Disposable grasper-integrated flexible cystoscope for ureteral stent removal in transplanted patients; focus on feasibility, safety, and patient experience. Results and micro-cost analysis from a tertiary referral center.

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: To evaluate ureteral stent removal (SR) using a grasper-integrated disposable flexible cystoscope (giFC-Isiris ®, Coloplast ®) after kidney transplantation (KT), with a focus on feasibility, safety, patient experience, and costs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All consecutive KT undergoing SR through giFC were prospectively enrolled from January 2020 to June 2023. Patient characteristics, KT and SR details, urine culture results, antimicrobial prescriptions, and the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI) within 1 month were recorded. A micro-cost analysis was conducted, making a comparison with the costs of SR with a reusable FC and grasper. RESULTS: A total of 136 KT patients were enrolled, including both single and double KT, with 148 stents removed in total. The median indwelling time was 34 days [26, 47]. SR was successfully performed in all cases. The median preparation and procedure times were 4 min [3,5]. and 45 s[30, 60], respectively. The median Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was 3 [1, 5], and 98.2% of patients expressed willingness to undergo the procedure again. Only one episode of UTI involving the graft (0.7%) was recorded. Overall, the estimated cost per SR procedure with Isiris ® and the reusable FC was 289.2€ and 151,4€, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective series evaluated the use of Isiris ® for SR in a cohort of KT patients, demonstrating feasibility and high tolerance. The UTI incidence was 0.7% within 1 month. Based on the micro-cost analysis, estimated cost per procedure favored the reusable FC.

Optimal timing for the first cystoscopic follow-up using time-to-treatment initiation analysis of oncologic outcomes in primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Various guidelines recommend the first follow-up cystoscopy at 3 months; however, no data exist on the optimal timing for initial follow-up cystoscopy. We tried to provide evidence on the timing of the first cystoscopy after the initial transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-BT) for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) using big data. This was a retrospective National Health Insurance Service database analysis. The following outcomes were considered: recurrence, progression, cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality. Exposure was the time-to-treatment initiation (TTI), a continuous variable representing the time to the first cystoscopy from the first TUR-BT within 1 year. Additionally, we categorized TTI (TTIc) into five levels: < 2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, and 8-12 months. A landmark time of 1 year after the initial TUR-BT was described to address immortal-time bias. We identified the optimal time for the first cystoscopy using Cox regression models with and without restricted cubic splines (RCS) for TTI and TTIc, respectively. Among 26,660 patients, 16,880 (63.3%) underwent cystoscopy within 2-4 months. A U-shaped trend of the lowest risks at TTI was observed in the 2-4 months group for progression, cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality. TTI within 0-2 months had a higher risk of progression (aHR 1.36; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.15-1.60; p < 0.001) and cancer-specific mortality (aHR 1.29; 95% CI 1.05-1.58; p = 0.010). Similarly, TTI within 8-12 months had a higher risk of progression (aHR 2.09; 95% CI 1.67-2.63; p < 0.001) and cancer-specific mortality (aHR 1.96; 95% CI 1.48-2.60; p < 0.001). Based on the RCS models, the risks of progression, cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality were lowest at TTI of 4 months. The timing of the first cystoscopy follow-up was associated with oncologic prognosis. In our model, undergoing cystoscopy at 4 months has shown the best outcomes in clinical course. Therefore, patients who do not receive cystoscopy at approximately 4 months for any reason need more careful follow-up to predict a poor clinical course.

Safety and efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided urethral catheterization in case of failed blind or cystoscopy-assisted urethral catheterization.

