Obstructive Urosepsis: Is It Possible to Personalize the Ureteral Endoscopic Treatment?

INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract infection involves mortality rate when combined with ureteral obstruction. Lithotripsy has been contraindicated; however, it has been shown to be safe in selected situations. No specific criteria have been widely accepted to indicate which patients are suitable for definitive treatment. The objective of this study was to identify prognostic factors associated with poor outcome but also those patients whose definitive treatment can be performed. METHODS: Observational cohort study from a prospectively maintained database of septic patients defined by the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA). Univariate analysis was used to compare prognostic factors with Δ-SOFA score <2 (group 1) and those with a Δ-SOFA ≥2 (group 2) obtained on day 3 and on admission. Different combinations of neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelets were tested as prognostic factors. Time to decompression calculated from the CT scan report to the end of surgery. RESULTS: A total of 229 patients were enrolled during 11 years. Two patients died. Time from CT scan to urinary tract decompression was higher in the Δ-SOFA≥2 (p = 0.04). Thrombocytopenia and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were associated with Δ-SOFA≥2. Stones were disintegrated in 33.48% in group 1 and 48.84% in group 2. Platelet count and time to decompression were associated with a worse prognosis (p = 0.0008 and 0.0017). On receiver operator curve analysis, platelets count <105,056 and time to decompression >4.72 hours were linked to poorer outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Personalized treatment, based on accessible biomarkers, can be achieved in most patients. Early surgical decompression was associated with better prognosis and definitive treatment can be performed in selected patients.

Modified biplanar (0-90o) endoscopic-guided puncture technique for percutaneous nephrolithtomy: refinement with endoscopic combined intrarrenal surgery to reduce fluoroscopy and operative time

ABSTRACT Introduction: We aim to publish our innovative modified biplanar 0-90 endoscopic guided puncture technique for percutaneous nephrolithotomy in supine recorded with a GoPro® camera for standardization of the technique. It solves drawbacks of the fluoroscopic technique, i.e., in kidneys with complex anatomy, it may be challenging to distinguish calyces as they are often superposed, and it does not allow for all benefits of a combined endoscopic approach (1, 2). Our technique shortens puncture and fluoroscopic time and is easy to teach and reproduce. Methods: A 77-year-old female patient had previous double J insertion due to an obstructing stone in the right distal ureter. She managed to pass the distal stone but remained with the double J and a 20mm stone (1300HU) in the right renal pelvis. The shared decision was for the actual standard of care (3, 4) endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS). The MiniECIRS started with flexible ureteroscopy and a posterior calix which gave direct access to the stone was chosen. The tip of the flexible scope was used to mark point A with the C-arm in the 0-degree position and line B in the 90-degree position. Puncture was fast and the MiniECIRS was uneventful with a single mid-pole access guided by the flexible scope. The surgeon had a Full-HD GoPro® camera mounted on his head, controlled by the surgical staff. All essential surgical steps were recorded. Results: The quality of the recorded movie was graded as excellent, and the camera did not cause any discomfort to the surgeon. Operative and X-Ray time were 120minutes and 2minutes (7.64mGy). Hemoglobin drop was 0.8g/dL. The post-operative day-1 computed tomography scan was stone-free. The patient was discharged 24h after surgery. Kidney stent was left with a string and removed after 5days. The patient remained asymptomatic and metabolic evaluation revealed a calcium oxalate stone, low urinary volume and hypocitraturia which were treated with potassium citrate and hydration. Conclusion: The Modified Biplanar (0-90 degree) Endoscopic-Guided Puncture Technique for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy joins the reproducibility of the same technique under fluoroscopy with advantages regarding safety and efficiency of ECIRS.

Modified biplanar (0-90°) endoscopic-guided puncture technique for percutaneous nephrolithtomy: refinement with endoscopic combined intrarrenal surgery to reduce fluoroscopy and operative time.

INTRODUCTION: We aim to publish our innovative modified biplanar 0-90 endoscopic guided puncture technique for percutaneous nephrolithotomy in supine recorded with a GoPro® camera for standardization of the technique. It solves drawbacks of the fluoroscopic technique, i.e., in kidneys with complex anatomy, it may be challenging to distinguish calyces as they are often superposed, and it does not allow for all benefits of a combined endoscopic approach (1, 2). Our technique shortens puncture and fluoroscopic time and is easy to teach and reproduce. METHODS: A 77-year-old female patient had previous double J insertion due to an obstructing stone in the right distal ureter. She managed to pass the distal stone but remained with the double J and a 20mm stone (1300HU) in the right renal pelvis. The shared decision was for the actual standard of care (3, 4) endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS). The MiniECIRS started with flexible ureteroscopy and a posterior calix which gave direct access to the stone was chosen. The tip of the flexible scope was used to mark point A with the C-arm in the 0-degree position and line B in the 90-degree position. Puncture was fast and the MiniECIRS was uneventful with a single mid-pole access guided by the flexible scope. The surgeon had a Full-HD GoPro® camera mounted on his head, controlled by the surgical staff. All essential surgical steps were recorded. RESULTS: The quality of the recorded movie was graded as excellent, and the camera did not cause any discomfort to the surgeon. Operative and X-Ray time were 120minutes and 2minutes (7.64mGy). Hemoglobin drop was 0.8g/dL. The post-operative day-1 computed tomography scan was stone-free. The patient was discharged 24h after surgery. Kidney stent was left with a string and removed after 5days. The patient remained asymptomatic and metabolic evaluation revealed a calcium oxalate stone, low urinary volume and hypocitraturia which were treated with potassium citrate and hydration. CONCLUSION: The Modified Biplanar (0-90 degree) Endoscopic-Guided Puncture Technique for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy joins the reproducibility of the same technique under fluoroscopy with advantages regarding safety and efficiency of ECIRS.

