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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]

Objectives: To perform a systematic review to identify the clinical, fiscal and environmental evidence on the use of urological telehealth and/or virtual clinic (VC) strategies, and to highlight research gaps in this rapidly evolving field. Methods: Our PROSPERO‐registered (CRD42019151946) systematic search of Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Review Database was performed to identify original research articles pertaining to adult urology telehealth or VC strategies. Risk‐of‐bias (RoB) assessment was performed according to the Cochrane 2.0 RoB tool or the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for non‐randomized studies. Results: A total of 5813 participants were included from 18 original articles (two randomized controlled trials [RCTs], 10 prospective studies, six retrospective studies). Urology sub‐specialities comprised: uro‐oncology (n = 6); general urology (n = 8); endo‐urology (n = 2); and lower urinary tract symptoms and/or incontinence (n = 2). Across all sub‐specialties, prospective studies using VCs reported a primary median (interquartile range [IQR]) VC discharge rate of 16.6 (14.7–29.8)% and a primary median (IQR) face‐to‐face (FTF) clinic referral rate of 32.4 (15.5–53.3)%. Direct cost analysis demonstrated median (IQR) annual cost savings of £56 232 (£46 260–£61 116). Grade II and IIIb complications were reported in two acute ureteric colic studies, with rates of 0.20% (3/1534) and 0.13% (2/1534), respectively. The annual carbon footprint avoided ranged from 0.7 to 4.35 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions, depending on the mode of transport used. Patient satisfaction was inconsistently reported, and assessments lacked prospective evaluation using validated questionnaires. Conclusion: Urology VCs are a promising new platform which can offer clinical, financial and environmental benefits to support an increasing urological referral burden. Further prospective evidence is required across urological sub‐specialties to confirm equivalency and safety against traditional FTF assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical, fiscal and environmental impact of a specialist‐led acute ureteric colic virtual clinic (VC) pathway. Patients and Methods: All patients with uncomplicated acute ureteric colic, referred to a single tertiary centre, were prospectively entered into the study over a 4‐year period (January 2015–December 2018). Inclusion criteria were: low‐dose non‐contrast computed tomography of kidneys, ureters and bladder; white blood cell count <16 × 109/L; pain controlled; normal renal function; and no clinical concern. Primary outcomes were: time (days) from referral to VC outcome; VC outcome (discharge, further VC, face‐to‐face [FTF] clinic, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy [ESWL], ureterorenoscopy [URS], percutaneous nephrolithotomy [PCNL]); and adverse events (sepsis or obstruction). Secondary outcomes were patient and stone demographics, cost and environmental analysis. The minimum follow‐up was 3 months. Results: A total of 1008 patients entered the study, of whom 91.5% (n = 922) were of working age. The median (interquartile range) time from presentation to VC outcome was 2 (4) days. VC outcomes were as follows: 16.3% of patients (n = 164) were discharged; 18.2% (n = 183) were discharged after further VC; 17.2% (n = 173) underwent an intervention; and 48.4% (n = 488) were referred to an FTF clinic. Interventions comprised: PCNL 0.5% (n = 5); ESWL 7.7% (n = 78); and URS 8.9% (n = 90). Stone demographics were as follows: 570 patients (56.5%) had lower, 157 (15.6%) had upper, 96 (9.5%) had mid‐ureteric and 163 (16.2%) had renal calculi, and in 22 patients (2.2%) the stones had recently passed. The mean (sd) stone size was 3.5  (2.3) mm. Two adverse events (0.2%) were reported. Introducing a VC saved £145,152 for Clinical Commissioning Groups, the equivalent NHS tariff payment of performing 106 URS procedures or 211 ureteric stent insertions. Overall, 15,085 patient journey kilometres were avoided, equal to 0.70–2.93 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent production and the need to plant 14.7 trees to achieve carbon balance. Conclusion: A specialist‐led acute ureteric colic VC reduced time to treatment decision to a median of 2 days. This creates additional clinic capacity and reduces the fiscal burden of traditional clinics and their associated carbon footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background It has been reported that three criteria (size of calculus ≥6 mm, visual analogue scale pain score at discharge ≥2 cm and location above mid-ureter; the Papa criteria) were sensitive for predicting patients who require intervention (surgery or lithotripsy) within 28 days of index emergency department ( ED) visit for ureteric colic. It was suggested that absence of these criteria identified a group for whom early follow-up may not be needed. No validation has been reported. We aimed to validate these criteria. Methods Retrospective cohort study of patients with clinical presentation of ureteric colic and radiologically proven renal tract stones. Data collected included demographics, clinical features, features of the stone, imaging results and 28-day outcome. Outcome of interest was performance of the Papa criteria for prediction of urological intervention by clinical performance analysis. We also undertook a post hoc analysis to identify predictors of urological intervention for the group overall and for the subgroup discharged from ED. Results Two hundred and twenty-four patients were studied (median age 49, 79% male) with 75 (33%) requiring urological intervention within 28 days. The presence of any of the Papa criteria had sensitivity for urological intervention of 83.9% (95% confidence interval ( CI) 71.2-91.9%) with specificity of 47.7% (95% CI 38.9-56.6%), positive predictive value of 40.9% (95% CI 31.9-50.4%) and negative predictive value of 87.3% (95% CI 76.8-93.7%). Nine patients with no Papa criteria had intervention: 12.7% (95% CI 6.8-22.4%). Conclusion The Papa criteria are not sufficiently accurate to determine which patients require intervention or a subgroup who do not need specialist urological follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which analyses the role of emergency ureteroscopy (URS) in the management of ureteric stones among 394 patients who underwent URS at Auckland City Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand between January 2010-December 2011. The study suggests that emergency URS is a feasible approach for the management of ureteric stones with low complications rate, particularly in younger, healthier patients.

