Comparing outcomes of single-use vs reusable ureteroscopes: a systematic review and meta analysis.

Flexible ureterolithotripsy is a frequent urological procedure, usually used to remove stones from the kidney and upper ureter. Reusable uretero-scopes were the standard tool for that procedure, but recent concerns related to sterility and maintenance and repair costs created the opportunity to develop new technologies. In 2016, the first single-use digital flexible ureteroscope was introduced.

Comparative study of strategies to prevent esophageal and periesophageal injury during atrial fibrillation ablation.

Objective: To compare the prevalence of esophageal and periesophageal thermal injury in patients undergoing radiofrequency (RF) atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation using 8 mm tip catheters during three different esophageal protection strategies.

Methods: Forty-five consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF underwent first ablation procedure, besides esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) combined with radial endosonography (EUS) performed before and after the pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. Before the procedure, patients were randomly assigned to one of three esophageal lesion protection strategies: group I-without any protective or monitoring dispositive and limiting RF applications to 30 W for 20 seconds, in left atrium posterior wall (LAPW); group II-power and time of RF delivery, up to 50 W for 20 seconds at LAPW, limited by esophageal temperature monitoring; group III-applications of RF in LAPW with fixed power application of 50 W for 20 seconds during continuous esophageal cooling.

Is there a correlation between right bronchus length and diameter with age?

Objective: Right main bronchial anatomy knowledge is essential to guide endoscopic stent placement in modern era. The aim is to describe right bronchial anatomy, cross-area and its relation with the right pulmonary artery and patient's age.

Methods: One hundred thirty four cadaveric specimens were studied after approval by the Research and Ethics Committee at the University of São Paulo Medical School and Medical Forensic Institute of São Paulo.

Symptomatic pneumoperitoneum after endoscopic removal of adjustable gastric band.

Endoscopic removal of an adjustable gastric band is a feasible procedure with few complications, according to our series of 8 patients. We report the case of a 56 year-old woman who underwent endoscopic removal of a gastric band which had eroded through the gastric wall; this procedure was performed under general anesthesia, while the surgical group removed the subcutaneous port. The patient developed a large pneumoperitoneum after the procedure, and complained of back, shoulder and epigastric pain.