS is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment modality for small- and medium-sized stones in PEK., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To identify predictive factors for multifocal lesions in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC)., Patients and Methods: Between June 1996 and September 2013, a cohort of 147 patients underwent radical nephroureterectomy at our institution. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify clinical covariates significantly associated with the multifocal UTUC lesions and establish a model to predict its occurrence., Results: In the univariate analyses, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hydronephrosis, history of bladder cancer, hemoglobin level, and Brinkman index were significantly associated with multifocal lesions. In the multivariate analysis, hydronephrosis (P = .010), history of bladder cancer (P = .017), Brinkman index >100 (P = .014), and hemoglobin level <11 g/dL (P = .031) were independent predictive factors for multifocal lesions. Using these independent factors, we calculated the predictive probability of multifocal lesions and predicted their occurrence. The predictive probability of multifocal lesions strongly correlated with their observed rate (regression coefficient = 0.9999)., Conclusion: An improved understanding of UTUC has led to various clinical guidelines being revised to recommend less invasive interventions in appropriate cases. Hydronephrosis, history of bladder cancer, Brinkman index, and hemoglobin level are independent predictive factors for multifocal lesions of UTUC. Although this study has limitations and additional studies are required to validate our findings, this information may aid in appropriate patient selection for partial ureterectomy and may be effectively incorporated into clinical practice., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To present the results of our experience with endoureterotomy as the initial management of ureterovesical junction obstruction (UVJO) with coexisting primary or secondary obstruction at the ureteropelvic junction (UPJO) level., Methods: A total of 490 children with 561 ureterorenal units were referred to our center for further management of UVJO. Of these, 47 ureterorenal units had concomitant UPJO. All patients underwent endoureterotomy. Patients were monitored by performing clinical examinations, urine culture, ultrasonography, and radionuclide renal scan., Results: Mean procedure time for endoureterotomy was 20 minutes (range, 14-33 minutes). No postoperative complications were observed. With a mean follow-up of 27 months, 39 of the 47 ureters with concomitancy (82.97%) showed resolution of both pathologies after the initial endoureterotomy, and 4 patients experienced resolution after redo endoureterotomy, with an overall success rate of 91.48%. Three ureterorenal units (6.38%) underwent further ureteral reimplantation. Pyeloplasty was performed on 3 ureterorenal units (6.38%), which led to complete resolution in all., Conclusion: Performing initial endoureterotomy for the management of UVJO concomitant with UPJO provides promising results in spontaneous resolution of UPJO and complete resolution or decrease in hydronephrosis and can be proposed as an effective and safe temporizing alternative in selected patients., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Inguinoscrotal herniation of the ureter is a rare finding, with the potential for serious surgical complications. Here we report an extremely rare case of inguinoscrotal hernia of the ureter combined with renal pelvic carcinoma. This 61-year-old man was diagnosed with right renal pelvic tumor, bilateral hydronephrosis with inguinoscrotal hernia of the right ureter, and left ureteral calculus. He was successfully treated with right nephroureterectomy, inguinoscrotal hernia repair, and left ureterolithotomy. Pathologic examinations revealed a high-grade transitional cell carcinoma., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To report the results of a single-center experience with the endoscopic injection of Deflux as the initial minimally invasive approach in patients with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and coexisting obstruction at the ureteropelvic junction (UPJO) level who presented with VUR., Methods: Between May 2004 and July 2011, 2810 children with a diagnosis of VUR were referred to our center; 143 (5%) had concomitant UPJO. On the basis of the study inclusion criteria, 76 were included. All patients received antibiotic therapy. VUR and UPJO resolved in 50 children without the need for further intervention, and 26 underwent endoscopic Deflux injection by applying the hydrodistention autologous blood injection technique (HABIT). All patients received antibiotic prophylaxis until resolution of VUR was