Abhijit Patil

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition characterized by the progressive and irreversible loss of renal function, potentially leading to the need for renal replacement therapy, either dialysis or transplantation

Background: Mock exams have become an integral part of urology training, presently conducted in a real classroom (physical mock exam- PME). We conducted a mock exam in a virtual classroom (online mock exam- OME) for 130 urology residents. A survey was conducted to compare OME and PME. Methods: Questionnaire was developed, consisting of 16 questions, of which two question were matrix, others had options. For the matrix questions the candidates had to rate the components of the PME and OME on a scale of 1 to 5. Results: Out of the 130, 103 (86.55%) were eligible for analysis. Regarding, ease of understanding the question and fulfilling the expectations both modalities were rated highly (95.15% versus 93.2%, p=0.552 and 89.32 versus 83.5%, p=0.221). OME fared better than PME, with regards to the questions addressing; ease of understanding the explanation (p=0.000), fluency of interaction (p=0.000), ability to concentrate (p=0.002), feeling of involvement (p=0.000), logistic convenience (p=0.001), ability to network and ability to balance commitments (p=0.000). PME was superior in interacting with peers (p=0.000), and peer motivation helping them concentrate better (p=0.001). Out of the 103 respondents 79 (66.39%) recommended an OME for future. Conclusions: Online platform can be effectively used to conduct a mock exam. It is not only noninferior to PME but also has many advantages. This survey shows OME has a potential to replace PME.

Purpose of Review Data are lacking on distribution of size of fragments created with the laser lithotripsy, stone density, and composition. Dust (< 1 mm) and small fragments (1–3 mm) may be too small to be efficiently removed with forceps compared to larger fragments (> 3 mm). We aim to report the size distribution of fragments formed during holmium laser lithotripsy. Recent Findings One hundred ten patients with renal calculi < 3 cm underwent miniPCNL using ClearPetra sheath (Well Lead Medical Co., China) with controllable irrigation and suction system that minimizes fragment dispersion and maximizes fragment aspiration. Moses holmium laser (Lumenis INC, Israel) was used with predefined laser energy settings for lithotripsy. Proportion of fragment size < 1 mm was 46.36 ± 16.68%, 1–3 mm was 28.18 ± 10.01%, and > 3 mm was 25.19 ± 16.18% for the entire cohort. Complete stone clearance at 48 h was achieved in 77.3% cases. The remaining 22.7% patients had complete clearance at 1-month follow-up CT. Summary In all the stone density, volume, and composition groups, majority of fragments created were either < 1 mm or 1–3 mm. Only 25% fragments were > 3 mm that would get aspirated out through the sheath with suction or could be retrieved with forceps. The combination of a high-power holmium laser and suction would help in complete stone clearance with effective aspiration of smaller stone fragments and dust simultaneously during lasing.

Introduction There has been recent introduction of novel lithotripters and high-power lasers for stone disintegration. With miniaturization of PCNL, there is need of effective disintegration and faster stone-clearance. This study aimed to evaluate efficiency of Trilogy™ and Thulium fibre laser (TFL) in mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL). Methods This is prospective study comparing efficiency and outcomes of Trilogy™ and TFL in mini-PCNL between January 2019 and February 2020. Primary objective was to compare stone fragmentation rates, with secondary objectives beings stone-free rates and complications. Results There were 60 mini-PCNL with suction using either Trilogy™ or TFL energy source. Mean stone size and density were 27.60 ± 10.17 mm, 22.04 ± 9.69 mm (p = 0.05) and 1172.9 ± 313.5HU, 1308.9 ± 333.9HU (p = 0.10) for Trilogy™ and TFL, respectively. Using 3D doctor imaging software from CT images, mean stone volumes were 3718.9 ± 3038.7mm³ for Trilogy™ and 3425.9 ± 3096.1mm³ for TFL(p = 0.77). Using probe-activation time or lasing time, stone-fragmentation rate was 5.98 ± 4.25mm³/sec for Trilogy™ and 3.95 ± 1.00mm³/sec for TFL(p = 0.015). Treatment time (puncture to complete clearance) was 32.48 ± 15.39 min for Trilogy™ and 28.63 ± 18.56 min for TFL(p = 0.38). Haemoglobin drop was 1.19 ± 0.76gm/dl for Trilogy™ and 0.99 ± 0.74gm/dl for TFL (p = 0.30). Trilogy™ arm had 96.6% complete clearance and TFL had 76.6% in TFL at 48 h. One patient in Trilogy™ arm required auxiliary RIRS for residual stone. Both arms had complete stone clearance at 1 month follow-up. Trilogy™ arm had 3 Clavien–Dindo grade-II complications while TFL had 2 Clavien–Dindo grade-II complications (UTI requiring antibiotics). There was no blood transfusion in either of arm. Conclusion Trilogy™ had significantly better stone fragmentation rate than TFL in managing renal stones. However, stone-free rates and complications were comparable for Trilogy™ and TFL.

