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Purpose: To report on in-vivo intrarenal pressure (IRP) during flexible ureteroscopy for treatment of kidney stones while using the novel flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheath (FANS)., Methods: A retrospective observational analysis was performed for 25 patients undergoing routine flexible ureteroscopy for treatment of renal stones between February 2024 and June 2024 from two centres in Canada. The LithoVue Elite™ ureteroscope (Boston Scientific Corp., Marlborough, MA, USA) with pressure sensing capability was used together with the Clearpetra ® Ureteral Access Sheath System (Well Lead Medical Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China) for all cases. Irrigation was via a pressure bag set at 250mmHg where possible and the access sheath was connected to wall suction at 200mmHg. Median and maximum IRP, as well as the distribution of cumulative procedure times according to various IRP ranges were analyzed., Results: The median age of the patients was 56 years, with a median BMI of 26.7 kg/m 2 . The median (Interquartile range {IQR}) IRP for all the cases was 22.0 (15.0-36.5) mmHg, with a median (IQR) procedure time of 35.9 (16.4-54.8) minutes. The IRP remained below 40mmHg in 76.2% of the total time in all procedures, and was below 60mmHg in 94.1% of the time. Significant variables associated with lower IRP were having a prior endourological procedure, pre-stenting, larger ureteral access sheath size and use of pre-operative alpha blocker. Age, BMI and total stone volume did not significantly affect IRP., Conclusions: Low intrarenal pressures can be achieved with the use of FANS, even with higher irrigation pressures. Alpha blocker use, larger sheath size, prior endourological procedures and pre-stenting are all associated with lower IRP., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: N. Bhojani reports consultancy with Boston Scientific. B. Chew reports consultancy with Boston Scientific. This study was investigator-initiated, with no financial compensation to any of the authors., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: To determine 30-day inpatient mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, inpatient admissions/readmissions, and yearly trends in sepsis prevalence and inpatient mortality after ureteroscopy (URS) in employed adults., Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the IBM MarketScan Commercial Database to identify employed adults aged 18-64 years who underwent URS between 2015 and 2019. Patients were categorized as having no sepsis (controls), non-severe sepsis, or severe sepsis within 30 days of URS. The main outcomes included inpatient mortality, ICU admissions, inpatient admissions, readmissions, and annual rates of sepsis and associated inpatient mortality., Results: Among 109 496 patients undergoing URS, 5.6% developed sepsis (4.1% non-severe, 1.5% severe). The 30-day inpatient mortality rates were 0.03%, 0.3% and 2.5% for controls, non-severe sepsis and severe sepsis, respectively (P < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, diagnosis of sepsis regardless of severity (hazard ratio [HR] 17.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.5-28.1; P < 0.001) or severe sepsis (HR 49.5, 95% CI 28.9-84.7; P < 0.001) increased the risk of 30-day inpatient mortality compared to no sepsis (controls). ICU admissions on the day of procedure (1.5%, 19.8% and 52.4%), inpatient admission rates (18.3%, 74.9% and 76.9%) and readmission rates (7.1%, 12.0% and 15.9%) were higher with severe sepsis and non-severe sepsis vs controls (all P < 0.001). During the study period, the prevalence of sepsis after URS increased from 4.7% to 6.6% (P < 0.001), while the associated mortality rate decreased from 0.7% to 0.2% (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Among working adults aged 18-64 years, sepsis after URS increases the risk of 30-day inpatient mortality, ICU and hospital admission, and hospital readmission. Although the prevalence of sepsis after URS is increasing over time, associated mortality rates are declining. Urologists should be aware of the potentially deadly consequences of sepsis after URS in younger patients., (© 2023 The Authors. BJU International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of BJU International.)

