Heavy as a rock or light as dust: a comparison between the perceived workload for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, ureterorenoscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Introduction: There are three common treatment options for kidney stones: extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureterorenoscopy (URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). The choice of treatment is based on stone- and patient-related characteristics. However, some stones are eligible for several approaches and the decision is made based on patient and urologist's preferences. This study evaluates which approach has the highest workload. Material and methods: Between March and August 2022, five members of the Amsterdam Endourology Research Group collected data from 22 ESWL, 31 URS and 22 PNL procedures. After each procedure, the SURG-TLX questionnaire was completed by the surgeon to evaluate workload. Six dimensions were scored for each procedure, including: mental demands, physical demands, temporal demands, task complexity, situational stress, and distractions. The total workload, and the median for each dimension, was calculated and compared for the three treatments. Results: ESWL scored significantly lower than URS for mental demands, physical demands, temporal demands, situational stress, distraction and total workload. However, task complexity did not differ significantly between the two techniques. Compared with PNL, ESWL scored significantly lower for all dimensions. Finally, PNL received significantly higher scores for mental demands, physical demands, temporal demands, situational stress, distractions and total workload than URS. Only task complexity showed no significant difference between both groups. Conclusions: Urologists perceive the highest workload during PNL, followed by URS and finally ESWL. A follow-up study is needed to identify stressors that increase perceived workload with the purpose to address these variables and as final objective to improve urologists' workload, patient safety and treatment outcomes.

Experts' recommendations in laser use for the treatment of urolithiasis: a comprehensive guide by the European Section of Uro-Technology (ESUT) and Training-Research in Urological Surgery and Technology (T.R.U.S.T.)-Group.

PURPOSE: To identify laser lithotripsy settings used by experts for specific clinical scenarios and to identify preventive measures to reduce complications. METHODS: After literature research to identify relevant questions, a survey was conducted and sent to laser experts. Participants were asked for preferred laser settings during specific clinical lithotripsy scenarios. Different settings were compared for the reported laser types, and common settings and preventive measures were identified. RESULTS: Twenty-six laser experts fully returned the survey. Holmium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) was the primary laser used (88%), followed by thulium fiber laser (TFL) (42%) and pulsed thulium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Tm:YAG) (23%). For most scenarios, we could not identify relevant differences among laser settings. However, the laser power was significantly different for middle-ureteral (p = 0.027), pelvic (p = 0.047), and lower pole stone (p = 0.018) lithotripsy. Fragmentation or a combined fragmentation with dusting was more common for Ho:YAG and pulsed Tm:YAG lasers, whereas dusting or a combination of dusting and fragmentation was more common for TFL lasers. Experts prefer long pulse modes for Ho:YAG lasers to short pulse modes for TFL lasers. Thermal injury due to temperature development during lithotripsy is seriously considered by experts, with preventive measures applied routinely. CONCLUSIONS: Laser settings do not vary significantly between commonly used lasers for lithotripsy. Lithotripsy techniques and settings mainly depend on the generated laser pulse's and generator settings' physical characteristics. Preventive measures such as maximum power limits, intermittent laser activation, and ureteral access sheaths are commonly used by experts to decrease thermal injury-caused complications.

Longer is Better for Endoscopic Follow-up of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma After Ureteroscopic Treatment: An Evaluation Spanning 10 Years of Data.

BACKGROUND: Tumour recurrences are frequent among patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) treated with ureteroscopy (URS). Therefore, guidelines recommend a strict follow-up regimen, but there is little evidence on how to do this. OBJECTIVE: To analyse outcomes during our follow-up regimen and the impact on treatment in terms of ipsilateral UTUC recurrence, treatment conversion, and tumour upgrading, and to evaluate potential prognostic factors, including second-look URS outcomes. A secondary objective was to evaluate survival outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The single-centre cohort included all adult patients with nonmetastatic UTUC treated with URS from January 2010 to December 2020. Follow-up involved endoscopy at 3-mo intervals in the first year, then at 6-mo intervals up to year 3, and yearly thereafter. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive analyses were performed for the follow-up outcomes. The Andersen-Gill model for recurrent event analysis was used to analyse tumour recurrences, and multivariable Cox regression to analyse for predictors for treatment conversion in low-grade tumours. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: We analysed 71 patients with median follow-up of 49.5 mo. The overall 2-yr recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was 22%. In low-grade disease, the 1-yr RFS rate was 50% and the 2-yr RFS rate was 29%. Treatment was converted to radical nephroureterectomy for 23 patients, at a median time to conversion of 9.9 mo. Upgrading was seen in 13 patients, at a median time to upgrading of 21.9 mo. No factors were prognostic for either tumour recurrence or treatment conversion. The 5-yr OS, CSS, and MFS rates were 82%, 86%, and 84%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that it is rational to extend endoscopic follow-up for UTUC treated with URS, as clinically relevant events (treatment conversion and tumour upgrading) occur beyond the current 6-mo guideline recommendation. Second-look URS outcomes were not prognostic for tumour recurrence or treatment conversion during follow-up. PATIENT SUMMARY: Our study results show that for patients with cancer of the upper urinary tract treated with kidney-sparing surgery through a small telescope called a ureteroscope (URS), most of the clinically relevant events (treatment conversion and tumour upgrading) occur outside the current recommended follow-up of 6 months. Therefore, URS follow-up should be extended for these patients.