This retrospective study evaluated the safety and efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided urethral catheterization in patients who failed blind or cystoscopy-assisted urethral catheterization. We utilized our institutional database between January 2011 and March 2023, and patients with failed blind or cystoscopy-assisted urethral catheterization and subsequent fluoroscopy-guided urethral catheterization were included. A 5-Fr catheter was inserted into the urethral orifice, and the retrograde urethrography (RGU) was acquired. Subsequently, the operator attempted to pass a hydrophilic guidewire to the urethra. If the guidewire and guiding catheter could be successfully passed into the bladder, but the urethral catheter failed pass due to urethral stricture, the operator determined either attempted again with a reduced catheter diameter or performed balloon dilation according to their preference. Finally, an appropriately sized urethral catheter was selected, and an endhole was created using an 18-gauge needle. The catheter was then inserted over the wire to position the tip in the bladder lumen and ballooned to secure it. We reviewed patients' medical histories, the presence of hematuria, and RGU to determine urethral abnormalities. Procedure-related data were assessed. Study enrolled a total of 179 fluoroscopy-guided urethral catheterizations from 149 patients (all males; mean age, 73.3 ± 13.3 years). A total of 225 urethral strictures were confirmed in 141 patients, while eight patients had no strictures. Urethral rupture was confirmed in 62 patients, and hematuria occurred in 34 patients after blind or cystoscopy-assisted urethral catheterization failed. Technical and clinical success rates were 100%, and procedure-related complications were observed in four patients (2.2%). The mean time from request to urethral catheter insertion was 129.7 ± 127.8 min. The mean total fluoroscopy time was 3.5 ± 2.5 min and the mean total DAP was 25.4 ± 25.1 Gy cm2. Balloon dilation was performed in 77 patients. Total procedure time was 9.2 ± 7.6 min, and the mean procedure time without balloon dilation was 7.1 ± 5.7 min. Fluoroscopy-guided urethral catheterization is a safe and efficient alternative in patients where blind or cystoscopy-assisted urethral catheterization has failed or when cystoscopy-urethral catheterization cannot be performed.

Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the follow-up of non-muscle-invasive bladder tumors after intravesical instillations: a promising tool.

PURPOSE: The standard follow-up for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is based on cystoscopy. Unfortunately, post-instillation inflammatory changes can make the interpretation of this exam difficult, with lower specificity. This study aimed to evaluate the interest of bladder MRI in the follow-up of patients following intravesical instillation. METHODS: Data from patients who underwent cystoscopy and bladder MRI in a post-intravesical instillation setting between February 2020 and March 2023 were retrospectively collected. Primary endpoint was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of cystoscopy and bladder MRI in the overall cohort (n = 67) using the pathologic results of TURB as a reference. The secondary endpoint was to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of cystoscopy and bladder MRI according to the appearance of the lesion on cystoscopy [flat (n = 40) or papillary (n = 27)]. RESULTS: The diagnostic performance of bladder MRI was better than that of cystoscopy, with a specificity of 47% (vs. 6%, p < 0.001), a negative predictive value of 88% (vs. 40%, p = 0.03), and a positive predictive value of 66% (vs. 51%, p < 0.001), whereas the sensitivity did not significantly differ between the two exams. In patients with doubtful cystoscopy and negative MRI findings, inflammatory changes were found on TURB in most cases (17/19). The superiority in MRI bladder performance prevailed for "flat lesions", while no significant difference was found for "papillary lesions". CONCLUSIONS: In cases of doubtful cystoscopy after intravesical instillations, MRI appears to be relevant with good performance in differentiating post-therapeutic inflammatory changes from recurrent tumor lesions and could potentially allow avoiding unnecessary TURB.

Optimizing practices to prevent urinary tract infection after cystoscopy and urodynamics in women: A quality improvement study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to reduce the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in women undergoing outpatient cystoscopy and/or urodynamic studies (UDS) at our centre by identifying and then altering modifiable risk factors through an analysis of incidence variability among physicians. METHODS: This was a quality improvement study involving adult women undergoing outpatient cystoscopy and/or UDS at an academic tertiary urogynecology practice. Prophylactic practices for cystoscopy/UDS were surveyed and division and physician-specific UTI rates following cystoscopy/UDS were established. In consultation with key stakeholders, this delineated change concepts based on associations between prophylactic practices and UTI incidence, which were then implemented while monitoring counterbalance measures. RESULTS: Two "Plan-Do-Study-Act-Cycles" were conducted whereby 212 and 210 women were recruited, respectively. Change concepts developed and implemented were: (1) to perform routine urine cultures at the time of these outpatient procedures, and (2) to withhold routine prophylactic antibiotics for outpatient cystoscopy/UDS, except in patients with signs of cystitis. There was no change in the incidence of early presenting UTI (9.0% vs. 9.2%, p = 0.680), but there were significantly fewer antibiotic-related adverse events reported (8.5% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.001). There was no significant change in the total incidence of UTI rates between cycles (7.8% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.649). CONCLUSIONS: No specific strategies to decrease the incidence of UTI following outpatient cystoscopy/UDS were identified, however, risk factor-specific antibiotic prophylaxis, as opposed to universal antibiotic prophylaxis, did not increase UTI incidence.

