Epidemiological and imaging features that can affect the detection of ureterolithiasis on ultrasound / Epidemiologia e achados por imagem que podem interferir na detecção da ureterolitíase na ultrassonografia

Abstract Objective: To identify, in patients with clinical suspicion of ureterolithiasis, epidemiological and imaging features that affect calculus detection on ultrasound, as well as to compare ultrasound with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Materials and Methods: We searched our database for patients who underwent ultrasound, followed by MDCT (if the ultrasound was negative), for suspected ureterolithiasis in an emergency setting. Patients were divided into three groups: positive ultrasound (US+); negative ultrasound/positive MDCT (US−/MDCT+); and negative ultrasound/negative MDCT (US−/MDCT−). We evaluated age, gender, ureterolithiasis laterality, location of the calculus within the ureter, body mass index, calculus diameter, and calculus attenuation on MDCT. Results: Of a total of 292 cases of suspected ureterolithiasis, 155 (53.1%) were in the US+ group, 46 (15.7%) were in the US−/MDCT+ group, and 91 (31.2%) were in the US−/MDCT− group. There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of age, gender, ureterolithiasis laterality, and mean MDCT attenuation values. Distal ureterolithiasis was most common in the US+ group, and calculi at other ureteral locations were more common in the US−/MDCT+ group. The mean body mass index was significantly higher in the US−/MDCT+ group than in the US+ group, and the mean calculus diameter was significantly greater in the US+ group than in the US−/MDCT+ group. Conclusion: A high body mass index, large calculus diameter, and calculus location in the distal third of the ureter are the major factors favoring ureterolithiasis detection on ultrasound.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar achados epidemiológicos e de imagem em pacientes com suspeita clínica de ureterolitíase que afetam a detecção do cálculo no ultrassom (US), comparado com a tomografia computadorizada multidetectores (TCMD). Materiais e Métodos: Procuramos, em nosso banco de dados, por pacientes que realizaram US no serviço de emergência, seguido por TCMD (se US negativo), por suspeita de ureterolitíase. Os pacientes foram divididos em: 1) US positivo; 2) US negativo e TCMD positiva; 3) US e TCMD negativos. Avaliamos idade, sexo, lateralidade, localização ureteral, índice de massa corporal, diâmetro e densidade do cálculo. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 292 pacientes. Constatamos que 53,1% das ureterolitíases foram detectadas por US (grupo 1), 15,7% apenas por TCMD (grupo 2), e em 31,2% ambos os métodos foram negativos (grupo 3). Idade, sexo, lateralidade e densidade do cálculo pela TCMD não tiveram diferença significativa entre os grupos. No grupo 1, ureterolitíase foi detectada, preferencialmente, em localização distal, e fora do ureter distal no grupo 2. O índice de massa corporal foi significativamente maior em pacientes do grupo 2, comparado ao grupo 1. O diâmetro do cálculo detectado no grupo 1 foi significativamente maior do que no grupo 2. Conclusão: Índice de massa corporal, diâmetro e localização do cálculo no terço distal do ureter foram os principais fatores que contribuíram para a detecção do cálculo pelo US.

Enfrentamiento terapéutico en litiasis urinarias: adherencia de urólogos chilenos a las guías clínicas / Therapeutic confrontation in urinary lithiasis: adherence of chilian urologists to clinicals guidelines