confirmed on voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). Patients underwent follow-up visits at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively., Results: At a mean follow up of 20.0 ± 1.6 months, 20 of those with concomitancy showed resolution of VUR and the coexisting UPJO after the first injection (success rate, 76.9%), and 2 resolved after the second injection, leading to an overall success rate of 84.6%. Finally, 3 patients required further ureteral reimplantation, and 3 underwent pyeloplasty for correction of UPJO by applying miniature pyeloplasty technique. Differential renal function was preserved in all patients., Conclusion: Performing an initial endoscopic injection of Deflux in the management of concomitant VUR and UPJO provides promising results in terms of spontaneous resolution of obstruction at the UPJ level and complete resolution or decrease in hydronephrosis., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Lynch syndrome (LS), or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, is caused by mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes. An increased risk for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) has been described in this population; however, data regarding the risk for bladder cancer (BCa) are sparse., Objective: To assess the risk of BCa in MMR mutation carriers and suggest screening and management recommendations., Design, Setting, and Participants: Cancer data from 1980 to 2007 were obtained from the Familial Gastrointestinal Cancer Registry in Toronto for 321 persons with known MMR mutations: mutL homolog 1, colon cancer, nonpolyposis type 2 (E. coli) (MLH1); mutS homolog 2, colon cancer, nonpolyposis type 1 (E. coli) (MSH2); mutS homolog 6 (E. coli) (MSH6); and PMS2 postmeiotic segregation increased 2 (S. cerevisiae) (PMS2)., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Standardized incidence ratios from the Ontario Cancer Registry, using the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results public database, were used to compare cancer risk in patients with MMR mutations with the Canadian population. Microsatellite instability analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of the MMR proteins were also performed and the results compared with matched sporadic bladder tumors., Results and Limitations: Eleven of 177 patients with MSH2 mutations (6.21%, p<0.001 compared with the Canadian population) were found to have BCa, compared with 3 of 129 patients with MLH1 mutations (2.32%, p>0.05). Of these 11 tumors, 81.8% lacked expression of MSH2 on IHC, compared with the matched sporadic cases, which all displayed normal expression of MSH2 and MLH1. The incidence of UTUC among MSH2 carriers was 3.95% (p<0.001), and all tumors were found to be deficient in MSH2 expression on IHC. Mutations in the intron 5 splice site and exon 7 of the MSH2 gene increased the risk of urothelial cancer. Limitations include possible inflated risk estimates due to ascertainment bias., Conclusions: LS patients with MSH2 mutations are at an increased risk for not only UTUC but also BCa and could be offered appropriate screening., (Copyright © 2012 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To report the first case of preoperative training using a patient-specific laparoscopic simulator for a patient with situs inversus totalis (SIT)., Materials and Methods: A 61-year-old man presented with gross hematuria and was diagnosed with right renal pelvic cancer T1N0M0. A whole-body computed tomography (CT) scan also revealed his organs showed a mirror image, with left-to-right reversal, and SIT was diagnosed. A laparoscopic right nephroureterectomy through a retroperitoneal approach was scheduled. Before the operation, we practiced the operation using a patient-specific laparoscopic surgical simulator that we have developed. The patient's CT data were used to reproduce the retroperitoneal space in the simulator, and the surgeon trained and became familiar with his SIT anatomy., Results: The insufflation time was 182 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 50 mL. The surgeon was able to complete the right retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy safely, without any problems., Conclusion: To our knowledge, we report the first case of preoperative training using a patient-specific simulator for a patient with SIT. Preoperative training was useful, and retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy was successfully performed in a patient with renal pelvic urothelial carcinoma and SIT., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Osteoclastoma-like giant cell tumor of the renal pelvis, similar to the entity more commonly occurring in bone, is very rare, having been reported in twelve previous cases to our knowledge. This is the first report of this entity, to