Laser excision of urethral mesh erosion: a 10-year experience.

PURPOSE: To review our 10-year experience with laser excision for urethral mesh erosion (UME) of mid-urethral slings (MUS). METHODS: Following Institutional Review Board approval, the charts of female patients with endoscopic laser excision of UME were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, clinical presentation, surgical history, pre- and post-operative Urinary Distress Inventory-6 scores and quality of life ratings, operative reports, and outcomes were obtained from electronic medical records. UME cure was defined as no residual mesh on office cystourethroscopy 5-6 months after the final laser excision procedure. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2021, 23 patients met study criteria; median age was 56 (range 44-79) years. Twenty (87%) had multiple prior urogynecologic procedures. Median time from MUS placement to presentation with UME-related complaints was 5.3 [interquartile range (IQR) 2.3-7.6] years. The most common presenting symptom was recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) (n = 10). Median operating time was 49 (IQR 37-80) minutes. Median duration of follow-up was 24 (IQR 12-84) months. Fourteen (61%) required more than 1 laser excision procedure for UME. Although 5 were asymptomatic (22%), new (n = 5) or persistent (n = 8) urinary incontinence was the most common symptom on follow-up (57%). CONCLUSION: UME presenting symptoms are highly variable, necessitating a high index of suspicion in patients with a history of MUS, especially in the case of rUTI. Endoscopic laser excision is a minimally invasive, brief, safe, outpatient procedure with a high UME cure rate.

[Bladder Cancer Detected Incidentally by Cystoscopy before Radical Prostatectomy].

Radical prostatectomy is the treatment of choice for localized prostate cancer. In our institution, preoperative cystoscopy is performed routinely to clarify the prostate anatomy, including the median lobe and position of ureteral orifices. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 721 patients, from January 2008 to December 2022, our aim being to assess the clinical course of bladder cancer discovered incidentally through cystoscopy prior to radical prostatectomy. We found that bladder cancer was detected in eight of these patients (1.1%), seven of whom had low-grade, non-invasive, papillary urothelial carcinomas ; the remaining patient had a high-grade lesion. Notably, the pathological stage was Ta in all cases. The median duration of follow-up of patients with bladder cancer was initially set at 21 months (12-24 months). During the follow-up period, bladder cancer recurrence was identified in three patients. Patients who remained recurrence-free beyond the follow-up period underwent radical therapy. Importantly, no evidence of prostate cancer progression was detected throughout the follow-up period. Thus, incidental bladder cancer detected prior to radical prostatectomy is predominantly non-invasive, ensuring safe treatment of both the bladder and prostate cancers. Our findings suggest that cystoscopy could be omitted.

Workflow efficiencies for flexible cystoscopy: comparing single-use vs reusable cystoscopes.

BACKGROUND: Flexible cystoscopy is a common procedure to diagnose and treat lower urinary tract conditions. Single-use cystoscopes have been introduced to eliminate time-consuming reprocessing and costly repairs. We compared the hands-on labor time differences between flexible reusable cystoscopes versus Ambu's aScope™ 4 Cysto (aS4C) at a large urology Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). METHODS: Reusable and single-use cystoscopy procedures were shadowed for timestamp collection for setup and breakdown. A subset of reusable cystoscopes were followed through the reprocessing cycle. T-tests were calculated to measure the significance between groups. RESULTS: The average hands-on time necessary for reusable cystoscope preparation, breakdown, and pre-cleaning was 4'53″. Of this, 2'53″ were required for preparation, while 2'0″ were required for breakdown and pre-cleaning. The average hands-on time for reprocessing for reusable was 7'1" per cycle. The total time for single-use scopes was 2'22″. Of this, 1'36″ was needed for single-use preparation, and 45 s for breakdown. Compared to reusable cystoscopes, single-use cystoscopes significantly reduced pre and post-procedure hands-on labor time by 2'31", or 48%. When including reprocessing, total hands-on time was 80% greater for reusable than single-use cystoscopes. CONCLUSION: Single-use cystoscopes significantly reduced hands-on labor time compared to reusable cystoscopes. On average, the facility saw a reduction of 2'31″ per cystoscope for each procedure. This translates to 20 additional minutes gained per day, based on an 8 procedures per day. Utilizing single-use cystoscopes enabled the facility to reduce patient wait times, decrease turnaround times, and free up staff time.

