Worldwide variations in the knowledge and use of fluoroscopy during percutaneous nephrolithotomy-should we do better? A survey by the European Association of Urology Section for Uro-Technology and the International Alliance of Urolithiasis.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge among urologists of usage of fluoroscopy during percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Methods: We conducted an anonymous internet-based survey addressed to the EAU Section of Uro-Technology and the International Alliance of Urolithiasis members with particular interest in the stone treatment at all levels of expertise. The final version of the questionnaire included 31 questions, evaluated the level of knowledge on X-ray utilization and exposure, and identified correlations between geographic areas, levels of seniority, surgical volumes, and awareness on radiation protection.

The effect of peritoneal flap fixation with curling technique on postoperative lymphocele formation in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Background: In robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), the peritoneal edges isolate the extended pelvic lymph node dissection bed from the peritoneal cavity. We studied the effect of peritoneal re-configuration through peritoneal flap fixation (PFF) with curling technique on lymphocele development.

Method: We included 2087 patients who underwent RARP between 2010 and 2022.

Urologists' proficiency in various donor nephrectomy approaches: a real-life survey, systematic review, and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: Donor nephrectomy (DN) is a unique surgical procedure in urological practice, as it involves exposing a healthy individual to the potential risks of surgery. This type of surgery exhibits heterogeneity in terms of approach (open, laparoscopic, or robotic), each with its unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Consequently, there is currently a lack of universally agreed upon clear guidelines.

Urologists' opinion on treating asymptomatic stones: Would we treat ourselves as we treat our patients? Survey from European Association of Urology, Young Academic Urologists, Endourology and Urolithiasis working party.

Background/aim: Management of asymptomatic kidney stones is an ongoing debate with follow-up and treatment guidelines based on low-level evidence. Our aim was to evaluate current management of asymptomatic urinary stones.

Materials And Methods: A 70-question survey was designed in collaboration with European Association of Urology, Young Academic Urologists, Section of Uro-Technology and Section of Urolithiasis groups and distributed.

Predictive Value of the Mayo Adhesive Probability (MAP) Score in Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomies: A Systematic Review from the EAU Section of Uro-Technology (ESUT).

The Mayo Adhesive Probability (MAP) score is a radiographic scoring system that predicts the presence of adherent perinephric fat (APF) during partial nephrectomies (PNs). The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the current literature on the application of the MAP score for predicting intraoperative difficulties related to APF and complications in laparoscopic PNs. Three databases, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane, were screened, from inception to 29 October 2023, taking into consideration the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education: A Systematic Review.

Background: To examine the artificial intelligence (AI) tools currently being studied in modern medical education, and critically evaluate the level of validation and the quality of evidence presented in each individual study.

Methods: This review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023410752) was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. A database search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library.

Experts' recommendations in laser use for the treatment of bladder cancer: a comprehensive guide by the European Section of Uro-Technology (ESUT) and Training and Research in Urological Surgery and Technology (TRUST)-Group.

Purpose: To identify laser settings and limits applied by experts during laser vaporization (vapBT) and laser en-bloc resection of bladder tumors (ERBT) and to identify preventive measures to reduce complications.

Methods: After a focused literature search to identify relevant questions, we conducted a survey (57 questions) which was sent to laser experts. The expert selection was based on clinical experience and scientific contribution.

Laparoscopic intracorporeal ileal ureter replacement: multi-institutional data from 102 patients.

Objective: To present long-term results of our laparoscopic intracorporeal ileal ureter replacement (LIUR) cohort, including more complex cases of laparoscopic ileocalycostomy.

Material And Methods: We collected records of patients undergoing LIUR. Follow-up included a chemical profile and urine cultures.

Preperitoneal vas deferens infiltration in high-risk prostate cancer.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and the importance of preperitoneal vas deferens (VD) infiltration in high-risk prostate cancer (PCa).

Patients And Methods: In this prospectively designed study, we included 332 high-risk PCa patients with a Briganti score >5%, who were treated by robot-assisted radical prostatectomy between July 2017 and February 2022 at the Urology Department, SLK Kliniken Heilbronn. In addition to the standard histological analysis of the distal VD, which was attached to the prostate specimen, we analysed the infiltration status of preperitoneal VD in this cohort.

Experts' recommendations in laser use for the treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a comprehensive guide by the European Section of Uro-Technology (ESUT) and Training Research in Urological Surgery and Technology (T.R.U.S.T.) group.

Purpose: To highlight and compare experts' laser settings during endoscopic laser treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), to identify measures to reduce complications, and to propose guidance for endourologists.

Methods: Following a focused literature search to identify relevant questions, a survey was sent to laser experts. We asked participants for typical settings during specific scenarios (ureteroscopy (URS), retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), and percutaneous treatment).

Experts' recommendations in laser use for the endoscopic treatment of prostate hypertrophy: a comprehensive guide by the European Section of Uro-Technology (ESUT) and Training-Research in Urological Surgery and Technology (T.R.U.S.T.)-Group.

