Robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction A retrospective review of a high-volume Canadian center.

INTRODUCTION: At present, there is no literature on the outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALPyelo) in a Canadian context. Our objective was to perform a retrospective review of RALPyelo cases at a high-volume Canadian center. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent RALPyelo at St. Michael's Hospital, between January 2012 and May 2019. Demographics, operative details, and pre- and postoperative imaging results (ultrasounds, computed tomography [CT] scans, and diuretic renal scan [DRS ]) were recorded. Patients were excluded if at least one-year followup data was unavailable. Our primary outcome was clinical and radiologic improvement defined as 1) symptom improvement; 2) stable/improved split renal function on DRS ; and 3) either improvement in the degree of hydronephrosis on ultrasound or CT, or improved drainage time on DRS. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications, need for diagnostic intervention, and reintervention for recurrent UPJO. RESULTS: A total of 156 patients underwent RALPyelo after exclusions. The median age was 42 and 66% were female. Mean followup was 2.5 years. For our primary outcome, 87% had clinical and radiologic improvement. Diagnostic investigation for possible recurrent/persistent obstruction, based on symptoms and/or imaging results, was required in 17% of cases, but only 3% required reintervention for recurrent UPJO. Accordingly, the overall treatment success was 97%. The most common postoperative complication was urinary tract infection (18%), and urine leak was seen in only 2% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study compare favorably with currently reported outcomes in the literature and demonstrate the safety and high level of success of RALPyelo at a high-volume Canadian center.

Determination of optimal stent length: a survey of urologic surgeons.

Introduction: Ureteral double-J stent length is an important factor affecting stent-related symptoms. Multiple techniques exist to determine ideal stent length for a given patient, however, little is known about what techniques urologists rely on. Our objective was to identify how urologists determine optimal stent length. Material and methods: An online survey was e-mailed in 2019 to all members of the Endourology Society. The survey sought to assess what methods are commonly used to determine choice of stent length, along with frequency of stent placement post ureteroscopy, duration of stenting, availability of different stent lengths and the use of stent tether. Results: 301 urologists (15.1%) responded to our survey. Following ureteroscopy, 84.5% of respondents would stent at least 50% of the time. Following uncomplicated ureteroscopy, most respondents (52.0%) would leave a stent for 2-7 days. Patient height was most commonly ranked first as the method of choice in determining stent length (47.0%), followed by estimation based on experience only (20.6%) and intra-operative direct measurement of ureteric length (19.1%). Most respondents utilized multiple methods in determination of optimal stent length. Most respondents (66.5%) were interested in a simple intra-operative technique utilizing a special ureteral catheter that would help choose the most appropriate stent length. Conclusions: Post-ureteroscopy stent insertion is common and patient height is the most common method of choice used in determining optimal stent length. Most respondents were interested in using a simple, novel ureteral catheter device that would allow them to more accurately select optimal stent length.

Clips Can be Safely Used for Vascular Control of the Renal Vessels During Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience using clips to control the renal vessels during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) and determine the safety of this practice. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent LDN at our centre January 1, 2007-September 17, 2019. The primary outcome was the rate of complication associated with vascular control of the renal vessels, which included (1) conversion to open to manage bleeding, (2) additional procedures for bleeding, and (3) major bleeding requiring blood transfusion. Secondary outcomes included the rate of renal artery/vein clip dislodgement or crossing, change in hemoglobin, warm ischemia time and the incidence of intra-operative complications and postoperative in-hospital complications. RESULTS: We included 503 patients who underwent LDN, of which 497 were left sided. The main renal artery was controlled with 3 titanium clips in 489 (97%) cases. The main renal vein was controlled with 2 polymer-locking clips in 478 (95%) cases. For our primary outcome, there were no conversions to open to manage bleeding, no secondary procedures due to bleeding and no major bleeding requiring blood transfusion. Additionally, there were no donor deaths. Regarding our secondary outcomes, there were 5 intraoperative events related to the titanium clips being placed on the renal artery and 1 intraoperative event related to the polymer-locking clips on the renal vein, none of which resulted in any morbidity. CONCLUSION: Using 3 titanium clips on the renal artery and 2 polymer-locking clips on the renal vein during left LDN is safe and provides excellent vascular control.

