Indications, preferences, global practice patterns and outcomes in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for renal stones in adults: results from a multicenter database of 6669 patients of the global FLEXible ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry (FLEXOR)

PURPOSE

To collect a multicentric database on behalf of TOWER research group to assess practice patterns and outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney stones.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria: age ≥ 18 years, normal renal/calyceal system anatomy, calculi of any size, number, and position.

STUDY PERIOD

January 2018 and August 2021. Stone-free status: absence of fragments > 2 mm, assessed post procedure according to the local protocol (KUB X-Ray and/or ultrasound or non-contrast CT scan).

RESULTS

Twenty centers from fifteen countries enrolled 6669 patients. There were 4407 (66.2%) men. Mean age was 49.3 ± 15.59 years. Pain was the most frequent symptom indication for intervention (62.6%). 679 (10.2%) patients underwent RIRS for an incidental finding of stones. 2732 (41.0%) patients had multiple stones. Mean stone size was 10.04 ± 6.84 mm. A reusable flexible ureteroscope was used in 4803 (72.0%) procedures. A sheath-less RIRS was performed in 454 (6.8%) cases. Holmium:YAG laser was used in 4878 (73.1%) cases. A combination of dusting and fragmentation was the most common lithotripsy mode performed (64.3%). Mean operation time was 62.40 ± 17.76 min. 119 (1.8%) patients had an intraoperative injury of the ureter due to UAS insertion. Mean postoperative stay was 3.62 ± 3.47 days. At least one postoperative complication occurred in 535 (8.0%) patients. Sepsis requiring intensive care admission occurred in 84 (1.3%) patients. Residual fragments were detected in 1445 (21.7%) patients. Among the latter, 744 (51.5%) patients required a further intervention.

CONCLUSION

Our database contributes real-world data to support to a better understanding of modern RIRS practice and outcomes.

Management of complex and redo cases of pelvic fracture urethral injuries

OBJECTIVES

Pelvic fracture urethral injuries (PFUI) result from traumatic disruption of the urethra. A significant proportion of cases are complex rendering their management challenging. We described management strategies for eight different complex PFUI scenarios.

METHODS

Our centre is a tertiary referral centre for complex PFUI cases. We maintain a prospective database (1995-2016), which we retrospectively analysed. All patients with PFUI managed at our institute were included.

RESULTS

Over two decades 1062 cases of PFUI were managed at our institute (521 primary and 541 redo cases). Most redo cases were referred to us from other centres. Redo cases had up to five prior attempts at urethroplasty. We managed complex cases, which included bulbar ischemia, young boys and girls with PFUI, PFUI with double block, concomitant PFUI and iatrogenic anterior urethral strictures. Bulbar ischemia merits substitution urethroplasty, most commonly, using pedicled preputial tube. PFUI in young girls is usually associated with urethrovaginal fistula. Young boys with PFUI commonly have a long gap necessitating trans-abdominal approach. Our success rate with individualised management is 85.60% in primary cases, 79.13% in redo cases and 82.40% in cases of bulbar ischemia.

CONCLUSION

The definition of complex PFUI is ever expanding. The best chance of success is at the first attempt. Anastomotic urethroplasty for PFUI should be performed in experienced hands at high volume centres.

A novel composite two-stage urethroplasty for complex penile strictures: A multicenter experience

Introduction:

Complex penile strictures are usually repaired using a two-stage urethroplasty. Buccal mucosal graft (BMG) placed in the first stage can have a significant contraction rate, which may require a subsequent revision surgery. We describe a composite two-stage penile urethroplasty using BMG for patients of complex penile strictures who have some salvageable urethral plate.

Methods:

Within a multi-institutional cohort, 82 patients underwent a two-stage urethroplasty for complex stricture of the penile urethra. Of these 42 patients who underwent our composite two-stage penile urethroplasty using BMG implanted at the second-stage were included. Patients with genital lichen sclerosus or incomplete clinical records were excluded from this study. The primary outcome of the study was to evaluate stricture-free success rate.

Results:

Of total 42, 4 patients were lost to follow-up. 42% of stricture etiology was failed hypospadias repair. Mean stricture length was 4.5 cm (range 3–8 cm). Seventeen (44.7%) patients had undergone the previous urethroplasty. At a median follow-up of 44 months, of 38 patients, 34 (89.5%) were successful, and 4 (10.5%) had a recurrence. No patient required revision surgery before the second-stage and required redo buccal graft harvesting for subsequent urethroplasty.