Routine Imaging After Bulbar Urethral Reconstruction Does Not Impact Surgical Outcomes and May Not Be Necessary.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether omitting routine post-operative imaging adversely impacts clinical outcomes after bulbar urethroplasty. Contrast imaging is commonly performed prior to catheter removal after urethroplasty but the clinical need for this is unclear. METHODS: This was a matched, case-control analysis comparing patients undergoing routine voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) prior to catheter removal after bulbar urethroplasty to patients without imaging. Patients were matched with respect to age, stricture etiology, length, and urethroplasty technique. Follow-up consisted of clinical assessment 3 weeks post-operatively for VCUG/catheter removal, cystoscopy at 3-4 months with clinical assessment annually. Outcome measures were 90-day complications (Clavien ≥2) and stricture recurrence (failure to pass a 16-Fr flexible cystoscope on follow-up). Chi-square and Kaplan-Meier analysis were conducted where appropriate. RESULTS: Hundred patients undergoing bulbar urethroplasty with VCUG prior to catheter removal were compared to 100 matched case controls without imaging. Groups did not differ with respect to failed endoscopic treatment (P = .82), prior urethroplasty (P = .09), comorbidities (P = .54), smoking (P = .42), or pre-operative bacteriuria (P = 1.00). The incidence of extravasation in the VCUG group was 2%. Overall 90-day complications were 9.5% and 15 patients developed recurrence with a median follow-up of 174 months. On chi-square analysis, 90-day complications did not differ between patients undergoing VCUG and those without (12% vs 7.0%; P = .34). On log-rank analysis, stricture recurrence did not differ between groups (P = .44). CONCLUSION: Routine imaging with VCUG after bulbar urethroplasty does not influence the risk of post-operative complications or stricture recurrence. Surgeons should consider avoiding this potentially unnecessary examination in routine clinical practice.

Mullerianosis of the urinary bladder: a case report.

Mullerianosis is a rare, complex, benign tumor most commonly found in the bladder and often mistaken for a neoplastic lesion.  Herein, we report a case of mullerianosis in a 65-year-old woman who presented with an incidental 2 cm bladder mass found on cross-sectional imaging.  A mixed cystic and solid tumor was identified on cystoscopy and a transurethral resection of the suspected tumor was performed with histopathology confirming a final diagnosis of mullerianosis.  While an unusual diagnosis, mullerianosis of the urinary bladder needs to be correctly identified to provide appropriate treatment and avoid misdiagnosis.

Autonomic dysreflexia in urological practice: pathophysiology, prevention and treatment considerations.

PURPOSE: Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to sensorimotor impairments; however, it can also be complicated by significant autonomic dysfunction, including cardiovascular and lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunctions. Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a dangerous cardiovascular complication of SCI often overlooked by healthcare professionals. AD is characterized by a sudden increase in blood pressure (BP) that can result in severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. In this review, we provide an overview on the clinical manifestations, risk factors, underlying mechanisms, and current approaches in prevention and management of AD. METHODS: After conducting a literature research, we summarized relevant information regarding the clinical and pathophysiological aspects in the context of urological clinical practice CONCLUSIONS: The most common triggers of AD are those arising from LUT, such as bladder distention and urinary tract infections. Furthermore, AD is commonly observed in individuals with SCI during urological procedures, including catheterization, cystoscopy and urodynamics. Although significant progress in the clinical assessment of AD has been made in recent decades, effective approaches for its prevention and treatment are currently lacking.