Celebrating 75 years.

INTRODUCTION: Following the introduction of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), ureteroscopy (URS), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), the subspecialty of endourology was born in the late 1970s. The purpose of this study was to report milestones in Canadian endourology, highlighting Canada's contributions to the field. METHODS: A review of the literature was performed from the late 1970s to the present. The literature review included bibliographic and digital resources. Additionally, records and recollections by various individuals were used, including some who were directly involved. RESULTS: Endourology was born in Canada when SWL, URS, and PCNL emerged as minimally invasive treatment options for stones in the early to mid-1980s. According to our research, the first PCNL was performed at the University of Toronto in 1981. Dr. Joachim Burhenne, a Harvard-trained radiologist from Germany, first used extracorporeal SWL in Canada at the University of British Columbia (UBC) for the treatment of biliary stones. Treatment for urinary tract stones followed at UBC and Dalhousie University. The first worldwide use of the holmium laser for lithotripsy of urinary tract calculi took place at the University of Western Ontario. Other endourology milestones in Canada include the formation of the Canadian Endourology Group and the emergence of the Endourological Society-accredited fellowship programs at the University of Toronto and Western University in the 1990s. Canada hosted the 21st and 35th World Congress of Endourology and Shock Wave Lithotripsy annual meeting in Montreal and Vancouver, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Canadian urologists have led many advances in SWL, URS, and PCNL over the past four decades and, for a relatively small community, have made significant contributions to the field. Through the training of the next generation of endourologists at Canadian institutions, the future of endourology in Canada is bright.

Routine Preoperative Electrocardiograms in Patients at Low Risk for Cardiac Complications During Shockwave Lithotripsy: Are They Useful?

INTRODUCTION: Routine preoperative electrocardiogram (ECG) before shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is frequently performed despite recommendations against its use in asymptomatic patients undergoing low-risk surgical procedures. This study assesses whether routine preoperative ECG before SWL is useful in patients at low risk for cardiac complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of SWL at our center (2003-2013) reviewed all cardiac-related preoperative cancellations, intraoperative complications, postoperative admissions, and emergency department presentations in patients at low risk for cardiac complications. Patients received SWL with sedation and continuous five-lead ECG monitoring. RESULTS: Of 30,892 referrals, preoperative ECG triggered 13 (0.04%) cancelations in low-risk patients (1 with new atrial fibrillation and 12 with ischemia/previous infarction). Of these patients, 1 had a subsequent abnormal cardiac work-up and 11 underwent uncomplicated SWL without cardiac intervention (2 had unknown history). Of 27,722 treatments, 5 (0.02%) were stopped prematurely in low-risk patients because of arrhythmia (3 had normal preoperative ECG, 1 had abnormal ECG, and 1 did not complete ECG). Three patients developed an arrhythmia with sedation and 2 patients were admitted postoperatively because of cardiac complications (1 for atrial fibrillation and 1 for hypertension), of whom all had normal preoperative ECG. No patients presented to our emergency department with cardiac complications after SWL. CONCLUSIONS: In patients at low risk for cardiac complications, preoperative ECG triggered very few cancellations and did not predict early termination of treatment or cardiac complications after SWL. These findings suggest that in low-risk patients, routine preoperative ECG has little effect on treatment or complication rate and should be omitted.

Shockwave Lithotripsy Practice Pattern Variations Among and Between American and Canadian Urologists: In Support of Guidelines.