Purpose Single-use disposable digital flexible ureterorenoscope has become an attractive option to reusable scope with many advantages. Currently available single-use digital fURS have outer shaft diameter above 9 Fr which requires large access sheath insertion and sometimes double J stent placement. Recently, 7.5 Fr single-use digital fURS is introduced in market by Pusen. Objective of this study is to compare two Pusen single-use scopes in the clinical setting: 7.5 Fr Uscope PU3033A and 9.5 Fr Uscope PU3022A. Methods 30 patients, having renal stones < 2 cm, planned for RIRS were prospectively randomized to two groups: group 1 had 15 patients in which 7.5 Fr Uscope PU3033A and group 2 had 15 patients in which 9.5 Fr Uscope PU3022A was used. The various pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative parameters at 1 month along with complications were evaluated for both the scopes by a single surgical team. Results Pre-operative parameters including stone characteristics were comparable in both the groups. Three patients in group 2 needed ureteric dilatation prior to 11/13 access sheath insertion, while 10/12 Fr access sheath was placed in all patients in group 1 without manipulation (p = 0.06). Intra-operative vision was comparable in both scopes with an empty working channel and with laser. Hazy vision while lasing in two and one patient in group 1 and group 2, respectively (p = 0.54). In group 1, one had fever and UTI, while in group 2, one had fever post-operatively. Conclusion 7.5 Fr Uscope PU3033A could be introduced with smaller access sheath. The vision, deflection, maneuverability is comparable to 9.5 Fr Uscope PU3022a.

Purpose To report safety and efficacy of mini-PCNL with suction attached to sheath combined with high-power Thulium Fibre laser (TFL). The secondary aim was to evaluate optimal laser settings for maximum stone dusting. Materials and methods Prospective, single arm study was conducted from June 2019–December 2019 using miniPCNL with suction and TFL in 54 patients with renal stones < 3 cm. Stone fragments for each laser setting were independently retrieved and segregated according to size(< 1 mm,1-3 mm, > 3 mm) and weighed. Xray/CT scan imaging was performed in all patients within 48 h and 30 days to assess stone clearance. Optimal laser settings were evaluated for maximum dusting. Results Mean stone size was 18.32 ± 6.37 mm, volume was 2337.75 ± 1996.84mm³ and stone density was 1300.55 ± 435.32 HU. Total operative time was 39.85 ± 20.52 min, laser time was 10.08 ± 7.41 min and stone fragmentation rate was 5.02 ± 3.93 mm³/s. The procedure was completely tubeless in 37.04%, nephrostomy tube in 37.04% and DJ stent placed in 25.92%. Postoperatively, three patients had urinary infection (Clavien 2). Complete stone clearance at 48 h was achieved in 35 (64.8%) cases. 19 patients (35.2%) who had residual fragments at 48 h, had 100% clearance at one month on CT/Xray KUB. Conclusions MiniPCNL using a nephrostomy sheath with suction along with high power Thulium Fibre Laser is safe and effective modality for lithotripsy. An initial laser setting of 0.2 J and 125–200 Hz was optimal for maximum dusting and simultaneous aspiration. Randomized comparative studies with other energy sources are being considered.

Background: Migration of Hem-O-Lok clips in pelvicaliceal system after nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) is rare. We present a rare case of clip migration 8 years after robotic NSS. Case Presentation: A 61-year-old female presented with right flank pain and fever 8 years after robotic NSS for clear cell carcinoma. She was reported to have an 11 mm right renal calculus (570 HU) on CT scan. She underwent flexible ureteroscopy that revealed three Hem-O-Lok clips with encrustations. We removed the clips after laser lithotripsy of the encrusted clips. She is now asymptomatic on follow-up. Conclusion: The possibility of intrarenal migration of Hem-O-Lok clips should be kept as differential diagnosis for patients presenting as renal calculus postminimal access NSS. They could act as nidus for stone formation, leading to recurrent urinary infection. Excessive tension on renorrhaphy sutures should be avoided to prevent migration of clips. The underrunning of any clip in the renal bed during reconstruction should be the standard of care.