Delayed Bleeding After Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery: A Rare Complication in Ectopic Pelvic Kidney.

Anatomical variations in the pelvic ectopic kidney (PEK) present many challenges to stone treatment. Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) has emerged as the treatment of choice for small to medium stones. We present a case of delayed hemorrhage due to an arteriocaliceal fistula. A 57-year-old man with a 12 mm middle calyx stone was subjected to uneventful RIRS, despite a high grade of scope deflection. Recovery was unremarkable until 37 days after surgery when the patient started recurrent hematuria and clot retention. Renal angiography revealed a bleeding vessel from an arteriocaliceal fistula. Superselective arterial embolization was successfully performed. Anomalous collecting system and vasculature can increase the risk of complications in PEKs. Massive bleeding from unusual arterial blood supply was effectively treated by angioembolization.

Urinary lithiasis - conventional open surgery.

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Urinary lithiasis - conventional open surgery

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Current scenario of endourological treatment of kidney stones in brazil: results of a national survey

ABSTRACT Objective: To elucidate the current scenario of endourology in Brazil for the treatment of urinary lithiasis, with an emphasis on regional differences and the reasons why certain techniques are still underutilized. Materials and Methods: An electronic questionnaire was sent by email to the 4,745 members of the Brazilian Urological Society (BSU) in 2016 to collect information on the 3 main endourological procedures used in the treatment of nephrolithiasis: Semi-rigid ureteroscopy (URS), Flexible ureteroscopy (F-URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL). Results: A total of 1,267 urologists answered the questionnaire. It was observed that the vast majority perform URS (95.6%), while 80.2% perform F-URS and only 72.1% perform PCNL. Regarding the surgical volume, most perform up to 10 procedures per month (73.4% to 88.2%) and the main impediment was the lack of patients with the pathology (42.1% to 67.7%). The lack of equipment or hospital infrastructure was one of the main limiting factors for rigid (23%) and flexible (38.1%) URS, mainly in the North and Northeast regions of the country. Regarding PCNL, most of them reported lack of practical experience in the method (29.9%). Finally, most urologists expressed interest in taking courses in endourology. Conclusion: Ureteroscopy, rigid or flexible, is already well established in the country, requiring the direction of more resources for its practice, especially in less developed regions. Regarding PCNL a significant part of Brazilian urologists still lack practical experience in this procedure, emphasizing the need for greater investment in teaching this technique.

Current scenario of endourological treatment of kidney stones in brazil: results of a national survey.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the current scenario of endourology in Brazil for the treatment of urinary lithiasis, with an emphasis on regional differences and the reasons why certain techniques are still underutilized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic questionnaire was sent by email to the 4,745 members of the Brazilian Urological Society (BSU) in 2016 to collect information on the 3 main endourological procedures used in the treatment of nephrolithiasis: Semi-rigid ureteroscopy (URS), Flexible ureteroscopy (F-URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL). RESULTS: A total of 1,267 urologists answered the questionnaire. It was observed that the vast majority perform URS (95.6%), while 80.2% perform F-URS and only 72.1% perform PCNL. Regarding the surgical volume, most perform up to 10 procedures per month (73.4% to 88.2%) and the main impediment was the lack of patients with the pathology (42.1% to 67.7%). The lack of equipment or hospital infrastructure was one of the main limiting factors for rigid (23%) and flexible (38.1%) URS, mainly in the North and Northeast regions of the country. Regarding PCNL, most of them reported lack of practical experience in the method (29.9%). Finally, most urologists expressed interest in taking courses in endourology. CONCLUSION: Ureteroscopy, rigid or flexible, is already well established in the country, requiring the direction of more resources for its practice, especially in less developed regions. Regarding PCNL a significant part of Brazilian urologists still lack practical experience in this procedure, emphasizing the need for greater investment in teaching this technique.

Urinary lithiasis: evaluation of the use of laser vs. Pneumatic ureteral lithotripsy.

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Urinary lithiasis: evaluation of the use of laser vs. Pneumatic ureteral lithotripsy

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

How are we protecting ourselves from radiation exposure? A nationwide survey.

