PERCUTANEOUS CHOLANGIOSCOPY AND LASER BILIARY LITHOTRIPSY FOR BILIARY INTRAHEPATIC STONES MANAGEMENT: CASE REPORT.

Intrahepatic biliary stone disease is a difficult condition to treat, due to anatomical complexity of biliary tract, association with colestasis, and high recurrence rates, with potential short- and long-term complications, such as cholangitis and secondary biliary cirrhosis. Removal of biliary stones via intraductal access can be achieved endoscopically or percutaneously, with preference for cholangioscopy-guided laser lithotripsy in complex cases. The surgical approach, despite its prolonged results, is a more invasive and risky procedure. The authors present a case of cholangioscopy with percutaneous laser biliary lithotripsy as an option for the treatment of intrahepatic biliary stone disease associated with biliary stricture following biliodigestive anastomosis due to bile duct injury following cholecystectomy, a safe and effective alternative with low morbidity and satisfactory outcomes in follow-up.

Dusting efficacy between the regular setting of holmium laser (Ho:YAG) versus Vapor Tunnel pulse modality for non-complex kidney stones.

The new pulse modality Vapor-Tunnel™ (VT) consists of a very long pulse that uses the minimum peak power, causing the energy to pass through a previously created vapor channel or tunnel. The first part of the pulse creates a vapor channel, whereas the remaining energy is discharged immediately after, passing straight through the previously created tunnel. The aim of this study is to compare the dusting efficacy between Ho:YAG laser with long pulse and Ho:YAG laser with VT for non-complex kidney stones. A retrospective comparative study of 236 patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery using Ho:YAG laser (long pulse vs. VT) was performed. Stone size, stone density, laser settings, laser emission time, and total operative time were recorded. We also assessed the lithotripsy efficacy (J/mm3). The stone-free rate was defined as the absence of stone fragments in a non-contrast abdominal computed tomography 4 weeks after the procedure. A total of 118 patients were included in each group. There was no significant difference in age, gender, and body mass index. Median stone volume (737 mm3 vs. 636 mm3) and stone density (788 HU vs. 656 HU) were higher in the VT group. Total energy used (14.5 J vs. 18.2 J), the laser emission time (20 min vs. 26 min), and the total operative time (79.5 min vs. 95 min) were significantly lower in the VT group. The stone-free rate was comparable between both groups (74.5% for VT and 66.1% for the long-pulse group, p = 0.15). When we evaluated the efficacy of laser lithotripsy, a significantly lower difference was obtained in the VT group (median 12.5 J/mm3 vs. median 23.1 J/mm3). The VT pulse modality was associated with decreased laser time and operative time. Additionally, it increased lithotripsy efficacy compared to Ho:YAG long pulse laser, but with a comparable free-stone rate.

Thulium fiber laser in cystine calculi.

INTRODUCTION: Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) is the most modern technology to treat nephrolithiasis and ureterolithiasis in endourology. Although there are a lot of new studies coming up, we still don't have data on how this laser works in some rare diseases.Cystinuria is the most common genetic nephrolithiasis disorder (1), known for its recurrent lithiasis (2). Our main goal in this video is to show a successful case of cystine calculi treated with Thulium Fiber Laser (Laser Fiber Dust/Quanta System™). Cystinuria is the most common genetic nephrolithiasis disorder (1), known for its recurrent lithiasis (2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 25 years-old male, cystinuric, presented with a CT scan, showing a 10mm stone on the right side and two calculi 6 and 7 mm on the left side, all located in the lower calyx. Bilateral flexible ureteroscopy was done using a reusable digital flexible ureteroscope. Starting on the left side, we repositioned the stone from the lower to the upper calyx, using a tipless front opening basket. Lithotripsy was performed using TFL. Settings were 100 Hz (frequency) and 100 mJ (energy) for dusting.  Popcorn technique was also used, setting the laser at 100Hz and 200 mJ, obtaining good dusting. On the right side, lithotripsy was performed in the inferior calyx, also resulting in "snowstorm". Procedure time was 120 minutes. RESULTS: The postoperative was uneventful. Follow up CT showed a 3 mm residual fragment in the right kidney. CONCLUSION: This video demonstrates the treatment of bilateral cystine calculi with Thulium Fiber Laser. Reasonable procedure time and excellent dusting results are encouraging, pointing towards great improvements in endourology.

