Kidney Stones

Results from bench studies favor a new open-faced stone retrieval device (Dakota, Boston Scientific) for having greater versatility, efficacy, and durability compared with a competing product, and the in vitro performance of the new instrument is consistent with early clinical experience, says Roger L. Sur, MD.

A large new study provides more evidence that cholesterol drugs may lower kidney stone formation.

"Increasingly, urologists are faced with patients who cannot safely discontinue anticoagulation or antiplatelet medications, even in the face of an impending surgical procedure. This is a trend that is likely to continue into the foreseeable future," writes Brian R. Matlaga, MD, MPH.

A study evaluating the oxalate content of foods as reported by two reputable sources shows discordance.

A recent review of medical literature adds to the debate surrounding medical expulsive therapy for stone disease.

Other products discussed include a stent system for treating ureteral obstructions, a male infertility test, and more.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the presence of aspirin appears both effective and safe. In a retrospective review of almost 300 PCNL cases, postoperative hemorrhage was uncommon in patients who continued aspirin preoperatively, said Brandon Otto, MD, at the AUA annual meeting in San Diego.

Other pipeline developments discussed include a bladder cancer test, a male infertility assay, and the first oral dosage treatment for hypogonadism.

“Our research shows that the implications of kidney stones may go beyond the discomfort they are so often associated with,” says co-lead author Andrew Rule, MD.

Other new products discussed in this article include a surgical training model, devices designed to improve prostate biopsy accuracy, an updated label and more.

Other pipeline developments discussed in this article include the initiation of an intravesical bladder cancer study, a gel treatment for ED that has met its primary endpoint, a patent awarded for the first rechargeable implantable SNM along with some other advancements.

A new laboratory study suggests that a widely available nutritional supplement has potential to become a new treatment for the wide majority of kidney stones. Clinical research is still pending, however, and there are important caveats about the findings.

This article provides an update on the risk factors for stone disease and its presentation in children, and offers practical tips on its evaluation, treatment, and prevention.

Other products discussed in this roundup include a plasma vaporization device, a laser fiber safety device, and more.

Other basic science research pearls include preliminary evidence from a porcine model suggesting botulinum toxin type A facilitates ureteral stone passage and the identification of two different microdeletions in the NELL1 gene on chromosome 11 in men with Peyronie's disease.

Other key stone disease/endourology topics from the 2016 AUA annual meeting included the use of aspirin in percutaneous nephrolithotomy patients as well as the continuing debate over the benefit of medical expulsive therapy.

A recent study provides the first comprehensive catalog of urinary calcium oxalate monohydrate binding proteins.

Researchers from the Endourology Disease Group for Excellence research consortium compared the techniques in 152 patients at several stone centers.

Trends in percutaneous nephrolithotomy may reflect other stone treatment trends, study authors say.

To guide you through the 2016 AUA annual meeting and help maximize your time, Urology Times’ editorial board has reviewed the program to identify the key trends and noteworthy research at this year’s meeting.

Once considered a primary option for kidney stone treatment, shock wave lithotripsy appears to be losing traction. Many urologists say its outcomes aren’t as reliable as those from ureteroscopy. But others say it remains an option that works well with proper patient selection and technique and offers what ureteroscopy doesn’t: a noninvasive option.

Two-thirds of patients attending a urology clinic for the management of urolithiasis failed to meet physical activity guidelines. In addition, patients with recent symptomatic urolithiasis were significantly more likely to be current smokers than those without recent symptomatic urolithiasis, according to a recent study.

"With better education and research, our stone patients can decrease their disease risk and improve their overall health sooner rather than later," writes Stephen Y. Nakada, MD.

In this interview, Dr. Wong describes difficult stones, discusses the skills and training required to treat them, and outlines the role of different treatment modalities.

Despite ureteroscopy's high success results, there is still a role for shock wave lithotripsy in treating stones, urologists say.

Check out the latest new products. From Single-use ureteroscope addresses shortcomings of reusable scopes, to an App that helps IC, chronic prostatitis patients choose the right foods and much more.

The authors sought to identify factors associated with 30-day emergency department visits and readmission following URSLL.

Other pipeline products discussed in this article include an immunotherapy for metastatic bladder cancer, a treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms of BPH, and an investigational clear cell renal cell carcinoma treatment.

Learn more about these products as well as a powered exam table and an app that measures, monitors, and helps improve fertility in men.

When it comes to urinary stone disease, it appears that prescribers know what they’re doing. According to a study presented at the World Congress of Endourology and SWL in London, non-adherence to kidney stone medications led to a significant increase in adverse health outcomes.