In 2018, the Endourology Disease Group for Excellence (EDGE) published a prospective trial comparing dusting versus basketing during ureteroscopy. One hundred fifty-nine patients were included in the original analysis, which found no difference in stone-free rate at 3 months. We report the intermediate and long-term outcomes of patients included in the original trial. Two analyses were performed. At 1-year, a retrospective chart review was performed, and data collected on stone episodes, Emergency Department (ED) visits, hospital admissions and surgical interventions. To obtain long-term outcomes, the four sites with the largest initial accrual were included in a second phase of data collection with updated analyses. The patients from those sites were contacted, re-consented, and data were collected on stone surgical interventions, stone episodes, stone recurrences on imaging, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospital admissions for stone-related care since their original procedure. One-year follow-up data were collected in 111 of the original 159 (69.8%) patients from the nine sites. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of painful episodes, ED visits, hospital admissions, or surgical interventions. 94 patients from four sites were included in the long-term analysis. There were no statistically significant differences in surgical interventions, painful stone episodes, stone recurrence on imaging, ED visits or hospitalizations for stone-related events between the two groups. Long-term outcomes of dusting versus basketing during ureteroscopy indicate that there are no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two surgical modalities., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To investigate the incidence, predictive factors, and health care utilization of sepsis post-ureteroscopy (URS) in patients enrolled in commercial insurance plans. Materials and Methods: A retrospective claims analysis was conducted using the IBM ® MarketScan ® commercial database. Patients ≥18 years were included if they had URS between January 2015 and October 2019 and developed sepsis within 30 days of URS. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify various clinical and demographic predictors of sepsis post-URS. All-cause health care utilization (i.e., inpatient admissions and intensive care unit [ICU] stays) and all-cause health care costs up to 1 month post-septic event were measured. Results: Among the 104,100 URS patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 5.5% developed sepsis. Patients with diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 1.52; p  < 0.0001), older age (age 55-64 vs 18-34; OR = 1.35; p  < 0.0001), baseline sepsis (OR = 3.51; p  < 0.0001), baseline inpatient visits (OR = 1.17; p  = 0.0012), and higher Elixhauser comorbidity scores (OR = 1.09; p  < 0.0001) had a significantly higher likelihood of developing sepsis post-URS. In septic patients, 94.8% required inpatient care and 35% were admitted to the ICU. Mean hospital stay for septic patients was 6.86 days. Average all-cause health care cost per patient at 1 month in the septic cohort was $49,625 vs $17,782 in the nonseptic cohort indicating an incremental all-cause cost of $31,843 ( p  < 0.0001). Conclusions: A total of 5.5% of commercially insured patients undergoing URS developed sepsis post-URS. Diabetes, older age, baseline sepsis, baseline inpatient visit, and higher comorbidity score were all found to be independent predictors of post-URS sepsis. Patients with sepsis post-URS had higher health care utilization and costs indicating that sepsis is both a significant clinical and economic event.

Objective: To report the first case series of ureterorenoscopy in North America using the High Power Super Pulse Thulium Fiber Laser for the treatment of upper urinary tract stones., Methods: After Institutional Review Board approval, a multicentric retrospective chart review of patients treated with the High Power Super Pulse Thulium Fiber Laser from October 2019 to March 2020 was conducted. Basic demographic information, pre-operative, and peri-operative data were recorded., Results: Seventy-six patients were included with a mean age of 60.9 ± 13.3 years. 118 stones were treated including 32 within the ureter, 49 in the lower pole, 37 in mid or upper poles. Dusting technique was commonly used (67.1%) with pulse frequencies up to 2400 Hz. Mean operative time was 59.4 ± 31.5 minutes. Mean laser time and total laser energy were 10.8 ± 14.1 minutes and 12.5 ± 19.1 KJ, respectively. Intraoperative complications were limited to 7 grade 1, 3 grade 2, and 1 grade 3 ureteral injuries and one case of renal collecting system bleeding that was adequately managed with laser coagulation settings (1J-20Hz)., Conclusion: This initial case series in North America of the High Power Super Pulse Thulium Fiber Laser is promising for the treatment of urolithiasis. Sub-200 μm fibers and dusting settings up to 2400 Hz were utilized successfully. No specific complications related to use of the laser were seen., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The use of ureteral access sheaths (UAS) is common practice during routine flexible ureteroscopy procedures. However, debates and concerns continue amongst endourologists on routine UAS placement. UAS placement allows for multiple passages of the ureteroscope, decreases intrarenal pressure, and may improve stone-free rates. However, concerns for the UAS's effectiveness in these claimed benefits and complications related to UAS placement has been documented and investigated by many. In this review, we will discuss the controversies surrounding the placement of UAS during ureteroscopy., Competing Interests: The authors have nothing to disclose., (© The Korean Urological Association, 2020.)

Purpose of Review: Ureteral stents are necessary in the routine practice of an urologist. Choosing the correct stent and being aware of the options available will allow urologists to provide the best possible care for patients and value to the healthcare system. This review seeks to educate urologists regarding improvements in stent technology currently available or in development., Recent Findings: Research from around the world is underway to discover an ideal stent - one that is comfortable for patients, resists infection and encrustation and is affordable for hospital systems. Stent design alterations and stent coatings are revealing reductions in encrustation and bacterial colonization. Biodegradable stents and magnetic stents are being tested to prevent the discomfort of cystoscopic removal. Intraureteral stents are proving efficacious while eliminating an irritating coil from the bladder and the symptoms associated with it., Summary: The studies highlighted in this review provide encouraging results in the pursuit of the ideal stent while opening discussion around new concepts and further areas of research.

Introduction: Current American Urological Association guidelines recommend ureteroscopy (URS) as primary management of distal ureteral stones and shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) as a secondary option. Utilization of SWL in the management of nephrolithiasis in North America has decreased. We hypothesized that SWL continues to be an effective option in the management of distal ureteral calculi and studied data from our center in patients who received SWL for distal ureteral stones. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 104 patients treated initially with SWL for distal ureteral calculi between 2011 and 2018 at this institution. The success rate of SWL was assessed through radiologic imaging and if subsequent procedures were required to render patients stone free. Results: Operative note and chart review identified 104 patients who presented with distal ureteral stones and were treated with SWL as the initial form of management. Average patient age was 52.2 ± 15.3 years, average BMI was 27.4 ± 5.7, and average total axial stone surface area was 25.96 ± 14.32 mm 2 . Of these patients, 78.8% ( n  = 82) were stone free following one SWL and required no subsequent procedures. Of these patients, 87.5% ( n  = 91) were stone free following a second SWL, and 87.5% ( n  = 91) were stone free following a secondary URS. After the initial SWL, residual stones were identified in 21.2% of patients ( n  = 22). Four patients, 3.8%, required a salvage URS following a failed second SWL to achieve stone-free status. Conclusion: One SWL procedure offers a stone-free rate (SFR) of 78.8% and after two SWLs an 87.5% SFR. Only 12.5% of patients undergoing SWL at our center required URS to achieve a stone-free status. SWL is an effective modality in the treatment of distal ureteral stones.

