Kidney stone analysis: an EAU section of urolithiasis (EULIS) survey on current practices and perspectives worldwide.

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.

Multicenter outcome analysis of different sheath sizes for Flexible and Navigable Suction ureteral access sheath (FANS) ureteroscopy: an EAU Endourology collaboration with the global FANS study group.

Flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheath (FANS) is a potential game changer in flexible ureteroscopy (FURS). The influence of sheath size on outcomes needs research. The primary aim was to analyze 30-day single stage stone free status (SFS), zero fragment rate (ZFR) and complications when using 10/12Fr sheaths vis a vis other sheath sizes.

Pressure reduction and suction characteristics of the new digital single use flexible ureteroscope with suction: an in-vitro experimental study.

Purpose: To assess the time taken by the single use 7.5Fr suction flexible ureteroscope to reduce pressure under 40 mm Hg and to characterize the behavior of stones, fragments and dust during suction activation.

Methods: An in vitro setting was developed for this experiment.

BRAF Detection in FNAC Combined with Semi-Quantitative Tc-MIBI Technique and AI Model, an Economic and Efficient Predicting Tool for Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules.

Background: Technology allows us to predict a histopathological diagnosis, but the high costs prevent the large-scale use of these possibilities. The current liberal indication for surgery in benign thyroid conditions led to a rising frequency of incidental thyroid carcinoma, especially low-risk papillary micro-carcinomas.

Methods: We selected a cohort of 148 patients with thyroid nodules by ultrasound characteristics and investigated them by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)and prospective BRAF collection for 70 patients.

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).

Practices and utility of imaging among urological communities for urolithiasis, observations, and inferences from a targeted survey.

To evaluate the general practice among urologists about the use of various radiological imaging and measurement tools, and to compare the different preferences in radiological evaluations between Turkish and European urologists. Our study was designed as a survey study. The survey comprised 22 questions which evaluated the epidemiological information, caseload of participants, general preferences of participants on CT image slice thickness, basic radiologic workup routines prior to surgery, use of special tools and measurements on CT.

Ablation rates with Holmium:YAG and Thulium Fiber Laser: Influence of the stone phantom homogeneity. An in vitro study.

Objectives: The lithotripsy efficiency (LE) in vitro study requires artificial or human stone samples (AS, HS). With the development of dusting lithotripsy, less ex vivo HS are available. We aimed to compare Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) and Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG)'s LE and define the most accurate LE parameter.

How Reliable Is Endoscopic Stone Recognition? A Comparison Between Visual Stone Identification and Formal Stone Analysis.

To assess the diagnostic accuracy and intra-observer agreement of endoscopic stone recognition (ESR) compared with formal stone analysis. Stone analysis is a corner stone in the prevention of stone recurrence. Although X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy are the recommended techniques for reliable formal stone analysis, this is not always possible, and the process takes time and is costly.

A very rare case of FLT3-D835 positive blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm.

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasms (BPDCNs) are extremely rare and aggressive hematological malignancies that derive from precursors of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) and frequently involve skin lesions and bone marrow infiltration. They mostly affect the elderly population and the prognosis is poor with the therapeutic choices currently available. Diagnosis is made with the help of tools such as immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

Global Variations in the Mineral Content of Bottled Still and Sparkling Water and a Description of the Possible Impact on Nephrological and Urological Diseases.

Kidney stone disease (KSD) is a complex disease. Besides the high risk of recurrence, its association with systemic disorders contributes to the burden of disease. Sufficient water intake is crucial for prevention of KSD, however, the mineral content of water might influence stone formation, bone health and cardiovascular (CVD) risk.

Efficacy and safety of the EMS Swiss LithoClast® Trilogy for PCNL: results of the European multicentre prospective study on behalf of European Section of UroTechnology.

Purpose: PCNL requires a lithotrite to efficiently break stones, and some devices include active suction to remove the fragments. We set out to determine the efficacy and safety of the Swiss LithoClast® Trilogy, in a prospective European multicentre evaluation and compared it to published stone clearance rates for Trilogy based on surface area (68.9 mm/min) and using the 3D calculated stone volume (526.

A call for HoLEP: AEEP for mega-prostates (≥ 200 cc).

Purpose: To evaluate the efficiency and efficacy of HoLEP, and methods of tissue retrieval, in patients with prostate volume (PV) ≥ 200 cc (Group 1) and to compare these to patients with PV 80-199 cc (Group 2).