PURPOSE: Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is a widely utilized form of treatment for urolithiasis. There are new evidence-based recommendations regarding pre-SWL patient work-up and the performance of SWL. The purpose of this study is to determine practice patterns for SWL and to determine if regional variation exists between Canada and the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 19-question survey was prepared. Canadian urologists were surveyed through e-mail correspondence. In the United States, members of the Endourologic Society and members of two large stone management groups were surveyed. Canadian and American results were compared using the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Ninety-four Canadian urologists and 187 U.S. urologists completed the survey. Practice patterns differed between countries. Intravenous sedation was more commonly used in Canada (Canada 94.7% vs United States 17.9%, p < 0.001); routine antibiotics were more commonly given in United States (Canada 2.1% vs United States 78.1%, p < 0.001); a shock rate of 2 Hz was more common in Canada (Canada 76.6% vs United States 16.2%, p < 0.00001); rate of discontinuing ASA for renal and ureteral stone treatment was higher in the United States (renal Canada 88.3% vs United States 95.7%, p < 0.02; ureteral Canada 62.4% vs 90.3%, p < 0.0001); and ureteral stents were more commonly used if treating a large stone or patients with solitary kidneys in the United States (large stones Canada 58.2% vs United States 88.8%, p = 0.0001; solitary kidney Canada 50.6% vs 66.3%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the absence of standardization of SWL. Significant regional differences exist in practice patterns and performance of SWL between Canadian and American urologists.

Best Stent Length Predicted by Simple CT Measurement Rather than Patient Height.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Ureteral stent length is important, as stents that are too long might worsen symptoms and too short are at higher risk of migration. The purpose of this study was to determine if patient or radiologic parameters correlate with directly measured ureteral length and if directly measured ureteral length predicts proper stent positioning. METHODS: During stent placement, ureteral length (ureteropelvic junction to ureterovesical junction distance) was directly measured by endoscopically viewing a ureteral catheter (with 1-cm marking) emanating from the ureteral orifice. A 22, 24, or 26 cm stent was chosen to be closest to the measured ureteral length. For ureters >26 cm, a 26 cm stent was chosen. Ends of an "ideally positioned" stent were fully curled in the renal pelvis and bladder, without crossing the bladder midline. Rates of ideal stent position were compared between patients with matching stent and ureteral lengths and those with stent lengths differing by ≥1 cm (mismatched). The measured ureteral length was correlated with patient height, L1-L5 height, and length measured on CT. RESULTS: Fifty-nine ureters from 57 patients were included. Height was reasonably correlated with L1-L5 height (Spearman correlation coefficient [rho] = 0.79), although both were poorly correlated with directly measured ureteral length (rho = 0.18 for height and 0.32 for lumbar height). Ureteral lengths measured on CT correlated well with direct measurement (rho = 0.63 for axial cuts and rho = 0.64 for coronal cuts). Matched stent length was associated with higher rates of ideal stent position than mismatched (100% vs 70.9%, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: CT measurements, rather than height, correlate well with measured length and could be used to choose the appropriate stent length. Stents matching directly measured ureteral lengths are associated with high rates of ideal stent position.

Changing Patient Position Can Eliminate Arrhythmias Developing During Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy.

INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) has a low complication rate. While serious complications are rare, cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia, may occur. The etiology of these arrhythmias is poorly understood, but it appears to be due to stimulation of the heart by the shock waves. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the effect of rotating the patient 15° to 20° when an arrhythmia occurs. METHODS: Eight hundred nineteen patients were prospectively evaluated for arrhythmias during SWL. The initial patient position was dependent on the location of the stone and the body mass index (BMI) of the patient. If a sustained arrhythmia developed, treatment was withheld for 2 minutes and then recommenced. If the patient developed an arrhythmia again, the patient was rotated 15°-20° away from the original position and treatment recommenced. RESULTS: Twenty patients developed significant arrhythmias during SWL. Arrhythmias occurred more frequently in patients with a lower BMI (p < 0.01), of younger age (p = 0.01), and with right-sided stones (p = 0.035). After the first rotation, 11 patients had no further arrhythmias, and 4 patients had a reduction of their arrhythmia to unsustained minor arrhythmias that did not require cessation of the treatment. The remaining five patients required a second repositioning. Three of these patients required gated SWL to abolish the arrhythmia. CONCLUSION: Changing the position of the patient by rotating the patient by 15 to 20° can eliminate arrhythmias that develop during SWL.

Lumbar plexopathy as a complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in a horseshoe kidney.

