Evaluation of a nitinol stone retrieval basket as an alternative to biopsy forceps for biopsy of suspected upper tract genitourinary malignancies.

Background: The anatomical nature of the ureteroscopic approach for biopsy of upper urothelial tract tumors requires the utilization of small instruments, often limiting biopsy specimen quality. This leads to lower-than-desired tumor grading accuracy and malignancy detection capabilities on the initial evaluation of upper tract tumor specimens. This is problematic because optimal treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) depends on early disease detection and subsequent accurate diagnosis.

Robotic-Navigated Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Placement Has Less Facet Joint Violation Than Fluoroscopy-Guided Percutaneous Screws.

Objective: To directly compare robotic-versus fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) placement in thoracolumbar spine trauma with a focus on clinically acceptable pedicle screw accuracy and facet joint violation (FJV).

Methods: A retrospective chart review assessed 37 trauma patients undergoing percutaneous thoracic and/or lumbar fixation. Postoperative computed tomography images were reviewed by authors blinded to surgical technique who assessed pedicle screw trajectory accuracy and FJV frequency.