Outcomes of ureteroscopy miniaturization on tissue damage and tissue hypoxia in a pig model

Post-Ureteroscopic Lesion Scale to determine ureteral wall damage, not so easy to employ

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the level of agreement of the Post-Ureteroscopy Lesion Scale (PULS) and the consequences on its application in clinical practice with more reliable statistical data than the one used in the original work.

METHODS

14 URS and 14 micro-URS were performed in 14 female porcine model. All the procedures were video recorded and an anatomopathological analysis was performed in each ureter. Sixteen urologists (9 endourologists and 7 general urologists) and 4 residents evaluated the ureteral lesions according to the PULS, with degrees 0, 1 and ≥2. The agreement was calculated with percentages, Kendall's W coefficient and the indicators Fleiss' Kappa and Krippendorff's Alpha, while the inter-rater agreement was calculated with Spearman's correlation and Cohen's Kappa.

RESULTS

The percent of agreement was 11.1%. The coefficients were likewise classified as low or very low, with the greatest agreement found among the inexperienced. Also, 50% of the raters did not agree with the rest.

CONCLUSIONS

The low inter-rater agreement, the specificity of the PULS and the clinical-pathological correlation suggests that this scale is not simple, and probably has a long learning curve.

Microureteroscopy in the treatment of upper urinary tract stones in pediatric patients younger than 3 years of age

The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of microureteroscopy (m-URS) in the treatment of renal and ureteral stones in children younger than 3 years of age. A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients aged < 3 years with upper urinary tract calculi who underwent lithotripsy was performed. The children were divided into the m-URS group (4.85 F, n = 41) and the ureteroscopy (URS) group (4.5/6.5 F, n = 42) according to the type of ureteroscope used. The mean age of the patients was 23.5 ± 10.7 months in the m-URS group and 20.6 ± 7.1 months in the URS group (P = 0.212). The success rate of one-stage surgery was 80.5% (33/41) for m-URS and 38.1% (16/42) for URS (P < 0.001). The success rates of m-URS were 60.0%, 69.2%, and 91.3% for stones located in the renal pelvis/calix, upper ureter, and mid-lower ureter, respectively. Eight children in the m-URS group and 26 children in the URS group underwent the second-stage ureteroscopic surgery. The mean operation time was 50 (30-60) min in the m-URS group and 40 (34-60) min in the URS group (P = 0.287). The complication rates were 4.9% and 7.1% in the m-URS and URS groups, respectively (P = 1.000). The stone-free rate at 1 month after lithotripsy was 87.8% in the m-URS group and 83.3% in the URS group (P = 0.563). The mean anesthesia session was 2.1 in the m-URS group and 2.5 in the URS group (P = 0.002). M-URS can effectively reduce the number of anesthesia sessions and is considered an alternative treatment for upper urinary tract calculi in selected pediatric patients younger than 3 years of age.

Long segment right ureteric stricture following ureterorenoscopy for upper ureteric stone: A disastrous complication of endourology

Background:

Nephrolithiasis is a common ailment in developing countries such as India. Ureteroscopic management has superseded shockwave lithotripsy as the common treatment for upper urinary tract stones. The process of miniaturizing the instrument along with improved quality of video processor has amplified its potential application, maintaining the procedure safe and effective. However, with its extensive use, complications have risen in parallel, and one should be aware of its adverse effects. Ureteric stricture though rare is a serious problem and risks the loss of renal function.

Case presentation:

A 37-year-old male presented with right flank pain. On evaluation, he was diagnosed with right upper ureteric stone and left renal stone. The patient suffered ureteric perforation while the right ureterorenoscopy was being performed, and an open repair was done. On postoperative follow-up, he developed long segment ureteric stricture. Boari flap ureteroneocystostomy was done.

Conclusion:

Iatrogenic ureteric injury following ureterorenoscopy is common, minor and managed conservatively. Important tips to prevent major injury are: placement of the safety guide wire across the length of the ureter, small-calibre scopes during access if a tight gripping sensation is present and the use of lubricant along the length of the ureteroscope.

Outpatient Microureteroscopy for Distal Ureteral Stone-A True Minimally Invasive Procedure

INTRODUCTION

To describe microureteroscopy, a novel minimally invasive approach for treating distal ureteral lithiasis.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Seven female patients with distal ureteral stones ≤ 10 mm were operated by microureteroscopy. The microureteroscope consist on a 4.85 Fr (16-gauge) sheath, a 0.9 mm diameter flexible optic system, and a 3-arm Luer-lock adapter to connect the sheath and insert the optics. Patients are placed in lithotomy position. Under sedative anesthesia and antimicrobial coverage, we performed microureteroscopy in patients with distal ureteral stones, describing key steps and perioperative and postoperative outcomes. Stone clearance was assessed using X-ray plain abdominal film of KUB at 15 days. Mean patients age was 54.5 years, and mean stone size was 7.98 mm. Stone-free rate was 100%. Patients were discharged 2-4 hours after the procedure without intraoperative or major perioperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Microureteroscopy was developed to reduce dilation and ureteral wall damage and, thus, to decrease postoperative stenting and hospital stay.