Upper urinary tract filling defects: flexible ureteroscopic diagnosis

There were 62 patients referred to our institution for evaluation of upper urinary tract filling defects. These patients had undergone any of several diagnostic evaluations, including computerized tomography, B-mode ultrasound scanning and urinary cytology studies with or without upper tract brush biopsy. In all cases a conclusive diagnosis could not be formulated. With the use of flexible ureteropyeloscopy complete evaluations of the upper tract lesions were performed. The upper tract endoscopic procedure provided the diagnosis in all patients, as well as allowed for therapeutic intervention in 19. There was no significant morbidity associated with any procedure. We advocate the continued development of flexible ureteropyeloscopic instrumentation and procedures. We suggest the inclusion of ureteropyeloscopy with tissue sampling of neoplasms in the evaluation of all upper urinary tract lesions, except when diagnostic ultrasound correlates the characteristics and position of the lesion as calculous disease.     

输尿管肾镜术处理上尿路血尿

目的　提高上尿路血尿的诊治水平。　方法　血尿病例 12 1例 ,经B超、KUB加IVU、CT及膀胱镜检查怀疑为上尿路来源 ,行输尿管肾镜进一步明确诊断并采取相应治疗措施。　结果　输尿管肾镜术对上尿路血尿的诊断率为 92 % (111/ 12 1) ,诊断输尿管中下段小结石 4 5例 ;肾盂输尿管肿瘤 32例 ,其中 <10mm者 3例 ;肾出血性疾病 19例 ;输尿管息肉 15例。 19例肾出血性疾病和 10例未发现明确病灶者治疗后随访 6个月～ 8年 ,长期成功率 79% (2 3/ 2 9)。　结论　应用输尿管肾镜术诊断和处理上尿路血尿效果良好 ,值得推广。     

46例输尿管软镜联合钬激光碎石治疗上尿路结石失败原因分析

目的 分析输尿管软镜钬激光碎石术治疗上尿路结石手术失败的原因.方法 回顾本院2014年10月至2016年3月施行的472例软尿管软镜钬激光碎石术治疗上尿路结石病例,筛选46例手术失败病例,记录手术失败的原因,并进行分析.结果 手术失败的原因包括输尿管狭窄或扭曲因素19例(41.3％);肾盂输尿管与肾下盏漏斗部夹角过小11例(23.9％);未找到肾盏憩室结石开口4例(8.7％);肾内感染8例(17.4％);设备有关因素2例(4.3％);操作因素至输尿管损伤2例(4.3％).结论 术前留置1～2周双J管,充分抗感染治疗,常规行肾脏CT及IVU检查,术中留置安全导丝,操作轻柔,必要时经皮肾镜取石术是输尿管软镜钬激光碎石术处理上尿路结石成功的关键.     

The usefulness of ureterorenoscopic examination in evaluation of upper tract disease

AIM: The objective of the present study was to clarify the indications, usefulness and limitations of ureterorenoscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 1998 to June 2004, 72 consecutive patients (48 men and 24 women) with a mean age of 66 years (range, 27-83 years) underwent ureterorenoscopy to diagnose upper urinary tract tumors (UUT). Median follow-up was 24 months (range, 1-73 months). Patients were divided into four subgroups by voided urine cytology and preoperative radiographic findings. Group A (n=11, 15.3%), positive voided urine cytology and positive preoperative radiographic findings; group B (n=5, 6.9%), positive cytology and negative radiographic findings; group C (n=48, 66.7%), negative cytology and positive radiographic findings and group D (n=8, 11.1%), frank hematuria originating from the UUT but negative cytology and negative radiographic findings. We compared the findings of ureterorenoscopic examination and biopsy with the results of retrograde pyelography and cytology of upper tract urine. For each examination, the following diagnostic indices were assessed: sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive-value (PPV) and negative-predictive-value (NPV) and accuracy. Statistical analysis was performed using McNemar's test. RESULTS: For ureterorenoscopy, sensitivity was 94%, specificity 59%, PPV 72%, NPV 92% and accuracy 76%. For biopsy, sensitivity was 77%, specificity 100%, PPV 100%, NPV 80% and accuracy 88%. Accuracy of ureterorenoscopy tended to be superior to that of retrograde pyelography. Ureterorenoscopy was most useful in the group which consisted of 48 patients (66.7%) with negative voided urine cytology and positive preoperative radiographic findings. This group was the only group in which accuracy of ureterorenoscopic biopsy was superior to that of urine cytology, significantly (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Results indicated that ureterorenoscopy is most suitable and gives superior accuracy in patients with positive radiographic findings and negative voiding cytology. Ureterorenoscopic biopsy of the upper urinary tract would provide useful information when considering therapeutic strategies, such as nephron-sparing management.     