Flexible ureteroscopy has become an important tool in the urologist's armamentarium. Until recently, reusable ureteroscopes were the only tools available to perform ureteroscopy. However, in recent years, single-use flexible and semirigid ureteroscopes have been developed as an alternative to reusable ureteroscopes. These disposable ureteroscopes were designed to mitigate problems associated with the use of reusable ureteroscopes, including the high costs related to ureteroscope acquisition, maintenance, processing, sterilization, and repairs. In this review, we provide an overview of currently available single-use flexible ureteroscopes, which include LithoVue, Uscope, NeoFlex, and Shaogang, as well as the Neoscope semirigid ureteroscope. The functional capabilities (deflection, irrigation, and optical properties) of each ureteroscope are also discussed.

Purpose: There is scant evidence in the literature to support dusting vs active basket extraction during ureteroscopy for kidney stones. We prospectively evaluated and followed patients to determine which modality produced a higher stone-free rate with the fewest complications., Materials and Methods: Members of the Endourologic Disease Group for Excellence research consortium prospectively enrolled patients with a renal stone burden ranging from 5 to 20 mm in this study. A holmium laser was used and all patients were stented postoperatively. Ureteral access sheaths were used in 100% of basketing cases while sheaths were optional when dusting. The primary study outcome was the stone-free rate at 6 weeks as determined by x-ray and ultrasound., Results: A total of 84 and 75 patients were enrolled in the basketing and dusting arms, respectively. Stones in the dusting group were significantly larger (mean ± SD stone area 96.1 ± 65.3 vs 63.3 ± 46.0 mm 2 , p <0.001). The stone-free rate was significantly higher in the basketing group on univariate analysis (74.3% vs 58.2%, p = 0.04) but not on multivariate analysis (1.9 OR, 95% CI 0.9-4.3, p = 0.11). In patients who underwent a basketing procedure operative time was 37.7 minutes longer than in those treated with a dusting procedure (95% CI 23.8-51.7, p <0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates, hospital readmissions or additional procedures between the groups., Conclusions: The stone-free rate was higher for active basket retrieval of fragments at short-term followup on univariate analysis but not on multivariate analysis. There was no difference in postoperative complications or procedures. The 2 techniques should be in the armamentarium of the urologist., (Copyright © 2018 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Nephrolithiasis is an increasingly common ailment in the United States. Ureteroscopic management has supplanted shockwave lithotripsy as the most common treatment of upper tract stone disease. Ureteral stricture is a rare but serious complication of stone disease and its management. The impact of new technologies and more widespread ureteroscopic management on stricture rates is unknown. We describe our experience in managing strictures incurred following ureteroscopy for upper tract stone disease., Materials and Methods: Records for patients managed at four tertiary care centers between December 2006 and October 2015 with the diagnosis of ureteral stricture following ureteroscopy for upper tract stone disease were retrospectively reviewed. Study outcomes included number and type (endoscopic, reconstructive, or nephrectomy) of procedures required to manage stricture., Results: Thirty-eight patients with 40 ureteral strictures following URS for upper tract stone disease were identified. Thirty-five percent of patients had hydronephrosis or known stone impaction at the time of initial URS, and 20% of cases had known ureteral perforation at the time of initial URS. After stricture diagnosis, the mean number of procedures requiring sedation or general anesthesia performed for stricture management was 3.3 ± 1.8 (range 1-10). Eleven strictures (27.5%) were successfully managed with endoscopic techniques alone, 37.5% underwent reconstruction, 10% had a chronic stent/nephrostomy, and 10 (25%) required nephrectomy., Conclusions: The surgical morbidity of ureteral strictures incurred following ureteroscopy for stone disease can be severe, with a low success rate of endoscopic management and a high procedural burden that may lead to nephrectomy. Further studies that assess specific technical risk factors for ureteral stricture following URS are needed.