Treatment of nephrolithiasis in horseshoe kidneys can be challenging due to anomalies in renal position, collecting system anatomy and vascular supply. We report on a patient who was referred after a failed percutaneous nephrolithotomy for a left moiety staghorn calculus in a horseshoe kidney. Two punctures had been performed involving upper and middle posterior calyces. Both were very medially placed and inadvertently traversed the psoas muscle, resulting in lumbar plexopathy with permanent deficit. This complication presented postoperatively with left leg weakness, paresthesia, and pain which impaired independent ambulation. The patient went on to be successfully treated for her stone disease with robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyelolithotomy.

A population based study of the changing demographics of patients undergoing definitive treatment for kidney stone disease.

PURPOSE: We examined temporal changes in the demographics of patients undergoing definitive treatment for kidney stones during a 20-year period in Ontario, Canada. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the Ontario Health Insurance Plan physician claims database and the Canadian Institute for Health Information Discharge Abstract Database we performed a population based cross-sectional time series analysis by identifying all kidney stone treatments done between July 1, 1991 and December 31, 2010. The demographics assessed were patient gender, age and socioeconomic status. The rate and/or proportion of kidney stone treatments per strata of these demographics were calculated for each 1-year block of the study period. We used time series analysis with exponential smoothing and autoregressive integrated moving average models to assess for trends with time. RESULTS: We identified 116,115 patients who underwent treatment for kidney stones during the study period. The rate of stone procedures performed per year increased steadily from 85/100,000 to 126/100,000 population. With time the rate of females who were treated increased significantly from 40/100,000 to 53/100,000 (p <0.0001). In contrast, the rate of males who were treated remained stable, increasing from 82/100,000 to 83/100,000 (p = 0.11). In regard to age the rate of patients older than 64 years increased significantly with time from 67/100,000 to 89/100,000 (p <0.0001). In regard to socioeconomic status approximately 20% of the patients were in each of the 5 income quintiles during the entire study period. CONCLUSIONS: Our population based study shows an increased rate of females and of patients older than 64 years undergoing definitive treatment for kidney stones with time.

The role of prophylactic versus selective ureteric stenting in kidney transplant patients: a retrospective review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of prophylactic versus selective ureteric stenting in the development of postoperative ureterovesical complications in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: Records of 614 transplant patients seen from January 2006 to May 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was the rate of ureterovesical complications, defined as the development of ureteric obstruction or a ureterovesical anastomotic leak. The secondary outcomes were the rate of urinary tract infections and forgotten stents. Using a χ2 test, we compared the primary and secondary outcomes across the selective and prophylactic cohorts. Logistic regression was used to compare the 2 cohorts while adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: The selective and prophylactic cohorts consisted of 258 and 330 patients, respectively. Unadjusted analysis showed that the prophylactic group had a significantly lower rate of ureterovesical complications than did the selective group (2.12% vs 6.20%; odds ratio, 0.33; P= .01). After adjustment for differences in sex and donor type, the prophylactic group still had a lower risk for ureterovesical complications (odds ratio, 0.30; P= .009). Rates of urinary tract infections and forgotten stents did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic stenting is associated with a significantly lower rate of ureterovesical complications than is selective stenting.

Does baseline radiography of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder help facilitate stone management in patients presenting to the emergency department with renal colic?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A baseline kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB) radiograph, at the time of computed tomography (CT) for ureteral stones, might aid interpretation of future KUBs. The CT scout radiograph might render the baseline KUB redundant, however. We sought to assess the diagnostic utility of baseline KUB for patients with ureteral stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with ureteral stones were retrospectively identified. All had a baseline KUB in addition to CT and were reassessed after 4 to 60 days with KUB. Each patient's imaging was randomized 1:1 into either "KUB&CT" or "CT" groups. Three urologists independently assessed the imaging: CT (with scout film) and baseline KUB in the KUB&CT group, but only the CT (not KUB) in the CT group. Definitive stone assessment on follow-up KUB was defined as all three reviewers answering either Yes or No (not Indeterminate) to the question of stone passage or migration. RESULTS: Of 154 stones, the mean diameter was 4.8 ± 2.1 mm, density was 914 ± 300 Hounsfield units (HU), with 54.4% in the distal ureter. Stone visibility was 60.4% on KUB vs 43.5% on scout film (P<0.001). Scout film visibility favored the CT group (52.7 vs 35.0%, P = 0.027). After adjusting for body mass index, skin-to-stone distance, size, density, and location, definitive assessment rates were higher in the KUB&CT group (P = 0.047). When reviewers reassessed the CT group using the baseline KUB, they were able to do so definitively in an additional 16 (21.6%, P<0.001). Definitive assessments were associated with higher rates of stone visibility on scout film (86.1 vs 21.1%, P<0.001), KUB (86.1 vs 50.0%, P<0.001), and larger (6.0 vs 3.7 mm, P<0.001), denser stones (1046 vs 802 HU, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of a baseline KUB to the CT scout film improves the ability of urologists to determine stone outcome when following patients with KUB imaging and might reduce the subsequent need for additional imaging.