Introducción. La urolitiasis es una patología prevalente en el mundo occidental. Hoy en día, existen distintas opciones terapéuticas para el manejo de esta patología en sus diferentes formas de presentación. En la mayoría de estas situaciones, se dispone de guías clínicas que orientan el manejo. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la adherencia a guías clínicas de manejo de urolitiasis frente a situaciones hipotéticas, por parte de urólogos pertenecientes a la Sociedad Chilena de Urología. Materiales y Métodos. Se diseñó una encuesta en línea, a través de la plataforma Formularios de Google, consistente de preguntas generales para caracterizar a los encuestados y 11 preguntas de selección múltiple de casos clínicos hipotéticos. Los escenarios clínicos variaban en: localización, tamaño, densidad del cálculo y tiempo de evolución. La encuesta fue difundida a través de correo electrónico de urólogos pertenecientes a la Sociedad Chilena de Urología. Se excluyó del análisis a urólogos infantiles. Las variables tiempo de ejercicio profesional y número de pacientes manejados fueron dicotomizadas según media. Se realizó análisis estadístico con test exacto de Fisher. Resultados. 67 urólogos contestaron la encuesta. El 98,5 por ciento era de adultos; 73,1 por ciento realizó residencia de 3 años de duración. Un 38,8 por ciento manejó más de 80 pacientes con litiasis en el último año. La media de años de ejercicio como especialista fue 13,8 años. Un 56,1 por ciento tenían menos de 14 años de ejercicio y 43,9 por ciento 14 o más. No se observó diferencia significativa en cuanto a adherencia a guías clínicas en los distintos escenarios de litiasis ureteral, entre los grupos dicotomizados por años de ejercicio (p=0,47) ni al dicotomizarlos por número de pacientes manejados (P=0,63). Un 48 por ciento adhiere a terapia médica expulsiva y un 68 por ciento a terapia quirúrgica (p=0,000009). Conclusiones. Una mayoría de los urólogos encuestados refiere utilizar opciones terapéuticas similares a las recomendadas por las guías clínicas. No se observó diferencia en las conductas propuestas entre los grupos de mayor o menor experiencia profesional ni entre los grupos con mayor o menor número de pacientes manejados por urolitiasis. (AU)

SUMMARY Introduction. Urolithiasis is a prevalent pathology in the western world. There are different therapeutic options for the management of this pathology in its different forms of presentation. In most of these situations, clinical guidelines are available. Our objective was to determine the adherence in certain hypothetical situations to clinical guidelines of urolithiasis management, by urologists belonging to Sociedad Chilena de Urología. Materials y Methods. An online survey was developed using Google Forms platform, consisting of general questions to characterize the respondents and 11 multiple-choice questions of hypothetical clinical cases. The clinical scenarios varied in: location, size, density of the calculi and time. The survey was sent via email to urologists belonging to Sociedad Chilena de Urología. Pediatric urologists were excluded from analysis. Two variables: years of practice as a specialist and number of patients treated, were dichotomized according to mean. Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher's exact test. Results. 67 urologists answered the survey. 98.5 pertcent were non-pediatric urologists; 73.1 pertcent completed residence for 3 years. 38.8 pertcent treated more than 80 patients with lithiasis in the last year. Average number of years of practice as a specialist was 13.8 years. 56.1 pertcent had less than 14 years of exercise and 43.9 pertcent had 14 or more. There was no significant difference in adherence to clinical guidelines in the different scenarios of ureteral lithiasis between groups dichotomized by years of exercise (p = 0.47) or dichotomized by number of patients treated (p = 0.63). 48 pertcent adhered to medical expulsive therapy and 68 percent to surgical therapy (p = 0.000009). Conclusions. Most urologists surveyed use similar therapeutic options to those recommended by clinical guidelines. No difference was observed between groups of greater or lesser professional experience nor among groups with greater or lesser number of patients managed by urolithiasis. (AU)

Clinical study on the treatment of ureteral calculi with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy combined with urinary stone decoction and ear acupoint pressure / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of ESWL combined with urinary stone decoction and ear acupoint pressure for the patients with renal and ureteral calculi.Methods A total of 110 patients with renal and ureteral calculi were randomly divided into the Chinese medicine (CM) and conventional groups, 55 in each group. Both groups were given ESWL treatment as basic treatment. Chinese medicine group were given the urinary stone decoction and auricular acupressure, and the conventional group used stone granules. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. According to the photography of ultrasound, the changes of calculi, time of lithagogue, pain relief after operation and the effect rates of pain relief on abdomen and waist, of remission of haematuria, and of urinate pain. ResultsAfter treatment, the successful rates of operation in the CM group was 90.9% (50/55), and conventional group was 76.4% (42/55). There was significant difference between 2 groups (χ2=4.251,P=0.009). The time of stone removal in CM group was significantly shorter than that in the conventional group (7.3 ± 3.8 dvs. 11.2 ± 4.3 d,t=4.032,P<0.001). After 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th days, the VAS pain scores in the CM group were significantly lower than those in the conventional group (4.1 ± 0.8vs. 5 ± 1.2,t=4.783;4.5 ± 0.9vs. 5.3 ± 1.3,t=4.492; 3.8 ± 0.8vs. 4.5 ± 0.8,t=4.503; 2.2 ± 0.8vs. 2.9 ± 0.9,t=3.691; allP<0.01). After 7th day, the rates of abdominal pain relief was 60% (33/55), pain relief was 79.1% (34/43), the remission of hematuria was 81% (17/21) in the CM group, and the control group were 40% (22/55), 59.6% (28/47), 52% (13/25). There were significant differences between 2 groups on these indices (χ2 values were 4.400, 3.982, 4.217,P values were 0.036, 0.046, 0.040).Conclusions The ESWL combined with urinary stone decoction and ear acupoint pressure could improve the symptoms of patients with kidney ureteral stones.

