Daily Ecological Momentary Assessments of Pain and Ability to Work After Ureteroscopy and Stenting.

Introduction: Ureteral stents can cause significant patient discomfort, yet the temporal dynamics and impact on activities remain poorly characterized. We employed an automated tool to collect daily ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) regarding pain and the ability to work following ureteroscopy with stenting. Our aims were to assess feasibility and better characterize the postoperative patient experience. Materials and Methods: As an exploratory endpoint within an ongoing clinical trial, patients undergoing ureteroscopy with stenting were asked to complete daily EMAs for 10 days postoperatively or until the stent was removed. Questionnaires were distributed through text messages and included a pain scale (0-10) and a single item from the validated Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities instrument, as well as days missed from work or school. Results: Among the first 65 trial participants, 59 completed at least 1 EMA (overall response rate 91%). Response rates were >85% for each time point through postoperative day (POD)10. Median respondent age was 58 years (interquartile range [IQR] 50-67), and 56% were female. Stones were 54% renal and 46% ureteral, with a median diameter of 9 mm (IQR 7-10). Median stent dwell time was 7 days (IQR 6-8). Pain scores were highest on POD1 (median score 4) and declined on each subsequent day, reaching a median score of 2 on POD5. Sixty-three percent of patients on POD1 reported that they had trouble performing their usual work at least sometimes, but by POD5, this was <50% of patients. Patients who work or attend school reported a median of 1 day missed (IQR 0-2). Conclusions: An automated daily EMA system for capturing patient-reported outcomes was demonstrated to be feasible with sustained excellent engagement. Patients with stents reported the worst pain and interference with work on POD1, with steady improvements thereafter, and by POD5, the majority of patients had minimal pain or trouble performing their usual work. This work is associated with a registered clinical trial [NCT05026710].

Prospective Randomized Trial of Antibiotic Prophylaxis Duration for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Low-Risk Patients.

Introduction and Objective: Postoperative infection and sepsis account for the most common complications following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), as high as 14% in low-risk patients. Although the American Urological Association (AUA) recommends perioperative antibiotics for 24 hours or less for PCNL, practice patterns vary regarding duration of antibiotic therapy. We aimed to compare the efficacy of 24-hour antibiotic coverage vs short-course protocol of antibiotic prophylaxis for PCNL. Materials and Methods: Low-risk patients with a sterile preoperative urine culture undergoing PCNL were prospectively randomized to antibiotics for up to 24 hours after procedure (24Hr) or continued until external urinary catheters were removed (CR) study groups. Patients were given a first generation cephalosporin, or ciprofloxacin in patients with penicillin allergy. Exclusion criteria included age <18 years, receiving antibiotics immediately before the procedure, history of urosepsis, presence of indwelling catheter >1 week, multistage procedure, immunosuppression, pregnancy, multiple antibiotic allergies, and patients who are breastfeeding. Results: Ninety-eight patients were randomized to either 24Hr (n = 49) or CR (n = 49). Mean duration of antibiotic administration was 20.6 and 34.0 hours in the 24Hr and CR groups (p = 0.04), respectively. Age, comorbidities, stone size, operative time, number of punctures, dilations, and proportion of "tubeless" procedures were similar between groups. There were no differences in febrile episodes, rates of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, bacteremia, or culture-proven postoperative urinary tract infection between the 24Hr and CR groups. Overall complication rates were similar between groups. In a subgroup analysis which excluded "tubeless" patients (24 and 29 patients in 24Hr and CR groups, respectively), no differences were seen in postoperative outcomes. Conclusions: In a randomized, prospective study, we found that a 24-hour protocol for antibiotic prophylaxis is not associated with increased risk of infection-related events compared to giving antibiotics until external catheters are removed in patients with low infectious risk undergoing PCNL. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02579161.

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.

Heterogeneity in stone culture protocols and endourologist practice patterns: a multi-institutional survey.

