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BACKGROUND Imaging plays a major role in the diagnosis and management of patients with urolithiasis. Non-Contrast Computed Tomography (NCCT) is generally accepted as the gold standard, but there are concerns over higher radiation exposure from NCCT to the patient population. Our prospective study compared the diagnostic accuracy of plain X-ray KUB (Kidney, Ureter, Bladder) and USG (Ultrasonography) with NCCT in the evaluation of patients with ureteric colic. METHODS This study conducted from December 2018 to January 2020 in the Department of Urology, Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, and attached Hospital. 230 patients with ureteric colic were evaluated for ureteric calculi with x-ray KUB, USG (Ultrasonography) abdomen and pelvis and NCCT (Non-Contrast Computed Tomography) KUB region. RESULTS Out of 230 patients, 168 (73 %) were males and 62 (26.9 %) were females. Ages of the study population ranged from 18 to 55 yrs. 198 of the 230 patients were confirmed to have ureteric calculus, with lower ureteric calculus 97 (48.9 %), upper ureteric 65 (32.8 %), middle ureteric 29 (14.6 %), and multiple 7 (3.5 %). X-ray and USG (Ultrasonography) group yielded a sensitivity of 86.3 %, a specificity of 87.5 %, positive predictive value 97 %, and negative predictive value 51 %. While On NCCT (Non-Contrast Computed Tomography), a total of 192 patients (96 %) demonstrated ureterolithiasis of the 198 patients confirmed to have ureteric calculi (Table 2). X-ray and USG group yielded a sensitivity of 96.9 %, specificity of 93.6 %, positive predictive value 98.9 %, and negative predictive value 83 %. CONCLUSIONS Combination of x-ray KUB and USG, and NCCT were found to be excellent imaging modalities for the detection of ureteric calculi. X-ray KUB and USG can be used as the first investigation of choice for patients with ureteric colic and for follow up of patients after treatment. KEYWORDS Ureteric Colic, Ureterolithiasis, Ultrasonography

ObjectiveThe WHO declared SARS-CoV-2 a pandemic on 11th March 2020 prompting a rapid change to surgical practice. This study focuses on how the management of ureteric colic has adapted in a major tertiary referral unit during the peak of the pandemic so that lessons be can be learned in case a second wave occurs. Materials and MethodsWe compared admission rates and treatment patterns against national and European guidelines in 20 weeks, divided into pre- and peri-pandemic. ResultsA total of 72 patients were admitted during the study period. 64% (46/72) were admitted pre-pandemic. 22% (10/46) of these were septic (5 stented, 5 nephrostomized) while 20% (9/46) were managed conservatively. 59% (27/46) of pre-pandemic admissions were suitable for active treatment, of which 48% (13/27) received definitive treatment (11 ureteroscopy (URS), 2 shockwave lithotripsy (SWL)) all within 48 hours of admis-sion. 52% (14/27) had temporising procedures (11 stented, 3 nephrostomized) and underwent definitive treatment within 63 days.Of the total patients, 36% (26/72) were admitted peri-pandemic. 23% (6/26) were septic (1 stent, 5 nephrostomized), while 31% (8/26) were managed conservatively. 46% (12/26) were suitable for active treatment. 75% (9/12) received definitive treatment (4 URS, 5 SWL) of which 33% (4/12) within 48 hours and the remaining treated and stone free within 12 days. 25% (3/12) had temporising procedures (2 stented, 1 nephrostomized), with the definitive treatment provided within 17 days. ConclusionUreteric colic admissions were reduced by almost half during the pandemic. There has been increased primary treatment with a reduction in temporising procedures and time to receiving definitive treatment. In the ‘new normal,’ lessons learned must be carried forward to maintain high rates of definitive treatments.

