Publications by authors named "Bhaskar K Somani"
Assessing flexible ureteroscopy outcomes for lower Pole versus non lower Pole stones using the flexible and navigable suction ureteric access sheath: a prospective multicenter study by EAU Endourology and PEARLS group.
World J Urol
December 2024
Purpose: Use of suction in flexible ureteroscopy is increasing lately. The introduction of flexible and navigable suction access sheath (FANS) has shown improved stone free rate (SFR). However, its efficacy in lower pole stone (LPS) in terms of SFR and complications is yet to be studied.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: 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.
We aim to evaluate stone-free rate (SFR) and complications after flexible ureteroscopy (F-URS) for kidney stones, using a flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheath (FANS), comparing thulium fiber laser (TFL) and high-power holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (HPHL). Data from adults who underwent F-URS in 15 centers were prospectively analyzed (August 2023-January 2024). Exclusion criteria were ureteral stones, concomitant bilateral procedures, and renal abnormalities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To assess urologists' perceptions and current practices of using suction-based techniques and technologies in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney stones.
Materials And Methods: A customized web-based 28 items questionnaire was created. All participation was voluntary.
Purpose: To investigate the current thoughts and perspectives on kidney stone analysis amongst urologists and urology residents worldwide.
Methods: In October 2022 an online survey supported by the EULIS was circulated amongst urologists and urology residents worldwide. The survey was based on the current EAU guidelines regarding stone analysis and its role in urolithiasis management.
In this paper, we explore the usage of decision aids, patient information leaflets (PILs), videos, social media and modern technology to empower patients and enable shared decision-making (SDM). It explores the role of enhanced consent processes in urology. A re-evaluation of the conventional consent process is required towards more patient-centred care and SDM, which prioritises patient education and understanding of their medical conditions and treatment pathways.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe reused-disposable scope in flexible ureteroscopy for stones as a cost-conscious approach: Reporting the outcomes of a real-world practice multicenter study of 2183 patients by the team of worldwide endourological researchers group.
Indian J Urol
October 2024
Introduction: We aimed to assess complications and stone-free rate of flexible ureteroscopy (FU) reusing disposable scopes (RDS) after repeated sterilization.
Methods: Data from adults from 11 centers were retrospectively reviewed (January 2020-December 2022). Inclusion criteria were proximal ureteral/renal stone(s).
Article Synopsis
- The review aimed to evaluate the effects of pulse modulation technology on laser lithotripsy and prostate enucleation in endourology, focusing on efficiency, safety, and tissue interaction.
- A systematic search of studies from the last 20 years identified 29 articles that examined these technologies, with preclinical studies showing promise in stone fragmentation but mixed results in clinical settings.
- While pulse modulation can improve operational efficiency and reduce thermal safety risks, its benefits for prostate surgery outcomes remain inconsistent, yielding comparable rates to standard modalities in terms of stone-free status and complications.
Prostatic stents: a systematic review and analysis of functional outcomes and complication rate.
Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis
November 2024
Article Synopsis
Background And Objective: We analysed gender trends for urology trainees and consultants across nine European countries (Spain, UK, Netherlands, Norway, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland) over a 10-yr period (2012-2022) to gain insight into gender dynamics in urology and determine if there is increasing representation of women in the profession. This information will help in the development of more effective strategies to promote gender equality.
Methods: Data from the past decade were collected, encompassing trainee and consultant records nationally.
Background And Objective: Surgical specialties account for a significant proportion of malpractice litigation claims and complaints to the regulatory body. The aim of our study was to analyse trends and outcomes for urology malpractice claims and complaints to the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK over the last two decades.
Methods: Data were requested from the GMC and NHS Resolution under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
First clinical evaluation of a flexible digital ureteroscope with direct in scope suctioning system (Pusen DISS 7.5Ch): prospective multicentric feasibility study.