Positioning the role of urine cytology within the diagnostic pathway for UTUC: supportive but inconclusive.

PURPOSE: With the introduction of kidney-sparing surgery (KSS) for low-risk Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC), correct risk-stratification has become crucial. High-grade cytology is one of the decisive variables to stratify a tumor as high-risk. To position the role of urine cytology in the diagnostic pathway of UTUC patients, we evaluated the accuracy of urine cytology by comparing the outcomes with histopathology. METHOD: Patients with UTUC evaluated between 2010 and 2020, and diagnosed by imaging, cytology and histopathology were selected. Descriptive statistics were used to compare cytology with histopathological outcomes using crosstabs. Clinical performance characteristics of cytology were determined for the presence of a malignancy. RESULTS: This study included 176 patients with confirmed histopathological UTUC. Concordance between cytology and biopsy results was found in 14.8% of low-grade tumors and 16.8% of high-grade tumors. Comparing cytology with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) specimens revealed concordance rates of 1.6% for low-grade tumors and 22.9% for high-grade tumors. Notably, 51.1% of urine cytology results were false negative. Sensitivity for detecting high-grade and low-grade tumors with a positive urine cytology was 56.6% and 52.6%, respectively, with specificities of 54.8% and 37.2%. CONCLUSION: In the current study, cytology appears to exhibit limited reliability when used as a sole diagnostic tool for assessing tumor grade and consequently risk stratification. It is imperative to recognize these limitations, optimize urine sampling techniques, and leverage a combination of diverse diagnostic methods for the most effective and individualized treatment decision-making.

Experts' recommendations in laser use for the treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a comprehensive guide by the European Section of Uro-Technology (ESUT) and Training Research in Urological Surgery and Technology (T.R.U.S.T.) group.

PURPOSE: To highlight and compare experts' laser settings during endoscopic laser treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), to identify measures to reduce complications, and to propose guidance for endourologists. METHODS: Following a focused literature search to identify relevant questions, a survey was sent to laser experts. We asked participants for typical settings during specific scenarios (ureteroscopy (URS), retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), and percutaneous treatment). These settings were compared among the reported laser types to find common settings and limits. Additionally, we identified preventive measures commonly applied during surgery. RESULTS: Twenty experts completed the survey, needing a mean time of 12.7 min. Overall, most common laser type was Holmium-Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Ho:YAG) (70%, 14/20) followed by Thulium fiber laser (TFL) (45%, 9/20), pulsed Thulium-Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Tm:YAG) (3/20, 15%), and continuous wave (cw)Tm:YAG (1/20, 5%). Pulse energy for the treatment of distal ureteral tumors was significantly different with median settings of 0.9 J, 1 J and 0.45 J for Ho:YAG, TFL and pulsed Tm:YAG, respectively (p = 0.048). During URS and RIRS, pulse shapes were significantly different, with Ho:YAG being used in long pulse and TFL in short pulse mode (all p < 0.05). We did not find further disparities. CONCLUSION: Ho:YAG is used by most experts, while TFL is the most promising alternative. Laser settings largely do not vary significantly. However, further research with novel lasers is necessary to define the optimal approach. With the recent introduction of small caliber and more flexible scopes, minimal-invasive UTUC treatment is further undergoing an extension of applicability in appropriately selected patients.

Is It the Load That Breaks You or the Way You Carry It: How Demanding Is Endourology?

