Publications by authors named "Andreas Skolarikos"
Purpose: Optimal laser settings during endoscopic stone disease management still represents a debatable issue. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize all existing evidence regarding the comparison of high-power (HP) versus low-power (LP) laser settings during different endoscopic lithotripsy procedures.
Methods: PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases were systematically screened, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines.
There has been a growing need for enhancements in healthcare delivery, especially for the improvement of surgical outcomes. Therefore, implementing consistent reporting of complications enables the evaluation of data quality and facilitates its comparison. There are currently many available reporting and grading systems each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: Ureterorenoscopy is seeing a bloom of technological advances, one of which is incorporating suction. The objective of this study is to systematically review existing literature regarding suction use in rigid and flexible ureterorenoscopy and perform meta-analysis of studies comparing suction versus no suction ureteroscopy or mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
Methods: A literature search was performed (November 2023) in MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL.
Article Synopsis
- European laparoscopic urological skills (LUSs2) curriculum is being developed to fill the gap in intermediate and advanced training for laparoscopic surgical procedures in urology, promoting uniformity and proficiency among practitioners.
- A Delphi survey with international experts helped create this curriculum; it achieved consensus on 85% of the evaluated statements regarding crucial laparoscopic procedures.
- The new curriculum aims to enhance surgical education standards, improve surgical skills, and ultimately provide better patient care, although some limitations and potential biases in the process were noted.
Article Synopsis
- Kidney stones during pregnancy are rare but difficult to manage, and there's no comprehensive survey on current management practices globally.
- A 19-item survey was developed to evaluate how different regions handle kidney stones in pregnant patients, covering demographics, diagnosis, and treatment options.
- Results showed that most hospitals lack a clear protocol, with ultrasound as the preferred imaging method, but the use of CT scans is growing, especially when ultrasound results are unclear.
Article Synopsis
- * Comprehensive metabolic screening and personalized preventative measures, like fluid intake and dietary recommendations, are crucial for patients, especially those with specific types of stones.
- * Continuous monitoring and targeted therapies are essential for managing patients at high risk of stone recurrence to improve long-term outcomes.
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.
Turk J Med Sci
May 2024
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.
Introduction: Ionizing radiation is used daily during endourological procedures. Despite the dangers of both deterministic and stochastic effects of radiation, there is a lack of knowledge and awareness among urologists. This study reviewed the literature to identify the radiation exposure (RE) of urologists during endourological procedures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- This study looked at how a special dye called indocyanine green (ICG) helps during kidney surgery to make things safer and more effective.
- Researchers reviewed different studies to find out the best uses, how much of the dye to use, and its effects on surgery time and blood loss.
- The findings showed that using ICG can lower surgery time and help doctors see better, which helps keep the kidney working well afterward.
Objective: To develop a follow-up algorithm for urinary stone patients after definitive treatment.
Materials And Methods: The panel performed a systematic review on follow-up of urinary stone patients after treatment (PROSPERO: CRD42020205739). Given the lack of comparative studies we critically evaluated the literature and reached a consensus on the follow-up scheme.
Article Synopsis
- - The study aimed to assess radiation protection practices among endourologists in Europe, focusing on compliance with recommendations from the International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) and measuring annual radiation exposure from 2017 to 2020.
- - A survey of 10 endourologists revealed that while most use basic protective gear such as lead aprons and thyroid shields, advanced protections like leaded gloves and glasses are less common; additionally, the mean radiation exposure was below safety thresholds for the chest, eyes, and extremities.
- - The findings indicated that endourologists effectively adhered to radiation safety standards, with the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) protocol in place to further minimize exposure during procedures like per
Background: In urology, ureteral stents are used to treat obstructive diseases. Hematuria (54%), fever, discomfort, and lower urinary system symptoms are the predominant symptoms related to ureteral stent.
Aim: This article links stent symptoms to double-j width and length, as well as patient's height, weight, and body mass index (BMI).
Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as a clinical entity that affects many people, has always been in the forefront of interest among researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and physicians. Patients with BPH exhibit a diverse range of symptoms, while current treatment options can occasionally cause adverse events. All the aforementioned have led to an increased demand for more effective treatment options.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Evidence-based guidelines are published by urological organisations for various conditions, including urolithiasis. In this paper, we provide guidance on the management of kidney stone disease (KSD) and compare the American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urologists (EAU) guidelines.
Methods: We evaluate and appraise the evidence and grade of recommendation provided by the AUA and EAU guidelines on urolithiasis (both surgical and medical management).
This comprehensive review critically examines the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and radiomics in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of bladder, kidney, and prostate cancers. These cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing the landscape of cancer care, enhancing both precision and personalization in medical treatments. Our review provides an in-depth analysis of the latest advancements in AI and radiomics, with a specific focus on their roles in urological oncology.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUrachal cancer is a rare and aggressive type of cancer, frequently characterized by a lack of prominent symptoms. We herein report a case of a 50-year-old female with mucin-producing adenocarcinoma originating from the urachus who underwent partial cystectomy and the patient remains disease-free for 30 months after treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: Urolithiasis has become increasingly prevalent, leading to higher disability-adjusted life years and deaths. Various stone classification systems have been developed to enhance the understanding of lithogenesis, aid urologists in treatment decisions, and predict recurrence risk. The aim of this manuscript is to provide an overview of different stone classification criteria.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: The area of paediatric endourology is unique and is recognised to be challenging, and it requires a certain level of focused training and expertise. Our aim was to conduct a worldwide survey in order to gain an overview regarding the current practice patterns for minimally invasive treatments of paediatric upper urinary tract stone patients.
Material And Methods: The survey was distributed between December 2021 and April 2022 through urology sections and societies in United Kingdom, Latin America and Asia.
Radical prostatectomy significantly impacts the inherent anatomy of the male pelvis and the functional mechanisms of urinary continence. Incontinence has a considerable negative influence on the quality of life of patients, as well as their social and psychological wellbeing. Numerous surgical techniques have been demonstrated to support the preservation of continence during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To determine whether preoperative use of JJ stents in patients undergoing shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) impacts on stone clearance and the rate of postoperative complications.
Patients And Methods: We screened multiple databases from inception to January 2021, using the relevant search terms for SWL in patients with a preoperative stent. Inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials of ≥20 patients aged >18 years who had had SWL with a JJ stent.