PURPOSE: We performed a nationwide survey of Brazilian urologists to study behaviors toward radiation exposure and the use of protective and monitoring equipment. METHODS: A 13-question e-mail questionnaire was sent to 4,526 Brazilian urologists; the questions addressed demographic characteristics, radiation exposure, and the utilization of shielding devices and dosimeters. The reasons why these devices were not used were also investigated. RESULTS: A total of 332 completed questionnaires were analyzed (7.3 %); the median age of the respondents was 43.3 ± 10.8 years. Lead aprons and thyroid protection are utilized in every procedure by 84.4 and 53.89 % of respondents, respectively. Protective eyeglasses are never used by 72.12 % of the respondents. Older urologists were more likely not to use adequate protection. Of the urologists who responded, 76.42 % never use dosimeters. CONCLUSION: This study shows an unsatisfactory utilization of radiation-shielding devices and dosimeters, revealing a low compliance to the as low as reasonably achievable principle among Brazilian urologists.

Predictors of hemorrhage after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors associated with hemorrhage during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN), and to determine the impact of hemorrhage on hospital course. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed prospective data from 335 LPNs to identify clinicopathologic factors associated with hemorrhagic complications (blood loss requiring ≥ 1 U transfusion) and extended length of hospitalization (≥ 3 days). We excluded patients with a coagulopathy or perioperative vascular injuries. RESULTS: We identified 23 patients (7%) undergoing LPN with hemorrhagic complications (group 1 and 312 patients (93%) without complications (group 2). Mean age was 64.1 ± 14.4 vs 57.6 ± 12.7(P = .006), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥ 3 seen in 61% vs 37% (P = .02), mean tumor size (cm) was 2.90 ± 2.02 vs 2.59 ± 1.15 (P = .93), mean total operative time (min) was 250.1 ± 116.1 vs 191.8 ± 69.2 (P = 0.006), and mean hospital stay (days) was 4.7 ± 3.4 vs 3.1 ± 3.0 (P = .0002), for groups 1 and 2, respectively. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal insufficiency, obesity, smoking, and coronary artery disease-congestive heart failure were present in group 1 vs group 2: 39.1% vs 31.4% (P = .4), 17.4% vs 8% (P = .12), 8.7% vs 1.9% (P = .09), 4.3% vs 3.5% (P = .57), 17.4% vs 5.4% (P = .04), and 8.7% vs 2.2% (P = .11), respectively. On multivariate analysis, smoking (P < .0437) and ASA score ≥ 3 (P < .0233) were associated with hemorrhagic complications. Hemorrhagic complications were 3.5 times more likely in smokers than nonsmokers (95% confidence interval, 1.0-11.7), and 2.9 times more likely with an ASA class ≥ 3. Only age (P < .0002) and operative time (P < .0001) were associated with longer hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: High ASA scores and smoking are risk factors for hemorrhagic complications during LPN. Hemorrhagic complications did not significantly affect hospitalization length.

Diagnóstico e tratamento das massas adrenais clinicamente silenciosas - revisão sistemática de literatura / Diagnoses and treatment of clinically unapparent adrenal masses - systematic literature review

Introdução: Massas adrenais clinicamente silenciosas, diagnosticadas sem intenção, incidentalmente, durante exame de imagem realizado para outras condições clínicas ("incidentaloma") têm sido cada vez mais encontradas devido ao constante progresso dos métodos de imagem e de sua indicação relativamente elástica. São inúmeras as causas, diagnósticos e tratamentos dessas massas, levando o médico a definir se a massa é hormonalmente ativa e se há risco de a lesão ser maligna. Entretanto os métodos para esclarecimento dessas questões ainda não estão bem definidos. Objetivo: Avaliar as melhores formas de diagnóstico, tratamento e seguimento da lesão incidental de adrenal. Método: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura até outubro de 2004, analisando seu grau de evidência. Resultados: Foram encontrados dois trabalhos de revisão sistemática que selecionaram e estudaram artigos até setembro de 2003 e, então, adicionados ao estudo mais 28 artigos provenientes de revisão bibliográfica sistemática até outubro de 2004. Conclusões: Em geral os "incidentalomas" são não funcionantes, mas a avaliação endócrina demonstrou que não é raro o achado de hiperfunção hormonal subclínica, reforçando a necessidade de dosagem de certas substâncias, como metanefrinas, realização do teste de supressão de dexametasona em baixas dosagens e mensuração da relação da aldosterona plasmática/atividade plasmática da renina. "Incidentalomas" não funcionantes menores de 4cm devem ser observados entre 4 e 6cm devem ser analisados por suas características de imagem maiores de 6 cm devem ser operados. "Incidentalomas" funcionantes devem ser submetidos à adrenalectomia. Massas adrenais não operadas devem ser acompanhadas por dois anos, por meio de exames de imagem e de função.