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Objective: To assess a novel combined laser suction handpiece (LSH) for performing PCNL in a clinical setting. Methods: The study comprised 40 consecutive PCNLs performed between May 2019 and February 2020. The first 20 procedures (Group A) were performed with conventional ultrasonic or pneumatic devices and the other 20 (Group B) were performed with the use of the new LSH. All patients were treated by tubeless supine PCNL. The groups were compared for demographics, clinical data, operative time, lithotrite effectiveness, stone clearance rate (SCR), and outcome. Results: Groups A and B were similar in age, and in stone size, complexity, and density (Hounsfield units) ( p < 0.05). The average operative time was 99 and 78 min, SCR 143 and 200 mm3/min, hospital stay 1.6 and 1.1 days, and stone-free rate 90% and 95%, respectively. Despite a trend toward better results with the new LSH, none of these comparisons reached statistical significance. Ineffective lithotripsy with the initial device (ultrasonic) requiring conversion to another modality (ballistic) occurred in six (30%) procedures in Group A, while all procedures were effectively accomplished with the LSH in Group B ( p = 0.02). There were two complications in Group A and none in Group B ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: The LSH is as effective and safe as the traditional lithotrites for performing PCNLs. This new tool completes the capabilities of the holmium laser high-power machines, enabling them to serve as the sole platform for all endourological treatments.

Introduction: To review the continence and volitional voiding rate in a single center cohort of exstrophy-epispadias patients following Young-Dees-Leadbetter bladder neck reconstruction and to explore factors which predict continence. Materials and Methods: Children who underwent Young-Dees-Leadbetter bladder neck reconstruction as a final stage of repair in a large single low-volume center in a small-population country between 1997-2019 were included. Demographic and clinical details were extracted from the patients’ charts. The primary endpoint was continence and volitional voiding. Patients were categorized as incontinent, socially continent (daytime dry intervals >3 hours, wet nights) and fully continent (daytime dry intervals>3 hours, dry nights). Results: The study cohort included 27 patients whose median age at reconstruction was 5 years, and median follow-up was 7.8 years (interquartile range [IQR] 6-11.2). The cohort included 24 classic exstrophy patients (89%, 17 males and 7 females) and 3 isolated complete epispadias patients (11%, 1 male and 2 females). After a median follow-up period of 8 (IQR 6.7-11.3) years, 9 (33%) patients achieved full continence and social continence was achieved by 9(33%) patients, for an overall social continence rate of 67%. Preoperative bladder capacity ≥110 mL was associated with achieving social continence (odds ratio = 6.4, p = 0.047). The overall volitional voiding rate was 67%. Conclusions: Young-Dees-Leadbetter bladder neck reconstruction yielded rates of 33% for full continence and 67% for social continence and volitional voiding. These rates are comparable to those of large high-volume centers. A preoperative capacity of ≥110 mL was the sole predictor of social continence.