Purpose: To identify expert laser settings for BPH treatment and evaluate the application of preventive measures to reduce complications.

Methods: A survey was conducted after narrative literature research to identify relevant questions regarding laser use for BPH treatment (59 questions). Experts were asked for laser settings during specific clinical scenarios.

Is intraoperative ultrasonography necessary in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for exophytic tumours?

Introduction: The value of IOUS has been proven especially for endophytic kidney tumours, but has not been assessed critically for exophytic kidney tumours. We aimed to evaluate the value of IOUS for exophytic kidney tumours.

Material And Methods: The data of LPN cases were collected prospectively between 2000 and 2022.

A Delphi consensus to standardize the technique of anatomical endoscopic enucleation of prostate: a study by ESUT endoscopic enucleation of prostate study group.

Purpose: Our objective was to establish a standardized technique for Anatomical Endoscopic Enucleation of Prostate (AEEP) utilizing a consensus statement to provide robust recommendations for urologists who are new to this procedure.

Methods: The participants were electronically sent a questionnaire in three consecutive rounds. In the second and third rounds, the anonymous aggregate results of the previous round were presented.

Estimated Radiation Dose to the Lens During Endourologic Procedures: The Role of Leaded Glasses and the ALARA Protocol-An ESU/ESUT-YAU Endourology Group Collaboration.

On February 6, 2018, the European Atomic Energy Community reduced the annual equivalent dose limit for the lens from 150 to 20 mSv/year, because of its association with cataracts at low radiation doses. Our aim was to estimate the radiation doses received by the lens during endourologic procedures that require fluoroscopy. Multicenter study including prospective data of annual eye dosimeters between 2017 and 2020.

Treatment of ureteral stones with LithoEVO device and Vapor Tunnel tool.

Background: Vapor Tunnel (VT) technology is the result of a pulse modulation during holmium laser emission which reduces stone retropulsion. We present the outcomes of this tool in the treatment of ureteral stones.

Methods: Two hundred ten patients with a ureteral stone were randomly assigned to holmium laser lithotripsy with (group A) or without (group B) the VT technology.

Three-dimensional Model-assisted Minimally Invasive Partial Nephrectomy: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies.

Context: Use of three-dimensional (3D) guidance for nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) has increased in popularity, especially for laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Different 3D visualization modalities have been developed as promising new tools for surgical planning and intraoperative navigation.

Objectives: To summarize and evaluate the impact of 3D models on minimally invasive NSS in terms of perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes.

Development and Validation of a Novel Skills Training Model for PCNL, an ESUT project.

Background And Aim: The aim of this study is to validate a totally non biologic training model that combines the use of ultrasound and X ray to train Urologists and Residents in Urology in PerCutaneous NephroLithotripsy (PCNL).

Methods: The training pathway was divided into three modules: Module 1, related to the acquisition of basic UltraSound (US) skill on the kidney; Module 2, consisting of correct Nephrostomy placement; and Module 3, in which a complete PCNL was performed on the model. Trainees practiced on the model first on Module 1, than in 2 and in 3.

Current management of renal colic across Europe and its compliance to the European Association of Urology Guidelines on Urolithiasis: a survey from the European Section of Uro-technology, European Section of Urolithiasis, Young Academic Urologists study groups.

Introduction: Renal colic due to ureteral stones represents the primary acute condition in urology. Although guideline recommendations are available the institution, urologist, and patient preferences in diagnosis and treatment may differ. We aimed to evaluate the adherence of different European countries to the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines of urolithiasis and demonstrate trends in diagnostic and treatment approaches.

How do endoscopic bladder tumor resection techniques affect pathology practice? EAU Section of Uro-Technology (ESUT) and Uropathology (ESUP) survey.

Purpose: We aimed to examine how different endoscopic bladder tumor resection techniques affect pathologists' clinical practice patterns.

Methods: An online survey including 28 questions clustered in four main sections was prepared by the ESUT ERBT Working Group and released to the pathologists working in the institutions of experts of the ESUT Board and the working groups and experts in the uropathology working group. A descriptive analysis was performed using the collected data.

A Global Survey of Ergonomics Practice Patterns and Rates of Musculoskeletal Pain Among Urologists Performing Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery.

Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) requires urologists to adopt an awkward body posture for long durations. Few urologists receive training in ergonomics despite the availability of ergonomic best practices utilized by other surgical specialties. We characterize ergonomic practice patterns and rates of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain among urologists performing RIRS.

Emergency upper urinary tract decompression: double-J stent or nephrostomy? A European YAU/ESUT/EULIS/BSIR survey among urologists and radiologists.

Purpose: To evaluate the decompression of the pelvicalyceal system between urologists and radiologists.

Methods: A survey was distributed to urologists and to radiologists comparing double-J stent (DJS), percutaneous nephrostomy (PN) and primary ureteroscopy (URS) for three clinical scenarios (1-febrile hydronephrosis; 2-obstruction and persistent pain; 3-obstruction and anuria) before and after reading literature The survey included perception on radiation dose, cost and quality of life (QoL).

Results: Response rate was 40% (366/915).