Conclusions:

The composite two-stage technique in repairing complex penile urethral strictures is a valid and reproducible surgical treatment for complex penile stricture and it may reduce the rate of contraction of the transplanted BMG.

Trends in urethral stricture management over two decades

Objectives

To identify trends in the management of urethral stricture disease in Australia, assess changes in the standard of care, and examine the availability of genitourinary reconstructive surgery.

Methods

Data on eight stricture management procedures were collected online via Medicare Item Reports from the Australian Government Department of Human Services, and then matched to population data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. A survey was disseminated via the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) asking whether active members performed urethroplasty and whether this was done in a rural, regional or metropolitan setting.

Results

Over a 22‐year period, there were 140 540 endoscopic procedures and 5136 urethroplasties, with 27.4 endoscopic procedures per urethroplasty. From 1994 to 2016, the per capita number of passage of sounds and dilatation procedures decreased by 74% and 75%, respectively, with increases in use of optical urethrotomy of 70% and in single‐stage urethroplasty of 144%. Overall, the ratio of all endoscopic procedures vs urethroplasty decreased from 58.9 to 16.8. There were as few as 16 surgeons in the USANZ performing urethroplasty, with seven providing this service in regional areas. Seven had formal fellowship training.

Conclusion

There has been a clear shift from repetitive endoscopic procedures towards urethroplasty, but the former still make up the majority of interventions. This may be explained by patients not being referred for urethroplasty earlier in the course of disease and there appears to be a gap in genitourinary reconstructive expertise in regional and rural areas.

Injury in Pelvic Fracture Urethral Injury Is Membranobulbar: Fact or Myth

Pelvic fracture urethral injuries commonly result from motor vehicle collisions, and the mechanism of injury conventionally thought was a shearing injury at the membranous urethra, which would destroy the striated sphincter. Continence would therefore depend on the bladder neck. Striated sphincter and the site of injury have not been shown clearly on preoperative imaging. We demonstrate our protocol of performing magnetic resonance imaging whereby the membranous sphincter is seen intact and the injury is shown to be at the membranobulbar junction contrary to conventional belief. This suggests that surgical reconstruction can be undertaken, preserving both sphincter mechanisms and improving postoperative continence.

Outcome of angioembolization for blunt renal trauma in haemodynamically unstable patients: 10-year analysis of Queensland public hospitals

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether angioembolization is an appropriate alternative method for the management of blunt renal trauma in haemodynamically unstable patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted from 2002 to 2012 at three tertiary trauma hospitals in the state of Queensland. Patients who had blunt renal trauma and underwent renal angioembolization or had a trauma nephrectomy were identified using patient records and operating theatre and interventional radiology databases. The inclusion criteria were - haemodynamically unstable patients with blunt renal trauma treated with angioembolization, above the age of 16 years. Patients who underwent angioembolization for other causes such as: penetrating renal trauma, post-procedure, renal tumours, renal angiomyolipomas or arteriovenous malformations were excluded. Patients below the age of 16 were also excluded. Post-embolization renal function, blood pressure, morbidity and mortality were analysed using the paired t² test.

RESULTS

A total of 668 renal trauma patients were identified during this period. Sixteen patients underwent angioembolization for blunt renal trauma. Post-procedure renal function normalized without any hypertension with the median follow up being 4 months. Four patients had post-embolization complications including a urinoma, two devascularized kidneys and one ureteric stricture requiring nephrectomy. There was no mortality.

CONCLUSION

Selective angioembolization, where feasible, is an alternative method in the management of haemodynamically stable patients with blunt renal trauma maximizing nephron sparing and producing acceptable long-term outcomes with avoidance of the morbidity of trauma nephrectomy. This is the first study that we know of in Australia analysing the outcome of angioembolization for blunt renal trauma.

Prevalence and sequelae of penile lichen sclerosus in males presenting for circumcision in regional Australia: a multicentre retrospective cohort study

Background

Lichen sclerosus (LS) in men commonly involves the external genitalia, with up to 20% of these patients developing urethral stricture disease, and a small group developing malignant transformation to penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of LS and its sequelae in males presenting for circumcision.

Methods

A multicentre retrospective cohort study was conducted at 8 hospitals within 3 Australian regional centres. We identified males who underwent circumcision between January 2004 and November 2018 and obtained histological and clinical data. Histopathological confirmation of LS was the primary outcome. Development of urethral stricture disease and penile cancer were secondary outcomes.