Nonoperative diagnosis of pyelocalyceal deformity due to venous impressions.

Two patients with filling defects on films of the upper urinary tract caused by venous impressions are reported. To date, the literature includes 22 other cases. These cases are frequently associated with hematuria, flank or abdominal pain; the filling defect might be found incidentally during the evaluation of another problem. The two most frequent causes are varices--of renal vein, renal pelvic vein, ureteral veins, and normal renal vessels. Generally, the lesions were not diagnosed without surgical intervention. The filling defects of our cases were caused by other types of lesions. Their diagnosis was made nonoperatively through the use of intravenous pyelography, renal arteriography, and retrograde phlebography. Filling defects caused by venous impressions on the upper urinary tract should be diagnosed by the use of these three studies rather than surgically.     

Flexible ureterorenoscopy: prospective analysis of the Guy's experience

OBJECTIVE: To report our outcomes with small diameter, actively deflectable flexible ureterorenoscopy from a prospective database. PATIENTS and METHODS: 114 flexible ureterorenoscopies were performed in 105 patients (mean age, 49.5 years; range, 19-85 years; 71 males, 34 females) over a 9-month period. Of these, 101 were for refractory stones following failed ESWL and 13 for diagnostic reasons. An Olympus URF P3 flexible ureteroscope with pressure irrigation was used. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy was used to fragment stones and the fragments were retrieved with Graspit, triradiate graspers or tipless baskets. RESULTS: Stents had previously been placed in 53% and dilatation of the ureteric orifice was necessary in 15%. In the stone group, the median operating time was 55 min (range, 15-210 min) and the median screening time 2.2 min (range, 0.3-9.1 min). Success was defined as complete stone clearance or good fragmentation to 2 mm or less. Overall success in this group was 72.3%. There was no statistically significant difference between lower and other calyces (P=0.83 Chi-square test). Successful outcome was achieved in 72% for stone size 10 mm or less, 80% for 11-20 mm and 50% for greater than 20 mm. Two or more procedures were needed in 8 patients. In the diagnostic group, the median operating time was 45 min (range, 20-60 min) and the median screening time 2 min (range, 0.3-8.3 min). The majority were for upper tract filling defects. Access and successful diagnosis was achieved in all cases. The major complication rate was 2.6%. The ureteroscope needed repair once during this series. CONCLUSIONS: Flexible ureterorenoscopy is an effective diagnostic and therapeutic tool in a select group of patients. It should be considered for ESWL-resistant upper tract stones but the results are poor in stones larger than 20 mm and percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be a better option in these patients.     

Ureteropyeloscopy in the evaluation of upper tract filling defects

We studied prospectively 12 patients with upper tract filling defects to determine the clinical value of ureteropyeloscopy in this setting. All of the patients underwent a standard diagnostic regimen, including cystoscopy and retrograde pyelography, at which time upper tract cytology studies were obtained with or without saline lavage or brushings. Computerized tomography scans or ultrasonography also was obtained when indicated. Ureteropyeloscopy with or without transureteroscopic biopsy then was performed. An operation was done when clinically indicated and a definitive diagnosis ultimately was available in all cases. The provisional diagnosis from the standard diagnostic regimen was accurate in 7 of the patients (58 per cent), while the results of ureteropyeloscopy proved to be correct in 10 (83 per cent). Ureteropyeloscopy appears to be more accurate than a standard diagnostic regimen in the evaluation of upper tract filling defects and we recommend its inclusion as a routine part of the evaluation of these patients.     

Value of selective upper tract cytology for recognition of upper tract tumors after treatment of superficial bladder cancer

Background: The value of selective upper urinary tract (UT) cytology in patients who are asymptomatic and tumor free at control cystoscopy after being treated for superficial bladder carcinoma has not been studied. The present study was performed to evaluate the value of selective UT cytology in patients who are tumor free at control cystoscopy after being treated for superficial bladder cancer. Methods: Forty‐seven consecutive patients who had undergone definitive surgical treatment for superficial bladder cancer at least 24 months prior and were tumor free at control cystoscopy were evaluated with bladder wash for cytology as well as selective UT urine cytology by catheterization of both ureteral orifices. Of the 47 patients, disease was stage Ta in 30 (63.8%), T1 in 15 (31.9%) and Ta/Tcis in 2 (4.3%). Primary tumor was unifocal in 24 (51.1%) and multifocal in 23 (48.9%) patients. The time elapsed from the initial diagnosis to the last evaluation ranged from 2 to 21 years (mean 5.39). Results: UT cytology was positive in 2 cases. Although, excretory urography (IVP) revealed mild pelvicalicectasis in 1 of these 2 patients, ureterorenoscopy (URS) revealed no abnormality. In the other patient with normal IVP and retrograde pyelography (RGP), URS revealed a ureteral tumor 5 mm in diameter. Although the UT cytology was normal in the remaining 45 patients, IVP revealed right hydronephrosis in 1 patient and URS revealed multiple ureteral tumors. Conclusion: Given the normal appearance of the UT, it is highly unlikely that these patients have tumor in the UT. Thus, during the follow‐up of patients with superficial bladder cancer, it is not useful to perform UT select cytology in the absence of any identifiable filling defects in the upper urinary tract.     

