Innovative use of the new pulsed-thulium: YAG laser for ureteroscopic lithotripsy: can the "kidney stone calculator" predict lithotripsy duration?

To assess the accuracy of Kidney Stone Calculator(KSC), a software designed for surgical planning, in predicting the duration of lithotripsy during flexible ureteroscopy(FURS) when using the novel pulsed-Thulium: YAG(p-Tm: YAG) laser. From February to August 2023, a single-center prospective study was conducted, including patients with kidney or ureteral stones through non-contrast computed tomography(NCCT), who underwent FURS with p-Tm: YAG laser lithotripsy. KSC used three-dimensional segmentation of the stones from NCCT images, along with an interactive user interface for laser settings, to estimate the stone volume(SV) and the lithotripsy duration(LD).

Assessing flexible ureteroscopy outcomes for lower Pole versus non lower Pole stones using the flexible and navigable suction ureteric access sheath: a prospective multicenter study by EAU Endourology and PEARLS group.

Purpose: Use of suction in flexible ureteroscopy is increasing lately. The introduction of flexible and navigable suction access sheath (FANS) has shown improved stone free rate (SFR). However, its efficacy in lower pole stone (LPS) in terms of SFR and complications is yet to be studied.

Comparing Thulium Fiber Versus High-Power Holmium Laser Lithotripsy Combined with the Flexible and Navigable Suction Access Sheath in Flexible Ureteroscopy for Kidney Stone Disease: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis by the Global FANS Collaborative Group.

We aim to evaluate stone-free rate (SFR) and complications after flexible ureteroscopy (F-URS) for kidney stones, using a flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheath (FANS), comparing thulium fiber laser (TFL) and high-power holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (HPHL). Data from adults who underwent F-URS in 15 centers were prospectively analyzed (August 2023-January 2024). Exclusion criteria were ureteral stones, concomitant bilateral procedures, and renal abnormalities.

Thulium fiber laser versus pulsed Thulium:YAG for laser lithotripsy during flexible ureteroscopy.

To compare the pulsed-Thulium: YAG(p-Tm: YAG) and Thulium Fiber(TFL) lasers in terms of efficiency and safety profiles during flexible ureteroscopy(fURS) and endocorporeal laser lithotripsy(ELL). A prospective single-center open-label comparative study included consecutive patients with ureteral and renal stones who underwent fURS using Thulio(p-Tm: YAG, Dornier©,Germany) or TFL Drive(TFL, Coloplast©,Danemark), with 270 μm and 150/200μm laser fibers(LF), respectively. fURS were performed by a single operator in each group.

A Global Survey to Assess Urologists' Attitudes Towards Suction Technology in Endourology by the European Association of Urology Section of Endourology and Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions.

Objective: To assess urologists' perceptions and current practices of using suction-based techniques and technologies in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney stones.

Materials And Methods: A customized web-based 28-item questionnaire was created. All participation was voluntary.

Can suction technology be a potential game changer that reshapes pediatric endourological interventions? Results from a scoping review.

Purpose: To systematically review the use of suction/vacuum-assisted retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in children/adolescents with kidney stones.

Methods: The PICOS model (Patient Intervention Comparison Outcome Study type) was used to frame and answer the clinical question; P: children and adolescent men with kidney stones; I: use of suction during PCNL or RIRS; C: no suction devices or none; O: complications and stone-free rate (SFR); S: prospective and retrospective studies; case reports. The literature search was performed on 14th May 2024 using Embase, PubMed, and Scopus.

The reused-disposable scope in flexible ureteroscopy for stones as a cost-conscious approach: Reporting the outcomes of a real-world practice multicenter study of 2183 patients by the team of worldwide endourological researchers group.

Introduction: We aimed to assess complications and stone-free rate of flexible ureteroscopy (FU) reusing disposable scopes (RDS) after repeated sterilization.

Methods: Data from adults from 11 centers were retrospectively reviewed (January 2020-December 2022). Inclusion criteria were proximal ureteral/renal stone(s).

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.

A bench-top evaluation of the Ily® robotics assisted tele console system in ureteroscopy by medical students, residents and urologists: does prior videogaming experience help shape the learning curve?

Purpose: Previous studies have demonstrated an association between video-gaming experience (VGE) and improved robotics skills. We aimed to evaluate the initial learning curve for the Ily® robotics system (Sterlab, Sophia Antipolis, France) when applied to flexible ureteroscopy (FU) among both medical students and urology surgeons.