Introduction and Objectives: Ureteral stent symptoms are experienced by the majority of patients with ureteral stents. No one stent or technology has shown a clear advantage. The Helical™ stent, a spirally cut stent made of proprietary Percuflex™ material, was designed to conform to the shape of the ureter and better accommodate patient movement. We prospectively sought to compare unscheduled visits, analgesic use, and pain scores in patients who received a Percuflex Helical ureteral stent following ureteroscopy compared to a historical control group., Methods: Fifteen (n = 15) patients undergoing ureteroscopy for the treatment of kidney stones were consented for study. A Percuflex Helical ureteral stent was inserted after treating the urinary stone. The historical control group consisted of 30 patients, from a previous (ketorolac eluting) ureteral stent study utilizing the same protocol and clinical monitoring forms, who received a regular Percuflex ureteral stent. The control patients were matched by age and sex. The primary study outcome was to compare unscheduled visits. Secondary outcomes included comparison of Visual Pain Analog Scale (VPAS) scores and analgesic use between the two groups., Results: There were no differences in the gender, age, BMI, or stone characteristics between groups. Both groups underwent retrograde ureteroscopy using holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy and stone fragmentation. There was a significant reduction in the amount of analgesics required in the Helical stent group (4.4 ± 7.99 mg morphine equivalents) compared to controls (16.75 ± 18.31 mg, p = 0.0035) to achieve similar VPAS scores. There was no difference in unscheduled visits (20%) or VPAS scores (13.84 ± 13.68 helical vs 14.29 ± 11.58 control, p = 0.7910) between groups., Conclusions: Patients who received a Percuflex Helical ureteral stent required significantly fewer analgesics than those who received a Percuflex stent and both had equivalent pain scores.

Open ureterolithotomy and pyelolithotomy used to be first line therapy for treating kidney and ureteral stones. With the advent of shockwave lithotripsy, open stone surgery became less prevalent, but once ureteroscopy became more prevalent, open stone surgery became all but extinct. Advances in smaller, more flexible endoscopes and improvements in intracorporeal lithotripters, ureteroscopy has become a mainstay of therapy for kidney stones. The holmium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser can be utilized through flexible instruments and fragments any stone no matter what it is composed of. Digital image ureteroscopes with chip-on-the-tip technology has improved our visualization during ureteroscopy. What is next? We examine potential directions from current research. Pharmacologic manipulation for ureteral dilation may obviate the need for pre-stenting or balloon dilation. Advances in ureteroscope technology will likely see the biggest advances. Different ureteroscopic platforms and the user interface with the surgeon will progress. Robotic manipulation of the endoscope is an eventual reality with improved ergonomics and improved performance to reach all areas of the kidney. Single-use ureteroscopes are already a reality and offer a digital image with full deflection with every use and without having to worry about sterilization and costly repairs. Lastly, advancements in nanotechnology and robotics will see the potential for miniaturized robots that could be administered intravesically to identify the stone and to disintegrate it. The only prediction that can be made about the future of ureteroscopy is that we do not know how it will look. The future of ureteroscopy is exciting and most definitely will be unrecognizable to the surgeons of today.

Purpose: Fragments 4 mm or smaller after ureteroscopy historically have been considered clinically insignificant but there is a reported 20% event rate on followup even with stones 4 mm or smaller. In this study we examine the natural history, complications and re-intervention rates of fragments after ureteroscopy., Materials and Methods: Data from 6 centers were collected retrospectively from members of the Endourology Disease Group for Excellence in 232 patients who had residual fragments after ureteroscopy between 2006 and 2013. Patients with fragment(s) of any size on imaging within 12 months were eligible. The primary outcome measured was stone events, and secondary outcomes included stone growth, stone passage, re-intervention and complications., Results: Of the 232 subjects with fragments 131 (56%) required no further intervention and remained asymptomatic, 34 (15%) experienced complications requiring no intervention and 67 (29%) required intervention, ie the primary outcome stone event rate was 44%. Fragments larger than 4 mm were more likely to grow with time (p <0.001) and were associated with more complications (p=0.039). Fragments larger than 2 mm were more likely to grow (p <0.001) but were not associated with complications or re-intervention. Re-intervention was predictable based on fragment size (p=0.017). In a multivariable logistic regression model there was no significant difference between the techniques of dusting stones or basket extraction., Conclusions: This study suggests that fragment size larger than 4 mm after ureteroscopy is associated with significantly higher rates of stone growth, complications and the need for re-intervention. Ensuring complete stone-free status is the most effective strategy to reduce stone events after ureteroscopy., (Copyright © 2016 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: American Urology Association (AUA) Best Practice Guidelines for ureteroscopic stone treatment recommend antibiotic coverage for <24 hours following the procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the addition of postoperative antibiotics reduces urinary tract infections (UTIs) following ureteroscopic stone treatment beyond the recommended preoperative dose., Methods: A retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients at two institutions, University of British Columbia and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard. All patients received a single dose of antibiotics before ureteroscopic stone treatment. A subset of patients was also given postoperative antibiotics. The rate of UTI was compared in patients receiving only preoperative antibiotics (group 1) vs those who received pre- and postoperative antibiotics (group 2)., Results: Eighty-one patients underwent ureteroscopy for renal calculi. Mean time to follow up was 42 ± 88 days. Eight (9.9%) patients in total (two from group 1 and six from group 2, p = 0.1457) developed UTIs postoperatively. In group 1, both patients presented with pyelonephritis (n = 2); those patients with infections in group 2 presented with urosepsis (n = 2) and cystitis (n = 2) and two patients had asymptomatic bacteriuria. Risk factors such as preoperative stenting, nephrostomy tubes, and foley catheters neither differed between groups nor did they predispose patients to postoperative infections., Conclusions: The postoperative UTI rate in this study (9.9%) is consistent with previous reports. Our data suggest that a single preoperative dose of antibiotics is sufficient, and additional postoperative antibiotics do not decrease infection rates after ureteroscopic stone treatment. Risk for selection bias is a potential limitation.