Comparison of three kinds of endoscopic surgery for upper ureteral calculi / 中国基层医药

Objective To compare the efficacy of three endoscopic surgery in impacted upper ureteral calculi treatment.Methods 218 patients with impacted upper ureteral calculi were treated with minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL),transurethral ureteroscope lithotripsy(URL)and retroperitoneal laparoscopic urerolithotomy (RLU)respectively.The operation safety,efficacy and complication were compared in the three groups.Results In the MPCNL group,URL group,RLU group one success rate of lithotripsy were 100.00%,85.19%,100.00% respec-tively.The mean operative time were (76.35 ±16.20)min,(46.26 ±15.30)min,(89.20 ±19.60)min respectively. Decreased hemoglobin values were (22.24 ±8.63)g/L,(4.15 ±1.89)g/L,(10.68 ±4.55)g/L respectively.The stone -free rates of one month postoperation were 96.32%,79.59%,100.00%.Length of hospital stay were (8.56 ± 2.13)d,(6.58 ±1.76)d,(9.79 ±2.14)d,respectively,the differences were statistically significant(t/χ2 =36.916, 27.629,all P <0.05).Conclusion MPCNL and URL for impacted upper ureteral calculi is safety and has good efficacy and less complications,but the MPCNL is recommended the first choice,some cases can try URL.

Does the use of bedside ultrasonography reduce emergency department length of stay for patients with renal colic?: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding bedside ultrasonography to the diagnostic algorithm for nephrolithiasis on emergency department (ED) length of stay. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled pilot study was conducted from October 2014 to December 2014 with patients with acute flank pain. In the non-ultrasonography group (NUSG), non-contrast computed tomography was selected based on clinical features and hematuria in the urinalysis. In the ultrasonography group (USG), non-contrast computed tomography was selected based on clinical features and hydronephrosis on bedside ultrasonography. The primary outcome was ED length of stay. The secondary outcomes were radiation exposure, amount of analgesics, proportion of patients with diseases other than ureteral calculus, and proportion of patients with unexpected ED revisits within 7 days from the index visit. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients were enrolled (NUSG, 51; USG, 52). The ED length of stay for the USG (89.0 minutes) was significantly shorter than that for the NUSG (163.0 minutes, P<0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the radiation exposure dose (5.29 and 5.08 mSv, respectively; P=0.392), amount of analgesics (P=0.341), proportion of patients with diseases other than ureteral calculus (13.0% and 6.8%, respectively; P=0.486), and proportion of patients with unexpected ED revisits within 7 days from the index visit (7.8% and 9.6%, respectively; P=1.000). CONCLUSION: The use of early bedside ultrasonography for patients with acute flank pain could reduce the ED length of stay without increasing unexpected ED revisits.