A study comparing dusting to basketing for renal stones ≤ 2 cm during flexible ureteroscopy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the dusting efficiency and safety with basketing for treating renal stones ≤ 2 cm during flexible ureteroscopy (fURS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 218 patients with renal stones ≤ 2 cm treated with fURS. Among them, 106 patients underwent dusting, and 112 patients underwent fragmentation with basket extraction. All patients were followed up for 3 months postoperatively. The operating time, lasing time, stone-free rate (SFR) and complication rate were compared. RESULTS: The mean stone size in the dusting group was 1.3 cm, whereas 1.4 cm in the basketing group. The mean operative time was significantly lower in the dusting group than in the basketing group (43.1±11.7 minutes VS 60.5±13.4 minutes, P < 0.05), but the lasing time was significantly longer for the dusting group than for the basketing group (17.7±3.9 minutes VS 14.1±3.6 minutes, P < 0.05). SFR was significantly higher in the basketing group immediately after the operation and follow-up after 1 month (76.8% vs 55.7%, P= 0.001 and 88.4% vs 78.3%, P = 0.045). However, the SFR was similar for both groups (88.8% in the dusting group vs. 90.2% in the basketing group) after 3 months postoperatively. There was no statistical difference in the complication rates between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dusting has advantages in shortening the operation time and reducing the operation cost, but the lasing time was longer compared with the basketing. Although there is no difference in long-term effect, basketing is superior to dusting in terms of short-term SFR. Moreover, dusting should be avoided in some special cases and basketing a better choice. Both techniques are effective for the treatment of renal stones ≤ 2 cm and choice depends on patient demographic and stone characteristics.

Flexible ureterorenoscopy and laser lithotripsy with regional anesthesia vs general anesthesia: A prospective randomized study

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the effect of general anesthesia (GA) and regional anesthesia (RA) on f-URS outcomes and surgeon comfort. Material and Methods The study was conducted between June 2017 to January 2018 and data collection was applied in a prospective, randomized fashion. 120 patients participated in the study and were divided into RA group (n=56) and GA group (n=64). Demographic, operative and post-operative parameters of patients were analysed. The end point of this study was the effect of two anesthesia regimens on the comfort of the surgeon, and the comparability of feasibility and safety against perioperative complications. Results The study including 120 randomized patients, 14 patients were excluded from the study and completed with 106 patients (45 in RA group and 61 in GA group). No difference was detected between the two groups in terms of preoperative data. During the monitorization of operative vital signs, 3 patients in RA group experienced bradycardia, and this finding was significant when compared with GA group (p=0.041). Additionally, 2 patients in RA group experienced mucosal tears and 1 patient experienced hemorrhage during the operation, but no complications were observed in the GA group (p=0.041). Postoperative surgeon comfort evaluation revealed statistically significant results in favor of GA group (p=0.001). Conclusions Both GA and RA are equally effective and safe anesthesia methods for f-URS procedures. However, RA group showed significantly increased likelihood of bradycardia and mucosal injury during surgery, and significantly decreased surgeon comfort during surgery.

Flexible ureterorenoscopy and laser lithotripsy with regional anesthesia vs general anesthesia: A prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of general anesthesia (GA) and regional anesthesia (RA) on f-URS outcomes and surgeon comfort. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted between June 2017 to January 2018 and data collection was applied in a prospective, randomized fashion. 120 patients participated in the study and were divided into RA group (n=56) and GA group (n=64). Demographic, operative and post-operative parameters of patients were analysed. The end point of this study was the effect of two anesthesia regimens on the comfort of the surgeon, and the comparability of feasibility and safety against perioperative complications. RESULTS: The study including 120 randomized patients, 14 patients were excluded from the study and completed with 106 patients (45 in RA group and 61 in GA group). No difference was detected between the two groups in terms of preoperative data. During the monitorization of operative vital signs, 3 patients in RA group experienced bradycardia, and this finding was significant when compared with GA group (p=0.041). Additionally, 2 patients in RA group experienced mucosal tears and 1 patient experienced hemorrhage during the operation, but no complications were observed in the GA group (p=0.041). Postoperative surgeon comfort evaluation revealed statistically significant results in favor of GA group (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both GA and RA are equally effective and safe anesthesia methods for f-URS procedures. However, RA group showed significantly increased likelihood of bradycardia and mucosal injury during surgery, and significantly decreased surgeon comfort during surgery.

Cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy vs. conventional therapy for complex bile duct stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic removal of common bile duct stones has a high success rate ranging from 85% to 95%. Bile duct stones >15 mm are difficult and frequently require lithotripsy. Peroral cholangioscopy (POC) allows lithotripsy with similar success rates. AIM: To determine the efficacy and safety of cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy used in the treatment of difficult to remove bile duct stones vs. conventional therapy. METHODS: Search was based in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, Lilacs/Bireme. Studies enrolling patients referred for the removal of difficult bile duct stones via POC were considered eligible. Two analyses were carried out separately, one included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and another observational studies. RESULTS: Forty-six studies were selected (3 RTC and 43 observational). In the analysis there was no statistical significant difference between successful endoscopic clearance (RD=-0.02 CI: -0.17, 0.12/I²=0%), mean fluoroscopy time (MD=-0.14 CI -1.60, 1.32/I²=21%) and adverse events rates (RD=-0.06 CI: -0.14, 0.02/I²=0%), by contrast, the mean procedure time favored conventional therapy with statistical significance (MD=27.89 CI: 16.68, 39.10/I²=0%). In observational studies, the successful endoscopic clearance rate was 88.29% (CI95: 86.9%-90.7%), the first session successful endoscopic clearance rate was 72.7 % (CI95: 69.9%-75.3%), the mean procedure time was 47.50±6 min for session and the number of sessions to clear bile duct was 1.5±0.18. The adverse event rate was 8.7% (CI95: 7%-10.9%). CONCLUSIONS: For complex common bile duct stones, cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy has a success rate that is similar to traditional ERCP techniques in terms of therapeutic success, adverse event rate and means fluoroscopy time. Conventional ERCP methods have a shorter mean procedure time.

Cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy vs. conventional therapy for complex bile duct stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Litotripsia guiada por colangioscopia vs. terapias convencionais no tratamento da litíase biliar complexa: revisão sistemática e metanálise

ABSTRACT Introduction: Endoscopic removal of common bile duct stones has a high success rate ranging from 85% to 95%. Bile duct stones >15 mm are difficult and frequently require lithotripsy. Peroral cholangioscopy (POC) allows lithotripsy with similar success rates. Aim: To determine the efficacy and safety of cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy used in the treatment of difficult to remove bile duct stones vs. conventional therapy. Methods: Search was based in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, Lilacs/Bireme. Studies enrolling patients referred for the removal of difficult bile duct stones via POC were considered eligible. Two analyses were carried out separately, one included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and another observational studies. Results: Forty-six studies were selected (3 RTC and 43 observational). In the analysis there was no statistical significant difference between successful endoscopic clearance (RD=-0.02 CI: -0.17, 0.12/I²=0%), mean fluoroscopy time (MD=-0.14 CI -1.60, 1.32/I²=21%) and adverse events rates (RD=-0.06 CI: -0.14, 0.02/I²=0%), by contrast, the mean procedure time favored conventional therapy with statistical significance (MD=27.89 CI: 16.68, 39.10/I²=0%). In observational studies, the successful endoscopic clearance rate was 88.29% (CI95: 86.9%-90.7%), the first session successful endoscopic clearance rate was 72.7 % (CI95: 69.9%-75.3%), the mean procedure time was 47.50±6 min for session and the number of sessions to clear bile duct was 1.5±0.18. The adverse event rate was 8.7% (CI95: 7%-10.9%). Conclusions: For complex common bile duct stones, cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy has a success rate that is similar to traditional ERCP techniques in terms of therapeutic success, adverse event rate and means fluoroscopy time. Conventional ERCP methods have a shorter mean procedure time.