OBJECTIVE To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultra-low-dose computed tomography (ULDCT) compared with standard-dose CT (SDCT) in the evaluation of patients with clinically suspected renal colic, in addition to secondary features (hydroureteronephrosis, perinephric stranding) and additional pathological entities (renal masses). PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective, comparative cohort study was conducted amongst patients presenting to the emergency department with signs and symptoms suggestive of renal or ureteric colic. Patients underwent both SDCT and ULDCT. Single-blinded review of the image sets was performed independently by three board-certified radiologists. RESULTS Among 21 patients, the effective radiation dose was lower for ULDCT [mean (SD) 1.02 (0.16) mSv] than SDCT [mean (SD) 4.97 (2.02) mSv]. Renal and/or ureteric calculi were detected in 57.1% (12/21) of patients. There were no significant differences in calculus detection and size estimation between ULDCT and SDCT. A higher concordance was observed for ureteric calculi (75%) than renal calculi (38%), mostly due to greater detection of calculi of

Purpose There is a lack of data on the natural history of asymptomatic intra-renal calculi. In this study we investigate stone related events (SREs) in patients with untreated intra-renal calculi. We also investigate predictive factors for SREs. Materials and Methods All patients diagnosed with an asymptomatic intra-renal calculus on CT KUB managed conservatively with interval imaging for ≥6 months were included. Patients were evaluated for any stone related event. The rate of event according to calculus size, location and number of calculi was also analysed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine significant predictors for SREs. Results In total, 266 renal units from 177 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean stone size was 4.44mm (range of 1-25mm). Duration of follow-up was 43.78 ± 26.86 months (range 6-106 months). The overall rate of SRE's including intervention (n=80) and spontaneous stone passage following ureteric colic (n= 40) was 45.1% (n=120/266). Stones >5mm were more likely to lead to an event compared to stones ≤5mm (OR: 2.94; p=0.01). Inter-polar stones and stones located in multiple calyces were more likely to cause a SRE than lower pole stones (OR: 2.05; p=0.05 and OR:2.29; p=0.03 respectively). Conclusion In this large series of patients with asymptomatic intra-renal calculi, the incidence of a spontaneous SRE was 45.1% after 41 months. Stone size and stone location were significant predictors for stone related event. Information from this study will enable urologists to accurately risk stratify patients with asymptomatic renal stones.

Introduction The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) released guidance in 2018 regarding the optimum management of acute ureteric colic: a condition which can present as a surgical emergency. Our aim was to review the current practice at our hospital in diagnosing and managing acute ureteric colic and ultimately, implement sustainable change to address any areas of limitations. Method The following data was retrospectively collected for of all patients admitted with acute ureteric colic: investigations performed, medications administered, details of surgical intervention and follow-up. 1st Cycle: March 2017 to February 2018. Intervention: Teaching sessions delivered to staff (including doctors and nurses) in the A&E and urology department. 2nd Cycle: January 2019 to December 2019. Results 268 patients presented to A&E with ureteric colic – 18% increase from previous year. On admission: 60.4% of patients had serum calcium checked, 97.7% had a CT KUB performed within 24 hours and 67.2% were given NSAIDs; this is a 20.4%, 0.4% and 5.2% increase from the previous year, respectively. Only 31.3% of patients had an acute surgical intervention. The average wait time for clinic follow-up was reduced to 41 days following departmental education, but only 26.4% of patients were seen within the BAUS advised 4-week timeframe. Conclusions Re-audit showed distinct improvement in the management of acute ureteric colic. Thus, departmental education strategies have had a positive impact. It is recommended that the reservation of one daily elective theatre slot for an emergency operation and a computerised clinic booking system will further optimise our management in line with BAUS guidance.

Aim To assess how many patients had a non-contrast CT as first-line investigation for suspected renal colic, and how this was affected by the release of the 2019 NICE guidelines. A secondary aim was to assess the proportion of patients who had CT KUBs that demonstrated a ureteric calculus. Method CT KUB scans performed over two separate 3 month periods were identified. These reflected periods of time before and after the new NICE guidelines. Electronic records were used to assess if the patients had an ultrasound performed as the initial diagnostic investigation, instead of a CT scan. The results of the scans were reviewed to identify if a ureteric or renal calculus had been positively identified. Results In the period before the new guidelines, 61 patients were scanned. 4 had an ultrasound to assess for a stone prior to a CT. All of these patients were medical inpatients. None of the ultrasounds diagnosed a stone. 22/61 patients had CT-proven stones (36%) In the period after the new guidelines, 79 patients were scanned. 12 had an ultrasound to assess for a stone prior to a CT. 8 were medical patients, 3 were surgical and 1 was gynaecological. 1 ultrasound diagnosed a stone. 28/79 patients had CT-proven stones (35.4%) Conclusions The release of new guidelines did not improved compliance with suggested imaging pathways. This clearly demonstrates an area for improvement. It is also worth noting that only 1/3 of referrals with suspected renal colic did actually have a stone, which has implications for specialty referral pathways.