The role of URO17® in diagnosis and follow up of bladder cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the role of urinary URO17® biomarker in the detection of urothelial tumors in haematuria patients and the detection of recurrence in non-muscle invasive bladder urothelial tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was formed of two cohorts of patients, group I represents patients presenting with haematuria (n = 98), while group II represents patients with known non-muscle invasive bladder cancers on their scheduled follow up cystoscopic investigation (n = 51). For both groups, patients were asked to provide urine samples before cystoscopy, either primary as part of the haematuria investigation or as a scheduled follow-up. Urine samples were sent anonymously for standard urine cytology and URO17® biomarker immunostaining. Results were compared to cystoscopic findings using Chi-square analysis and Fisher's exact test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Group I was formed of 98 patients, with an average age of 60 years. URO17® showed 100% sensitivity and 96.15% specificity with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100 and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95.83. The results showed statistical significance with P value < 0.001. Group II was formed of 51 patients, with an average age of 75 years. URO17® was shown to have a sensitivity of 85.71% and NPV of 95.45. Eleven patients of group II were on scheduled BacillusCalmette-Guerin (BCG) and another 5 received Mitomycin C (MMC). The overall results of both groups combined (n = 149) showed statistical significance between flexible cystoscopy results and the results of urinary URO17® and urine cytology. CONCLUSION: URO17® has a potential to be a reliable test for diagnosis and follow up of urothelial cancer patients and a screening tool adjunct to flexible cystoscopy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable as the current study is not a clinical trial, as per according to the National Institutes of Health, "studies that involve a comparison of methods and that do not evaluate the effect of the interventions on the participant do not meet the NIH clinical trial definition."

[The interpretation of the updated American Urological Association guideline of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome in 2022].

In 2022, American Urological Association updated the guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). A significant change has been made in treatment recommendations. The updated guideline no longer divided treatments into first-line through sixth-line tiers. Instead, treatment is categorized into behavioral/non-pharmacologic, oral medicines, bladder instillations, procedures, and major surgery. This change emphasizes the heterogeneity of IC/BPS patients and the importance of individualized treatment, overturns traditional unreasonable ideas about hierarchical and progressive treatment, and encourages patients and physicians to make treatment decisions together. At the same time, the panel emphasized the importance of early implementation of cystoscopy in patients suspected of Hunner lesions and warned against the possibility of pentosan polysulfate causing a unique retinal pigmentary maculopathy. Urinary reconstruction surgery was considered to only be used as a last resort for the treatment of IC/BPS, and there is uncertainty about the overall balance between benefits and risks/burdens. The updated guideline provides a new understanding and decision-making basis for the diagnosis and treatment of IC/BPS. However, it should be noted that the clinical characteristics of Chinese patients should be considered in practice and the application of the guideline should be localized.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: AUA/SUO Guideline: 2024 Amendment.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this American Urological Association (AUA)/Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) guideline amendment is to provide a useful reference on the effective evidence-based treatment strategies for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2023, the NMIBC guideline was updated through the AUA amendment process in which newly published literature is reviewed and integrated into previously published guidelines in an effort to maintain currency. The amendment allowed for the incorporation of additional literature released since the previous 2020 amendment. The updated search gathered literature from July 2019 to May 2023. This review identified 1918 abstracts, of which 75 met inclusion criteria.When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) in support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions. RESULTS: Updates were made to statements on variant histologies, urine markers after diagnosis of bladder cancer, intravesical therapy, BCG maintenance, enhanced cystoscopy, and future directions. Further revisions were made to the methodology and reference sections as appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: This guideline seeks to improve clinicians' ability to evaluate and treat patients with NMIBC based on currently available evidence. Future studies will be essential to further support or refine these statements to improve patient care.

Environmental Impact of Flexible Cystoscopy: A Comparative Analysis Between Carbon Footprint of Isiris® Single-Use Cystoscope and Reusable Flexible Cystoscope and a Systematic Review of Literature.