Purpose of Review: We review new therapies and biomaterials designed to reduce ureteral stent symptoms in patients undergoing ureteroscopy., Recent Findings: Pharmacologically, alpha blockers and antimuscarinics have been shown to have a synergistic effect and be more effective than either medication alone in reducing stent-related symptoms. Prestenting patients prior to ureterosocpy has been shown to be beneficial for patients with renal stones, offering a better stone-free rate and reduced complications, but not for ureteral stones. Stenting after use of a ureteral access sheath reduced complications and unscheduled emergency visits. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories have been shown to prevent pain after stent removal. Surveys showed that patients preferred to remove their own stents via dangle strings at home or undergo cystoscopic removal in the operating room with some type of anesthesia. New materials such as gel-based or biodegradable ureteral stents are being developed to deal with stent-related pain, encrustation, and infection. Antirefluxing stents eliminate vesicoureteric reflux in patients during voiding and may reduce symptoms of back and flank pain. Ureteral stents are involved in many procedures in urology and particularly kidney stone treatments., Summary: Advances in materials and medications will help improve the patient experience for those who receive a ureteral stent.

Objective: Surgical treatment of kidney stones in an obese patient (body mass index [BMI] >30 kg/m(2)) remains challenging as shockwave lithotripsy may not be an option due to weight limitations. We sought to determine the effectiveness of ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy in obese patients compared to nonobese controls., Materials and Methods: Patients from 2004 to 2007 were retrospectively analyzed providing a group of 292 patients (163 obese, 76 overweight, 53 normal) who underwent ureteroscopic procedures for urolithiasis at four centers in the United States and Canada., Results: The percentage of obese patients requiring flexible ureteroscopy (URS) (79%) was higher than in the other groups (P<0.0001). Flexible URS was associated with a lower stone-free rate (SFR) on multivariate analysis (P=0.034). There was no difference in SFRs of patients who required a ureteral access sheath, basket extraction, or received a postoperative stent. Complication rates did not differ between groups., Conclusion: SFRs using ureteroscopic lithotripsy in obese and overweight populations are the same as in the normal weight patients. A flexible ureteroscope was associated with a decreased SFR, but this likely due to a more proximal stone location in these patients. Ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy is an effective and safe technique to treat urolithiasis in the overweight/obese patient.

The gold standard treatment for supravesical urothelial carcinoma has been open radical nephroureterectomy based on the premise that this cancer is a field defect. However, nephroureterectomy is an extensive procedure that may not be tolerated by all patients. Percutaneous and ureteroscopic approaches have been utilized in an attempt to avoid the potential morbidity associated with traditional open surgery. This review provides an update on percutaneous management of upper-tract urothelial transitional-cell cancer based on a review of the pertinent literature.

BackgroundPostoperative opioid prescribing has been linked with persistent opioid use. Ureteroscopy (URS) is a common urologic procedure and a potential area to focus on opioid reduction. We aim to characterize international practice patterns of opioid prescribing post URS and what measures may decrease the need for opioid prescription.MethodsWe developed a survey directed to members of the Endourological Society. The survey queried the frequency of opioid prescribing post URS, challenges when opioids are not prescribed, and measures thought to reduce the need for opioids.ResultsWe received 159 responses with the majority reported practicing urology for >20 years (37.1%), and performing 10-20 ureteroscopies/month (45.3%). Forty-one percent were from the United States (US) and Canada. Sixty-six percent completed a fellowship, 84% in endourology. Twenty-six percent prescribe opioids more than half the time and the majority do so less than 10% of the time (61.6%). Thirty-eight percent had no challenges when opioids were omitted. Measures felt to decrease the need for opioids were preoperative counseling, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use, and use of adjunct medications. After adjusting for location and type of practice, endourology fellowship completion, years of practice, and number of ureteroscopies/month, we found that respondents from the US and Canada were more likely to prescribe opioids more than half the time post URS compared to respondents from the rest of the world [odds ratio (OR): 87.5, P50% of the time post URS. Most important factors felt to reduce opioid prescription post URS were preoperative counseling, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use. US and Canadian urologists were more likely to prescribe opioids >50% of the time post URS compared to the rest of the world. We believe best practice guidelines should be considered by the American and Canadian Urological Associations to address post URS opioid prescribing.