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

BACKGROUND ESWL is suitable for stones smaller than 2 cm situated in upper and middle calyx. The routine insertion of DJ stents during ESWL of renal calculi is controversial. Some studies support the role of DJ stents in facilitating stone passage and preventing renal colic whereas other reports claim that stent causes significant lower urinary tract symptoms, hematuria, urinary tract infection and can even lower the stone-free rate. METHODS This is a prospective study conducted among 81 patients each in stented and non stented group who underwent ESWL for renal calculus. The primary outcome measured was stone fragmentation .The secondary outcomes measured were renal colic, urinary tract infection, steinstrasse and stent related LUTS. RESULTS Stone fragmentation rates in stented and non-stented groups were 91.4% and 86.4% respectively (p-value > 0.05). Ureteric colic in the stented group was only 14.8% but 45.7% in the non-stented group had ureteric colic (p-value

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

This chapter summarizes the results of the SUSPEND trial, a methodologically rigorous three-armed randomized controlled trial of medical expulsive therapy in the form of the alpha-blocker tamsulosin or the calcium channel blocker nifedipine versus placebo. The mean stone size in all three groups was comparable and three-quarters of the stones were 5 mm or less. It was a “negative trial” that failed to demonstrate a substantial benefit from the widely established practice of treating patients with small ureteral stones with medical expulsive therapy. Serious adverse events were very infrequent.

History taking and physical examination are important in differentiate pain related to urinary stone and other intra-abdominal pathology. Moreover, we should also try to identify possible risk factors related to stone formation during history taking to help the long term prevention of stone recurrence. Basic laboratory tests will help to assess the baseline renal function and also potential factors related to stone formation which again will be important for preventing stone recurrence.

Dr. Yunqiao Qiu from Guangzhou University of TCM has discovered a certain point located near costalspinal angle, which can relieve acute ureteric colic effectively and named it as “Qiu’s point”. This paper conducted a meta-analysis of the clinical efficacy of Qiu’s acupuncture point in the treatment of acute ureteric colic caused by ureteral calculus, in order to comprehensively analyze the role of Qiu’s acupuncture point in the relieve of acute ureteric colic. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from relevant articles in Chinese and English by October 31, 2019 have been selected, excluding cohort studies and case reports. Statistical analyses are performed using the Review Manager V.5.3 and R packages Metafor. We use the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials to assess the risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that Qiu’s acupuncture point have some positive effects for acute ureteric colic caused by ureteral calculus.

Objective To assess the effectiveness of a telemedicine service for ureteric colic patients in reducing the number of unnecessary face-to-face consultations and shortening waiting time for appointments. Methods A telemedicine workflow was implemented as a quality improvement study using the Plan-Do-Study-Act method. All patients presenting with ureteric colic without high-risk features of fever, severe pain, and hydronephrosis, were recruited, and face-to-face appointments to review scan results were replaced with phone consultations. Data were prospectively collected over 3 years (January 2017 to December 2019). Patient outcomes including the reduction in face-to-face review visits, time to review, reattendance and intervention rates, were tracked in an interrupted time-series analysis, and qualitative feedback was obtained from patients and clinicians. Results Around 53.2% of patients presenting with ureteric colic were recruited into the telemedicine workflow. A total of 465 patients (46.2%) had normal scan results and 250 patients (24.9%) did not attend their scan appointments, hence reducing the number of face-to-face consultations by 71.1%. A total of 230 patients (22.9%) required subsequent follow-up with urology, while 61 patients (6.1%) were referred to other specialties. Mean (SD) time to review was 30.0 (6.2) days, 6-month intervention rate was 3.4% (n = 34) and unplanned reattendance rate was 3.2% (n = 32). Around 93.1% of patients reported satisfaction with the service. Conclusion The ureteric colic telemedicine service successfully and sustainably reduced the number of face-to-face consultations and time to review without compromising on patient safety. The availability of this telemedicine service has become even more important in helping us provide care to patients with ureteric colic in the current COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Renal colic is a common urological problem with a lifetime incidence of approximately 8-19% in males and 3-5% in females. The MIMIC Study was a 4171 patient cohort study ...