Prone versus supine lasix renal scan to assess surgical success after laparoscopic and robot-assisted pyeloplasty.

PURPOSE: Success after laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) for ureteropelvic junction obstruction is determined based on renal scan (RS) results and patient symptoms ± ultrasonography. The upright or prone position during RS may facilitate drainage. This study reports on outcomes after LP and robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RALP) and determines if patient position (supine vs prone) alters the results of the postoperative RS and surgical "success." PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of LP and RALP performed by one surgeon between 2005 and 2012 was performed. Follow-up consisted of RS ± ultrasonography. The paired t test was used to assess for a significant difference between mean T1/2 for supine vs prone scans in each patient. Linear regression was used to determine if preoperative split renal function on the affected side or degree of preoperative hydronephrosis predicted difference in supine vs prone T1/2. RESULTS: There were 11 LP and 81 RALP performed; 84 had follow-up data. There were four (4.3%) failures. Thirty-eight patients had sufficient supine and prone RS for analysis. The difference in T1/2 between supine and prone RS was significant (mean difference 10.18 ± 27.28 min, P = 0.03). Strict success increased to 65.8% from 44.7% and combined strict plus technical success increased to 78.9% from 63.1% on prone vs supine RS. Split function and degree of hydronephrosis were not predictors of difference in RS results. CONCLUSIONS: LP and RALP have good technical results. Prone position for RS may facilitate drainage and may be a more accurate representation of postoperative outcome after pyeloplasty, particularly in equivocal cases.

Flank bulge following supracostal percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A report of 2 cases.

Damage to intercostal nerves during surgical procedures has been associated with a postoperative flank bulge, due to denervation of the anterolateral abdominal wall musculature. This complication has not been reported following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We are aware of 3 cases, but have details on 2 cases of postoperative flank bulge following supracostal PCNL which are reported here. We also suggest how this complication could potentially be minimized.

A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of intercostal nerve block after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The optimal method of pain control after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) remains controversial. We sought to determine whether intercostal nerve block with bupivicaine provided superior pain control, when compared with placebo, with a lower need for narcotics and improved health-related quality of life (HRQL) in the immediate postoperative period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-three patients were randomized to receive intercostal blockade with either 20 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine or 20 mL physiologic saline. All patients received intravenous narcotic patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) postoperatively. Data were collected on stone parameters, demographics, analgesic usage, length of stay, and HRQL as assessed by the Postoperative Recovery Scale. RESULTS: The mean age was 47.7±1.2 years; mean body mass index was 28.0±5.0 kg/m(2); mean stone diameter was 29.2±15.8 mm. Within the first 3 to 6 hours after surgery, there was a significant reduction in narcotic use for the group receiving intercostal nerve blockade with bupivacaine compared with placebo. At 3 hours, narcotic use was 2.4±3.1 mg vs 4.3±3.8 mg morphine equivalents (P=0.034), and within 6 hours of surgery, narcotic use was 5.9±6.1 mg vs 8.8±7.4 mg (P=0.096). Durable improvement in HRQL was also observed in patients receiving intercostal nerve blockade with bupivacaine compared with placebo (P=0.034). No complications were attributable to the intercostal nerve blocks in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Intercostal blockade with bupivacaine significantly improves both pain control and HRQL in the early postoperative period. The effectiveness of bupivacaine disappears within 6 hours of surgery, after which narcotic use becomes indistinguishable. Intercostal nerve blockade is an easy, safe, and inexpensive method that can be used to optimize pain control after PCNL.