Methods: A database of all cases performed under the care of two surgeons at a tertiary HoLEP centre was reviewed.

Results: 157 patients with PV ≥ 200 cc were compared to 157 of the most recent consecutive cases with PV 80-199 cc.

Percutaneous Cystolitholapaxy Using the LithoClast Trilogy for Multiple Bladder Stones.

Multiple large bladder calculi are traditionally managed through open cystolithotomy or transurethrally in patients who have an open bladder neck. Open procedures are technically challenging in patients who may have had multiple previous open surgeries, and may be associated with significant morbidity in patients with a high comorbid burden. Therefore, a percutaneous approach to such stones has been used especially when there is a closed bladder neck, and has been shown to be effective.

Reusable flexible ureterorenoscopes are more cost-effective than single-use scopes: results of a systematic review from PETRA Uro-group.

Clinical data suggest an equipoise between single-use (disposable) and reusable flexible ureterorenoscope (fURS) in terms of scope characteristics, manipulation, view and clinical outcomes. The procedural cost of reusable fURS is dependent on the initial and repair cost, maintenance and scope sterilization and on the number of procedures performed/repair. We conducted a systematic review on the procedural cost ($) of fURS based on the individual authors reported data on the number of procedures performed before repair and to see if it is a feasible option compared to single use fURS.

Pictorial review of tips and tricks for ureteroscopy and stone treatment: an essential guide for urologists from PETRA research consortium.

With an increase in the number of ureteroscopy (URS) procedures, URS is now performed more widely and is becoming a standard procedure for all urologists. There is also a rise in the complexity of these procedures and URS is now offered for treatment of stones as well as for diagnosis and treatment of urothelial tumours. We wanted to provide a 'pictorial review' of the 'tips and tricks' of URS, as the finer and technical details are often easier to understand and remember with images rather than through textual explanations.

Characteristics of current digital single-use flexible ureteroscopes versus their reusable counterparts: an comparative analysis.

Background: Single-use flexible ureterorenoscopes (fURSs) have been recently introduced aiming to offer solutions to the sterilization, fragility and cost issues of the reusable fURSs. In order to be a viable alternative, the single-use scopes must prove similar capabilities when compared to their reusable counterparts. The goal of our study was to compare the current reusable and single-use digital fURSs regarding their deflection, irrigation and vision characteristics.

The industrial revolution for the management of benign prostate obstruction: worldwide publication trends for surgical and medical therapies over the past two decades.

Introduction: Research for management of benign prostate obstruction (BPO) for adult males remains a cornerstone of urology research. This landscape has witnessed the rise and fall of multiple therapies, both surgical and medical. Our aim was to formally evaluate the publication trends for these interventions over the past 20 years.

ABL1 tyrosine kinase domain mutations in chronic myeloid leukemia treatment resistance.

The development of mutations in the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene transcript causes resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) based therapy in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Thereby, screening for BCR-ABL1 mutations is advised especially in patients undergoing poor response to treatment. In the current study the authors investigated 43 patients with CML that failed or had suboptimal response to TKIs treatment.

Outcomes and Long-term Follow-up of Patients with Cystine Stones: a Systematic Review.

Purpose Of Review: Cystine stone patients can be difficult to manage with frequent recurrences. We performed a systematic review with a view to assessing interventions, compliance and their long-term outcomes.

Recent Findings: Ten retrospective observational studies (253 patients) assessed the outcomes and long-term follow-up of cystine stone patients.

Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy in non-contact mode: optimization of fiber to stone working distance to improve ablation efficiency.

Purpose: To evaluate how variable working distances between the laser fiber and the stone influence ablation volume.

Methods: A laser fiber was fixed on a robotic arm perpendicular to an artificial stone. A single laser pulse was triggered at different working distances (0-2.

The new Avicenna Roboflex: How does the irrigation system work? Results from an in vitro experiment.

Introduction: Since 2012 Elmed has been working on a robot specifically designed for flexible ureteroscopy. After the first version of Avicenna Roboflex, a second version was developed in 2015, with significant changes especially in the irrigation system. We consider mandatory for the endourologist that works with the Avicenna Roboflex be aware of the functioning of the irrigation system.

Ureteroscopy in pregnant women with complicated colic pain: Is there any risk of premature labor?

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: 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.