These guidelines have been developed by the British Association of Urological Surgeons to give a framework to clinicians, based primarily in the UK, for the management of patients presenting acutely with ureteric colic. They have been developed by consensus with reference to the American Urological Association/Endourological Society guidelines on the surgical management of stones and the European Association of Urology guidelines on urolithiasis, and adapted to the logistics of those practicing within the National Health Service. Grades of recommendation and levels of evidence are based upon the system adopted by the European Association of Urology.

In this special COVID-19 edition of JELEU, we start with three articles that discuss aspects of urological management that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic: the impact of living with cystinuria, the challenges of delivering a urodynamic service, and the consequences of adding a CT chest to a CTKUB for patients with pain suggestive of ureteric colic.

Patients with ureteric calculi usually present with ipsilateral “loin to groin” pain. Rarely ureteric colic may present with contralateral pain, which is referred to as “mirror pain”. We report the case notes of a rare presentation of contralateral ureteric colic or “mirror pain” secondary to a ureteric calculus. A comprehensive literature review was also conducted. “Mirror pain” or contralateral ureteric colic is rare. Urologists should be aware of this unusual clinical presentation and appreciate that upper urinary tract calculi can cause pain on the contralateral side.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Ureteric colic is a common condition that causes severe pain and generates substantial health system utilization. Traditional management includes analgesia and a trial o...

Objectives: The objective was to determine accuracy of ultrasound in thediagnosis of ureteric calculi confirmed on non-contrast Computed Tomography amongpatients with acute ureteric colic. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: EmergencyDepartment of Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Period: 11-07-2012 to 10-01-2013. Materials andMethods: 100 consecutive patients presenting with acute severe ureteric colic and fulfillingthe inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled for the study from the emergency departmentof Nishtar Hospital Multan. Ultrasonography was done in all patients and USG findings wererecorded for the presence or absence of hyperechoic shadows in the ureteric. All the patientsunderwent CT scan to confirm or refute the findings of Ultrasonography. Result: Mean age ofthe patients was 37.85 + 12.60 years. Males were 53 (53%) while females were 47 (47%). Meanduration of pain before presentation was 14.81 + 6.20 hours. Mean severity of pain on visualanalogue scale was 9.40 + 0.8. Overall 79 patients were diagnosed as having ureteric calculi.Ultrasonography detected the ureteric stone in 75 patients and was all found to have stoneon CT scan and represented true positives. Among 25 patients in whom ultrasound did notdemonstrate any stone, 4 were found to have ureteric stone on CT scan thus representing falsenegative whereas 21 (84%) were confirmed on CT scan not to have any stone, thus representingTrue negatives. The sensitivity of USG for detection of ureteric stone was found to be 94.9%,the specificity was 100%, and positive predictive value was 100% while negative predictivevalue was 84% .There was no significant effect of age or gender on the accuracy of ultrasound.Conclusion: Ultrasonography is a readily available, non-invasive and reliable investigation inpatients presenting with acute flank pain to diagnose ureteric stones with a specificity of 100%and a sensitivity approaching 95%. Thus it is recommended that it should be used routinely forthe evaluation of patients presenting with acute flank pain.

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), statistical iterative reconstruction (SIR), and filtered back projection (FBP) image reconstruction algorithms in the delineation of ureters and overall image quality on non-enhanced computed tomography of the renal tracts (NECT-KUB). This was a prospective study of 40 adult patients who underwent NECT-KUB for investigation of ureteric colic. Images were reconstructed using FBP, SIR, and MBIR techniques and individually and randomly assessed by two blinded radiologists. Parameters measured were overall image quality, presence of ureteric calculus, presence of hydronephrosis or hydroureters, image quality of each ureteric segment, total length of ureters unable to be visualized, attenuation values of image noise, and retroperitoneal fat content for each patient. There were no diagnostic discrepancies between image reconstruction modalities for urolithiasis. Overall image qualities and for each ureteric segment were superior using MBIR (67.5 % rated as 'Good to Excellent' vs. 25 % in SIR and 2.5 % in FBP). The lengths of non-visualized ureteric segments were shortest using MBIR (55.0 % measured 'less than 5 cm' vs. ASIR 33.8 % and FBP 10 %). MBIR was able to reduce overall image noise by up to 49.36 % over SIR and 71.02 % over FBP. MBIR technique improves overall image quality and visualization of ureters over FBP and SIR.