Objective: Surgical outcomes are dependent on multiple factors. Besides patient-related or procedure-related factors, several surgeon-related factors contribute to surgical outcomes. The Surgery Task Load Index (SURG-TLX) questionnaire helps to assess the impact of several stressors on the perceived demands of surgeons during surgery. In this study, we evaluate the applicability of the SURG-TLX questionnaire for endourologic procedures and set a first point of reference. Materials and Methods: Between March and August 2022, 15 urologists and urology residents at a tertiary referral center for endourology completed the SURG-TLX questionnaire after endourologic procedures. After data acquisition, all participants were asked to evaluate the applicability of the questionnaire for endourologic procedures. Results: A total of 130 procedures were included between March and August 2022. Situational stress had the lowest median score (3.0/20; interquartile range [IQR] 2.0-7.0) and task complexity the highest (5.0/20; IQR 3.0-8.0). After weighing, the dimensions showed different proportions when compared with the nonweighted scores. Distractions received the highest score (15.0/100; IQR 7.5-32.8), temporal demands (6.0/100; IQR 3.0-12.5), and situational stress the lowest (6.0/100; IQR 2.0-21.0). This was caused by the higher weight that was attributed to distractions (3.4/5), as opposed to task complexity (2.6/5). In the questionnaire regarding applicability of the SURG-TLX, the overall satisfaction (6.0/10; IQR 5.0-7.0) and clarity (6.5/10; IQR 5.0-7.5) were moderate. The user-friendliness and applicability of the questionnaire were rated high (7.0/10; IQR 5.5-8.0 and 7.0/10; IQR 6.0-8.0, respectively) and task load (3.0/10; IQR 2.0-5.0) and time load (2.0/10; IQR 2.0-3.5) low. Conclusion: The SURG-TLX questionnaire is appropriate to assess the different dimensions of workload during endourologic procedures. Furthermore, the perceived workload during endourologic procedures is relatively low.

Donor kidney lithiasis and back-table endoscopy: a successful combination.

INTRODUCTION: Urolithiasis in renal allografts is relatively rare with an incidence of 0.17-4.40%. It is nonetheless an important issue, as there is a risk of obstruction, sepsis and even loss of the renal allograft. The management of stones in renal allografts remains challenging because of the anatomy, the renal denervation and the use of immunosuppressive medication. CASE PRESENTATION: This report discusses the ex-vivo treatment of asymptomatic nephrolithiasis in a living donor kidney allograft. A CT abdomen revealed a lower pole stone (5.9 × 5.5 × 5.0 mm; 920 HU) in the right kidney of the potential donor. After multidisciplinary discussion, it was decided to procure the right kidney despite the presence of a documented nephrolithiasis. After discussion with both donor and recipient, an ex-vivo flexible ureterorenoscopy for stone removal on the back table just before implantation of the allograft was planned. The stone was found in the lower pole covered by a thin film of the urothelium. The thin film of urothelium was opened with a laser and the stone fragments were retrieved with a basket. CT after one month showed no residual stones in the transplanted kidney. CONCLUSION: Back-table endoscopy in a renal allograft is a feasible technique and should be discussed as an option in case of urolithiasis in a kidney that is considered for transplantation. Furthermore, the appropriate treatment of donor kidney lithiasis is another, although rare, method to expand the living donor renal allograft pool.

The Uniform grading tooL for flexIble ureterorenoscoPes (TULIP-tool): a Delphi consensus project on standardised evaluation of flexible ureterorenoscopes.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a standardised tool to evaluate flexible ureterorenoscopes (fURS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A three-stage consensus building approach based on the modified Delphi technique was performed under guidance of a steering group. First, scope- and user-related parameters used to evaluate fURS were identified through a systematic scoping review. Then, the main categories and subcategories were defined, and the expert panel was selected. Finally, a two-step modified Delphi consensus project was conducted to firstly obtain consensus on the relevance and exact definition of each (sub)category necessary to evaluate fURS, and secondly on the evaluation method (setting, used tools and unit of outcome) of those (sub)categories. Consensus was reached at a predefined threshold of 80% high agreement. RESULTS: The panel consisted of 30 experts in the field of endourology. The first step of the modified Delphi consensus project consisted of two questionnaires with a response rate of 97% (n = 29) for both. Consensus was reached for the relevance and definition of six main categories and 12 subcategories. The second step consisted of three questionnaires (response rate of 90%, 97% and 100%, respectively). Consensus was reached on the method of measurement for all (sub)categories. CONCLUSION: This modified Delphi consensus project reached consensus on a standardised grading tool for the evaluation of fURS - The Uniform grading tooL for flexIble ureterorenoscoPes (TULIP) tool. This is a first step in creating uniformity in this field of research to facilitate future comparison of outcomes of the functionality and handling of fURS.