Diagnostik von Urothelkarzinomen des oberen Harntrakts

Upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinomas represent 5–6% of all urothelial carcinomas. Macroscopic hematuria is the most common symptom. The diagnostic algorithm contains medical history, clinical investigation, cystoscopy, urinary cytology, ultrasound and intravenous urography. When suspected, a complementary retrograde pyeloureterography with collecting selective urinary cytology is conducted. When radiological findings are doubted or when conservative treatment is planned, an ureterorenoscopy for biopsy of the suspected area is indicated. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance tomography is used to define the local extension of invasive tumors and to detect metastases. The use of urinary markers in the diagnosis of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma has to be evaluated in prospective trials.     

Impact of endourology on diagnosis and management of upper urinary tract urothelial cancer

The technique of transurethral ureteropyeloscopy was used in 43 patients with upper urinary tract urothelial tumors. Diagnosis was confirmed in 19 of 22 renal pelvic tumors (86 per cent) and 19 of 21 ureteral tumors (90 per cent). The major complication rate in this series is low (7 per cent) and did not appear to influence unfavorably subsequent management or outcome. A total of 21 patients underwent conservative endourological management of the upper tract tumor. The local recurrence rate was 20 per cent (1 of 8) for renal pelvic tumors and 15 per cent for distal ureteral tumors (2 of 13). The technique of ureteropyeloscopy should be added to the standard diagnostic regimen for the investigation of upper tract filling defects and conservative endourological techniques can be used safely for management of selected cases of upper tract urothelial tumor.     

Flexible ureterorenoscopy for the treatment of refractory upper urinary tract stones.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience of using flexible ureterorenoscopy for upper urinary tract stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients (13 females, 24 males, mean age 48 years, range 10-76) with upper urinary tract stones not responding to other treatments had their residual symptomatic stones treated through a 9.3 F flexible ureterorenoscope. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) was used to fragment the stones and a basket or a grasper used to retrieve the fragments. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were completely freed of stone and a further five had asymptomatic residual fragments of < 5 mm. Of 15 patients with ureteric stones, 14 were rendered stone-free at the end of the procedure and 14 of the 22 patients with kidney stones were treated successfully; 80% of the lower calyceal stones were treated successfully and a firm decision was possible on the further management of the remaining stones. There were no major complications. CONCLUSION: Flexible ureterorenoscopy should be considered in patients with symptomatic upper ureteric or renal stones refractory to other treatments, but the instrumentation is expensive and delicate, and its use should be reserved for such cases.     

Effect of bladder filling on upper tract urodynamics in man

A group of 21 patients with hydronephrosis but normal bladders had their upper urinary tract pressures monitored while perfusing the affected kidneys through a fine bore nephrostomy tube, initially with the bladder on free drainage and subsequently during bladder filling. In 7 patients the renal pelvic pressures were altered by bladder filling and loin pain was reproduced in 4. It was concluded that with high upper tract flow rates, vesical filling can affect upper tract dynamics and this should be considered when evaluating patients with loin pain or potential obstructive uropathy.     

First digital flexible ureterorenoscope: initial experience

BACKGROUND: Flexible ureterorenoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that is rapidly gaining popularity as a treatment for patients with upper urinary tract lithiasis. One of the main drawbacks is the limited visualization imposed by fiberoptic technology in an endoscope, often only 7 to 8F and the fragility of fiber-based optics in a flexible endoscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report our initial experience with digital flexible URS and holmium laser lithotripsy using digital image capture in three patients. Two patients had upper tract calculi (1 cm lower pole calculus and 8 mm caliceal diverticular stone, respectively), and one patient underwent diagnostic URS. RESULTS: After basket capture and intrarenal relocation of the lower pole stone, complete stone destruction was achieved. Similarly, the caliceal diverticular stone was destroyed after holmium laser incision of the caliceal diverticulum. Remarkable improvement in image quality was observed throughout the procedures in comparison with current fiberoptic image acquisition. Minor image interference was noted during fluoroscopic screening, which increased slightly during laser activation. CONCLUSIONS: The first digital flexible ureterorenoscope provided excellent image quality and zoom capability, with a substantial improvement compared with fiberoptic technology. It does not require a separate light source and is an important step for the continued evolution of flexible URS as a therapeutic modality for upper urinary tract pathology.     