Acute flank pain is a common presentation to the emergency department (ED), and imaging studies play an important role in establishing an accurate diagnosis. Computed Tomography of Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder (CT KUB) has surpassed all other imaging modalities to become the gold standard in detection of ureteric calculi. The purpose of this study is to identify the range and management of alternative diagnoses established by CT KUB in patients with suspected ureteric colic. Two hundred and fifteen consecutive CT KUB examinations ordered in the ED of a tertiary-care centre for suspected ureteric colic were retrospectively reviewed. This comprised of 134 male (62.3%) and 81 female (37.7%) patients with a mean age of 53 years old. The positive detection rate for ureteric calculi in males was 43.3% compared to a lower rate for females of 29.6% (p < 0.05). Almost two-thirds of patients were discharged following CT KUB imaging, and admission rates were significantly higher in those with alternative radiological findings (p < 0.04) Alternative radiological findings occurred in 72 patients (33.5%), including 15 patients (7.0%) who had clinically important alternative pathology. The rate of clinically important alternative findings was significantly higher in males than females, 9.7% versus 2.5% respectively (p = 0.04). Surgical intervention was more common in patients with alternative radiological findings classified as gastrointestinal (18.2%) compared to non-gastrointestinal (3.6%), however this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.07). In conclusion, significant alternative pathology was identified using CT KUB in 7% of patients with suspected ureteric colic. The low rates of detection of ureteric calculi and significant alternative pathology in female patients suggests a more thorough clinical assessment is warranted to improve their management, prior to ordering investigations with exposure to radiation.

Introduction and objectives: Admissions for ureteric colic are relatively common, with up to 80% of stones passing spontaneously. In patients with refractory pain, drainage with stenting, percutaneous nephrostomy or stone removal can be performed. Due to the financial restrictions of the NHS, it is paramount to ensure patients are receiving optimal cost-effective care. We present a cost effectiveness analysis between primary ureteric stenting and emergency ureteroscopic stone removal in patients with refractory pain secondary to acute ureteric calculi. Methods: Fifty patients were analysed who underwent either primary ureteric stenting or emergency ureteroscopic stone removal in our institution. Each group contained 25 consecutive patients. The primary outcomes compared were: time to stone-free status, number of hospital re-admissions, and overall cost of treatment until stone free. Results: Both stenting ( n=25) and ureteroscopic stone removal ( n=25) groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, stone size and location. The hospital re-admission rate secondary to stone-specific issues was significantly lower in the ureteroscopy group, two versus 20. Patients became stone free significantly quicker in the ureteroscopy group (2.5 days vs. 61.9 days). The total overall cost until being declared stone free was significantly lower in the ureteroscopy group (£3104 vs. £4041, P⩽0.001). Conclusions: This study highlights that those patients undergoing ureteric stenting take significantly longer to become stone free, leading to increased hospital re-admissions, potentially increased morbidity and inevitably greater cost implications. We advocate that primary ureteroscopic stone removal should be consider instead of ureteric stenting in patients with ongoing, painful ureteric colic.

Result: One hundred ninety-five procedures were performed on 167 patients. One hundred twenty-seven (65.1%) procedures were urgent and 68 (34.9%) were elective. The cohort included 131 males and 36 females with a mean age of 41.5 years, a range of 19 to 74. One hundred fortynine (76.4%) procedures were performed on male patients, while 46 (23.5%) were performed on female patients. The mean stone size for patients undergoing urgent URS was 7.7 mm and 8.3 mm for elective procedures; approximately one-third of patients had more than one stone. Eighty-one stones in the urgent group were distally located; fifty-seven were in the elective group. The most common indication for urgent URS was pain refractory to injectable analgesia. LASER was used in 182 (93.3%) procedures, 179 (91.7%) procedures were urgent. Seventeen (8.7%) complications were documented for urgent URS and 8 (4.1%) for elective cases, no statistical significance, P value = 0.74.