The use of alpha-1 adrenergic blockers in children with distal ureterolithiasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Urinary lithiasis is the main urologic cause of emergency treatment in adult patient. In the past years, the incidence in children population has increased. However, literature about the use of alpha-1 adrenergic blockers in pediatric population with distal ureterolithiasis is still scarce. The drug acts by decreasing ureter contractions, especially in the distal portion, facilitating calculus expulsion. Objective: This review has the objective to evaluate the use of alpha-1 adrenergic blockers as medical expulsive treatment in children with distal ureterolithiasis. Evidence Acquisition: An electronic literature search was performed using the MEDLINE, COCHRANE, and LILACS databases. We further searched manually the references of the primary studies. Searches were concluded on October 4th, 2014. Articles were selected, independently and in pairs, by the respective titles and summaries. Any divergence was resolved by consensus. Evidence Synthesis: Alpha-1 adrenergic antagonists increased the probability of calculus expulsion by 27% (NNT=4). Calculi smaller than 5mm, increased by 33% (NNT=3). Larger than 5mm, increased by 34% (NNT=3). Conclusion: Alpha-1 adrenergic blocker use is related with a greater incidence of expulsion of ureteral calculi, smaller or greater than 5mm, and fewer episodes of pain when compared to ibuprofen. However it is necessary larger samples to enhance the power analysis of the expulsion of ureteral calculi larger than 5mm and the episodes of pain. Patient Summary: This review analyzed the outcome of alpha adrenergic antagonist in children with ureteral calculi. We conclude that it is the best medicine for use, since it helps the expulsion of the stone.

Comparison of peritoneal cavity after laparoscopic renal pelvis and ureter lithotomy and traditional open renal pelvis incision nephrolithotomy / 中国基层医药

Objective To compare the clinical effects of peritoneal cavity after laparoscopic renal pelvis and ureter lithotomy and traditional open renal pelvis incision nephrolithotomy.Methods 150 cases with renal pelvis and ureteral calculi were randomly divided into control group and observation group with 75 cases in each group,the control group was given traditional open pyelolithotomy for treatment while the observation group was given peritoneal cavity after laparoscopic renal pelvis and ureter lithotomy for treatment,clinical efficacy of the two groups were compared.Results The clinical effective rate of the observation group after treatment was 100％,which that of the control group was 92％,there was significant differences between the two groups (x2 =10.31,P ＜ 0.05).The operation time in the observation group was (90 ± 12) min,amount of bleeding during operation was (25 ± 7) mL,hospital stays was (10 ± 3) d,which were better than those of the control group,there were significant differences between the two groups (t =7.24,8.31,7.61,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and ureterolithotomy is a minimally invasive operation,which has the advantages of definite curative effect,less trauma,less bleeding,rapid recovery,superior than the traditional open pyelolithotomy,so it is worthy of clinical application.

Ureteral stricture formation after ureteroscope treatment of impacted calculi: A prospective study

PURPOSE: Urinary calculi is a familiar disease. A well-known complication of endourological treatment for impacted ureteral stones is the formation of ureteral strictures, which has been reported to occur in 14.2% to 24% of cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study. Ureterotripsy treatment was used on patients with impacted ureteral stones. Then, after 3 months and 6 months, the condition of these patients was assessed by means of a kidney-ureter-bladder (KUB) ultrasound. If the KUB ultrasound indicated moderate to serious hydronephrosis, the patient was further assessed by means of a computed tomography intravenous urogram or retrograde pyelogram to confirm the occurrence of ureteral strictures. RESULTS: Of the 77 patients who participated in the study, 5 developed ureteral strictures. Thus, the stricture rate was 7.8%. An analysis of the intraoperative risk factors including perforation of the ureter, damage to the mucous membrane, and residual stone impacted within the ureter mucosa revealed that none of these factors contributed significantly to the formation of the ureteric strictures. The stone-related risk factors that were taken into consideration were stone size, stone impaction site, and duration of impaction. These stone factors also did not contribute significantly to the formation of the ureteral strictures. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study failed to identify any predictable factors for ureteral stricture formation. It is proposed that all patients undergo a simple postoperative KUB ultrasound screening 3 months after undergoing endoscopic treatment for impacted ureteral stones.

