Preoperative Alpha-Blockers for Ureteroscopy for Ureteral Stones: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Smooth sailing or rocky road in navigating the ureteral orifice: Does preoperative tamsulosin improve success of primary ureteroscopy in children?

BACKGROUND

Previous studies on preoperative tamsulosin to improve successful primary ureteroscopy (URS) in children show conflicting results.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine if preoperative tamsulosin prior to URS in unstented pediatric patients would improve success of navigating the ureterovesical junction (UVJ) during primary flexible or semirigid URS. We hypothesized that preoperative tamsulosin would improve success of navigation through the UVJ.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective multi-institutional cohort study of 3-18-year-old patients who underwent successful or attempted primary URS from January 2017 through December 2023 was conducted. The exposure was administration of preoperative tamsulosin. Patients were excluded if: a ureteral stent was placed prior to URS, or if there was a history of URS within the past year, ureteral reimplant, or UVJ obstruction. Demographic, preoperative and intraoperative data were recorded, including stone size, location, and dose, duration and administration of tamsulosin. The primary outcome was success with primary URS, defined as the ability to pass a semirigid or flexible ureteroscope proximal to the UVJ. The secondary outcome was the use of additional intraoperative techniques for ureteral access. A priori power calculations were performed. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed, with adjustment for potential confounders.

RESULTS

115 patients from 4 institutions were included, with 10 undergoing bilateral URS. Median age at surgery was 15 years (IQR 11-16 years), with a median BMI of 20.4 (IQR 17.8-25.4). The majority of URS were performed for nephrolithiasis (92 %). No significant differences in preoperative and intraoperative characteristics were identified between the two cohorts. The overall success rate of primary URS was 84 %. Pre-operative tamsulosin was administered for median 14 days (IQR 10-20). On univariate analysis, success of primary URS did not differ between cohorts (tamsulosin 86 % vs. non-tamsulosin 83 %, p = 0.66); exposure to tamsulosin likewise did not affect success when only flexible URS (91 vs. 90 %, p = 0.86) or additional intraoperative ureteral access techniques (coaxial dilators, balloon dilators or ureteral access sheaths) were used (43 % vs. 44 %, p = 0.97). Adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, ureteroscope type and ureteral access techniques, tamsulosin use did not significantly improve the odds of successful primary URS (, OR 1.5, CI 0.44-5.1, p = 0.51).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative tamsulosin was not associated with improved odds of traversing the ureteral orifice in primary flexible or semirigid URS in the unstented pediatric population.

Preoperative α1-Blockers Impact on Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Ureteroscopy with Ureteral Access Sheaths: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: The use of a ureteral access sheath (UAS) during ureteroscopy (URS) has been associated with the risk for ureteral injuries. Preoperative administration of α1-blockers presents a potential mitigator of such lesions by inducing ureteral relaxation, which may also contribute to improving other surgical outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases for studies comparing preoperative α1-blockers administration vs its non-use in adult patients without pre-stenting undergoing URS. Binary outcomes were evaluated using risk ratios (RRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was measured with the Cochran's Q test, I2 statistics, and prediction intervals (PIs). A DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was utilized for all outcomes. Results: Eleven studies encompassing 1074 patients undergoing URS were included, of whom 522 (48.60%) received α1-blockers before the procedure. Preoperative α1-blockers were associated with a reduction in significant ureteral injuries (RR 0.30; 95% CI 0.17-0.53; I2 = 6%; PI 0.10-0.88) and an increase in mean successful UAS insertion (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.08-4.23; I2 = 23%; PI 0.51-8.93). In patients undergoing exclusively ureteroscopy lithotripsy (URSL), the medications also reduced total complications (RR 0.62; 95% CI 0.46-0.84; I2 = 0%) and complications graded Clavien-Dindo III or higher (RR 0.16; 95% CI 0.04-0.69; I2 = 0%), but no significant difference between groups was found in the stone-free rate (RR 1.10; 95% CI 0.86-1.40; I2 = 91%; PI 0.47-2.59). Conclusion: Preoperative α1-blockers were linked to a decrease in significant ureteral injuries with UAS use and fewer complications during URSL procedures. However, their impact on the successful insertion of a UAS remains uncertain. Consideration of administering preoperative α1-blockers in non-stented adult patients undergoing URS with UAS is advisable.

