Faculty Bibliography

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:To examine laser fiber passage capabilities through flexible ureterorenoscopes (fURSs) and to measure deflections and flow characteristics. METHODS:Cobra Vision; and Lithovue). Four laser fibers standard 200- and 273-μm (uncleaved and cleaved), sheath-coated and ball-tip fibers were attempted to pass through each fURS while deflected at 120°, 180°, maximum deflection, and maximum deflection with reduced 9-mm radius. Measurements included maximal (up/down) deflections and irrigation flow rates achieved with each fiber. RESULTS:Wolf Cobra Vision demonstrated minimal loss of deflections with mean differences of -2°/0° (p > 0.05) when loaded with the 200-μm fiber. The 273-μm fiber provoked utmost deflections that decline when loaded in Olympus URF-P5: mean differences of -52°/-35° (p < 0.001 for upward deflection). Of overall deflections, sheath-coated fiber induced least insult (p > 0.05), while standard 273-μm fiber incited maximum degradation (p < 0.00001). With few exceptions, sheath-coated and ball-tip fibers passed through all maximally deflected scopes. Uncleaved 200- and 273-μm fibers failed to pass through most maximally deflected fURS. However, cleaving their ends allowed 200- and 273-μm fiber to pass through all angles of deflections expect in the Olympus URF-P5 and Olympus URF-P5 and URF-V, respectively. The irrigation through all fURSs was significantly impaired (p < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS:fURS deflection was least affected by sheath-coated fibers and most affected by the 273-μm fiber. Uncleaved 200- and 273-μm fibers showed least passage capabilities; while removing the ends, the fibers greatly facilitated their passage capabilities as much as the other fibers tested.

OBJECTIVE:To describe the laparoscopic approach for uretero-ileal anastomosis strictures and to analyse our long term series. METHODS:A retrospective review was performed evaluating our series of patients with benign ureteroileal anastomosis strictures treated laparoscopically from 2011 to 2017. Demographics and perioperative data were obtained and analyzed. Complications were described with the Clavien-Dindo classification. The surgical technique was described and a literature review was performed. RESULTS:Eleven procedures were performed in ten patients. Mean blood loss was 180 ml. All the operations were performed laparoscopically without conversion. Mean hospital stay was 10 days (4-23). Early complications were Clavien-Dindo I y II: Two cases of limited anastomosis leakage, one lymphorrea, one paralitic ileum and one accidental descent of the ureteral catheter. Mean follow-up was 56 months (12-179) No late complications have been described. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Based on our series with 5 year follow up, the laparoscopic approach for uretero-ileal anastomosis strictures is feasible and safe.

OBJECTIVE:To analyze the risk factors for laser fiber fractures when deflected to form a curve, including laser settings, size of the laser fiber, and the fiber bending diameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS:, Monaco) were employed along with a holmium laser (Rocamed). Five different fiber curve diameters were tested: 9, 12, 15, 18, and 20 mm. Fragmentation and dusting settings were used at a theoretical power of 7.5 W. The laser was activated for 5 minutes and the principal judgment criterion was fiber fracture. Every test for each parameter, bending diameter, and fiber size combinations was repeated 10 times. RESULTS:With dusting settings, fibers broke more frequently at a curved diameter of 9 mm for both 272 and 365 μm fibers (p = 0.037 and 0.006, respectively). Using fragmentation settings, fibers broke more frequently at 12 mm for 272 μm and 15 mm for 365 μm (p = 0.007 and 0.033, respectively). Short pulse and high energy were significant risk factors for fiber fracture using the 365 μm fibers (p = 0.02), but not for the 272 μm fibers (p = 0.35). Frequency was not a risk factor for fiber rupture. Fiber diameters also seemed to be involved in the failure with a higher number of broken fibers for the 365 μm fibers, but this was not statistically significant when compared with the 272 μm fibers (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION:Small-core fibers are more resistant than large-core fibers as lower bending diameters (<9 mm) are required to break smaller fibers. In acute angles, the use of small-core fibers, at a low energy and long-pulse (dusting) setting, will reduce the risk of fiber rupture.

OBJECTIVE:Clinical presentation of ureteral stones during pregnancy is generally with renal colic pain. The aim of this study is to present our experience in the management of renal colic during pregnancy in emergency settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:208 pregnant patients who presented to emergency department with renal colic pain and underwent ureteroscopy (URS) due to failed conservative therapy were enrolled in the study. Urinary tract stones were diagnosed either with ultrasound (US) examination or during URS. Laser lithotripsy and double J (DJ) stent placement were routinely done in all patients with ureteral stones. The incidence of infective complications and premature uterine contractions (PUC) due to URS were compared. RESULTS:No stone was identified in 36.1% (n = 75) of patients with using US and diagnostic URS. Of the remaining 133 patients, 30 (22.6%) had no stone at US but stones were diagnosed during diagnostic URS. The type of anesthesia had no significant effect on PUC. An increased risk of sepsis and PUC was found in patients with fever at the initial presentation. Interestingly, PUC was more frequent in patients with lower serum magnesium levels. There was a significant correlation with time delay until the intervention and the risk of urosepsis and PUC, individually. CONCLUSIONS:Ureteroscopy is a safe option for evaluation of pregnant patients with unresolved renal colic. According to the current findings, timing of the operation is the most important factor affecting the septic risks and abortion threat. Surgical intervention with URS must be planned as soon as possible.