Objective: To evaluate the available literature on ureteric stent‐related infections, the use of antibiotics and bacterial colonisation to identify the current incidence of stent‐related infections, unveil knowledge gaps and generate potential hypotheses for future research. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane and urological association websites identifying relevant English literature published between 1983 and January 2024. Results: There is a worldwide lack of guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis for stent placement, exchange or extraction. In patients with a negative preoperative urine culture undergoing ureteroscopy and stent placement, it may be considered to only provide prophylaxis in presence of risk factors. However, in pre‐stented patients a preoperative urine culture is important to guide prophylaxis during endourological surgery. During stent indwell time, antibiotic prophylaxis does not show any advantage in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). There is no strong evidence to support the use of antibiotics at time of stent removal. In the absence of any clear evidence, management strategies for treating UTIs in patients with ureteric stents vary widely. Stent exchange could be considered to remove the biofilm as a potential source of bacteria. Stent culture can help to guide treatment during infection as urine culture and stent culture can differ. Conclusion: In terms of good antibiotic stewardship, urologists should be aware that unnecessary use of antibiotics provokes bacterial resistance. There is a great need for further research in the field of antibiotic prophylaxis and stent‐related infections to develop evidence that can help shape clear guidelines for this very common urological practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We aimed to assess complications and stone-free rate of flexible ureteroscopy (FU) reusing disposable scopes (RDS) after repeated sterilization. Methods: Data from adults from 11 centers were retrospectively reviewed (January 2020--December 2022). Inclusion criteria were proximal ureteral/renal stone(s). All cases were performed using an RDS to save costs for patients who come from economically challenged environments. Residual fragments (RFs) were defined as single fragment ≥4 mm or multiple fragments of any size within 3 months. Continuous variables are presented as median and interquartile range. Results: Two thousand one hundred and eighty-three patients were included, of whom 67.0% were male. Median age was 48.0 (36--59) years. The median stone diameter was 10.2 (9--14) mm. Flash sterilization was used in 90.2% (plasma in 60.5%). Approximately, 88% had FU with an RDS used ≤2 times (12%: 3--5 times). RDS needed to be changed intraoperatively in 3.9% of cases due to its malfunction. Commonly, defects in RDS function were reported in upward (1.6%) and downward deflection (6.5%) and image quality on white balancing (4.7%). Fever >38C was seen in 13.7% of cases, and sepsis in 0.5%. RFs were found in 31.4% of cases. Lower pole (odds ratio [OR] 5.63) or pelvis stone (OR 4.67), faulty scopes (OR 12.8), and total operation time (OR 1.05) were factors associated with higher odds of RFs. Stone size (OR 1.09), positive urine culture (OR 1.67), interpolar stone (OR 1.68), and prestenting (OR 1.37) were factors associated with higher odds of fever/sepsis. Conclusions: RDS was used as a cost-conscious approach with a low rate of serious infections but with a high rate of RFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine mammals may develop kidney stones, which can be challenging to treat. We describe burst wave lithotripsy (BWL) and ultrasonic propulsion to treat ureteral calculi in a 48-year-old female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and to reduce renal stone burden in a 23-year-old male harbor seal (Phoca vitulina). BWL and ultrasonic propulsion were delivered transcutaneously in sinusoidal ultrasound bursts to fragment and reposition stones. Targeting and monitoring were performed with real-time imaging integrated within the BWL system. Four dolphin stones were obtained and fragmented ex vivo. The dolphin case received a 10-min and a 20-min BWL treatment conducted approximately 24 h apart to treat two 8–10 mm partially obstructing right mid-ureteral stones, using oral sedation alone. For the harbor seal, while under general anesthesia, retrograde ureteroscopy attempts were unsuccessful because of ureteral tortuosity, and a 30-min BWL treatment was targeted on one 10-mm right kidney stone cluster. All 4 stones fragmented completely to < 2-mm fragments in < 20 min ex vivo. In the dolphin case, the ureteral stones appeared to fragment, spread apart, and move with ultrasonic propulsion. On post-treatment day 1, the ureteral calculi fragments shifted caudally reaching the ureteral orifice on day 9. On day 10, the calculi fragments passed, and the hydroureter resolved. In the harbor seal, the stone cluster was observed to fragment and was not visible on the post-operative computed tomography scan. The seal had gross hematuria and a day of behavior indicating stone passage but overall, an uneventful recovery. BWL and ultrasonic propulsion successfully relieved ureteral stone obstruction in a geriatric dolphin and reduced renal stone burden in a geriatric harbor seal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report on our first‐in‐human experience using the LithoVue Elite™ ureteroscope (Boston Scientific Corp., Marlborough, MA, USA) to measure intrarenal pressure (IRP) during flexible ureteroscopy. Patients and Methods: A single‐arm retrospective observational analysis was performed in 50 consecutive patients undergoing ureteroscopic lithotripsy using the LithoVue Elite™ system with pressure sensing capability between April 2022 and February 2023 at two centres. A pressure bag set at 150 mmHg or hand irrigation with a 60‐mL syringe was used for irrigation and a ureteric access sheath (UAS) was placed at the physician's discretion. Median and maximum IRPs, and relative cumulative time exceeding 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, and 200 mmHg per total procedure time were analysed. The two‐sample Mann–Whitney U‐test was used, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: The median (interquartile range [IQR]) patient age and body mass index (BMI) was 62.5 (46.7–68.2) years and 27.6 (23.3–32.1) kg/m2, respectively. During the median (IQR) total