Kidney stone cultures can be beneficial in identifying bacteria not detected in urine, yet how stone cultures are performed among endourologists, under what conditions, and by what laboratory methods remain largely unknown. Stone cultures are not addressed by current clinical guidelines. A comprehensive REDCap electronic survey sought responses from directed (n = 20) and listserv elicited (n = 108) endourologists specializing in kidney stone disease. Questions included which clinical scenarios prompt a stone culture order, how results influence post-operative antibiotics, and what microbiology lab protocols exist at each institution with respect to processing and resulting stone cultures. Logistic regression statistical analysis determined what factors were associated with performing stone cultures. Of 128 unique responses, 11% identified as female and the mean years of practicing was 16 (range 1-46). A specific 'stone culture' order was available to only 50% (64/128) of those surveyed, while 32% (41/128) reported culturing stone by placing a urine culture order. The duration of antibiotics given for a positive stone culture varied, with 4-7 days (46%) and 8-14 days (21%) the most reported. More years in practice was associated with fewer stone cultures ordered, while higher annual volume of percutaneous nephrolithotomy was associated with ordering more stone cultures (p < 0.01). Endourologists have differing practice patterns with respect to ordering stone cultures and utilizing the results to guide post-operative antibiotics. With inconsistent microbiology lab stone culture protocols across multiple institutions, more uniform processing is needed for future studies to assess the clinical benefit of stone cultures and direct future guidelines.

Appropriateness Criteria for Ureteral Stent Omission following Ureteroscopy for Urinary Stone Disease.

Objective: To bridge the gap between evidence and clinical judgement, we defined scenarios appropriate for ureteral stent omission after uncomplicated ureteroscopy (URS) using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM). We retrospectively assessed rates of appropriate stent omission, with the goal to implement these criteria in clinical practice. Methods: A panel of 15 urologists from the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MUSIC) met to define uncomplicated URS and the variables that influence stent omission decision-making. Over two rounds, they scored clinical scenarios for Appropriateness Criteria (AC) for stent omission based on a combination of variables. AC were defined by median scores: 1 to 3 (inappropriate), 4 to 6 (uncertain), and 7 to 9 (appropriate). Multivariable analysis determined the association of each variable with AC scores. Uncomplicated URS cases in the MUSIC registry were assigned AC scores and stenting rates assessed. Results: Seven variables affecting stent decision-making were identified. Of the 144 scenarios, 26 (18%) were appropriate, 88 (61%) inappropriate, and 30 (21%) uncertain for stent omission. Most scenarios appropriate for omission were pre-stented (81%). Scenarios with ureteral access sheath or stones >10mm were only appropriate if pre-stented. Stenting rates of 5,181 URS cases correlated with AC scores. Stents were placed in 61% of cases appropriate for omission (practice range, 25% to 98%). Conclusion: We defined objective variables and AC for stent omission following uncomplicated URS. AC scores correlated with stenting rates but there was substantial practice variation. Our findings demonstrate that the appropriate use of stent omission is underutilized.

Over-the-Counter Alkali Agents to Raise Urine pH and Citrate Excretion: A Prospective Crossover Study in Healthy Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of 2 over-the-counter alkalizing agents on 24 hour urinary parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers without a history of kidney stones were recruited to complete a baseline 24 hour urinalysis with a 4 day diet inventory. Participants then maintained the same diet on either LithoLyte (20 mEq 2 times per day) or KSPtabs (1 tablet 2 times per day) and submitted another 24 hour urinalysis. The process was repeated with the other supplement. Urinary alkali parameters were compared to baseline, and side effects were elicited with a questionnaire. RESULTS: LithoLyte intake resulted in a non-significant increase in citrate (597-758 mg/day, P =.058, an increase in urine pH (6.46-6.66, P =.028), and a decrease in urine ammonium (41-36 mmol/day, P =.005) compared to baseline. KSPtabs resulted in an increase in citrate (597-797 mg/day, P =.037) and urine pH (6.46-6.86, P =.037), with a non-significant decrease in ammonium (41-34 mmol/day, P =.059). No significant differences were seen comparing urinary analytes between LithoLyte and KSPtabs. With Litholyte, no side effects, mild, moderate, and severe side effects were seen in 50%, 40%, 10%, and 0%, respectively. With KSPtabs, rates were 60%, 20%, 10%, and 10%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In healthy participants without a history of kidney stones, LithoLyte and KSPtabs are effective over-the-counter alkali supplements, with a similar side effect profile to prescription potassium citrate.

Diagnosis and management of testicular compartment syndrome caused by tension hydrocele.

A hydrocele is an abnormal collection of fluid within the tunica vaginalis which may either be congenital or acquired. Hydroceles are usually painless and don't require immediate intervention unless they impact activities of daily living. This case demonstrates a rare complication of hydroceles termed tension hydrocele which presented with scrotal swelling and acute pain. Unlike the classic presentation of hydroceles with minimal pain or discomfort, it is important to recognize tension hydroceles as an extremely rare but possible cause of acute scrotum, which needs to be emergently diagnosed and treated.

