Objective: We aimed to evaluate and compare the functional characteristics, safety profile and effectiveness of two commonly used ureteral access sheaths (UAS) during flexible ureteroscopy. Methods: After institutional review board approval, patients with proximal ureteral or kidney stones requiring flexible ureteroscopy and UAS were prospectively randomized to group I or group II according to the type of access sheath used. Primary outcome was incidence of intraoperative complications. Results: Eighty-eight patients were enrolled in the study, 44 patients in each group. Sheath size 12/14 FR was used in both cohorts. Median (IQR) stone size was 10 mm (7-13.5) and 10.5 mm (7.37-14) in group I and II respectively (p = 0.915). Nineteen and twenty patients, in group I and II respectively, were pre-stented. Subjective resistance with insertion of the UAS was observed in 9 and 11 patients in group I and II respectively (p = 0.61) while failed insertion was encountered in one patient in group I. Traxer grade 1 ureteral injury was noted in 5 and 6 patients in group I and II respectively while grade 3 injury was seen in 1 patient for both cohorts (p = 0.338). There was less resistance for UAS placement in pre-stented patients (p = 0.0202) but without significant difference in ureteric injury incidence (p = 0.175). Emergency department visits were encountered in 7 (group I) and 5 patients (group II) (p = 0.534). Conclusions: The studied UASs were comparable regarding safety and efficacy in the current study. Pre-stented and dilated ureters had less resistance to insertion although this was not reflected on incidence of ureteric injury.

To determine whether the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) class of narcotics prescribed to patients after ureteroscopy impacts their rate of return for unplanned care, a retrospective analysis of patients from February 2014 through March 2016 was performed. Data were collected for the first 90 days after surgery. Patients were divided into groups based on the narcotics schedule prescribed after surgery. Results showed that there was no statistical difference in return for unplanned care when comparing the groups based on their prescribed pain medication. Among the 475 patients, 17% returned to the emergency department after ureteroscopy, 12% contacted the clinic due to discomfort/pain, and 8% were readmitted to the hospital within 90 days of surgery. The data indicated that patients who were not prescribed a narcotic after surgery sought unplanned care at a slightly higher rate than those who were. In conclusion, the US DEA class of narcotics prescribed after ureteroscopy did not have a statistically significant impact on the rate of return for unplanned care. These findings may improve opioid stewardship in patients undergoing outpatient ureteroscopy.

Introduction: Storage urinary symptoms and urinary tract infection (UTI) are among the most common complications following holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP). We aimed to study the incidence and risk factors for storage urinary symptoms and early UTI following HoLEP. Methods: A prospectively maintained database was reviewed for patients who underwent HoLEP over a five-year period at a single tertiary center. Patient demographics, preoperative, operative, and postoperative characteristics, as well as infection rates, were obtained and analyzed using the appropriate statistical methods. Results: Of a total of 514 patients who underwent HoLEP, 473 patients with complete followup data were included. Mean (± standard deviation) age and median (interquartile range) prostate volume were 72±9.1 years and 89 (68–126) g, respectively. Preoperative positive urine culture and urine retention were seen in 28.5% (n=135) and 23.46 % (n=111) of patients, respectively. At six-week followup, irritative urinary symptoms were seen in 32.3% (n=153) of patients, while 13.5% (n= 64) of patients had positive urine culture. Bivariate and multivariate analysis showed that factors associated with significant higher rate of postoperative UTI at six weeks were high body mass index (BMI_ (p= 0.023), weak grip strength within preoperative frailty assessment (p=0.042), positive preoperative urine culture (p=0.025), and postoperative incontinence (p=0.002). Conclusions: Storage urinary symptoms are common complaints post-HoLEP; however, it may be caused by an inflammatory rather than infective process in a significant percentage of patients. Possible predictors of UTI after HoLEP are high BMI, preoperative positive urine culture, higher frailty scale, and postoperative urinary incontinence.