Could the region you live in prevent or precipitate kidney stone formation due to mineral intake through tap water? An analysis of nine distribution regions in Flanders.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the mineral content of tap water in Flanders and assess if the region one lives in could prevent or precipitate stone formation due to a difference in mineral content. METHODS: Data from six water companies providing tap water to nine regions in Flanders regarding calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and sulphate content in tap water was retrieved. Minimum and maximum values were collected and compared between the different geographical regions. RESULTS: The highest calcium level was found in region 9 with a value of 157.0 mg/L, which is almost 10 times the value found in region 8 (16.1 mg/L). Region 6 had the highest magnesium (31.8 mg/L), potassium (30.5 mg/L), sodium (126.6 mg/L) and sulphate (218.5 mg/L) levels. The lowest level of magnesium (2.7 mg/L) was found in region 1, which was almost 12 times lower as in Region 6. Region 9 had the lowest level of potassium (1.5 mg/L), which is a factor 20 lower than Region 6. The lowest sodium and sulphate levels were found in region 8 (6.8 mg/L and 3.0 mg/L), respectively. The difference between the highest and lowest level of sulphate was a factor 70. CONCLUSION: There is a broad range in the minerals found in tap water between the different production sites in the nine distribution regions in Flanders. However, due to the high standards tap water has to meet in Flanders, the region one lives in will not lead to a higher or lower risk of kidney stone formation if the advised 2 to 3 L per day are consumed.

How Reliable Is Endoscopic Stone Recognition? A Comparison Between Visual Stone Identification and Formal Stone Analysis.

Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy and intra-observer agreement of endoscopic stone recognition (ESR) compared with formal stone analysis. Introduction: Stone analysis is a corner stone in the prevention of stone recurrence. Although X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy are the recommended techniques for reliable formal stone analysis, this is not always possible, and the process takes time and is costly. ESR could be an alternative, as it would give immediate information on stone composition. Materials and Methods: Fifteen endourologists predicted stone composition based on 100 videos from ureterorenoscopy. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by comparing the prediction from visual assessment with stone analysis by XRD. After 30 days, the videos were reviewed again in a random order to assess intra-observer agreement. Results: The median diagnostic accuracy for calcium oxalate monohydrate was 54% in questionnaire 1 (Q1) and 59% in questionnaire 2 (Q2), whereas calcium oxalate dihydrate had a median diagnostic accuracy of 75% in Q1 and 50% in Q2. The diagnostic accuracy for calcium hydroxyphosphate was 10% in Q1 and 13% in Q2. The median diagnostic accuracy for calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate and calcium magnesium phosphate was 0% in both questionnaires. The median diagnostic accuracy for magnesium ammonium phosphate was 20% in Q1 and 40% in Q2. The median diagnostic accuracy for uric acid was 22% in both questionnaires. Finally, there was a diagnostic accuracy of 60% in Q1 and 80% in Q2 for cystine. The intra-observer agreement ranged between 45% and 72%. Conclusion: Diagnostic accuracy of ESR is limited and intra-observer agreement is below the threshold of acceptable agreement.

Survival and Long-term Effects of Kidney-sparing Surgery Versus Radical Nephroureterectomy on Kidney Function in Patients with Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

