The Impact of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and PET/MRI on the Management of Prostate Cancer.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a transmembrane protein with significantly increased expression in the cells and metastases of prostate carcinoma (CaP). PSMA-expression correlates with higher serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and a higher Gleason score (GS). This finding has led to the development of novel imaging modalities such as 68Ga-/18F-labeled PSMA positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI).

Evaluation of Novel Ball-Tip Holmium Laser Fiber: Impact on Ureteroscope Performance and Fragmentation Efficiency.

Purpose: A novel ball tip (BT) holmium laser fiber has recently been developed, which features a modified rounded tip. The modification is purported to aid in insertion and minimize damage to the ureteroscope working channel. We evaluated this laser fiber with regard to stone comminution, tip degradation, insertional force into the ureteroscope, and impact on ureteroscope deflection.

Balloon Dilation of the Ureter: A Contemporary Review of Outcomes and Complications.

Purpose: During ureteroscopy ureteral balloon dilation may be necessary to allow for passage of endoscopic instruments or access sheaths. We assessed the efficacy and complications associated with ureteral balloon dilation.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records at 2 institutions from 2000 to 2012 to identify patients who underwent ureteral balloon dilation during ureteroscopic treatment of upper tract stones.

Does body mass index impact the outcomes of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy?

Objective: To evaluate whether body mass index (BMI) has an impact on the outcomes of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent tubeless PCNL at our institution from 2006 to 2011. Specifically, stone-free rates, complications, and hospital length of stay (LOS) were assessed.

Improving the lens design and performance of a contemporary electromagnetic shock wave lithotripter.

The efficiency of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), a noninvasive first-line therapy for millions of nephrolithiasis patients, has not improved substantially in the past two decades, especially in regard to stone clearance. Here, we report a new acoustic lens design for a contemporary electromagnetic (EM) shock wave lithotripter, based on recently acquired knowledge of the key lithotripter field characteristics that correlate with efficient and safe SWL. The new lens design addresses concomitantly three fundamental drawbacks in EM lithotripters, namely, narrow focal width, nonidealized pulse profile, and significant misalignment in acoustic focus and cavitation activities with the target stone at high output settings.

Report of a rare fistula between a Studer neobladder and external iliac artery.

A neobladder-arterial fistula is a very rare complication following cystectomy, with only 1 previously reported case. Delay in diagnosis can be rapidly fatal and requires prompt intervention. We report the case of a 63-year-old male who developed massive hematuria, and was found to have a fistula between the right external iliac artery and Studer neobladder during emergent exploratory laparotomy.

Digital tomosynthesis: a new technique for imaging nephrolithiasis. Specific organ doses and effective doses compared with renal stone protocol noncontrast computed tomography.

Objective: To determine organ-specific doses (ODs) and effective dose (ED) for digital tomosynthesis (DT) and compare it with our institutional renal stone protocol noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT).

Methods: A validated anthropomorphic male phantom was placed supine on a digital GE Definium 8000 radiological scanner. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed in 256 locations and used to measure OD.

Radiation exposure in urology: a genitourinary catalogue for diagnostic imaging.

Purpose: Computerized tomography use increased exponentially in the last 3 decades, and it is commonly used to evaluate many urological conditions. Ionizing radiation exposure from medical imaging is linked to the risk of malignancy. We measured the organ and calculated effective doses of different studies to determine whether the dose-length product method is an accurate estimation of radiation exposure.