SUMMARY Non-contrast enhanced helical CT has become an accepted technique for evaluating acute ureteric colic. The results of a randomized prospective comparison of the accuracy, cost and radiation dose of CT and intravenous urography (IVU) are presented. All patients presenting to the Emergency Department with symptoms and signs suggestive of ureteric colic over a 16-month period (n = 242) were randomized to CT or IVU. Follow up was obtained for 228 patients (94%), with 14 patients (6%) lost to follow up. One hundred and twenty-three patients (54%) underwent CT and 105 (46%) had an IVU. At follow up the sensitivity and specificity of CT were each 100%, while those of IVU were 99% and 100%, respectively. Computed tomography demonstrated seven of 26 (27%) potential alternative diagnoses, whereas IVU suggested one of 23 (4%). Estimates of the average effective dose were calculated for CT (4.95 mSv) and IVU (1.48 mSv, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7–2.27). Radiation dose and intravenous contrast material safety are discussed and the relative costs are considered. Computed tomography is as accurate as IVU in the diagnosis of acute ureteric colic. It confers certain major diagnostic benefits, and is a fast, well-tolerated technique. Its accompanying higher effective radiation dose is recognized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives: 1. To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of urinalysis and the plain abdominal radiograph in predicting positive intravenous pyelography for patients with a history and examination suggestive of ureteric colic. 2. To examine the disposition of patients presenting to the emergency department with ureteric colic. Methods: A retrospective cohort study set in a tertiary referral hospital emergency department over a 12-month period was conducted. Three hundred and eighteen patients who presented with a provisional diagnosis of ureteric colic and had intravenous pyelography were identified from radiology department logs and emergency department discharge International Classification of Disease-9 codes. Results: Three hundred and eighteen patients were identified. Sixty-nine per cent had positive intravenous pyelography. Sensitivity and specificity of: urinalysis were 93% and 41%; abdominal X-ray, 57% and 83%; and urinalysis plus abdominal X-ray, 99% and 36%, respectively. Seventy-seven per cent were admitted to the emergency department observation ward. Twenty-seven per cent were subsequently admitted under the hospital’s urology service. Conclusions: Sex, haematuria and the presence of a calculus on abdominal X-ray were all significant predictors of positive intravenous pyelography. Haematuria was sensitive but not specific for positive intravenous pyelography. The addition of the abdominal X-ray marginally improves the diagnostic accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare non-enhanced spiral CT (NECT) and intravenous pyelography (IVP) in patients with suspected acute renal colic. Two-hundred patients presenting to the Emergency Department with suspected acute renal colic were randomized into groups undergoing NECT or IVP. The main outcome measures were diagnostic utility, incidence of alternative diagnoses, requirement for further imaging, length of hospital stay, urological intervention rates, radiation dosage and costs. Non-enhanced spiral CT was better than IVP in making a definitive diagnosis of ureteric calculus or of recent calculus passage (65/102 or 66% vs 42/98 or 41%; P = 0.003). Calculi were missed in two patients in the IVP group. Two patients in each group had alternative diagnoses by initial imaging. There was no difference in the length of hospital stay or intervention rate. More plain X-rays during admission and more IVPs during follow up were performed in the NECT group. Effective radiation dosages were 2.97 mSv (IVP) and up to 5 mSv (NECT). Non-enhanced spiral CT provided greater diagnostic utility in this randomized comparison but no difference in measured outcomes. The incidence of alternative diagnoses was low, probably due to patient selection. Financial costs for each modality are comparable in a public tertiary hospital. Radiation dosages are higher for NECT and, for this reason, it might be appropriate to consider limiting NECT use to patients who have do not have classical symptoms of renal colic, to older patients and those with a contraindication to the administration of intravenous contrast media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]