Nephrolithiasis associated with embolization material, Lipiodol®, following embolization of large renal angiomyolipoma.

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign renal mass that can be treated with nephron sparing surgery or transarterial embolization. Embolization has been favored due to efficacy and safety profile. This case demonstrates a previously undocumented phenomenon of AML treated with transarterial embolization using Lipiodol® (Guerbet LLC, Princeton, NJ) resulting in nephrolithiasis and retention of Lipiodol® two years after original embolization. Although Lipiodol®-based embolization has not been shown to cause nephrolithiasis, it may have been the nidus for stone formation, and this is an important potential complication worthy of further study.

Life threatening hepatic hemorrhage after shockwave lithotripsy - A case report and review of literature.

We report a 31 year old female with urologic history significant for right ureteropelvic junction obstruction managed with open right pyeloplasty in 1996 with recurrent stricture managed with right ureterocalycostomy in 1997 along with right distal ureteroneocystostomy for iatrogenic distal ureteral stricture. She developed symptomatic stone episodes and recurrent urinary tract infections and elected to proceed with shockwave lithotripsy. Postoperatively she developed a large liver hemorrhage requiring supportive care and endovascular embolization.

Use of ultra-low dose computed tomography versus abdominal plain film for assessment of stone-free rates after shock-wave lithotripsy: implications on emergency room visits, surgical procedures, and cost-effectiveness.

The aims of this investigation were: (1) to compare residual stone-fragment (RSF) detection rates of ultra-low dose computed tomography (ULD-CT) and abdominal plain film (KUB) in urolithiasis patients undergoing shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL), and (2) to evaluate the downstream sequelae of utilizing these two disparate imaging pathways of differing diagnostic fidelity. A retrospective chart-review of patients undergoing SWL at two high-volume surgical centers was undertaken (2013-2016). RSF diagnostic rates of ULD-CT and KUB were assessed, and the impact of imaging modality used on subsequent emergency room (ER) visits, unplanned procedures, and cost-effectiveness was investigated. Adjusted analyses examined association between imaging modality used and outcomes, and Markov decision-tree analysis was performed to identify a cost advantageous scenario for ULD-CT over KUB. Of 417 patients studied, 57 (13.7%) underwent ULD-CT while the remaining 360 underwent KUB. The RSF rates were 36.8% and 22.8% in the ULD-CT and KUB groups, respectively (p = 0.019). A 5.6% and 18% of the patients deemed stone-free on ULD-CT and KUB, respectively, returned to the ER (p = 0.040). Similarly, 2.8% and 15.1% needed an unplanned surgery (p = 0.027). These findings were confirmed on multivariable analyses, Odds ratios CT-ULD versus KUB: 0.19 and 0.10, respectively, p < 0.05. With regards to cost-effectiveness, at low ULD-CT charges, the ULD-CT follow-up pathway was economically more favorable, but with increasing ULD-CT charges, the KUB follow-up pathway superseded. ULD-CT seems to provide a more 'true' estimate of stone-free status, and in consequence mitigates unwanted emergency and operating room visits by reducing untimely stent removals and false patient reassurances. Further, at low ULD-CT costs, it may also be economically more favorable.

Ureteroscopy in Patients Taking Anticoagulant or Antiplatelet Therapy: Practice Patterns and Outcomes in a Surgical Collaborative.

PURPOSE: AUA guidelines recommend ureteroscopy as first line therapy for patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy and advocate using a ureteral access sheath. We examined practice patterns and unplanned health care use for these patients in Michigan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MUSIC) clinical registry we identified ureteroscopy cases from 2016 to 2019. We assessed outcomes and adherence to guidelines based on therapy at time of ureteroscopy: 1) anticoagulant: continuous warfarin or novel oral agent therapy; 2) antiplatelet: continuous clopidogrel or aspirin therapy; 3) control: not on anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy. We fit multivariate models to assess anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy association with emergency department visits, hospitalization and ureteral access sheath use. RESULTS: In total, 9,982 ureteroscopies were performed across 31 practices with 3.1% and 7.8% on anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, respectively. There were practice (0% to 21%) and surgeon (0% to 35%) variations in performing ureteroscopy on patients on anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy regardless of volume. After adjusting for risk factors, anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy was not associated with emergency department visits. Hospitalization rates in anticoagulant, antiplatelet and control groups were 4.3%, 5.5% and 3.2%, respectively, and significantly increased with antiplatelet therapy (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.02-2.14). Practice-level ureteral access sheath use varied (23% to 100%) and was not associated with anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy. Limitations include inability to risk stratify between type/dosage of anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy. CONCLUSIONS: We found practice-level and surgeon-level variation in performing ureteroscopy while on anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy. Ureteroscopy on anticoagulant is safe. However, antiplatelet therapy increases the risk of hospitalization. Despite guideline recommendations, ureteral access sheath use is not associated with anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy.