Background: Current European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines discriminate between high- and low-risk upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) to determine treatment by means of radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) or kidney-sparing surgery (KSS). Objective: To compare long-term oncological outcomes and renal function for patients with UTUC treated by RNU versus KSS. Design setting and participants: A retrospective cohort study, including 186 renal units with nonmetastatic UTUC treated in a tertiary referral centre between 2010 and 2021, was conducted. Intervention: RNU, ureterorenoscopy, percutaneous tumour resection, and segmental ureteral resection. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival (MFS), overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and renal function were analysed by means of the log-rank test and the independent-sample t test. Results and limitations: OS was 71.1% for the RNU group and 81.9% for the KSS group. In a cohort matched for propensity weight based on EAU risk stratification progression-free survival (PFS; RNU 96.0%; KSS 86.0%), MFS (RNU 72.0%; KSS 84.0%), CSS (RNU 84.0%; KSS 86.0%), and OS (RNU 76.0%; KSS 76.0%) were all similar between both groups. No significant differences in renal function were seen at 2 and 5 yr after the intervention. Although this series represents the largest cohort of (high-risk) UTUC patients treated by means of KSS to date, it is not suitable for performing a multivariate analysis. Conclusions: PFS, MFS, CSS, and OS were all comparable when analysing the RNU and KSS groups. Similar results for groups with evenly distributed risk factors and a large percentage of high-risk disease suggest that current risk stratification might not be accurate in discriminating low-risk from high-risk disease. Patient summary: In this report, we looked at outcomes for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma in a specialised hospital. We conclude that kidney-sparing surgery and radical nephroureterectomy have comparable outcomes and that risk factors for worse outcome might not be identified correctly.

Can operator-controlled imaging reduce fluoroscopy time during flexible ureterorenoscopy?

Introduction: Fluoroscopy is routinely used during ureterorenoscopy. According to the 'As Low As Reasonably Achievable' (ALARA) principle, radiation exposure should be kept as low as reasonably achievable to decrease the risk of negative long-term effects of radiation for patients and medical staff. This study aims to assess if operator-controlled imaging during flexible ureterorenoscopy for nephrolithiasis could reduce fluoroscopy time when compared to radiographer-controlled imaging. Material and methods: This study was a bicentric, retrospective comparison between patients treated for nephrolithiasis with flexible ureterorenoscopy with either operator-controlled imaging or radiographer-controlled imaging. A total of 100 patients were included, 50 were treated with operator-controlled imaging and 50 with radiographer-controlled imaging. Patients undergoing flexible ureterorenoscopy with a total stone burden <20 mm and data on radiation exposure were included. Patient characteristics, stone characteristics, surgical details and fluoroscopy time were recorded for each patient and both groups were compared. Patient data were expressed as median. A 2-sided p-value <0.005 was considered statistically significant. Results: This study found no significant differences between both groups regarding the patient and stone characteristics. However, it found a significant shorter fluoroscopy time in the operator-controlled imaging group of 33.5 seconds (IQR 16.0-70.0) compared to 57.0 seconds (IQR 36.8-95.3) in the radiographer-controlled imaging group (p = 0.001). Conclusions: This study shows that operator-controlled imaging in flexible ureterorenoscopy could reduce fluoroscopy time when compared to radiographer-controlled imaging. Operator-controlled imaging might therefore allow urologists to perform ureterorenoscopy with greater independence while additionally reducing fluoroscopy time and its consequent negative effects for medical staff and patients.

Repair Rate and Associated Costs of Reusable Flexible Ureteroscopes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: The refined mechanics of a flexible ureteroscope (fURS) are vulnerable to damage. Sending the fURS for repair is costly and has driven interest toward estimating the resources used for fURS repairs. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review available literature and to estimate the total weighted repair rate of an fURS and the average repair cost per ureteroscopy. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review was conducted by searching the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. The average costs of all repairs identified in the included studies were extracted. A random-effect model was used to calculate the pooled total fURS repair rate. The total weighted repair rate and average cost per repair were multiplied to provide an average cost of repair per ureteroscopy procedure. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We identified 18 studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, which included 411 repairs from 5900 investigated ureteroscopy procedures. The calculated weighted repair rate was 6.5% ± 0.745% (95% confidence interval: 5.0-7.9%; I2 = 75.3%), equivalent to 15 ureteroscopy procedures before repair. The average cost per repair was 6808 USD; according to the weighted repair rate of 6.5%, this corresponds to an average repair cost of 441 USD per procedure. Egger's regression test did not reveal a significant publication bias (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first meta-analysis to estimate the repair rate of the fURS used for ureteroscopy. Our analysis demonstrates a repair rate of 6.5%, equivalent to 15 ureteroscopy procedures between fURS repairs and a repair cost of 441 USD per procedure. Ureteroscopy practices should consider fURS breakage rates and repair costs to optimize the use of reusable versus disposable devices. PATIENT SUMMARY: We reviewed available literature investigating the repair rate of a flexible ureteroscope (fURS). We found that fURSs are sent for repair after every 15 ureteroscopy procedures, corresponding to 441 USD per procedure in repair cost.

European Association of Urology Section of Urolithiasis and International Alliance of Urolithiasis Joint Consensus on Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for the Management of Renal Stones.