our knowledge, to include its cross-sectional imaging appearance. A hyperdense area within the lesion on non-contrast CT may correspond with extensive hemorrhagic content of the lesion identified histologically. As in most prior cases, an adjacent smaller urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis was also identified. In the limited reported cases, this entity has exhibited highly aggressive behavior with poor prognosis., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The management of multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is controversial. There has been a shift from routine surgical removal to nonoperative management. However, recently, an argument has emerged with regard to the management of MCDK, with several studies recommending surgical removal. We report a case of pelvic MCDK that was diagnosed and subsequently removed by a laparoscopic procedure. A laparoscopic approach to the renal and pelvic areas is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective procedure to diagnose and treat MCDK. We believe that laparoscopic nephrectomy should be offered as a management option to the families of children with unilateral MCDK., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To determine the effect of age on the disease characteristics, treatment administered, and disease-specific survival (DSS) for patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma. The effect of advancing age on the disease extent and survival has not been well delineated in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma., Methods: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from the National Cancer Institute, we identified patients diagnosed with UTUC from 1984 to 2004. The data were analyzed for age (40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and ≥80 years), sex, race, disease extent, treatment type, and cause of death. Relationships among age, clinicopathologic features, and treatment were tabulated. The effect of age on overall and DSS were calculated using Cox proportional hazards ratio analyses., Results: The final cohort consisted of 12 639 patients. Advancing age was associated with greater T stage and grade at presentation. Of those 40-49 years old, 41% presented with invasive tumors (T2-T4) compared with 50% of octogenarians. Poor or undifferentiated tumors increased in frequency from 42% among those 40-49 years old to 59% among those≥80 years old. Extirpative surgery was less likely among those with Stage T1 or less disease (88.3% vs 92.8%). Octogenarians were less likely to have undergone extirpative surgery than those 40-49 years old (86% vs 95%). Despite adjustments for T stage, grade, and treatment, DSS (hazard ratio 2.64) worsened with increasing age., Conclusions: With advancing age, we found a corresponding increase in stage and grade at presentation. After adjustment for stage, grade, and treatment type, older patients still had worse DSS., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To report changes in grade and stage between initial diagnostic and repeat biopsies or resection for urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and investigate the consequences for endoscopic management. Ureteroscopic management of upper tract UTUC is an alternative to nephroureterectomy, which is less invasive and preserves renal function. However, concerns about potential understaging, inaccurate grading, incomplete resection, lack of effective tertiary chemoprevention, and need for ureteroscopic surveillance limits it appeal., Methods: Clinicopathological records of patients with UTUC treated at our institution were reviewed. Fifty-six patients with a histologic diagnosis of UTUC and 2 or more consecutive biopsies or biopsy followed by surgical resection were included, resulting in 65 biopsy specimens., Results: The median interval between diagnostic biopsy and subsequent biopsy or resection was 6 weeks (range, 1 week to 60 months). Change in grade from the diagnostic biopsy occurred in 24 of 65 biopsies (37%), including 9 in which diagnosis changed from low to high grade. Change in the stage from the diagnostic biopsy occurred in 25 of 65 biopsies (38%). Overall, 24 (43%) patients were reclassified from low-grade, noninvasive disease to high-grade and/or invasive disease., Conclusion: A change in grade and/or stage from the diagnostic biopsy occurred in more than one third of patients with UTUC managed conservatively. Because of the short median time interval between biopsies, this finding likely represents variability in tumor sampling on biopsy. Because of the concerns of undergrading and understaging, appropriate patient selection and vigilant endoscopic surveillance are mandatory for UTUC managed endoscopically., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The prognostic impact of primary tumor location