Introduction: There is an absence of data on the environmental impact of single-use flexible cystoscopes. We wanted to review the existing literature about carbon footprint of flexible cystoscopy and analyze the environmental impact of the Isiris® (Coloplast©) single-use flexible cystoscope compared to reusable flexible cystoscopes. Methods: First, a systematic review on single-use and reusable cystoscope carbon footprint was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Second, carbon footprints of Isiris single-use flexible cystoscope and reusable cystoscope were analyzed and compared. Life cycle of the single-use flexible cystoscope was divided in three steps: manufacturing, sterilization, and disposal. For the reusable cystoscope, several steps were considered to estimate the carbon footprint over the life cycle: manufacturing, washing/sterilization, repackaging, repair, and disposal. For each step, the carbon footprint values were collected and adapted from previous comparable published data on flexible ureteroscope. Results: The systematic literature review evidenced total carbon emissions within a range of 2.06 to 2.41 kg carbon dioxide (CO2) per each use of single-use flexible cystoscope compared to a wide range of 0.53 to 4.23 kg CO2 per each case of reusable flexible cystoscope. The carbon footprint comparative analysis between Isiris single-use flexible cystoscope and reusable cystoscope concluded in favor of the single-use cystoscope. Based on our calculation, the total carbon emissions for a reusable flexible cystoscope could be refined to an estimated range of 2.40 to 3.99 kg CO2 per case, depending on the endoscopic activity of the unit, and to 1.76 kg CO2 per case for Isiris single-use cystoscope. Conclusion: The results and our systematic literature review demonstrated disparate results depending on the calculation method used for carbon footprint analysis. However, the results tend rather toward a lower environmental impact of single-use devices. In comparison to a reusable flexible cystoscope, Isiris compared favorably in terms of carbon footprint.

Hemangioma of the Urinary Bladder: A Brief Narrative Review of Their Diagnosis, Histology, and Treatment Options.

BACKGROUND: Hemangioma of the urinary bladder is a rare benign tumor. Although benign, their presenting symptoms are alarming for both patients and doctors, and their rarity makes them challenging to correctly diagnosis and treat. This review paper summarizes current knowledge about hemangioma of the urinary bladder, treatment options, and follow-up modalities. SUMMARY: After the kidney, the bladder is the second most common location of hemangiomas in the urinary tract. There is painless gross hematuria on clinical presentation once the lesion has eroded the urothelium. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been reported to be valuable in diagnosing soft-tissue hemangiomas. Cystoscopic findings of a sessile, blue, multilocular mass suggest hemangioma. Most tumors are solitary, smaller than 3 cm, and have smooth or irregular surfaces. Histologically, lesions comprise numerous proliferative capillaries with thin-walled, dilated, blood-filled vessels lined with flattened endothelium. The treatment of patients with hemangioma has been controversial. It depends on the tumor size and the degree of penetration. The prognosis of these tumors is excellent. KEY MESSAGES: Despite the widespread use of MRI, CT, and endoscopy in evaluating hematuria, hemangioma remains one of the rarest bladder tumors. Moreover, only a histological examination can confirm the diagnosis. Transurethral resection, fulguration, and YAG laser ablation are standard treatments for small tumors. In terms of follow-up, cystoscopy after 6 months of treatment helps assess recurrence. In addition, MRI is a practical, noninvasive technique for follow-up of small hemangiomas.

Receiver operating characteristics of computed tomography (CT) compared to cystoscopy in diagnosis of canine ectopic ureters: Thirty-five cases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine receiver operating characteristics (ROC) of computed tomographic excretory urography (CTEU) in predicting cystoscopic findings of ureteral anatomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: Thirty-five client-owned dogs. METHODS: The medical records of dogs referred for suspected ectopic ureters were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included CTEU findings reported by board-certified radiologists, followed by rigid cystoscopy with or without ureteral cystoscopic laser ablation (CLA). Data included signalment, urinary incontinence degree, body condition score, weight, degree of colon distension, CTEU and cystoscopy findings. ROC analysis was used to compare CT-predicted ureteral orthotopia/ectopia to cystoscopy findings. Additionally, ROC of CT predicted ureteral orifice locations was analyzed. Regression covariate analysis was performed to identify factors that may have influenced accuracy of diagnosis. RESULTS: The ability of CT to identify a normal and intra-or extramural ectopic ureters conclusively and correctly was 13/26 (50%) and 32/41(78%), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of identifying extramural versus intramural ureters was 2/7 versus 30/46 (29 vs. 65%) and 61/63 versus 17/24 (97 vs. 71%), respectively. Ectopic orifice determination sensitivity and specificity varied widely depending on location from 0% to 76% and 67% to 97%, respectively. Covariate analysis failed to identify interfering factors. CONCLUSIONS: CT did not accurately predict anatomy of ureters; CT findings may need confirmation by cystoscopy and possibly intraoperative fluoroscopy prior to determining if CLA is indicated or not. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our results may be of importance for surgeons interpreting the CTEU findings. CTEU prediction of the location of the ureteral orifice shows low sensitivity especially in or close to the urethral sphincter area.