Distribution of ureteral stones and factors affecting their location and expulsion in patients with renal colic

PURPOSE: To evaluate the distribution of ureteral stones and to determine their characteristics and expulsion rate based on their location. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed computed tomography (CT) findings of 246 patients who visited our Emergency Department (ED) for renal colic caused by unilateral ureteral stones between January 2013 and April 2014. Histograms were constructed to plot the distribution of stones based on initial CT findings. Data from 144 of the 246 patients who underwent medical expulsive therapy (MET) for 2 weeks were analyzed to evaluate the factors responsible for the stone distribution and expulsion. RESULTS: The upper ureter and ureterovesical junction (UVJ) were 2 peak locations at which stones initially lodged. Stones lodged at the upper ureter and ureteropelvic junction (group A) had a larger longitudinal diameter (4.21 mm vs. 3.56 mm, p=0.004) compared to those lodged at the lower ureter and UVJ (group B). The expulsion rate was 75.6% and 94.9% in groups A and B, respectively. There was no significant difference in the time interval from initiation of renal colic to arrival at the ED between groups A and B (p=0.422). Stone diameter was a significant predictor of MET failure (odds ratio [OR], 1.795; p=0.005) but the initial stone location was not (OR, 0.299; p=0.082). CONCLUSIONS: The upper ureter and UVJ are 2 peak sites at which stones lodge. For stone size 10 mm or less, initial stone lodge site is not a significant predictor of MET failure in patients who have no previous history of active stone treatment in the ureter.

Litíase urinária e gestação / Urolithiasis and pregnancy

A litíase urinária é frequentemente diagnosticada durante a gestação. O diagnóstico de nefrolitíase assintomática durante a gestação não requer medidas adicionais, apenas o seguimento do pré-natal normal. Contudo, quando ocorre cólica renal ou complicações decorrentes da litíase urinária, medidas adicionais tornam-se necessárias. Nestes eventos, mais comuns nos últimos meses de gestação, há particularidades relacionadas ao quadro clínico, diagnóstico e tratamento específicos para esta população de pacientes. O presente artigo tem como objetivo revisar estes aspectos de litíase urinária na gestação à luz do conhecimento atual e da experiência pessoal dos autores.

The diagnosis of urolithiasis during pregnancy is common, even though no additional measures are required in asymptomatic cases. Renal colic or complications of urinary lithiasis occur more frequently during the last months of pregnancy, and there are several particularities for the diagnosis and treatment of this subset of women. The present manuscript aim to review the current knowledge concerning this subject and present authors personal experience.

Estudo da ocorrência de litíase renal e ureteral em gatos com doença renal crônica / Study of nephrolithiasis and ureterolithiasis in cats with chronic kidney disease

Investigou-se a ocorrência de nefrolitíase e/ou ureterolitíase em 72 gatos portadores de doença renal crônica (DRC), classificados predominantemente no estágio II, segundo os critérios designados pela IRIS - International Renal Interest Society. Destes pacientes, 47 (65,27por cento) apresentaram litíase renal e ou ureteral. Não houve diferença estatística entre o grupo de estudo (DRC com cálculo) e o grupo controle (DRC sem cálculo) em relação à idade (p=0,274). Apesar disso, os pacientes portadores de nefrolitíase e/ou ureterolitíase apresentaram maiores indícios de lesão renal, caracterizados por diferenças estatisticamente relevantes da densidade urinária (p=0,013) e pelo menor tamanho dos rins direito (p=0,009) e esquerdo (p=0,048). Encontrou-se similaridade entre os grupos em relação a outros parâmetros, tais como as concentrações plasmáticas de cálcio total, cálcio ionizado, fósforo, sódio, potássio e paratormônio intacto (PTHi). Os valores das concentrações séricas de ureia e bicarbonato diferiram entre os grupos, com valores de p=0,039 e p=0,037, respectivamente. Além disso, foi mensurada a pressão arterial, que se manteve inalterada na comparação entre o grupo de estudo e o grupo controle. Os resultados obtidos reforçam a necessidade de acompanhamento ultrassonográfico de todos os pacientes portadores de DRC, mesmo daqueles assintomáticos ou em estágios iniciais da doença.