Results

Six hundred and eleven patients underwent circumcision, of which 313 (51.2%) had a specimen sent for histology. Of these, 199 (63.6%) had confirmed LS where the median age at diagnosis was 65 years [interquartile range (IQR), 40–77]. Even if the remainder of unsent specimens were free of LS, the prevalence would still be 32.6%. Amongst the patients with LS, 44 (22.1%) developed urethral strictures, 1 penile SCC (0.5%), and 1 penile intraepithelial neoplasia (0.5%).

Conclusions

The prevalence of LS in patients undergoing circumcision where the foreskin was sent for histopathological review was 63.6%. In those with LS, the prevalence of urethral stricture disease was 22.1%.

Magnetic resonance imaging procedure for pelvic fracture urethral injuries and recto urethral fistulas: A simplified protocol

OBJECTIVE

The urethral gap in pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) is traditionally assessed using voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and retrograde urethrogram (RGU). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed in complex cases. We assessed the refined "Joshi" MRI protocol to evaluate complex urethral defects after PFUI.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective study was conducted at our center from January 2018 to January 2020, involving patients aged >18 years with PFUI, suitable for MRI, and those who gave consent to perform standard RGU, VCUG, and MRI using standard and "Joshi" protocol. Forty men were included in the study. Distance between urethral/prostatic stumps was measured. Image quality was scored by four radiologists and four urologists. The surgical approach and type of PFUI repair were noted. We also established the need for inferior pubectomy by assessing the position of the posterior urethra (membranous) in relation to a horizontal line drawn from the lower edge of the pubic bone anteriorly to the rectum posteriorly in a sagittal image.

RESULTS

The mean age was 30 years (SD, 5.25; range, 21-43), and the time from injury to imaging was 4 months (3-10 months); 40% of the men underwent crural separation, 57.5%, inferior pubectomy, and 2.5%, crural rerouting. There was a difference of 0.3 to 1.1 cm in the urethral gap measurements between MR images using the standard versus "Joshi" technique. MRI identified complex injuries such as rectourethral fistula, the need for inferior pubectomy, and the orientation of the posterior urethra. Urologists' and radiologists' satisfaction scores for the MR images were satisfactory to excellent. If the posterior urethra was over the defined mark, there was a 100% likelihood of inferior pubectomy (23/40 patients).

CONCLUSION

MR image acquisition using the "Joshi" protocol provided high-quality anatomical information in PFUI cases to assist with surgical planning.

Early vascular unclamping reduces warm ischaemia time in robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of early vascular release in robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RAPN) to reduce warm ischaemia time (WIT) and minimise renal dysfunction. RAPN is increasingly utilised in the management of small renal masses. To this end it is imperative that WIT is kept to a minimum to maintain renal function.

METHODS

RAPN was performed via a four-arm robotic transperitoneal approach. The renal artery and vein were individually clamped with robotic vascular bulldog clamps to allow cold scissor excision of the tumour. The cut surface was then sutured with one or two running 3-0 V-Loc (TM) sutures, following which the vascular clamps were released. Specific bleeding vessels were then selectively oversewn and the collecting system repaired. Renorrhaphy was then completed using a running horizontal mattress 0-0 V-Loc (TM) suture.

RESULTS

A total of 16 patients underwent RAPN with a median WIT of 15 minutes (range: 8-25), operative time 230 minutes (range: 180-280) and blood loss of 100 mL (range: 50-1000). There were no transfusions, secondary haemorrhages or urine leaks. There was one focal positive margin in a central 5.5 cm pT3a renal cell carcinomas (RCC). Long-term estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was not significantly different to pre-operative values.

CONCLUSION

In this patient series, early vascular release effectively minimised WIT and maintained renal function without compromising perioperative safety.

A novel method in decision making for the diagnosis of anterior urethral stricture: using methylene blue dye

OBJECTIVE

The use of methylene blue dye (MB) to highlight anatomical structures in urology has been well-established. Urethral stricture may extend about a centimeter beyond the abnormal area seen on urethrogram. Although the current literature suggests a tension-free and end- to- end anastomosis after excision of the strictured urethral segment with spongiofibrosis and surrounding corpus spongiosum in short bulbar strictures, some centers dealing with urethroplasty prefer anastomosis for short bulbar strictures while others prefer augmentation. With this study, use of MB for delineating stricture line and assessing spongiofibrosis in the diagnosis of urethral stricture was evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Five cc MB including 10 mg/mL is diluted with 10 cc saline. In the first scenario, MB is gently injected into urethra via the meatus before the urethroplasty procedure. Meanwhile, the extent of urethral segment stained by MB is noted. In the second scenario (MB spongiosography) in short bulbar stricture, insulin needles are inserted in spongiosa of the stricture site distally and proximally. MB is gently injected with distal needle. The two remaining needles are then observed. Presence of MB efflux in proximal needle implies deficiency of significant spongiofibrosis, so buccal augmentation is performed. Absence of efflux of MB implies significant spongiofibrosis and anastomotik site excised.