A prospective study examining the incidence of bacteriuria and urinary tract infection after shock wave lithotripsy with targeted antibiotic prophylaxis.

PURPOSE: Controversy exists regarding antibiotic prophylaxis before shock wave lithotripsy. The AUA (American Urological Association) guideline recommends universal antibiotic prophylaxis, whereas the EAU (European Association of Urology) guideline recommends prophylaxis only for select patients. We evaluated the use of targeted antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing urinary tract infections in patients undergoing shock wave lithotripsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective single cohort study was performed during 6 months with patients undergoing shock wave lithotripsy. All patients underwent urine dipstick and culture before shock wave lithotripsy. Targeted antibiotic prophylaxis was provided at the discretion of the treating urologist. All patients had a urine culture performed after shock wave lithotripsy and completed a survey documenting fevers or urinary symptoms. The primary outcome was the incidence of urinary tract infections, urosepsis and asymptomatic bacteriuria after shock wave lithotripsy. The secondary outcome was the sensitivity and specificity of urinary dipstick leukocytes and nitrites. RESULTS: A total of 526 patients were enrolled in the study. Of the 389 patients included in the determination of the primary outcome, urinary tract infection developed in only 1 (0.3%), urosepsis did not develop in any patients and asymptomatic bacteriuria developed in 11 (2.8%). Eight (2.1%) patients were administered antibiotic prophylaxis. The specificity of urine dipstick nitrites was high (95%) while the sensitivity was poor (9.7%). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort study using targeted antibiotic prophylaxis the rates of urinary tract infection after shock wave lithotripsy and rates of asymptomatic bacteriuria were extremely low, with no development of urosepsis. This finding questions the need for universal antibiotic prophylaxis before shock wave lithotripsy.

Stones lodge at three sites of anatomic narrowing in the ureter: clinical fact or fiction?

UNLABELLED: Abstract Background and Purpose: Throughout the literature, the ureter is described as having three anatomic sites of narrowing at which kidney stones typically become lodged: The ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), the ureteral crossing of the iliac vessels, and the ureterovesical junction (UVJ). There is little evidence to support this notion, however. The purpose of our study is to evaluate whether three peaks in stone distribution corresponding to these anatomic landmarks exist. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the kidneys-ureters-bladder (KUB) films of 622 patients with solitary ureteral calculi referred for shockwave lithotripsy (SWL). Pretreatment KUB films were used to categorize the location of their ureteral stone relative to 1 of 19 levels referenced to the axial skeleton. CT scans of 74 patients were used to determine the location of the UPJ, ureteral crossing of the iliac vessels, and UVJ relative to the 19 levels on KUB radiography. Histograms were then constructed to plot the distribution of stones within the ureter relative to these 19 levels. The effect of sex, stone size and side, and presence of a stent on stone distribution were analyzed. RESULTS: There are two peaks in the distribution of stones within the ureter in patients referred for SWL that correspond to the UPJ/proximal ureter and intramural ureter/UVJ. In patients with larger stones (≥100 mm(2)) or a ureteral stent in place, stones were distributed more proximally (P<0.0001). When comparing sexes, there was a difference in stone distribution that approached significance (P=0.0523), with a greater peak more distally in males compared with females. CONCLUSIONS: Our review demonstrates a peak in the distribution of stones corresponding to the UPJ/proximal ureter and the intramural ureter/UVJ. We failed to demonstrate a peak in stone distribution corresponding with the ureteral crossing of the iliac vessels.

Multidisciplinary validation study of the da Vinci Skills Simulator: educational tool and assessment device.

