Effect of perioperative tamsulosin on successful ureteral access sheath placement and stent-related symptom relief: A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of administering tamsulosin before surgery on the successful insertion of a 12/14 French (F) ureteral access sheath (UAS) during the procedure, as well as the impact of preoperative and postoperative tamsulosin use on symptoms related to the ureteral stent.

Materials And Methods: This study was a randomized, single-center, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial involving 200 patients who underwent unilateral retrograde intrarenal surgery. Patients received either tamsulosin (0.

Deep-Learning Segmentation of Urinary Stones in Noncontrast Computed Tomography.

Noncontrast CT (NCCT) relies on labor-intensive examinations of CT slices to identify urolithiasis in the urinary tract, and, despite the use of deep-learning algorithms, false positives remain. A total of 410 NCCT axial scans from patients undergoing surgical treatment for urolithiasis were used for model development. The deep learning model was customized to combine a urolithiasis segmentation with per-slice classification for screening.

The usefulness and ergonomics of a new robotic system for flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy for treating renal stones.

Purpose: To investigate the usefulness and ergonomics of a newly developed robotic system for flexible ureteroscopy (easyUretero).

Materials And Methods: During testing, six participants performed renal stone removal four times in an artificial kidney-ureter-bladder model. Each participant manipulated a single-use digital flexible ureteroscope (LithoVue) with their hands and the robotic system, sequentially.

Efficacy and Safety of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells according to Injection Route and Dose in a Chronic Kidney Disease Rat Model.

Background And Objectives: We compared the efficacy and safety of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSC), delivered at different doses and via different injection routes in an animal model of chronic kidney disease.

Methods And Results: A total of ninety 12-week-old rats underwent 5/6 nephrectomy and randomized among nine groups: sham, renal artery control (RA-C), tail vein control (TV-C), renal artery low dose (RA-LD) (0.5×10 cells), renal artery moderate dose (RA-MD) (1.

Air-Permeable Waterproofing Electrocardiogram Patch to Monitor Full-Day Activities for Multiple Days.

On-skin healthcare patch-type devices have great technological challenges in monitoring full-day activities and wearing for multiple days without detachment. These challenges can be overcome when the sensor is air permeable but waterproof. This study presents a light-weight, highly stable, and stretchable Au electrode that is fabricated by sputtering on an imidized nanofiber mat.

Effect of Processing Route on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties in Single-Roll Angular-Rolling.

This paper reports the effect of the processing route on the microstructure and mechanical properties in the pure copper sheets processed by single-roll angular-rolling (SRAR). The SRAR process was repeated up to six passes in two processing routes, called routes A and C in equal-channel angular pressing. As the number of passes increased, the heterogeneous evolution of hardness and microstructural heterogeneities between the core and surface regions gradually became intensified in both processing routes.

Association of Prevalence of Benign Pathologic Findings After Partial Nephrectomy With Preoperative Imaging Patterns in the United States From 2007 to 2014.

Importance: Although the intent of nephron-sparing surgery is to eradicate malignant tumors found on preoperative imaging, benign masses often cannot be differentiated from malignant tumors. However, in the past there have been discrepancies in the reported percentages of benign masses removed by partial nephrectomy (PNx).

Objective: To investigate the annual trend of prevalence of benign pathologic findings after PNx and to investigate what potential factors are associated with this prevalence.

Hygroscopic Auxetic On-Skin Sensors for Easy-to-Handle Repeated Daily Use.

Despite the advance of on-skin sensors over the last decade, a sensor that solves simultaneously the critical issues for using in everyday life, such as stable performance in various environments, use over a long period of time, and repeated use by easy handling, has not yet been achieved. Here, we introduce an auxetic hygroscopic sensor that simultaneously meets all of the conditions. The auxetic structure with a negative Poisson's ratio matches with deformation of the skin in ankles; hence, a conformal contact between the sensor and the skin could be maintained during repeated movements.

, , and clinical tests of a novel flexible ureteroscope for the diagnosis and treatment of kidney and ureteral diseases.

Purpose: Despite advances in flexible ureteroscopy, the high cost and long repair time of ureteroscopes limit their use in the urology. We compared the performance of a novel flexible ureteroscope (fURS) 'HF-EH' with that of the two contemporary fURSs 'URF-P6' and 'COBRA'.

Materials And Methods: We compared measurements of deflection angle, irrigation flow rate, and image quality between HF-EH and URF-P6 while also inspecting renal collecting systems in five female pigs.

National trends of preoperative imaging modalities before partial nephrectomy for renal masses in the U.S. from 2007-2015.

Introduction: Although the performance of partial nephrectomies (PN) for renal masses has increased rapidly over the years, only a few studies have investigated the frequency and patterns of preoperative imaging modalities. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and patterns in preoperative imaging modalities before PN.

Methods: A total of 21 445 patients who underwent PN between 2007 and 2015 were selected from a national representative population in the MarketScan database and included in this study.

Risk factors for acute kidney injury after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Implications of intraoperative hypotension.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is a minimally invasive technique for renal stone removal but can cause renal parenchymal injury. Renal stones can also affect renal function. We evaluated the risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) after PNL.

Evaluation of Performance Parameters of the Disposable Flexible Ureterorenoscope (LITHOVUE) in Patients with Renal Stones: A Prospective, Observational, Single-arm, Multicenter Study.