World J Urol
October 2024
Article Synopsis
- A new digital single-use flexible ureteroscope, the Pusen direct in scope suction (DISS) 7.5Fr, was evaluated in a study across six medical centers for parameters like manoeuvrability, visibility, and efficiency during laser lithotripsy for kidney stones.
- The study included 57 patients with a majority undergoing pre-stenting; results showed a high satisfaction rate among surgeons, with an initial stone free rate of 84.21% and quality parameters rated positively on a Likert scale.
- The Pusen DISS scope demonstrated overall good performance and satisfaction, prompting all participating surgeons to express a willingness to use it in future procedures, indicating potential benefits for future
Adverse events related to laser fibers and laser machines during ureteroscopy and stone lithotripsy: Insights from an updated 10-year analysis of the US MAUDE database.
Arch Ital Urol Androl
October 2024
Article Synopsis
- Ureteroscopy is increasingly used to treat kidney stones, with laser technology being a main component, prompting an analysis of adverse events related to laser fibers and machines in a national database from 2012-2021.
- A total of 699 adverse events involving holmium laser fibers were reported, with the majority caused by breakage—often occurring before laser activation—and leading to a few cancellations of procedures.
- While patient injuries from laser fibers were minimal, operating staff experienced more injuries, primarily superficial burns, highlighting the importance of safety awareness during procedures.
Article Synopsis
- A study was done to see how doctors help patients decide on treatments for a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and if they would choose differently for themselves.
- Doctors filled out a survey about their experiences and choices in treating BPH, showing that most had more experience with older methods than new ones.
- Many doctors preferred a specific treatment called HoLEP for themselves, but they might not offer it as often to their patients, suggesting they need more practice with newer techniques.
Article Synopsis
- * Data was collected from 16 centers, involving 142 patients, where 96.5% were stone-free 24 hours post-surgery, with a significant number achieving grade A (no fragments).
- * The findings suggest that using FANS-UAS results in excellent safety and efficacy within 24 hours of surgery, with the only notable complication being transient fever in 7% of patients.
Article Synopsis
- Generative artificial intelligence models, like GPT-4, are being explored for their utility in healthcare, specifically for diagnosing and treating urolithiasis in line with European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines.
- A review conducted in March 2024 involved asking GPT-4 11 questions regarding patient urolithiasis cases, with its responses evaluated by urologists for adherence to these guidelines.
- While GPT-4 generally performs well in initial diagnoses, it struggles with specific treatment details and surgical planning, indicating a need for further refinement for clinical applications.
Article Synopsis
- There is a global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) primarily attributed to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, which poses challenges for healthcare and patient treatment, especially in urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by gram-negative bacteria (GNB).
- A comprehensive analysis of over 650,000 urine cultures from a Southern England hospital over eight years revealed that Nitrofurantoin showed better effectiveness across all age groups compared to other antibiotics like ampicillin/amoxicillin and trimethoprim, which had poor resistance profiles.
- The study indicated that males and individuals over 60 are at a higher risk of developing AMR, necessitating tailored antibiotic use to improve treatment outcomes in various subpopulations.
Purpose Of Review: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has emerged as a potential contributor to the development of kidney stone disease (KSD). This study aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature, and meta-analysis of the association between MetS and KSD.
Recent Findings: Systematic review revealed Fifteen articles (433 201 patients) were eligible for analysis.
Purpose: Traditionally, bilateral urolithiasis treatment involved staged interventions due to safety concerns. Recent studies have shown that same-sitting bilateral retrograde intrarenal surgery (SSB-RIRS) is effective, with acceptable complication rates. However, there's no clear data on the optimum laser for the procedure.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Social media is integral to modern life, influencing interactions between patients and urologists, offering both educational and communication opportunities.
- While patients can benefit from support networks, the accuracy of online health information is often questionable, raising concerns about misinformation.
- For urologists, social media can enhance networking and research but also poses risks, such as mental health impacts and ethical issues regarding patient privacy and consent.