Alkaline-Encrusted Pyelitis Causing Renal Failure in a Transplant Kidney: Treatment with Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and Urinary Acidification.

Background: Alkaline-encrusted pyelitis (AEP) is rare and most often stems from a triad of immunodeficiency, urogenital tract trauma, and alkaline urinary infection. Corynebacterium Group D2 is the most common organism. It results in encrusting calcifications that adhere to most of the urothelial lining of the pelvicaliceal system and ureter. Left unchecked, or unrecognized, the disease process can progress to renal compromise. Studies suggest that management is based on elimination of the bacterium, acidification of the urine, and elimination of calcified plaques and encrustations. Herein, we report a case of a 56-year-old woman who developed AEP in her second transplanted kidney, and detail the diagnosis and treatment of the uncommon, yet potentially devastating, disease. Case Presentation: A 56-year-old woman with a history of lupus, end-stage renal disease, who was on her second renal transplant presented with symptoms of urinary tract infection. Urine was consistently alkaline with cultures repeatedly growing urease-splitting Corynebacterium. Subsequent imaging showed large obstructing ureteral and renal stones concerning for AEP. She was treated with transplant kidney percutaneous nephrolithotomy, culture-specific antibiotics, and urinary acidification. Conclusion: Clinical presentation, urinalysis, culture, and renal imaging, often with CT, are the mainstays for diagnosing AEP. If not addressed, AEP can advance to renal failure. Management often includes a multimodal approach involving treatment and prevention of the underlying infection, urinary acidification, and percutaneous or endoscopic removal of obstructing and large burden stones and encrustation.

Shockwave Lithotripsy Use in the State of Michigan: American Urological Association Guideline Adherence and Clinical Implications.

OBJECTIVE: To understand how treatment of patients with urinary stones by shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) aligns with current published practice guidelines. METHODS: We used the Michigan Urologic Surgery Improvement Collaborative Reducing Operative Complications for Kidney Stones registry to understand SWL use in the state of Michigan. This prospectively maintained clinical registry includes data from community and academic urology practices and contains clinical and operative data for patients undergoing SWL and ureteroscopy (URS). We identified patients undergoing SWL from 2016 to 2019. In accordance with AUA guidelines, we evaluated practice patterns in relation to recommendations for treatment selection for SWL as well as clinical implications of guideline nonadherence. RESULTS: Four thousand, two hundred and nine SWL procedures performed across 34 practices were analyzed. Perioperative antibiotics were administered to 61.3% of patients undergoing SWL. A ureteral stent was placed at the time of SWL in 2.7% of patients. For lower pole renal stones >1 cm or large (>2 cm) renal stones in the registry, 32.2% and 58.9% of patients, respectively, underwent SWL, while the remainder were treated with URS. In these instances, SWL was associated with inferior stone-free rate (SFR) relative to URS. In patients with residual stones after SWL, 34.6% were treated with repeat SWL with lower SFR than those treated with subsequent URS. Postoperatively, 42.1% of patients were prescribed alpha-blockers with no benefit seen in terms of SFR. CONCLUSION: Substantial variation exists among urology practices with regard to SWL use. These data serve to inform quality improvement efforts regarding appropriateness criteria for SWL in Michigan.

New Persistent Opioid Use After Outpatient Ureteroscopy for Upper Tract Stone Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the incidence of persistent opioid use following ureteroscopy (URS). Over 100 Americans die every day from opioid overdose. Recent studies suggest that many opioid addictions surface after surgery. METHODS: Using claims data, we identified adults who underwent outpatient URS for treatment of upper tract stones between January 2008 and December 2016 and filled an opioid prescription attributable to URS. We then measured the rate of new persistent opioid use-defined as continued use of opioids 91-180 days after URS among those who were previously opioid-naive. Finally, we fit multivariable models to assess whether new persistent opioid use was associated with the amount of opioid prescribed at the time of URS. RESULTS: In total, 27,740 patients underwent outpatient URS, 51.2% of whom were opioid-naïve. Nearly 1 in 16 (6.2%) opioid-naïve patients developed new persistent opioid use after URS. Six months following surgery, beneficiaries with new persistent opioid use continued to fill prescriptions with daily doses of 4.2 oral morphine equivalents. Adjusting for measured sociodemographic and clinical differences, patients in the highest tercile of opioids prescribed at the time of URS had 69% higher odds of new persistent opioid use compared to those in the lowest tercile (odds ratio, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.41-2.03). CONCLUSION: Nearly 1 in 16 opioid-naive patients develop new persistent opioid use after URS. New persistent opioid use is associated with the amount of opioid prescribed at the time of URS. Given these findings, urologists should re-evaluate their post-URS opioid prescribing patterns.