on outcomes for patients with upper-tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is still contentious., Objective: To test the association between tumor location and disease recurrence and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for UTUC., Design, Setting, and Participants: Prospectively collected data were retrospectively reviewed from 324 consecutive patients treated with RNU between 1995 and 2008 at a single tertiary referral center. Patients who had previous radical cystectomy, preoperative chemotherapy, previous contralateral UTUC, or metastatic disease at presentation were excluded. This left 253 patients for analysis. Tumor location was categorized as renal pelvis or ureter based on the location of the dominant tumor. Recurrences in the bladder only, in nonbladder sites, and in any site were analyzed., Intervention: All patients were treated with RNU., Measurements: Recurrence-free survival and CSS probabilities were estimated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses., Results and Limitations: Median follow-up for survivors was 48 mo. The 5-yr recurrence-free probability (including bladder recurrence) and CSS estimates were 32% and 78%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, pathologic stage was the only predictor for disease recurrence (p=0.01). Tumor location was not an independent predictor for recurrence (hazard ratio: 1.19; p=0.3), and there was no difference in the probability of disease recurrence between ureteral and renal pelvic tumors (p=0.18). On survival analysis, we also found no differences between ureteral and renal pelvic tumors on probability of CSS (p=0.2). On multivariate analysis, pathologic stage (p<0.0001) and nodal status (p=0.01) were associated with worse CSS. This study is limited by its retrospective nature., Conclusions: Our study did not show any differences in recurrence and CSS rates between patients with ureteral and renal pelvic tumors treated with RNU., (Copyright 2010 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the utility of diuretic dynamic renal scintigraphy (DDRS) with technetium-99m-L,L-ethylenedicysteine ((99m)Tc-EC) in patients with indeterminate or possible false-positive results for urinary obstruction by technetium-99m diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid ((99m)Tc-DTPA) DDRS., Methods: A total of 92 patients (63 male; mean age, 16.6 +/- 21.25 years) were studied, with a total of 103 kidneys presenting indeterminate (20/103) or possible false-positive results for obstruction attributable to reduced renal function or severe kidney dilation (83/103) by (99m)Tc-DTPA DDRS (<60% of radiopharmaceutical excreted in 20 minutes-half-time clearance [T(1/2)] >15 minutes). Patients were reimaged after intravenous injection of (99m)Tc-EC, with dynamic images before and after furosemide administration using the same acquisition parameters applied in the previous (99m)Tc-DTPA study. Time interval between (99m)Tc-DTPA and (99m)Tc-EC renograms was 2-64 days. The percentage of excreted material 20 minutes after furosemide was calculated using both radiopharmaceuticals, and were statistically compared using the paired samples t test., Results: The excretion after furosemide injection was 25.3% +/- 18.2% for (99m)Tc-DTPA and 41.2% +/- 26.1% for (99m)Tc-EC, with a statistically significant difference between both radiopharmaceuticals (P <.0001). Using (99m)Tc-EC obstruction was excluded in 36 of 103 kidneys, which excreted >60%. A total of 10 of 83 kidneys (12.0%) with an obstructive pattern by (99m)Tc-DTPA study turned out to be indeterminate by (99m)Tc-EC DDRS. There was an agreement between (99m)Tc-EC and (99m)Tc-DTPA studies in 54 of 83 kidneys with obstructive (65.1%) and in 3 of 20 (15.0%) with indeterminate patterns., Conclusions: (99m)Tc-EC was more effective than (99m)Tc-DTPA for excluding obstruction, presenting less false-positive and indeterminate results. (99m)Tc-EC can substitute (99m)Tc-DTPA to evaluate patients with urinary tract dilation., (Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To analyze whether C-reactive protein (CRP) predicts the need for urgent urinary diversion in patients with renal colic and urolithiasis. CRP may help in the differential diagnosis of complicated hydronephrosis., Methods: Prospective study done on 110 consecutive patients with renal colic secondary to upper urinary tract calculi admitted in the emergency room. Clinical and analytical data were collected. Criteria for emergency drainage had been established in advance, based on the risk of sepsis, renal failure, persistence of pain, and findings on computed tomography scan. CRP was blindly determined using immunoturbidimetric assay on the Integra 700 analyzer. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney test, Cox multivariate analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curves, to determine optimum cut-off points to decide drainage based on laboratory data., Results: Mean CRP value was 47.6 mg/L (CI, 31.4-63.8), 139.6 mg/L (CI, 13-183.1) in 29 patients treated with diversion and 14.67 mg/L (CI, 6.7-22.5) in the control group (P <.001). Age, sex, rate of patients with hypertension, history of cardiovascular disease, leukocyte total count, and serum creatinine differed between groups (P <.05). Regression analysis revealed CRP (P <.0001) and age (P = .0001) were predictive of urinary diversion. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed 68.4% area under the curve for creatinine, 68.8% for leukocytosis, and 86.8% for CRP. A cut-off point for CRP of 28 mg/L achieved optimum sensitivity (75.8%) and specificity (88.9%) for determining the decision for drainage., Conclusions: Determination of CRP in patients with renal colic due to urolithiasis provides an objective and useful parameter for deciding placement of urinary stent, which is even more valuable than leukocytosis or seric creatinine level., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Upper urinary tract (UUT) tumours are often a diagnostic challenge. Because of delayed diagnosis at an advanced stage, prognosis is less qualitative when compared to bladder tumours. There is, therefore, a need for reliable markers to improve diagnosis., Objective: Because of the difficulty in interpreting washing cytologies of the UUT, we evaluated the reliability of fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) in the detection of upper tract urothelial cancer., Design, Setting, and Participants: A prospective, multicentre cohort study was carried out on 55 consecutive patients with a suspected UUT tumour., Measurements: Between May 2007 and May 2009, 55 consecutive patients (mean age 71.7 yr; range: 52-93) with a suspected urinary tract tumour were studied with intravenous pyelography, cytology, washing cytology, ureterorenoscopy, and endoscopic biopsies. The patients were followed for a mean observation time of 12.21 mo (range: 0.5-20; standard deviation: 6.12). A multicolour-FISH approach was performed on a liquid-based washing urinary cytology in all cases., Results and Limitations: Twenty-one out of 55 patients had a histologically proven urothelial carcinoma, of which 10 had stage pTa disease, 6 had pT1 disease, 2 had pT2 disease, 2 had pTis disease, and 1 had pTx disease (6 G1, 6 G2, and 9 G3). Three patients had a papilloma, 2 had renal cell carcinoma, 27 had a negative histologic report, and 2 had a nondiagnostic histology. In total, 68 analyses were performed. The cytology was negative or doubtful in 60 out of a total 68 specimens (88.2%) and was suspicious or positive for malignancy in 7 (10.3%) specimens. One specimen was not diagnostic. FISH was negative in 37 of 68 analyses (54.4%) and positive in the other 30 analyses (44.1%). One FISH analysis was not diagnostic as a result of insufficient cellular material. The overall sensitivity of the cytology was 20.8% and of FISH 100%. The specificity was 97.4% for cytology and 89.5% for FISH. Even though this is the largest UUT cohort studied with FISH, the sample size is relatively small., Conclusions: The UroVysion FISH test is a reliable method in the diagnosis of UUT tumours in cases with clinical suspicion but negative or doubtful cytology and no diagnostic histology., (Copyright (c) 2010 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A 36-year-old Caucasian British woman presented with a classic case of right renal colic. Initial plain abdominal radiography and intravenous urography identified an 8 x 5 mm calculus apparently lying within a right lower pole calyx. Following failed extracorporeal lithotripsy and flexible ureterorenoscopy, cross-sectional imaging revealed a misdiagnosis by superposition of an intrahepatic calculus over the right renal shadow. This case serves to support cross-sectional imaging in the diagnosis of renal calculi., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

An 11-year-old boy with episodes of intermittent gross hematuria and recurrent left flank pain was referred to our institute with left ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. (99m)Tc diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) renography revealed an obstructive pattern in the left kidney, and the existence of a crossing vessel at the UPJ was suspected with excretory urography. Laparoscopic surgery was performed, and intraoperatively no aberrant vessels were found. Upon opening the ureter, a solitary round polyp was found. The segment of the UPJ area containing the polyp was completely removed, followed by laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. Pathologic findings demonstrated a benign fibroepithelial polyp., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)