OBJECTIVE:Epidemiological data on urolithiasis in Spain have appeared in publications especially local and regional level, with few referrals to Spanish national territory. The aim of this paper is to review and systematize the epidemiological data published on urolithiasis in Spain. METHODS:We reviewed publications in national and international scientific journals, meetings and conferences, and research reports (1977-2016). PubMed search (indexed papers) and manual bibliography search (not indexed works) were performed. Bibliometric data evaluated: Year of publication, geographic area, number of cases, sample type, study design and publishing format. Demographic systematization of data: age, age and frequency distribution by gender, family history, social stratum, profession, place of residence, ethnics, seasonality and dietary habits. RESULTS:Publications revised: 79 corresponding to 56 main authors. Selected publications with original data: 42 (2 composed by Part I and II, and 2 composed by paper and thesis), corresponding to 35 authors. Bibliometric and demographic data of all publications are displayed in tables, sorted by variables. CONCLUSIONS:The comprehensive review of studies on epidemiology in Spain constitutes a solid basis for future research about epidemiology of urolithiasis.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:The Spies™ system (Karl-Storz®) was introduced into digital ureteroscopy to improve endoscopic vision. To date, there is no data to either indicate which of the Spies modalities is better for improving diagnosis and treatment procedures, nor to compare the modalities in terms of image quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the image quality of five Spies™ modalities (SM) to the standard white light in an in-vitro model. MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:Two standardized grids and 3 stones of different composition were recorded in white light and the 5SM (Clara, Chroma, Clara+Chroma), Spectra A and B) using 4 standardized aqueous scenarios. Twelve templates were done in order to simultaneously compare the same objective in the different modalities. Six urologists, five medical students, five urology residents, and five persons not involved with urology evaluated each video on a scale of 1 (very bad) to 5 (very good). RESULTS:Comparing white light to SM, subjects scored better the quality of Clara and Clara+Chroma than white light (p=0.0139 and p<0.05) and scored worse Spectra A and B (p=0.0005 and p=0.0023). When comparing Clara to the other SM, it was ranked equivalent to Clara+Chroma (p=0.67) and obtained a higher rank than Chroma, Spectra A and B (p<0.05, p=0.0001 and p=0.0001). In the multivariate analysis mean scores were higher among urologists. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:In all analyzed scenarios, the subjects ranked Clara and Clara+Chroma as the modalities with better image quality compared to white light.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:We describe a feasible flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) technique with the latest instruments to and to discuss their advantages. METHODS:Three patients underwent a fURS for stone treatment. A 7F angled orifice catheter and a hydrophilic angled tip stiff wire is used to guide the wire in the proper ureteral direction sighting the ureter allowing the use of a 10/12 ureteral access sheath. A single use ureteroscope was used. RESULTS:All of them had successful ureteral access and laser lithotripsy being stone free endoscopically. No complications reported. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:The modern fURS technique was found feasible and safe in patients with cross-trigonal ureteroneocystostomy.

PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the popcorn technique using a wide range of holmium laser settings and fiber sizes in a systematic in vitro assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Evaluations were done with 4 artificial stones in a collection tube. A fixed ureteroscope was inserted through a ureteral access sheath to provide constant irrigation flow and the laser was placed 1 mm from the bottom. Combinations of 0.5 to 1.5 J, 10 to 20 and 40 Hz, and long and short pulses were tested for 2 and 4 minutes. We used 273 and 365 μm laser fibers. All tests were repeated 3 times. The stones were weighed before and after the experiments to evaluate the setting efficiency. Significant predictors of a highly efficient technique were assessed. RESULTS:A total of 144 tests were performed. Mean starting weight of the stones was 0.23 gm, which was consistent among the groups. After the experiment the median weight difference was 0.07 gm (range 0.01 to 0.24). When designating a 50% reduction in stone volume as the threshold indicating high efficiency, the significant predictors of an efficient popcorn technique were a long pulse (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.05-7.15), a longer duration (OR 11.4, 95% CI 3.88-33.29), a small (273 μm) laser fiber (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.08-0.70) and higher power (W) (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.09-1.20). CONCLUSIONS:Higher energy, a longer pulse, frequencies higher than 10 Hz, a longer duration and a smaller laser fiber predict a popcorn technique that is more efficient at reducing stone volume.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Miniaturization of instruments has changed the paradigms of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). To date, however, few studies have analyzed the possible renal trauma generated by PCNL tract dilation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare systematically the renal injury of all PNCL dilation techniques in pork kidneys (PK) and cadaveric kidney models (CK). MATERIAL AND METHODS/METHODS:Twelve dilation devices were tested (from 4.8 to 30 French (Fr)) including micro- and mini- PCNL kits, the Alken dilation set, 20 and 30 ATM balloons and the Amplatz set. Each device was tested six times in PK and CK. Morphologic analysis of tract defects of the different models and dilators were made measuring the longest axis and the area of renal parenchymal damage. RESULTS:(mean) larger than the instruments themselves. CONCLUSIONS:with dilations of 30 Fr. Overall, PK had significantly larger injuries than CK models.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:The aim of this study was to evaluate the acquisition of basic ureteroscopic skills with and without Roboflex Avicenna by subjects with no prior surgical training. MATERIAL AND METHODS/METHODS:simulator model. Participants were scored on their ability to perform or not two exercises, recording the time. In addition, the participants were evaluated on the quality of their performance for the following parameters: respect of the surrounding environment, flow of the operation, orientation, vision centering and stability. RESULTS:The first exercise was completed only by three and four out of five of students in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Stability with the scope was significantly more accurate in the first group compared with the second (P = 0.02). There were no differences in timing, flow or orientation between groups. Although not significant, a tendency of respecting the surrounding tissue and maintaining centered vision was perceived more in the first group. As for the second exercise, there were no differences between groups in regard of orientation, flow, respecting the surrounding tissue, stability or the ability of maintaining centered vision. Although not significant, the second group had a tendency of performing the exercise faster. CONCLUSIONS:simulator, by subjects with no prior surgical training, is similar.