Methods: There were two groups, surgeons and students.

Comparison of Pulsed-Thulium:YAG, Holmium:YAG, and Thulium Fiber Laser.

To characterize the pulse characteristics and risk of fiber fracture (ROF) of the pulsed-Thulium:YAG (p-Tm:YAG) laser and to compare its ablation volumes (AVs) against Holmium:Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (Ho:YAG) laser and Thulium fiber laser (TFL). p-Tm:YAG (100 W-Thulio, Dornier-Medtech, Germany) was characterized using single-use 272 μm core-diameter-fibers. p-Tm:YAG characterization included pulse shape, duration, and peak power (PP) studies.

Comparing thulium fiber versus high power holmium laser in bilateral same sitting retrograde intrarenal surgery for kidney stones: Results from a multicenter study.

Purpose: Traditionally, bilateral urolithiasis treatment involved staged interventions due to safety concerns. Recent studies have shown that same-sitting bilateral retrograde intrarenal surgery (SSB-RIRS) is effective, with acceptable complication rates. However, there's no clear data on the optimum laser for the procedure.

Assessment of Holmium:YAG, Pulsed-Thulium:YAG and Thulium Fiber Lasers for Urinary Stone Ablation. Study.

To evaluate the ablation speed (AS), laser efficiency and direct thermal lesions during urinary stone lithotripsy with the current available laser technologies: Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG), pulsed-Thulium:YAG (p-Tm:YAG) and thulium fiber laser (TFL) using different laser settings. Ho:YAG, p-Tm:YAG, and TFL laser system were used in an ureteral model with a volume of 125 mm Begostone. The following parameters were tested across all laser devices: 0.

Direct in-scope suction: an in vitro evaluation of a single use flexible ureteroscope with integrated suction capability.

Purpose: To evaluate the stone clearance rate and limitations of a novel integrated suction capability within a single-use flexible ureteroscope according to stone particle size.

Methods: Varying sized stone particles were created using a stone phantom (Begostone Plus, Bego ©, Lincoln, RI, USA). Particle size ranged as follows: 63-125 µm, 125-250 µm, 250-500 µm, 500 µm- 1 mm and 1-2 mm.

Steady-state versus burst lasing techniques for thulium fiber laser.

Objective: To evaluate the stone ablation rate and direct thermal damage from thulium fiber laser (TFL) lithotripsy using continuous (C) and burst (B) lasing techniques on an in vitro ureteral model.

Methods: The TFL Drive (Coloplast, Humlebaek, Denmark) was used in an in vitro saline-submerged ureteral model. Ten participants, including five junior and five experienced urologists, conducted the experimental setup with 7 different settings comparing two lasing techniques: steady-state lasing (0.

Temperature profile during endourological laser activation: introducing the thermal safety distance concept.

Purpose: To examine temporal-spatial distribution of heat generated upon laser activation in a bench model of renal calyx. To establish reference values for a safety distance between the laser fiber and healthy tissue during laser lithotripsy.

Methods: We developed an in-vitro experimental setup employing a glass pipette and laser activation under various intra-operative parameters, such as power and presence of irrigation.

Comprehensive Approaches to Urolithiasis in Renal Transplants: A Narrative Review.

This review addresses the management of urolithiasis in renal transplant recipients, a notably vulnerable group due to the unique anatomical and physiological alterations of the transplanted organ. The prevalence of nephrolithiasis in these patients varies between 0.1% and 6.

Treatment of Urolithiasis with Thulium Fiber Laser in Fragmentation Mode Using Optimized Pulse Sequences.

The super-pulsed thulium fiber laser (SP TFL) is a new alternative to high-power holmium laser for intracorporeal lithotripsy. The SP TFL has shown advantages in dusting regimes, but benefits in fragmentation regimes are less understood. The second-generation SP TFL introduces an advanced fragmentation pulse (AFP) sequence to maximize SP TFL's efficiency in fragmentation.

Acknowledging acute kidney disease following ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy: results from a tertiary care referral center.

Background: Acute kidney disease (AKD) is a recently described syndrome consisting of kidney function abnormalities lasting less than 3 months. Little is known regarding AKD following ureteroscopy (URS) and laser lithotripsy.

Objective: To evaluate the occurrence and evolution of AKD in stone patients treated with URS.