procedure time of 31.9 (17.4–44.9) min, the median and maximum IRPs were 28.5 (20.0–47.5) and 174.0 (133.5–266.0) mmHg, respectively. IRP remained at <60 mmHg during 92% of the procedure times. Patients with Asian ethnicity, and those without pre‐stenting or UAS use exhibited longer cumulative/total durations exceeding pre‐defined IRP cut‐off values. The smaller 10/12‐F UAS did not lower pressures as much as the 11/13‐F or 12/14‐F UAS (P < 0.001). Age, diabetes, hypertension, preoperative α‐blockade, stone size, and BMI did not show any statistically significant associations with IRP. Conclusions: The IRP can now be routinely measured during ureteroscopy. Patients had a median IRP of 28.5 mmHg and a maximum of 174 mmHg. Using a smaller UAS (10/12 F), Asian ethnicity, and tight ureters were found to have higher IRPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the management of a complicated case involving an impacted ureteric stone and the subsequent development of a ureteric stricture. The patient initially underwent various minimally invasive procedures, including ureteroscopy and shockwave lithotripsy, but the stone remained unchanged and caused persistent hydronephrosis. The patient ultimately underwent a robot-assisted laparoscopic uretero-ureterostomy, which successfully resolved the hydronephrosis and improved the patient's symptoms. The article emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate treatment procedure and promptly managing impacted ureteric stones to minimize complications and burden on patients and healthcare systems. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current availability of technology for urolithiasis treatment and ureteroscopy (URS). Perioperative practice patterns, availability of ureteroscopic technologies, pre- and poststenting practices, and methods to alleviate stent-related symptoms (SRS) were assessed via a survey of members of the Endourological Society. Methods: We distributed a 43-question survey online via the Qualtrics platform to members of the Endourological Society. The survey consisted of questions pertaining to the following topics: general (6), equipment (17), preoperative URS (9), intraoperative URS (2), and postoperative URS (9). Results: A total of 191 urologists responded to the survey and 126 completed all questions of the survey (66%). Fifty-one percent (65/127) of urologists were fellowship trained and dedicated an average of 58% of their practice to stone management. In terms of procedures, most urologists performed URS most commonly (68%), followed by percutaneous nephrolithotomy (23%) and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (11%). Ninety percent (120/133) of respondent urologists purchased a new ureteroscope within the last 5 years (16% single-use scopes, 53% reusable, and 31% purchased both). Fifty-three percent (70/132) of the respondents stated that they would be interested in a ureteroscope that can sense intrarenal pressure, with an additional 28% (37/132) stating they would be interested depending on the cost. Seventy-four percent (98/133) of responders purchased a new laser within the last 5 years, and 59% (57/97) changed their lasering technique due to the new laser. Urologists are performing primary ureteroscopy for obstructing stones in 70% of cases, and prefer prestenting patients for subsequent URS in 30% (on average after 21 days). Seventy-one percent (90/126) of responders insert a ureteral stent after uncomplicated URS, which is removed, on average, after 8 days in uncomplicated cases and 21 days after complicated URS. Most urologists give analgesics, alpha-blockers, and anticholinergics for SRS and <10% prescribe opioids. Conclusion: Our survey revealed urologists' eagerness for the early adoption of novel technologies and adherence to conservative practice patterns focused on patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy requires high amperage power and has an upper limit of frequency and a minimal fiber size. The technology utilizing thulium-doped fiber offers low pulse energy settings and high pulse frequencies up to 2,400 Hz. We compared the novel SuperPulsed thulium fiber laser (SOLTIVETM; Olympus) to a commercially available 120 W Ho:YAG laser. Materials and Methods: Bench-top testing was conducted with 125 mm3 standardized BegoStones (Bego USA). Time to ablate the stone into particles <1 mm was recorded for efficiency calculations. Finite energy was delivered, and resulting particle sizes were measured to determine fragmentation (0.5 kJ) and dusting (2 kJ) efficiencies. Remaining mass or number of fragments were measured to compare efficacy. Results: SOLTIVETM was faster at ablating stones to particles <1 mm (2.23±0.22 mg/s, 0.6 J 30 Hz short pulse) compared to Ho:YAG laser (1.78±0.44 mg/s, 0.8 J 10 Hz short pulse) (p<0.001). Following 0.5 kJ of energy in fragmentation testing, fewer particles >2 mm remained using SOLTIVETM than Ho:YAG laser (2.10 vs. 7.20 fragments). After delivering 2 kJ, dusting (1.05±0.08 mg/s) was faster using SOLTIVETM (0.1 J 200 Hz short pulse) than 120 W 0.46±0.09 mg/s (0.3 J 70 Hz Moses) (p=0.005). SOLTIVETM (0.1 J 200 Hz) produced more dust particles <0.5 mm (40%) compared to 24% produced by the P120 W laser at 0.3 J 70 Hz Moses and 14% at 0.3 J 70 Hz long pulse (p=0.015). Conclusions: The efficacy of SOLTIVETM is superior to the 120 W Ho:YAG laser by producing smaller dust particles and fewer fragments. Further studies are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Introduction: With an increase in the prevalence of kidney stone disease (KSD), there has been a universal drive to develop reliable and user-friendly tools such as grading systems and predictive nomograms. An atlas of scoring systems (SS), grading tools, and nomograms in Endourology is provided in this article. Methods: A comprehensive search of world literature was performed to identify nomograms, grading systems, and classification tools in endourology related to KSD. Each of these was reviewed by the authors and has been evaluated in a narrative format with details on those that are externally validated and their respective citation count on google scholar. Results: A total of 54 endourological tools have been described in our atlas of endourological SS, grading tools, and nomograms. Of the tools, 23 (43%) have been published in the past 3 years showing an increasing interest in this area. This includes five for percutaneous nephrolithotomy, six for flexible