Nephrolithiasis and/or ureterolithiasis were investigated by means of ultrasonography in 72 cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), predominantly classified in stage II, according to IRIS - International Renal Interest Society criteria. Of these patients, 47 (65.27 percent) had nephrolithiasis and/or ureterolithiasis. There was no statistical difference between the study group (CKD with calculi) and control group (CKD without calculi) regarding age (p=0.274). Nevertheless, patients with nephrolithiasis and/or ureterolithiasis had greater evidence of renal injury, characterized by statistically significant differences in the urinary density (p=0.013) and the smaller size of the right kidney (p=0.009) and left kidney (p=0.048), measured in the longitudinal plane. There were no difference between groups in the other parameters investigated such as plasmatic total calcium, ionized calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and intact parathyroid hormone concentrations. The values of serum urea and bicarbonate differ between groups with p=0.039 and p=0.037, respectively. Furthermore, arterial blood pressure was measured, remaining unchanged between the groups. One can conclude that nephrolithiasis and/or ureterolithiasis are common findings in cats with CKD and these results reinforce the need to perform image investigation in cats with CKD even in the asymptomatic ones, or those in the early stages of the disease.

Diagnostic Characteristics of Geriatric Patients With Ureterolithiasis in Emergency Center

BACKGROUND: Incidence rate of ureterolithiasis has been increasing worldwide in general, with an especially rapid increase in the elderly, over 65 years of age. Therefore, the characteristics of geriatric patients diagnosed with uureterolithiasis in an Emergency Center were examined. METHODS: A total of 613 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with ureterolithiasis through computed tomography from January 2012 to March 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided in two groups: the geriatric group and nongeriatric group. RESULTS: Among the 613 patients, there were 64 geriatric patients (> or =65 years, 10.4%) and 549 nongeriatric patients (<65 years, 89.6%). In the geriatric patients, 13 patients (20.3%) appeared without any pain or with atypical types of pain, while 39 of the nongeriatric patients (7.1%) had no pain or atypical symptoms, presenting a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting were more common in geriatric patients than in nongeriatric patients (42.2% vs. 29.9%, p=0.044), while lower positive rate of microscopic hematuria was reported (78.1% vs. 90.5%, p=0.002). Furthermore, in geriatric patients, the positive rate of costovertebral angle tenderness was lower and distal ureter stones were found to be more common, while urine pH and serum creatinine levels were higher. CONCLUSION: In comparison to nongeriatric patients, geriatric patients with ureterolithiasis showed lower rates of renal colic and hematuria, while showing higher rates of having gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Thus, differences between these two groups should be considered in evaluating geriatric patients to prevent complications which may be caused from the late diagnosis of ureterolithiasis.

Relationship Between Spontaneous Passage Rates of Ureteral Stones Less Than 8 mm and Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels and Neutrophil Percentages

PURPOSE: A ureter obstruction caused by a ureteral stone results in inflammatory changes in the proximal submucosal layer and prevents the spontaneous passage of the ureteral stone. Accordingly, we analyzed the relationship between the spontaneous passage rates of ureteral stones less than 8 mm in size and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and neutrophil percentages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 187 patients who were diagnosed with ureteral stones less than 8 mm in size and were managed consecutively at Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center from January 2001 to January 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Ureteral stone removal was defined as no ureteral stone shown in an imaging test without any treatment for 8 weeks after diagnosis. The patients were divided into three groups according to the levels of serum CRP and into two groups according to neutrophil percentage. The associations between these factors and ureteral stone passage rates were then examined. RESULTS: The ureteral stone passage rates of the low serum CRP level group, the medium serum CRP level group, and the high serum CRP level group were 94.1% (159/169), 70% (7/10), and 50.0% (4/8), respectively. The passage rates of ureteral stones in the group with a normal neutrophil percentage and in the group with a higher neutrophil percentage were 94.5% (121/128) and 83.1% (49/59), respectively (p=0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Measuring serum CRP levels and neutrophil percentages in patients with small ureteral stones of less than 8 mm is useful in predicting whether the stone will be spontaneously passed. When the serum CRP level and neutrophil percentage of a patient are high, aggressive treatment such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy should be considered.