上尿路内翻性乳头状瘤7例报告

目的：探讨上尿路内翻性乳头状瘤(IP)的临床特征。方法：回顾分析7例上尿路IP患者的临床资料。患者多以无痛性肉眼血尿就诊,影像学检查提示上尿路占位性病变。术中冷冻切片确诊。5例行肾、输尿管全长切除,2例输尿管肿瘤分别作局部及节段切除。结果：术后病理检查均证实为上尿路IP。7例随访19～85个月,无肿瘤复发、恶变。结论：上尿路IP是良性肿瘤,诊断主要依据影像学及内镜检查;治疗主要开放手术及内镜手术。其有易同时或异时并发泌尿系恶性肿瘤可能,术后随访十分重要。     

Cause of upper urinary-tract essential hematuria: Veno-caliceal fistula or contralateral coexistent upper-tract transitional-cell carcinoma? Case report

A 65-year-old woman was admitted with intermittent gross hematuria of 6 months' duration without other significant urinary-tract symptoms. At bilateral ureterorenoscopy under general anesthesia, a connection from an upper calix to the main left renal vein through a small venous channel was apparent, but there was no evidence of bleeding. In the right upper calix, a bleeding small papillary lesion was seen and ablated with low-power thulium laser coagulation. The histologic examination revealed a grade 3 stage pT1 TCC. Where no definite bleeding is seen from a veno-caliceal fistulous opening at ureterorenoscopy, it is imperative to inspect the entire contralateral upper urinary tract to exclude other causes of bleeding.     

Improved technique for retrograde brushing in diagnosis of urothelial tumors of upper urinary tract

Our experience with retrograde brushing of radiolucent filling defects in the upper urinary tract in 4 patients is presented. The Meditech steerable catheter represents a significant improvement in technique. Brush cytology adds considerably to preoperative diagnosis and is indicated to provide the information necessary to decide between conservative and radical surgery.     

Flexible ureteroscopy. Diagnostic and therapeutic significance. Apropos of 15 cases

The authors analyse the results of a preliminary report of 15 cases of ureteric stones treated by flexible ureterorenoscopy and one case of radiolucent renal stone in the left lower renal calyx. Stone fragmentation was complete in 11 cases with 1 small residual fragment in the lower ureter, 1 perforation was immediately operated without any further complication and in one case, it was impossible to advance into the ureter. Flexible ureterorenoscopy is valuable for diagnosis of filling defects in the lower calyx and for treatment of stones in the upper and middle ureter.     

Flexible antegrade and retrograde nephroscopy: review of 50 cases

50 cases of flexible instrumentation of the intrarenal collecting system are reviewed. 28 were performed by retrograde flexible ureterorenoscopy. The introduction was carried out by combining hydraulic dilation, rigid ureterorenoscopy and a working sheath. 22 cases were performed through a percutaneous route. The indications were both diagnostic (filling defects and/or hematuria) and therapeutic (caliceal stone and/or fragments). The success rate was high in the diagnostic cases (20 of 24), but lower in the therapeutic cases (13 of 26). The complication rate was extremely low and the postoperative course was always uneventful. Flexible instruments offer a very good chance to explore the intrarenal collecting system. Both transureteral and percutaneous flexible nephroscopies are feasible and effective procedures. A laser can be used well in this area.     

Upper urinary tract obstruction in children caused by Candida fungus balls

2 children with upper urinary tract obstruction from Candida fungus balls are reported. A presumptive diagnosis, made on the basis of clinical and radiological findings, was confirmed by microscopic examination of urinary sediment. Medical treatment was successful in both patients. Since Candida infections can occur in patients with altered host resistance, this should alert clinicians to the possibility of fungal involvement when radiolucent filling defects are found in the renal pelvis. Such a presumptive diagnosis can then lead to a correct approach with conservation of renal function.     

磁共振尿路水成像对诊断上尿路梗阻病变的价值

目的：探讨磁共振尿路水成像(MRU)对诊断上尿路梗阻病变的价值。方法：回顾分析了52例上尿路梗阻患者的MRU的临床资料。结果：52例患者经过MRU检查均能显示梗阻的部位，50例与手术后诊断或治疗后明确的诊断相符合，2例误诊。结论：MRU能准确地显示尿路梗阻病变的部位和大小，具有无创伤、无痛苦、无辐射、不需造影剂及多平面成像能力等特点，比临床上常用的B超、静脉肾盂造影、逆行肾盂造影等检查具有一定的优越性。