Despite the increased dexterity and precision of robotic surgery, like any new surgical technology it is still associated with a learning curve that can impact patient outcomes. The use of surgical simulators outside of the operating room, in a low-stakes environment, has been shown to shorten such learning curves. We present a multidisciplinary validation study of a robotic surgery simulator, the da Vinci(®) Skills Simulator (dVSS). Trainees and attending faculty from the University of Toronto, Departments of Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynecology (ObGyn), were recruited to participate in this validation study. All participants completed seven different exercises on the dVSS (Camera Targeting 1, Peg Board 1, Peg Board 2, Ring Walk 2, Match Board 1, Thread the Rings, Suture Sponge 1) and, using the da Vinci S Robot (dVR), completed two standardized skill tasks (Ring Transfer, Needle Passing). Participants were categorized as novice robotic surgeon (NRS) and experienced robotic surgeon (ERS) based on the number of robotic cases performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using independent T test and non-parametric Spearman's correlation. A total of 53 participants were included in the study: 27 urology, 13 ObGyn, and 13 thoracic surgery (Table 1). Most participants (89 %) either had no prior console experience or had performed <10 robotic cases, while one (2 %) had performed 10-20 cases and five (9 %) had performed ≥20 robotic surgeries. The dVSS demonstrated excellent face and content validity and 97 and 86 % of participants agreed that it was useful for residency training and post-graduate training, respectively. The dVSS also demonstrated construct validity, with NRS performing significantly worse than ERS on most exercises with respect to overall score, time to completion, economy of motion, and errors (Table 2). Excellent concurrent validity was also demonstrated as dVSS scores for most exercises correlated with performance of the two standardized skill tasks using the dVR (Table 3). This multidisciplinary validation study of the dVSS provides excellent face, content, construct, and concurrent validity evidence, which supports its integrated use in a comprehensive robotic surgery training program, both as an educational tool and potentially as an assessment device. Table 1 dVSS validation study participant demographic information Survey question Response Number (%) Gender Male 36 (67.9) Female 17 (32.1) Handedness Right-hand dominant 45 (84.9) Left-hand dominant 4 (7.5) Ambidextrous 3 (5.7) Level of training Junior Resident (R1-R3) 17 (32.1) Senior Resident (R4-R5) 12 (22.6) Fellow 16 (30.2) Staff Surgeon 8 (15.1) Specialty Urology 27 (50.9) ObGyn 13 (24.5) Thoracics 13 (24.5) Previous MIS experience (laparoscopic or thoracoscopic) None/minimal 17 (32.1) Moderate 11 (20.8) Significant 18 (34.0) Fellowship-trained in MIS 4 (7.5) Previous robotic surgery experience None 32 (60.4) Yes 21 (39.6) If yes, number of operative cases as surgical assistant 0 cases 33 (62.3) <10 cases 9 (17.0) 10-20 cases 3 (5.7) >20 cases 8 (9.4) If yes, number of operative cases at robotic console for at least 30 min 0 cases 41 (77.4) <10 cases 6 (11.3) 10-20 cases 1 (1.9) >20 cases 5 (9.4) MIS minimally invasive surgery Table 2 dVSS construct validity evidence dVSS exercise All subjects' overall score (%, mean ± SD) Novice robotic surgeon overall score (%, mean ± SD) Expert robotic surgeon overall score (%, mean ± SD) p value Camera Targeting 1 69.943 ± 21.7489 67.170 ± 21.5258 91.667 ± 4.2269 0.008 Peg Board 1 78.596 ± 11.9824 76.913 ± 11.6616 91.500 ± 3.8341 0.004 Match Board 1 69.880 ± 17.7691 67.864 ± 17.9075 84.667 ± 6.1860 0.028 Thread the Rings 74.152 ± 16.4289 71.825 ± 16.2605 89.667 ± 5.8878 0.011 Suture Sponge 1 74.787 ± 14.3086 73.171 ± 14.5067 85.833 ± 5.6716 0.042 Ring Walk 2 75.098 ± 20.0861 73.333 ± 20.1099 88.333 ± 15.4100 0.086 Peg Board 2 84.308 ± 11.7633 83.283 ± 12.0861 92.167 ± 3.6009 0.082 Table 3 dVSS concurrent validity evidence NP time NP errors RT time RT errors Camera Targeting 1 overall score 0.471 (0.001) 0.083 (0.575) 0.291 (0.045) 0.061 (0.685) Peg Board 1 overall score 0.486 (0.001) 0.141 (0.344) 0.325 (0.026) 0.088 (0.555) Match Board 1 overall score 0.543 (<0.001) 0.096 (0.530) 0.295 (0.050) 0.215 (0.162) Thread the Rings overall score 0.432 (0.005) 0.231 (0.147) 0.533 (<0.001) 0.163 (0.310) Suture Sponge 1 overall score 0.592 (<0.001) 0.105 (0.509) 0.437 (0.004) 0.015 (0.925) Ring Walk 2 overall score 0.454 (0.002) 0.179 (0.234) 0.399 (0.006) 0.022 (0.884) Peg Board 2 overall score 0.675 (<0.001) 0.058 (0.696) 0.073 (0.626) 0.045 (0.762) Subjects' overall score for each dVSS exercise is correlated with the time to complete (time) and number of errors (errors) for the Needle Passing (NP) and Ring Transfer (RT) tasks performed using the dVR. Data is expressed as Pearson correlation coefficient (p value).