We investigated performance parameters of disposable flexible ureterorenoscopy (LITHOVUE) in patients with renal stones in a prospective, multicenter, observational study. Sixty two patients who underwent ureterorenoscopic surgery by LITHOVUE were included. Surgeons using a numerical scale, evaluated the maneuverability of the scopes and general perceptions of visibility related to the monitor and irrigation systems.

Metal Deposition on a Self-Generated Microfibril Network to Fabricate Stretchable Tactile Sensors Providing Analog Position Information.

Stretchable conductors and sensors have attracted great attention for use in electronic skin and healthcare monitoring. Despite the development of many stretchable conductors, there are still very few studies that utilize the conventional methods making electrodes and circuits used in current industry. A method is proposed to fabricate a stretchable electrode pattern and a stretchable tactile sensor by simply depositing linear metal lines through a mask on a stretchable substrate.

The influence of prior laparoscopic experience on learning laparoendoscopic single site surgery: a prospective comparative preliminary study using cystorraphy in a live porcine model.

Background: The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of prior laparoscopic experience on the ability to learn laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) skills.

Methods: A total of 33 urologists who completed a training program in LESS surgery were recruited for this study. After completing the educational course and training, the study participants demonstrated LESS suturing and knot-tying via a 2-cm cystotomy in a live porcine model for 15 min.

The efficacy of performing shockwave lithotripsy before retrograde intrarenal surgery in the treatment of multiple or large (≥1.5 cm) nephrolithiasis: A propensity score matched analysis.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of performing shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) before retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) on the treatment outcomes of patients with nephrolithiasis.

Materials And Methods: The data of 189 patients with renal stones who underwent RIRS from July 2007 to July 2014 was reviewed retrospectively. Patients with stones larger than 1.

Long-Term Outcomes of Double-Layered Polytetrafluoroethylene Membrane-Covered Self-Expandable Segmental Metallic Stents (Uventa) in Patients with Chronic Ureteral Obstructions: Is It Really Safe?

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy and safety of double-layered polytetrafluoroethylene membrane-covered self-expandable segmental metallic stents (Uventa) in patients with chronic ureteral obstruction.

Materials And Methods: In a retrospective study, a total of 50 ureter units (44 patients) with chronic obstructions were included from July 2010 to May 2015. Indications for Uventa placement were primary stenting for malignant ureteral obstruction, failed conventional polymeric Double-J stent (PS), or percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) technique, with comorbidities or fears limiting PS/PCN changes, or with irritation or pain due to PS/PCN.

Outcomes of patients with ureteral obstruction who achieved stent-free state following balloon dilatation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic role of ureteral stent removal following balloon dilatation (BD) in patients with a stent implanted for unilateral ureteral obstruction and with normal contralateral renal function.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective cohort study consisted of 37 consecutive patients with unilateral ureteral obstruction whose stents were removed after BD. All patients satisfied the following criteria: normal contralateral renal function, no evidence of malignancy, and the patient was eager to obtain a stent-free state (SFS) without invasive treatment.

Risk factors for pulmonary complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A retrospective observational analysis.

Although percutaneous nephrolithotomy is minimally invasive, it is associated with several complications, including extravasation of fluid and urine, the need for a blood transfusion, and septicemia. However, little is known about pulmonary complications after this procedure. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the risk factors for and outcomes of pulmonary complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Effects of Continuous Peritubal Local Anesthetic Instillation on Postoperative Pain After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Prospective, Randomized Three-Arm Study.

Objective: We evaluated the effects of continuous instillation of a local anesthetic at the nephrostomy site on postoperative pain following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Patients And Methods: Sixty patients who underwent PCNL between August 2013 and March 2015 were enrolled in this randomized prospective study. The following three groups comprising 20 patients each were analyzed: Group A, continuous infiltration of local anesthetic at the nephrostomy site; Group B, local anesthetic injected only once; and Group C, 0.

Ileal Augmentation Cystoplasty Combined with Ileal Ureter Replacement After Radical Treatment for Cervical Cancer.

Background: This study reviewed the outcomes for patients who underwent simultaneous bladder and ureter reconstructive surgery using the ileum after radical treatment for cervical cancer.

Methods: The medical records of seven patients who underwent augmentation ileocystoplasty with ileal ureter replacement between September 2006 and May 2013 were reviewed. Data on indications for surgery, underlying urologic comorbidities, type of ureteral replacement, postoperative complications, and changes in renal function were obtained.

Outcomes of stent-change therapy for bilateral malignancy-related ureteral obstruction.

Objective: To study the long-term outcomes of stent-change therapy for malignancy-related ureteral obstruction in terms of renal function outcomes.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 87 consecutive patients who underwent bilateral ureteral stenting for malignant bilateral ureteral obstruction. Predictive value of clinical variables, such as age, sex, comorbidities, renal function at time of stenting, and securing of the dominant functional kidney or both with early percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) conversion on renal function preservation, were analyzed.

Complications after polymeric and metallic ureteral stent placements including three types of fistula.

Purpose: To report complications, including three types of fistula, intractable hematuria, and pain, which can develop after polymeric ureteral stent (PUS) or metallic ureteral stent placements and to evaluate the risk factors for these adverse events.

Patients And Methods: We reviewed seven patients referred to our trauma and reconstructive subdivision for complications that presented after placement of a PUS (two patients), double-layered, coated, self-expandable, mesh metallic stent (three patients), Memokath stent (one patient), or Resonance stent (one patient). We retrospectively reviewed their medical records and accessed the predisposing factors, mechanism of injury, diagnosis, and interventional and surgical management.