RESULTS

Four hundred and ninety-two consecutive cases prospectively evaluated between 2010 and 2014. Precise staining of stricture was successfully observed in 464 (94%) patients. Grossly normal appearing urothelium remained pink. Histopathology confirmed that the stained urethra had a stricture. Of the 22 short bulbar idiopathic strictures, in 18 (82%) MB was seen across the stricture and urethral transection was avoided. Anastomosis was performed in 4 (18%) cases where no MB went across the primary excision. There were no known allergic complications.

CONCLUSION

MB aids in delineating the urethral lumen and exact site of stricture that needs augmentation. MB Spongiography in short bulbar strictures could be used as a beneficial guide in relation to the type of urethral repair to be performed in terms of augmentation versus excision and anastomosis.

Jejunal GIST with extramural hemangiomatous component presenting as an obscure lower GI bleed: a case report

GISTS (Gastrointestinal stromal tumours) are malignant form of sarcoma of the digestive tract. Various unusual presentations and morphological variants of GIST have been described, including extramural components of GIST. The literature has no reference regarding an extramural hemangiomatous component of a GIST. Here we present a case of 54-year-old women with this unusual morphological condition presenting as an obscure lower GI bleed. Diagnosis in this case was made by subjecting the resected specimen to immunohistochemical analysis.

Narrowing in on urethral strictures

BACKGROUND

Urethral strictures have affected men for millennia, and they are commonly iatrogenic, idiopathic or traumatic in nature. When left untreated, urethral strictures can devastate the health and function of the urinary tract. For centuries, simple urethral dilation and endoscopic urethrotomy have provided temporary relief. However, in only the past 20 years, urethroplasty has emerged as a curative treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this article are to review the aetiology and clinical manifestations of urethral strictures, evaluate the traditional but temporising treatments for urethral strictures, highlight the relatively recent evolution of urethroplasty and promote awareness of the success of urethroplasty in curing urethral strictures.

DISCUSSION

Urethral strictures are an important, but often overlooked, cause of bothersome urinary symptoms in men. In this article, the authors provide a summary of the aetiology, clinical manifestations and recent trends in the management of urethral strictures.

Testicular masses in congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Using 123I-MIBG scintigraphy to support the diagnosis of testicular adrenal rest tumours

This case demonstrates the use of 123I-MIBG scintigraphy in the diagnosis of testicular adrenal rest tumours (TART) in an adult with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). TART are common in CAH patients, with MIBG scanning offering a new imaging modality to potentially help verify the diagnosis and prevent invasive investigation.

Level of evidence: Level 5 case report

Management of paediatric recurrent urinary tract infections and challenges in special patient populations

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect up to 8.4% of girls and 1.7% of boys within their first six years of life. The rate of recurrence is as high as 30%, with the effects carrying long-term morbidity. Concomitant pathology such as vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) or bowel and bladder dysfunction (BBD) can pose further diagnostic and management challenges in the primary care setting.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to discuss the approach to diagnosis and management of recurrence and strategies to prevent it, with additional information regarding patients with VUR and BBD.

DISCUSSION

Management of recurrent UTIs requires family-centred care, with conservative, pharmacological and surgical options effective across different patient groups. In situations that exceed the capacity of local services, referral to paediatric subspecialties should be considered to assist in further investigation of recurrent cystitis-like symptoms.

Prostate preserving resection of a rare giant peri-prostatic solitary fibrous tumor

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms that have been infrequently documented in the prostate. In this case, a 78 year old man experiencing constipation and lower abdominal pain presented with a SFT arising from the prostatic fascia encompassing the dorsal vein complex and left neurovascular bundle. To our knowledge this is the first documented case of an SFT limited to the prostatic fascia and neurovascular tissues of the prostate. Using a prostate sparring approach we have been able to achieve favourable oncological and functional outcome.

Lichen sclerosus presenting as an isolated bulbar urethral stricture

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the anogenital skin that can cause significant urinary and sexual dysfunction in men, particularly by means of destructive urethral disease. LS is traditionally thought to progress from the meatus with migration along the urethra proximally, however we present a case describing an isolated bulbar urethral stricture secondary to LS. To our knowledge, this has only been reported in the literature in one previous study. Clinician recognition of LS as a potential cause of isolated bulbar urethral stricture disease is important as this has ramifications on follow up and successful management.

