ABSTRACT
Introduction & Objectives: Treatment of acute ureteric colic according to current BAUS guidelines can be challenging, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to audit our practice during the initial COVID-19 pandemic. Materials & Methods: A retrospective analysis of 94 patients admitted with ureteric colic during the initial COVID-19 pandemic (March to June 2020). Data was collected from records and outcomes compared to a pre-pandemic audit of our acute stone service (January to June 2018). Results: Patient demographics were comparable: 33 admissions/month (pre-COVID 37), average age 52 years (pre-COVID 53 years), and median stone size 6 mm (pre-COVID 5mm). Septic patients (23%, pre-COVID 17%) underwent ureteric stenting (23%, pre-COVID 17%) or nephrostomy (10%, pre-COVID <1%). For non-septic patients, 46% underwent primary treatment (ureteroscopy:ESWL = 1:1, pre-COVID = 2:1), 24% ureteric stenting (pre-COVID 31%) and 30% conservative management (pre-COVID 34%). Median time to primary ureteroscopy (94% successful) and ESWL (76% successful;1-2 sessions) was 24 hours (target <48 hours). Median time from stent insertion to definite ureteroscopy was 5.8 weeks (pre-COVID 6.6 weeks, target <4 weeks) and subsequent cystoscopic stent removal was 4 weeks (target <2 weeks). For patients managed conservatively, median time to outpatient review was 7.1 weeks (pre-COVID 5.4 weeks, target <4 weeks) and follow-up imaging 8.2 weeks. Conclusions: These results from one of the largest stone units in the UK show, that despite the pandemic, primary stone intervention was still achievable within 24 hours. There was a greater reliance on ESWL and nephrostomy insertion due to concerns regarding general anaesthesia and COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Introduction & Objectives: Indwelling ureteric stents are valuable devices used in emergency drainage of upper urinary tract obstruction due to ureteric stones. However, stents can cause significant morbidity with infections, encrustations and blockages. In the study we look at the outcomes of pre-operative stent dwell time on infectious complications following ureteroscopy and laser fragmentation (URSL). Materials & Methods: Data was retrospectively collected for outcomes of URSL from 3 European endourology centres for patients with preoperative indwelling ureteric stents. We included data for patient details, stone demographics, operative details, stone free rate (SFR), outcomes and complications between 2011 and 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on the stent dwell time: group 1 (<6 months) and group 2 (≥6 months). Descriptive statistics were used to determine the rate of early post-operative infectious complications (defined as the presence of fever?) and ICU access. Binomial logistic regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between stent dwelling time and post-operative early infectious complications. (SPSS v.24). Results: There were 501 patients undergoing URSL in the study period, with 429 and 72 patients in groups 1 and 2 respectively (Table 1). The mean age and operative time in groups 1 and 2 were 71±30 years and 64±22 years, and 51±28 minutes and 59±31 minutes respectively. Infectious complications and ICU admissions were seen in 32 (8%) and 3 (0.7%), and 22 (31%) and 1 (1.4%) in groups 1 and 2 respectively. Stent dwell time of ≥6 months carried significantly higher risk for febrile UTI post URSL (RR=5.45, 95% CI: 2.94-10.10, p<0.001). (Table Presented) Conclusions: Although the overall risk of infectious complication rates from URSL were low, longer indwelling stent time significantly increases the risk of post-operative infections, of which a small proportion of patients end up in ICU. We would recommend having the stent dwell time as short as possible and not to exceed a 6 months’ time period, and our findings will help prioritise these patients in the post-COVID era.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Indwelling ureteric stents, usually inserted for emergency drainage of an obstructed system, can cause significant morbidity with infections. We aimed to assess pre-operative stent dwell time on infectious complications following ureteroscopy and laser fragmentation (URSL). Material and Methods: Data was retrospectively collected for outcomes of URSL from 3 European endourology centres for patients with pre-operative indwelling ureteric stents. We included data for patient details, stone demographics, operative details, stone free rate (SFR), outcomes and complications between 2011 and 2020. Patients divided into group 1 (<6 months stent dwell time) and group 2 (6 months). Primary outcomes were early post-operative infectious complications (febrile UTI) and ICU access. Analysis with binomial logistic regression (SPSS v.24). Results: 501 patients were included (group 1, n=429;group 2, n=72) [Table 1]. Mean age and operative time in groups 1/2 were 71-30 years and 64-22 years, and 51-28 minutes and 59-31 minutes. Febrile UTI and ICU admissions were seen in 32(8%) and 3(0.7%), and 22(31%) and 1(1.4%) in groups 1/2 respectively. Stent dwell time of 6 months carried significantly higher risk for febrile UTI post URSL (RR=5.45, 95% CI: 2.94-10.10, p<0.001) [see fig 1]. Conclusion: Although the overall risk of infectious complication rates from URSL were low, longer indwelling stent time significantly increases the risk of post-operative infections. We would recommend having the stent dwell time as short as possible and not to exceed 6 months. Our findings will help prioritise these patients in the post-COVID era.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Considerable pressure exists to deliver timely treatment for patients with acute ureteric colic. We conducted a re-audit of our practice measured against BAUS guidelines to determine an improvement in our stone service. Patients and Methods: A prospective analysis of 130 patients admitted over 3 months (October to December 2019) with acute ureteric colic. Data was collected from records and outcomes compared to our previous audit (from 2018). Results: Patient demographics were comparable: admissions 43/month, average age 54 years, median stone size 6mm, stone location (45 % distal-, 36 % proximal-,19% mid-ureteric). Sepsis rates were identical (17%) and managed with stent insertion. For non-septic patients, 51 % (previously 59%) underwent primary treatment (36 ureteroscopy/ stent, 18 ESWL) and 49 % (previously 41%) conservative management. In theatre, primary ureteroscopy was attempted in 75% cases (previously 62%) and successful in 81%. Median time to primary ureteroscopy/stent insertion remained 24 hours;primary ESWL improved to 48 hours (previously 72 hours). Median time from stent insertion to definitive ureteroscopy was 8.9 weeks (previously 6.6 weeks). For patients managed conservatively, median time to outpatient review was 6.7 weeks (previously 5.4 weeks). For ureteric stents, 100 % were removed <2 weeks post-ureteroscopy (previously 89%). Conclusions: Increasing emergency slots for acute onsite ESWL, rates of emergency primary ureteroscopy and introducing nurse-specialist stent removal (Isiris system) have enabled us to achieve primary intervention 48 hours and stent removal <2 weeks. Prolonged waiting times for definitive ureteroscopy and outpatient review remain challenging to address, particularly in the era of COVID-19.