Current practices in the management of patients with ureteral calculi in the emergency room of a university hospital

OBJECTIVE: Urinary lithiasis is a common disease. The aim of the present study is to assess the knowledge regarding the diagnosis, treatment and recommendations given to patients with ureteral colic by professionals of an academic hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five physicians were interviewed about previous experience with guidelines regarding ureteral colic and how they manage patients with ureteral colic in regards to diagnosis, treatment and the information provided to the patients. RESULTS: Thirty-six percent of the interviewed physicians were surgeons, and 64% were clinicians. Forty-one percent of the physicians reported experience with ureterolithiasis guidelines. Seventy-two percent indicated that they use noncontrast CT scans for the diagnosis of lithiasis. All of the respondents prescribe hydration, primarily for the improvement of stone elimination (39.3%). The average number of drugs used was 3.5. The combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids was reported by 54% of the physicians (i.e., 59% of surgeons and 25.6% of clinicians used this combination of drugs) (p = 0.014). Only 21.3% prescribe alpha blockers. CONCLUSION: Reported experience with guidelines had little impact on several habitual practices. For example, only 21.3% of the respondents indicated that they prescribed alpha blockers; however, alpha blockers may increase stone elimination by up to 54%. Furthermore, although a meta-analysis demonstrated that hydration had no effect on the transit time of the stone or on the pain, the majority of the physicians reported that they prescribed more than 500 ml of fluid. Dipyrone, hyoscine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and opioids were identified as the most frequently prescribed drug combination. The information regarding the time for the passage of urinary stones was inconsistent. The development of continuing education programs regarding ureteral colic in the emergency room is necessary.

Application of low-pressure washing in the minimally invasive percutaneous renal lithotripsy / 中国基层医药

ObjectiveTo explore the application value of low pressure flushing in minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy lithotripsy.MethodsClinical data of 38 patients,who adopted the low pressure flushing therapy for curing the renal or upper ureteral calculi in the percutaneous nephrostolithotomy lithotripsy were retrospectively arakyzed.ResultsAming 38 patients after operation,stone-free rate of stage 1 was obtained in 25 cases and the stones were completely removed after secondary operation in 2 cases.5 patients had partial residual stones and two cases were most of the residual stones.The mean operation time was 1 ～ 2.5h.The average duration of hospitalization was 8d.There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications,such as the spread of infection due to the surgery.ConclusionThe low pressure flushing could improve clinical efficacy of percutaneous nephrostolithotomy lithotripsy and it had high security.

Clinical analysis of complications of percutaneous nephrostomy lithotomy / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the complication and its treatment method of the percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL).Methods The clinical data of 137 patients with PCNL,were retrospectively analyzed statistical analysis of complications.Results In 137 cases of PCNL,83 cases were male,54 cases were female; 103 cases of kidney stones,ureteral calculi in 34 cases,including 24 cases of ureteral calculi with renal calculi.All patients were cured,no patients died;complications occurred in 9 cases,in which the puncture failure in 1 case,renal hemorrhage in 5 cases,postoperative arteriovenous fistula in 1 case,infection in 2 cases.Conclusion PCNL is minimally invasive,effective,but still had more serious complications.We should strengthen the prevention and cure measures.

Acute Postoperative Pain after Ureteroscopic Removal of Stone: Incidence and Risk Factors

PURPOSE: Ureteroscopic removal of stones (URS) has been widely used to treat ureteral stones because it is comparatively safe, has a high success rate, and enables patients to rapidly return to their daily routines. However, some patients experience pain after URS, but the incidence of acute post-URS pain remains largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of acute postoperative pain after URS and the associated risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data for 143 consecutive patients who underwent URS from June 2008 to December 2010 were collected. After excluding 8 patients who developed intraoperative complications, the patients were divided into two groups according to postoperative pain on the first postoperative day. Acute postoperative pain was defined as a pain score greater than 4 on a visual analogue pain scale (normal range, 0 to 10). Various factors were analyzed to identify the risk factors that could predict acute postoperative pain after URS. RESULTS: The stone-free rate without URS intraoperative complications was 95.5%. A total of 21 (14.6%) patients experienced postoperative pain on the first postoperative day. Young age, psychiatric illness, history of urinary tract infection, use of a stone basket, large stone size, and prolonged operation time were identified as risk factors for acute postoperative pain. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of acute postoperative pain is not that low and should not be overlooked, because it is associated with postoperative complications that could result in an unscheduled hospital admission or visit. Active pain control should be contemplated after URS in young patients and in those with a history of urinary tract infection, psychiatric illness, large stone size, and prolonged operation time.