A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial Comparing the Bard Inlay Optima and the Cook Universa Soft Stent

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the Bard Inlay Optima with its anti-inflammatory pHreecoat stent coating had reduced stent-related symptoms at Week 1 (W1) and Week 3 (W3) post insertion compared to the Cook Universa Soft (CUS) using the validated Ureteral Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ).

METHODS

A prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was performed on patients receiving unilateral retrograde double-J stents for urolithiasis or pelviureteric junction obstruction at three public Urology services. One hundred forty patients that met inclusion criteria were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to each stent. Primary endpoints were the mean USSQ index scores for the urinary, pain, general, and sexual health domains at W1 and W3. Secondary endpoints were responses to individual USSQ questions, early stent removal, and postoperative opioid use.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between the two stents in terms of index scores for all USSQ domains, early stent removal or postoperative opioid use. The CUS had worse symptom scores at W1 relating to self-reported urinary tract infection symptoms (3.1 ± 1.3 vs 2.6 ± 1.3, P = .05). The CUS was also associated with higher rate of representation to hospital at W1 (n = 10, 16% vs n = 1, 2%, P < .001) and W3 (n = 15, 25% vs n = 3, 5%, P < .001). This did not remain significant when adjusted to site of recruitment (W1 P = .27; W3 P = .22).

CONCLUSION

The Bard Inlay Optima's anti-inflammatory pHreecoat stent coating did not translate to any significant difference in overall postoperative symptoms across urinary, pain, general, and sexual health domains.

A Review of the Enablers and Barriers of Medical Student Participation in Research

Although research is an integral component in medicine, student participation in research remains limited. This is a systematic review conducted using rapid review methods conforming to the WHO and Cochrane guidelines to synthesise evidence on the enablers and barriers of medical student participation in research. PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were searched, yielding 27 final studies. Most studies were single-centre studies, and all were cross-sectional. All were quantitative except for one mixed-methods study. Identified barriers and enablers were mapped onto the micro, meso, and macro frameworks. There are more perceived barriers than enablers of medical students' participation in research. The micro, meso, and macro frameworks provide a useful system to unpack and tackle the barriers.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-024-02156-z.

A rare cause of an abdominal mass

A 57-year-old male presented with right upper abdominal lump since 3 months. He was diagnosed to have a hepatic artery aneurysm. He was investigated thoroughly but no cause was found. He was subjected to endovascular embolisation of the aneurysm using endovascular coils. Subsequently the aneurysm was completely occluded. Hepatic artery aneurysms are very rare among all visceral aneurysms. We report this rare case of hepatic artery aneurysm presenting as an abdominal lump. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and management of this rare entity as a rupture may be catastrophic.

Influence of pre-stenting on RIRS outcomes. Inferences from patients of the Global Multicentre Flexible Ureteroscopy Outcome Registry (FLEXOR)

BACKGROUND

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) is recommended as an alternative to percutaneous nephrolithotomy for stones up to 2 cm. Pre-stenting before RIRS remains controversial with various studies differing in outcomes and recommendations. We aim to understand how pre-stenting influences surgical outcomes.

METHODS

A number of 6579 patients from the TOWER group registry were divided into pre-stented (group 1) and non-pre-stented groups (group 2). Patients aged ≥18 years old, with normal calyceal anatomy were enrolled. Patients with ureteric stones, anomalous kidneys, bilateral stones, planned for ECIRS were excluded.

RESULTS

Patients are homogeneously distributed in both groups (3112 vs. 3467). The predominant indication for pre-stenting was symptom relief. Overall stone size was comparable, whilst group 1 had a significantly more multiple (1419 vs. 1283, P<0.001) and lower-pole (LP) stones (1503 vs. 1411, P<0.001). The mean operative time for group 2 was significantly longer (68.17 vs. 58.92, P<0.001). Stone size, LP stones, age, recurrence and multiple stones are contributing factors for residual fragments at the multivariable analysis. The incidence of postoperative day 1 fever and sepsis was significantly higher in group 2, indicating that pre-stenting is associated with a lower risk of post-RIRS infection and a lower overall complications rate (13.62% vs. 15.89%) (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

RIRS without pre-stenting can be considered safe without significant morbidity. Multiple, lower-pole and large stone is a significant contributor towards residual fragments. Patients who were not pre-stented had significantly higher but low-grade complications, especially for lower pole and large volume stones. While we do not advocate routine pre-stenting, a tailored approach for these patients should include proper counselling regarding pre-stenting.