Robotic surgery basic skills training: Evaluation of a pilot multidisciplinary simulation-based curriculum.

PURPOSE: Simulation-based training improves clinical skills, while minimizing the impact of the educational process on patient care. We present results of a pilot multidisciplinary, simulation-based robotic surgery basic skills training curriculum (BSTC) for robotic novices. METHODS: A 4-week, simulation-based, robotic surgery BSTC was offered to the Departments of Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynecology (ObGyn) at the University of Toronto. The course consisted of various instructional strategies: didactic lecture, self-directed online-training modules, introductory hands-on training with the da Vinci robot (dVR) (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA), and dedicated training on the da Vinci Skills Simulator (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) (dVSS). A third of trainees participated in competency-based dVSS training, all others engaged in traditional time-based training. Pre- and post-course skill testing was conducted on the dVR using 2 standardized skill tasks: ring transfer (RT) and needle passing (NP). Retention of skills was assessed at 5 months post-BSTC. RESULTS: A total of 37 participants completed training. The mean task completion time and number of errors improved significantly post-course on both RT (180.6 vs. 107.4 sec, p < 0.01 and 3.5 vs. 1.3 sec, p < 0.01, respectively) and NP (197.1 vs. 154.1 sec, p < 0.01 and 4.5 vs. 1.8 sec, p = 0.04, respectively) tasks. No significant difference in performance was seen between specialties. Competency-based training was associated with significantly better post-course performance. The dVSS demonstrated excellent face validity. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a pilot multidisciplinary, simulation-based robotic surgery BSTC revealed significantly improved basic robotic skills among novice trainees, regardless of specialty or level of training. Competency-based training was associated with significantly better acquisition of basic robotic skills.

Does the radiologic technologist or the fluoroscopy time affect treatment success with shockwave lithotripsy?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The minimally invasive nature and effectiveness of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) has made it one of the primary treatment modalities for urinary tract calculi. Several factors determining the success of SWL treatment have been studied, including stone factors (ie, location, size, and composition) and patient factors (ie, patient habitus and skin-to-stone distance). Our objective was to determine if either the assisting radiologic technologist or the amount of fluoroscopy time used has an impact on SWL success. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared the outcome of 536 SWL treatments across three radiologic technologists. We also evaluated the average amount of fluoroscopy time used in treatment success vs failures in this same cohort. The outcomes measured were stone-free and successful fragmentation rate at 2 weeks and 3 months. Successful fragmentation was defined as being either stone free, having residual sand, or with an asymptomatic fragment ≤ 4 mm on radiography of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. RESULTS: The patients treated by the three different radiologic technologists were comparable with respect to body mass index, stone side and location, presence of ureteral stent, and mean stone area (mm(2)). The stone-free and successful fragmentation rates at 2 weeks and 3 months between the three radiologic technologists were not significantly different. When examining fluoroscopy time, we found a significantly greater mean fluoroscopy time was used in treatments with successful fragmentation at 2 weeks (3.16 min vs 2.72 min, P=0.0001) and 3 months (3.12 min vs 2.75 min, P=0.0015) compared with treatment failures. CONCLUSION: The radiologic technologist did not have a significant impact on SWL treatment outcome at 2 weeks and 3 months. Successful SWL fragmentation at 2 weeks and 3 months, however, was associated with a greater amount of fluoroscopy time, suggesting that using fluoroscopy to ensure accurate targeting during SWL is important for successful fragmentation.