Elderly patients with upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) may present with colic and microscopic haematuria, mimicking urolithiasis. Patients presenting to emergency departments with acute ureteric colic are investigated with a CT KUB. CT urography (CTU) identifies UTUC better than a CT KUB. Thus, there is a possibility that a CT KUB may miss UTUC. We studied patients aged 65 years or over presenting to the emergency department with ureteric colic and microscopic haematuria who had a CT KUB between January 2014 and October 2016. Patients who had both CT KUB and CTU were then compared to determine if CT KUB had missed a UTUC and if the diagnoses were concordant by the two tests. A radiologist independent from the reporting radiologists reviewed images as well as their reports. According to the Health Research Authority, England regulations, we did not obtain an ethical review on a voluntary basis for this retrospective study. Four hundred eighty-five patients [228 (47.01%) male and 257 (52.99%) female] had a CT KUB scan over the 34-month period. Their mean age was 74 (SD 6.97) [males 73 (SD 6.42), females 75 (SD 7.42)] years. One hundred eighty-seven scans were normal. Ureteric calculi (167), renal calculi (58) and renal cysts (28) were most frequent diagnoses. The diagnosis was uncertain in 33 patients (6.8%) [16 (48.49%) males and 17 (51.51%) females]. The mean age of this group of patients was 74 (SD 6.64) [males 73 (SD4.43), females 74 (SD7.64)] years. These patients had a CTU for clarity. CTU identified one UTUC not identified by CT KUB (0.2%), corroborated the diagnosis of a ureteric tumour in one patient and excluded UTUC in two others. CTU diagnosed two new bladder tumours and an endometrial tumour. Diagnoses were concordant between CT KUB and CTU in 17 of 33 patients (51.5%). CT KUB scans for patients 65 years and over presenting with ureteric colic is justified. Only a small proportion of patients will subsequently require the higher radiation dose CTU as the probability of missing UTUC is low.

Introduction: Ureteral colic is a common painful disorder. Early surgical intervention is an attractive management option but existing evidence does not clarify which patients benefit. Based on lack of evidence, current national specialty guidelines provide conflicting recommendations regarding who is a candidate for early intervention. We compared treatment failure rates in patients receiving early intervention to those in patients offered spontaneous passage to identify subgroups that benefit from early intervention. Methods: We used administrative data and structured chart review to study consecutive patients attending one of nine hospitals in two provinces with an index emergency department (ED) visit and a confirmed 2.0-9.9 mm ureteral stone. We described patient, stone and treatment variables, and used multivariable regression to identify factors associated with treatment failure, defined as the need for rescue intervention or hospitalization within 60 days. Our secondary outcome was ED revisit rate. Results: Overall, 1168 (37.9%) of 3081 eligible patients underwent early intervention. Patients with small stones Conclusion: This study clarifies stone characteristics that identify patients likely to benefit from early intervention. We recommend low-risk patients with uncomplicated stones 5mm, or any stone >7mm, be offered early intervention.

Background Computed tomography is considered as an imaging modality of choice in acute ureteric colic. However due to concerns regarding radiation exposure, sonograms are re-emerging as imaging methods in such situations.Objectives To evaluate the role of sonography in detection of calculus in acute ureteric colic.Methods Total 384 patients were enrolled. Hydronephrosis was graded as mild, moderate or severe. Calculus was detected as an intraluminal echogenic focus with distal shadowing with twinkling artifact. Number, size and position of the calculi were assessed. Patients were categorized into four groups:I. ureteric colic only II. ureteric colic with hematuria III. ureteric colic with hydronephrosis and IV. ureteric colic with hematuria and hydronephrosis and then the possibility of detection of calculi has been compared among these groups.Results Out of 384 patients, 254 were found to have calculi ranging between 2.7-27mm. Nineteen had in the pelvis/ pelviureteric junction, 64 in proximal ureter, 125 in distal ureter, 6 at iliac crossing and 40 at vesicoureteric junction. Two hundred forty one had single and 14 had multiple calculi. Calculus detection is easier in category III and IV patients. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography were 87.98% and 93.07%. Degree of hydronephrosis is strongly correlated with the number of calculi but weakly correlated with the size of the calculus.Conclusion Sonogram can be used in all cases of acute ureteric colic. Hydronephrosis is the most important finding because it paves the way out for the detection of calculus.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(1) 2014: 9-15

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.

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

Objective To analyse the outcomes of emergency ureteroscopy (URS) cases performed in Auckland City Hospital. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all emergency URS procedures performed at Auckland City Hospital between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2011. Data on patients, stones and procedures were collected and analysed. Emergency URS failure was defined as fragments >3 mm or the need for a repeat procedure. Results A total of 499 URS procedures were identified. Of these 394 (79%) were emergency procedures. The mean (sd; range) patient age was 48 (16; 13–88) years. In all, 83% of emergency URS cases had an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 1 or 2, 25% of stones were >9 mm, with a mean (sd) size of 8 (4) mm, and 285 procedures (72%) were successful. These patients were younger (47 vs 51 years), were more likely to have an ASA score of 1 (103 patients in the successful treatment group vs 26 in the failed treatment group), had smaller stones (7 vs 9 mm) and were more likely to have distal stones (P < 0.05). A total of 20 complications (5%) were recorded including six false passages and three mucosal injuries, one of which required radiological intervention, and 50 patients (13%) re-presented, for pain (76%), bleeding (10%) or infection (14%). Conclusion We showed that emergency URS is a feasible approach for the routine management of acute ureteric colic with a low complications rate. A subgroup of younger, healthier patients may benefit the most from the procedure.

Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is one of the most common conservative modality of treatment offered by general practitioners for ureteric colic and calculi. In many occasions, such treatment may have beneficial effect, but might be counter-productive, if offered inappropriately. We report a case of unilateral pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction with a large, redundant, extra renal pelvis that was misinterpreted in ultrasonography as hydroureteronephrosis. The dilatation was assumed to be due to ureteric calculus and hence treated with MET, that resulted in forniceal rupture and urinoma. The aim of this article is to highlight the possible catastrophe that can result as a result of inappropriate administration of MET, especially in those patients treated based on empirical diagnosis of ureteric colic.

Objective To determine if the measurement of ureteric stone in coronal reconstruction plane is different from the measurement in axial plane and whether the difference can impact the management decision in patients with ureteric colic. Methods All patients who underwent unenhanced multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) scan for the evaluation of reno-ureteral colic in outpatient clinics and emergency room were evaluated. The scans were evaluated on Picture Archiving Computer System with a 3-mm axial and reformatted 3-mm coronal sections. Maximal stone diameter was measured in 2 dimensions in the axial and reformatted coronal sections by 2 reviewers. Only scans with isolated, unilateral, solitary ureteric calculi were included in the final analysis. All patients were monitored up to 4 weeks after MDCT to determine the clinical outcome. Results A total of 331 patients (272 male and 59 female; mean age ± standard deviation, 39.8 ± 13.8 years) were included. One hundred seventy-one (51.7%) stones passed spontaneously during the follow-up period. There was a 20% underestimation of maximal stone diameter in axial plane for all stones and a 17% for the stones that passed spontaneously or with medical expulsive therapy, as compared with measurement on coronal reconstruction. Conclusion Measuring the transverse stone diameter on axial images of MDCT scan underestimates size of ureteric stone. This can have an impact on counseling of patients and their clinical outcome, coronal reformatted images be used for size estimation.

Ureteric colic is a common presentation to acute emergency services. The gold standard test for the diagnosis of acute ureteric colic is a non-contrast computer tomography of the kidneys ureters and bladder (CT KUB). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be used as first-line analgesia, with studies showing that there is no role for steroid or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. There is emerging evidence that a high body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor. The drugs used to facilitate stone passage are known as medical expulsive therapy (MET). The most evaluated being alpha-blockers. The Spontaneous Urinary Stone Passage Enabled by Drugs (SUSPEND) trial was designed to evaluate the use of MET (tamsulosin and nifedipine). This trial showed that there was no difference with MET and placebo for the spontaneous passage of ureteric stones. There is an emerging role for the use of primary ureteroscopy in the management of non-infective ureteric stones.

Background Acute appendicitis is a common surgical condition that is usually managed with early surgery, and is associated with low morbidity and mortality. However, some patients may have atypical symptoms and physical findings that may lead to a delay in diagnosis and increased complications. Ascending subhepatic appendicitis presenting with right upper abdominal pain may be clinically indistinguishable from acute pathology in the gallbladder, liver, biliary tree, right kidney and right urinary tract. Aim of the work To study the role of multidetector computed tomography in diagnosis of subhepatic appendicitis. Subjects & methods In the current study, we included fifteen patients diagnosed radiologically and confirmed surgically as subhepatic appendicitis. Ultrasonography followed by multidetector computed tomographic examination were performed to all patients before surgery. Results The clinical diagnosis of the patients included in this study at presentation was acute cholecystitis in four patients, pyelonephritis in three, and ureteric colic in three. Five patients were referred with uncertain diagnosis. The presence of subhepatic appendicitis was confirmed sonographically only in two patients. Computed tomography (CT) identified correctly subhepatic appendicitis in all cases. Conclusion Our study indicates the usefulness of multidetector CT in diagnosing atypical ascending subhepatic appendicitis.