ureteroscopy, three for semi-rigid ureteroscopy (URS), nine for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, two for stent encrustations, three for intraoperative appearance at the time of URS, and three to classify intraoperative ureteric injury. There were three tools for renal colic assessment, one each for prediction of future stone event, stone classification, and stone impaction and two for need of emergency intervention in ureteral stone. Two tools are related to stone recurrence, whereas six are related to postprocedural complications. There are now two tools for simulation in endourology and five for patient-reported outcome measures. Conclusions: A number of reliable and established tools currently exist in endourology. Each of these offers their own respective advantages and disadvantages. Although nomograms and SS can help in the decision making, these must be tailored to individual patients based on their specific clinical scenarios, expectations, and informed consent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Urosepsis is a serious potential complication of ureteroscopic procedures for stone disease, yet the risk factors for this complication are not well characterized. The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to identify potential risk factors for urosepsis after ureteroscopy (URS) for stone disease. Materials and Methods: We performed systematic searches of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies reporting at least one prospectively defined risk factor for urosepsis after URS. Studies that only reported rates of isolated fever, urinary tract infection (UTI), or pooled infectious complications were excluded. The risk factors evaluated in this review were age, sex, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, recent UTI, pyuria, hydronephrosis, stone history, stone size, preoperative stent placement, preoperative positive urine culture, and procedure time. A random effects meta-analysis model with inverse variance weighting was used where the statistic of interest was the odds ratio for dichotomous variables and the mean difference for continuous outcomes. Results: In 13 studies (5 prospective) with 5597 patients, the pooled incidence of postoperative urosepsis was 5.0% (95% confidence interval: 2.4–8.2). Six risk factors were statistically associated with increased postoperative urosepsis risk—preoperative stent placement (odds ratio = 3.94, p < 0.001, 6 studies), positive preoperative urine culture (odds ratio = 3.56, p < 0.001, 6 studies), ischemic heart disease (odds ratio = 2.49, p = 0.002, 2 studies), older age (mean difference = 2.7 years, p = 0.002, 6 studies), longer procedure time (mean difference = 9 minutes, p = 0.02, 1 study), and diabetes mellitus (odds ratio = 2.04, p = 0.04, 6 studies). Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that among patients undergoing URS for treatment of stone disease, the risk of postoperative urosepsis was 5.0%. Older age, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, preoperative stent placement, a positive urine culture, and longer procedure time were associated with increased postoperative urosepsis risk. These results will assist urologists with preoperative risk stratification before ureteroscopic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to assess the incidence of kidney stones requiring acute care, trends in the surgical treatment of stones, and the demographics of stone formers in Canada. METHODS: We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study using administrative data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. We included Canadian residents age >18 years, outside of Quebec, who presented between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018, with a kidney stone episode. This was defined as a kidney stone resulting in hospital admission, emergency department visit, or stone intervention, specifically shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), ureteroscopy (URS), or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). RESULTS: There were 471 824 kidney stone episodes, including 184 373 interventions. The number of kidney stone episode increased from 277/100 000 in 2013 to 290/100 000 in 2018. The median age was 53 (interquartile range 41-65) years and 59.9% were male. The crude rate for stone intervention was 877/100 000. The age- and gender-standardized rate for interventions was highest in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, and lowest in Prince Edward Island. The most common intervention in Canada was URS (73.5%), followed by SWL (19.8%) and PCNL (6.7%). The percent utilization of SWL was highest in Manitoba, whereas for URS, it was highest in Prince Edward Island and Alberta. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides the first population-based data on the demographics of stone formers and treatment trends across Canada. There has been a 4.7% increase in kidney stone episodes over the study period. Those presenting to hospital or requiring intervention for a kidney stone are more likely to be male, aged 41-65, and undergo URS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proximal migration of stones during ureteroscopic lithotripsy is a common problem that faces many urologists and reduces stone-free rates, which translates into higher costs and longer operative times. In a bid to increase stone-free rates, there are several anti-retropulsion devices on the market, to help urologists during ureteroscopic lithotripsy. We previously reviewed these anti-retropulsion devices and wish to update what is currently available on the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on advances in robotic ureteroscopy that will help target stones and reduce ionizing radiation. Topics discussed include the Roboflex that was one of the first robots used for ureteroscopy, Auris Health, Inc.'s Monarch Platform approved for robotic bronchoscopy, skills required from urologists in using these devices and advantages of and safety concerns with these devices.

The article presents the discussion on provide evidence-based consensus recommendations on various aspects relevant to the management of ureteral stones. Topics include looking at costs associated with management of acute renal colic finding an initial trial of non-surgical management; and conservative management, medical expulsive therapy, shockwave lithotripsy(SWL), ureteroscopy (URS), and special clinical scenarios.