Transumbilical Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Ureterolithotomy for Large Impacted Ureteral Stones: Initial Experiences

PURPOSE: We presented our initial clinical experiences with transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) ureterolithotomy for large, impacted ureteral stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2009 and November 2009, seven LESS ureterolithotomies were performed at our institute. During the operation, we made a single 2 cm incision at the umbilicus and a homemade port by using a small wound retractor (Alexis(R), Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, USA), a surgical glove, and conventional trocars. The operation was performed in the same manner as conventional laparoscopic surgery. The mean maximal stone diameter was 21.9 mm (range, 16.0-27.0 mm). There were six cases of upper ureteral stones and one case of a mid-ureteral stone. Perioperative and postoperative parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 197.1 min (range, 150-270 min). No transfusions were required. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.3 days (range, 2-6 days). The mean pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS) on postoperative day 2 was 26 mm (range, 0-80 mm), and the mean cosmetic VAS at 6 weeks after the operation was 0 mm. The mean time for patients to return to their baseline activities was 4.0 days (range, 3-7 days). In six cases, all stones were completely removed on the basis of postoperative radiologic evaluation. There were no cases of major complications, including internal organ injury, urinary leakage, or urinary tract infection. CONCLUSIONS: Transumbilical LESS ureterolithotomy can be considered as an alternative treatment option with minimal invasiveness and good effectiveness for large, impacted ureteral stones.

Cases Report of Colic Pain of Lithiasis Successfully Treated with Contact Needle Therapy / 日本東洋医学雑誌

Since ancient times, acupuncture and moxibustion have been widely administrated for any emergency case. In this country, they have been endeavored at establishing the harmony between Kampo and Modern medicine. Based on such background, we report two cases of colic pain attack of lithiasis successfully treated with contact needle therapy established by Bunkei Ono.In case one, ureterolithiasis brought colic back pain. Symptoms were improved with satisfaction for one session and the stone discharged via following Kampo-medication.In case two, the patient suffered from colic epigastralgia of choledocholithiasis complicated by severe appetite loss. Although one session successfully extinguished the symptoms, blood chemistry revealed implying signs of cholangitis. A laparotomy with T-tube drainage was performed eventually.These cases pronounced the efficacy of contact needle therapy in the treatment of colic pain and invited deliberate estimation with Modern medicine. The harmony between Kampo and Modern medicine was considered as a prerequisite for clinical practice.

Diagnóstico e tratamento de litíase ureteral / Diagnosis and treatment of ureteral calculi

Pacientes com cálculo ureteral tipicamente apresentam cólica renal consequente à obstrução do trato urinário. Uma vez controlada a crise dolorosa, um plano terapêutico deve ser estabelecido. A tomografia computadorizada (TC) helicoidal de abdômen e pelve sem contraste endovenoso é o exame de imagem de eleição. O tratamento da litíase ureteral pode ser conservador ou interventivo.Bloqueadores alfa-adrenérgicos são as drogas mais utilizadas para o tratamento clínico expulsivo. Para cálculos com pequena probabilidade de eliminação espontânea devido ao seu tamanho e/ou localização, indica-se tratamento interventivo, realizado através de litotripsia extracorpórea por ondas de choque, endourologia ou excepcionalmente através de cirurgia, aberta ou laparoscópica. A urgência da intervenção é maior em casos de obstrução e infecção do trato urinário superior, impondo deterioração da função renal, dor ou vômitos, anúria ou severo grau de obstrução em rim único ou transplantado. A melhor modalidade terapêutica a ser empregada deve ser individualizada.

Patients with ureteral calculi typically present renal colic due to urinary tract obstruction. Once the acute pain is controlled a therapeutic plan should be established. The unenhanced CT is the best diagnostic test. Ureteral calculi treatment can be either clinical or interventive. Alpha-adrenergic blockers are the most frequently prescribed drugs for the so-called medical expulsion therapy. Stones with a low probability of spontaneous passage (on the basis of their size and location) should be treated using such interventions as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or open surgery, in selected cases. Urgent intervention is indicated for a patient with an obstructed, infected upper urinary tract, impending renal deterioration, intractable pain or vomiting, anuria, or high-grade obstruction in a solitary or transplanted kidney. The best therapeutic approach should be selected on an individual basis.