A Review of Male Sexual Health and Dysfunction Following Surgical Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Review how the various surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms impact on male sexual health and function. RECENT FINDINGS: The interplay between benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile function is complex, and the conditions seem linked. Most cavitating procedures to improve male voiding will degrade ejaculatory and possibly erectile function. Many of the newer minimally invasive therapies appear to preserve sexual function in the short term while sacrificing some of the voiding improvements realized with more complete removal of the prostate adenoma. Benign prostatic hyperplasia will affect the majority of men at some point in life, and surgical treatment remains an integral option for managing the associated urinary symptoms. These treatments are associated with variable rates of sexual side effects, including ejaculatory, erectile, and orgasmic dysfunction. As the impact of these treatment modalities on sexual dysfunction has become more widely acknowledged, there has been a rise in interest in modalities that minimize adverse sexual side effects. Recent studies have sought to further elucidate the relationship between surgical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia and sexual outcomes, and a number of studies have demonstrated that treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia can actually result in improved sexual function for some patients. This work intends to review the proposed pathophysiology behind the sexual side effects resulting from the surgical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia and review the literature regarding both established and emerging surgical techniques.

Stones in special situations.

There are several special situations in which urinary lithiasis presents management challenges to the urologist. An in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiology, unique anatomy, and treatment options is crucial in order to maintain good health in these patients. In this review, we summarize the current literature on the management of the following scenarios: bladder stones, stones in bowel disease, during pregnancy, in association with renal anomalies, with skeletal deformities, in urinary diversions, and in children.

Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Ureter: A Zebra Among Horses.

Primary neuroendocrine tumors of the upper urinary tract are extremely rare. We report a case of de novo small cell carcinoma of the ureter that presented masquerading as a distal ureteral stone. A 55-year-old lady presented to our clinic with 1 month history of right lower back pain and hematuria. Her history was notable for stage 1B mixed clear cell-endometroid cancer of the uterus status post radical abdominal hysterectomy with adjuvant radiotherapy, 7 years before the current episode. The patient had no evidence of recurrence. Initial noncontrast imaging suggested a 2.5 mm calculus in the distal right ureter and hydronephrosis; however, ureteroscopy revealed a large fleshy mass at the location. Histopathologic evaluation demonstrated the lesion to be primary small cell carcinoma of the ureter, without evidence of it being a derivative of the prior gynecologic malignancy. Metastatic work-up revealed high burden retroperitoneal adenopathy. The patient was started on Cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy with plan for nephroureterectomy in the future. At 3 months follow-up, the patient was doing well with significant shrinkage of retroperitoneal adenopathy and no evidence of disease progression.

Can Activities of Daily Living Predict Complications following Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

PURPOSE: Activities of daily living provide information about the functional status of an individual and can predict postoperative complications after general and oncological surgery. However, they have rarely been applied to urology. We evaluated whether deficits in activities of daily living could predict complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy and how this compares with the Charlson comorbidity index and the ASA(®) (American Society of Anesthesiologists(®)) classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy between March 2013 and March 2014. Those with complete assessment of activities of daily living were included in analysis. Perioperative outcomes, complications and hospital length of stay were examined according to the degree of deficits in daily living activities. RESULTS: Overall 176 patients underwent a total of 192 percutaneous nephrolithotomies. Deficits in activities of daily living were seen in 16% of patients, including minor in 9% and major in 7%. Complications developed more frequently in those with vs without deficits in daily living activities (53% vs 31%, p = 0.029) and length of stay was longer (2.0 vs 4.5 days, p = 0.005). On multivariate logistic regression activities of daily living were an independent predictor of complications (OR 1.11, p = 0.01) but ASA classification and Charlson comorbidity index were not. CONCLUSIONS: Activities of daily living are easily evaluated prior to surgery. They independently predict complications following percutaneous nephrolithotomy better than the Charlson comorbidity index or the ASA classification. Preoperative assessment of daily living activities can help risk stratify patients and may inform treatment decisions.