BACKGROUND: Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) has become the preferred treatment modality for nephrolithiasis. However, because of ongoing uncertainties regarding the optimal perioperative management, operative technique, and postoperative follow-up, as well as a lack of standardization for outcome reporting, consensus is needed to achieve more uniform clinical practice worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To develop recommendations for RIRS on the basis of existing data and expert consensus. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A protocol-driven, three-phase study was conducted by the European Association of Urology Section of Urolithiasis (EULIS) and the International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU). The process included: (1) a nonsystematic review of the literature to define domains for discussion; (2) a two-round modified Delphi survey involving experts in this field; and (3) an additional group meeting and third-round survey involving 64 senior representative members to formulate the final conclusions. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The results from each previous round were returned to the participants for re-evaluation of their decisions during the next round. The agreement threshold was set at 70%. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The panel included 209 participants who developed 29 consensus statements on the following topics of interest: (1) perioperative infection management; (2) perioperative antithrombotic therapy; (3) fundamentals of the operative technique; and (4) standardized outcome reporting. Although this consensus can be considered as a useful reference for more clinically oriented daily practice, we also acknowledge that a higher level of evidence from further clinical trials is needed. CONCLUSIONS: The consensus statements aim to guide and standardize clinical practice and research on RIRS and to recommend standardized outcome reporting. PATIENT SUMMARY: An international consensus on the best practice for minimally invasive surgery for kidney stones was organized and developed by two international societies. It is anticipated that this consensus will provide further guidance to urologists and may help to improve clinical outcomes for patients.

Global Variations in the Mineral Content of Bottled Still and Sparkling Water and a Description of the Possible Impact on Nephrological and Urological Diseases.

Kidney stone disease (KSD) is a complex disease. Besides the high risk of recurrence, its association with systemic disorders contributes to the burden of disease. Sufficient water intake is crucial for prevention of KSD, however, the mineral content of water might influence stone formation, bone health and cardiovascular (CVD) risk. This study aims to analyse the variations in mineral content of bottled drinking water worldwide to evaluate the differences and describes the possible impact on nephrological and urological diseases. The information regarding mineral composition (mg/L) on calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, sodium and sulphates was read from the ingredients label on water bottles by visiting the supermarket or consulting the online shop. The bottled waters in two main supermarkets in 21 countries were included. The evaluation shows that on a global level the mineral composition of bottled drinkable water varies enormously. Median bicarbonate levels varied by factors of 12.6 and 57.3 for still and sparkling water, respectively. Median calcium levels varied by factors of 18.7 and 7.4 for still and sparkling water, respectively. As the mineral content of bottled drinking water varies enormously worldwide and mineral intake through water might influence stone formation, bone health and CVD risk, urologists and nephrologists should counsel their patients on an individual level regarding water intake.

Introduction of a Standardized Approach of Electronic Urinary pH Monitoring to Assist Alkalization Therapy: A Uric Acid Urolithiasis Patient's Perspective.

Introduction: This study evaluates the introduction of an electronic pH meter to measure the urinary pH in patients with uric acid (UA) urolithiasis and assess patient's perspective. Materials and Methods: Patients known with UA urolithiasis were included in this single-center, nonrandomized, prospective feasibility study, IDEAL stage 2a. Their experience with urolithiasis and satisfaction with the method of urinary pH monitoring before inclusion was evaluated. All patients received an electronic pH meter and standardized instructions. After a period of 6-12 weeks their experience and satisfaction with this pH meter and new regimen was assessed. Patient satisfaction was scored on a Likert scale 1-5. Results: Eighteen patients were included. Median age was 63 years and median body mass index was 30 kg/m2. The cohort consisted of 67% men and 33% women. In their medical history, 55% had unilateral stones, whereas 45% had bilateral stones. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 58 mL/minute/1.73 m2. Eighty-nine percent took medication to alkalize their urine, median 3.5 years. Fifteen patients used paper reagent strips and three used an electronic pH meter to assess urinary pH before this study. Satisfaction with the method of urinary pH measurement at inclusion was reasonable (median score 3; interquartile range [IQR] 1-4). Satisfaction with the new electronic pH meter was good (median score 4; IQR 3-5), as was the overall satisfaction (median score 4; IQR 3-5). The new electronic pH meter was slightly easier to use (median 3.5; IQR 1.75-5), as easy in maintenance (median 3; IQR 2-4), and significantly easier to read (median 5; IQR 4-5). The new electronic pH meter was better (median score 4; IQR 2.75-5) than their previous method. Conclusion: The introduction of a standardized approach of urinary pH monitoring for UA urolithiasis patients with an electronic pH meter leads to an easier interpretable outcome and higher patient satisfaction.