RESUMO Introdução: A remoção endoscópica das litíases do ducto biliar comum tem alta taxa de sucesso variando de 85% a 95%. Litíases do ducto biliar >15 mm são difíceis e frequentemente requerem litotripsia. A colangioscopia peroral permite litotripsia com taxas de sucesso semelhantes. Objetivo: Determinar a eficácia e segurança da litotripsia guiada por colangioscopia no tratamento de litíases biliares difíceis em comparação à terapias convencionais guiadas por colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica. Método: Pesquisa na Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, Lilacs/Bireme de estudos avaliando a eficácia da colangioscopia na remoção de cálculos biliares difíceis. Duas análises foram realizadas separadamente, uma incluiu ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECR) e outros estudos observacionais. Resultados: Quarenta e seis estudos foram selecionados (3 ECR e 43 observacionais). Na análise, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na taxa de extração litiásica total (RD=-0,02 IC: -0,17,0,12/I²=0%), tempo médio de fluoroscopia (MD=-0,14 CI -1,60, 1,32/I²=21%) e na taxa de eventos adversos (RD=-0,06 IC: -0,14, 0,02/I²=0%).Por outro lado, o tempo médio do procedimento favoreceu terapêuticas convencionais guiadas por CPRE com significância estatística (MD=27,89 IC: 16,68, 39,10/I²=0%). Nos estudos observacionais, a taxa do tratamento completo por endoscopia foi de 88,29% (IC95: 86,9% a 90,7%), a taxa de sucesso na primeira sessão foi de 72,7% (IC95: 69,9% a 75,3%), o tempo médio do procedimento foi de 47,50±6 min por sessão e o número de procedimentos necessários para remoção total da litíase foi de 1,5±0,18. A taxa de eventos adversos foi de 8,7% (IC95: 7% a 10,9%), com 0,5% considerado como severo. Conclusão: Para litíases biliares difíceis, a litotripsia guiada por colangioscopia tem taxa de sucesso semelhante às terapêuticas convencionais guiadas CPRE em termos de sucesso terapêutico, taxa de eventos adversos e tempo de fluoroscopia. As terapêuticas convencionais guiadas por CPRE têm tempo médio de procedimento menor.

Two-shift operation mode can improve the efficiency and comfort of flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy for the treatment of renal calculi larger than 1.5cm.

PURPOSE: To compare two-shift operation mode and single player mode different impact on surgical results and operator comfort in flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy for renal calculi larger than 1.5cm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From december 2017 to december 2018, 92 patients with renal calculi admitted to Qilu Hospital and were treated through fl exible ureteroscopy. They were randomized in two-shift group (n=50) and single player group (n=42). The operative time, blood loss, hospitalization stay after operation, residual fragments (≥4mm) rate, fragmentation speed, postoperative complications and operator's fatigue score were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between two groups regarding age, gender, illness side, stone size, blood loss, operative time, postoperative hospitalization stay, complications, etc (p >0.05). The fragmentation speed was 44.5±20.0mm3/min in two-shift group compared with 34.2±17.3mm3/min in single player group (p=0.037). Residual fragments (≥4mm) rate after fi rst surgery was 18% in two-shift group, while the residual fragments (≥4mm) rate was 40.5% after first surgery in single player group (p=0.017). The total fatigue score of two-shift group was 8.4 compared to 29.9 in single player group (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: In flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy for the treatment of renal calculi larger than 1.5cm, two-shift operation mode can raise the fragmentation speed and stone clearance rate, as well as signifi cantly lower operator's fatigue level and improve operator's comfort.

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.

Two-shift operation mode can improve the efficiency and comfort of flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy for the treatment of renal calculi larger than 1. 5cm

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare two-shift operation mode and single player mode different impact on surgical results and operator comfort in flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy for renal calculi larger than 1.5cm. Materials and Methods: From december 2017 to december 2018, 92 patients with renal calculi admitted to Qilu Hospital and were treated through flexible ureteroscopy. They were randomized in two-shift group (n=50) and single player group (n=42). The operative time, blood loss, hospitalization stay after operation, residual fragments (≥4mm) rate, fragmentation speed, postoperative complications and operator's fatigue score were compared. Results: There was no significant difference between two groups regarding age, gender, illness side, stone size, blood loss, operative time, postoperative hospitalization stay, complications, etc (p >0.05). The fragmentation speed was 44.5±20.0mm3/min in two-shift group compared with 34.2±17.3mm3/min in single player group (p=0.037). Residual fragments (≥4mm) rate after first surgery was 18% in two-shift group, while the residual fragments (≥4mm) rate was 40.5% after first surgery in single player group (p=0.017). The total fatigue score of two-shift group was 8.4 compared to 29.9 in single player group (p <0.001). Conclusion: In flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy for the treatment of renal calculi larger than 1.5cm, two-shift operation mode can raise the fragmentation speed and stone clearance rate, as well as significantly lower operator's fatigue level and improve operator's comfort.

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.