How to evaluate a flexible ureterorenoscope? Systematic mapping of existing evaluation methods.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify, map and review scope-related and user-related parameters used to evaluate the quality of flexible ureterorenoscopes. Thereby identifying key items and variability in grading systems. METHODS: A literature search of four databases (MEDLINE [Ovid], EMBASE [Ovid], Web of Science, Google scholar and the Cochrane Library) was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines encompassing articles published up to August 2020. A total of 2386 articles were screened. RESULTS: A total of 48 articles were included in this systematic scoping review. All studies had a prospective design. Five key items in the assessment of flexible ureterorenoscopy were distinguished: 'Manoeuvrability' (87.5%), 'Optics' (64.6%), 'Irrigation' (56.3%), 'Handling' (39.6%) and 'Durability' (35.4%). After regrouping, every key item could be divided into specific subcategories. However, the quality assessment showed a wide variation in denomination, method of measurement, circumstances of measurement, tools used during measurements, number of measurements performed, number of observers, and units of outcomes. CONCLUSION: The research field regarding quality assessment of ureterorenoscopes is heterogeneous. In this systematic scoping review we identified five key parameters: Manoeuvrability, Optics, Irrigation, Handling and Durability, used to grade flexible ureterorenoscopes. However, within these categories we found a wide variety in terms of method of measurements. A standardised, uniform grading tool is required to assess and compare the quality of flexible ureterorenoscopes in the future.

Variations in the mineral content of bottled 'carbonated or sparkling' water across Europe: a comparison of 126 brands across 10 countries.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney stone disease is a common disease with high recurrence rates. Sufficient intake of water is the cornerstone in primary prevention of stone disease. However, the mineral composition of water can affect urinary minerals and influence stone formation. The aim of this study is to assess the variation in the mineral composition of bottled sparkling or carbonated drinking water across Europe. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The two largest supermarket chains in each participating country were visited to obtain data on mineral composition regarding bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and sulphates of sparkling or carbonated waters by reading the ingredient labels on the bottles supplied by the manufacturers. Alternatively, the web-shops of these supermarkets were consulted. RESULTS: In total, 126 sparkling water brands across ten European countries were analysed regarding mineral composition. The median concentrations per mineral varied greatly. The greatest variation in median mineral content was found for sodium and sulphates with levels ranging from 3.1 mg/l to 63.0 mg/l and 6.0 mg/l to 263.0 mg/l respectively. A wide distribution of calcium content was found in Switzerland, with calcium levels reaching up to 581.6 mg/l. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that the mineral composition of sparkling or carbonated water varies greatly across Europe. Patients with kidney stone disease should be aware that the mineral content of water may influence stone formation and be mindful of the great variation that exists between different water brands. Mineral water can be a source of potential promotors or inhibitors of stone formation and patients and urologists need to be mindful of this.

Fluoroscopy-use during ureterorenoscopy: are urologists concerned about radiation exposure? A nationwide survey in Belgium and The Netherlands.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the use and awareness of radiation during URS among Belgian and Dutch urologists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online questionnaire was send to all members of the Belgian and Dutch Association of Urology. RESULTS: 170 urologists finished the complete questionnaire. 10% of the respondents are not familiar with the ALARA-principle. 29% starts with a KUB and 48% makes an XRPG at the beginning of the procedure. 85% uses fluoroscopy to place a wire or ureteral access sheet, 18% during stone treatment, 59% to screen for missed stones or calyces, 90% to place a JJ-stent or ureter-catheter and 23% to check for extravasation. 82% do not document radiation data. 51% does not wear a dosimeter during fluoroscopy. Almost all wear a lead apron during fluoroscopy, 47% uses additional thyroid shields and only 4% uses lead glasses. 88% intentionally reduces fluoroscopy time, 75% reduces the exposed area with a diaphragm, 72% brings the radiation source close to the patient and 44% uses pulsed fluoroscopy. CONCLUSION: There is a wide variety in the use and awareness of radiation during URS. To further reduce radiation and its negative effect for patients and medical staff, awareness about radiation safety should increase among urologists.