Effect of preoperative alpha-blockers on ureteroscopy outcomes: A meta-analysis of randomised trials

Objectives

This work aims to determine the efficacy and safety of preoperative alpha-blocker therapy on ureteroscopy (URS) outcomes.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials of URS with or without preoperative alpha-blocker therapy, outcomes included the need for ureteral dilatation, stone access failure, procedure time, residual stone rate, hospital stay, and complications. Residual stone rates were reported with and without adjustments for spontaneous stone passage, medication noncompliance, or adverse events leading to patient withdrawal. Data were analysed using random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE criteria.

Results

Among 15 randomised trials with 1653 patients, URS was effective and safe with a stone-free rate of 81.2% and rare (2.3%) serious complications. The addition of preoperative alpha-blockers reduced the need for ureteral dilatation (risk ratio [RR] = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.30 to 0.75; p = 0.002), access failure rate (RR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.23 to 0.57; p < 0.001), procedure time (mean difference [MD] = -6 min; 95% CI = -8 to -3; p < 0.001), risk of residual stone in the primary (RR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.33 to 0.66; p < 0.001) and adjusted (RR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.40 to 0.68; p < 0.001) analyses, hospital stay (MD = -0.3 days; 95% CI = -0.4 to -0.1; p < 0.001), and complication rate (RR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.35 to 0.59; p < 0.001). Alpha-blockers increased ejaculatory dysfunction risk and were less effective for renal/proximal ureter stones. The certainty of evidence was high or moderate for all outcomes. The main limitation of the review was inconsistency in residual stone assessment methods.

Conclusion

While URS is an effective and safe treatment for stone disease, preoperative alpha-blocker therapy is well tolerated and can further improve patient outcomes.

Alpha-blockers: the magic pill for endourology-The great delusion

PURPOSE

The present paper takes a different and more critical look at the role of alpha-blockers, sometimes nicknamed as "magical pills", in particular for stone disease and medical expulsive therapy (MET).

METHODS

A non-systematic narrative review was performed, synthesizing pertinent information from selected articles, and critically evaluating their conclusions. Sometimes different views on alpha-blockers were laid bare, including curiosities or other entertaining nuances suitable to the present topic, but always maintaining sharp objectivity and the foremost scientific rigor.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Alpha-blockers seem to be a panacea, being used to treat a wide variety of non-urological diseases and conditions. Urological applications include erectile dysfunction to benign prostatic hyperplasia, from incontinence to urinary retention, or even to facilitate urinary stone passage along the urinary tract. Due to its versatility, alpha-blockers appear to be the Swiss army knife of urological medications. However, the efficacy of alpha-blockers for MET, pain management, or facilitating upper tract access is very disappointing, bringing no, or in some instances, only marginal benefits. Their treatment results are far from being significant or impressive let alone magical. Regular sexual intercourse is an effective alternative to alpha-blockers, providing faster ureteral stone expulsion rates and reducing the need for pain medication. Most of the research supporting alpha-blockers has been based on single-center, underpowered, low-quality studies. These low-quality studies biased several subsequent meta-analyses, contaminating them with their low-quality data, enhancing and prolonging this delusion. These results emphasize the need for large, multi-centric, unbiased, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials to prevent future year-long delusions that may afflict any medical field.

Innovations in endourologic stone surgery: contemporary practice patterns from a global survey

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current availability of technology for urolithiasis treatment and ureteroscopy. Perioperative practice patterns, availability of ureteroscopic technologies, pre- and post-stenting practices, and methods to alleviate stent-related symptoms were assessed via a survey of members of the Endourological Society. Methods We distributed a 43-question survey online via the Qualtrics platform to members of the Endourological Society. The survey consisted of questions pertaining to the following topics: general (6), equipment (17), preoperative ureteroscopy (URS; 9), intraoperative URS (2), and postoperative URS (9). Results A total of 191 urologists responded to the survey. 51% of urologists were fellowship trained and dedicated an average of 58% of their practice to stone management. In terms of procedures, most urologists performed ureteroscopy most commonly (68%), followed by percutaneous nephrolithotomy (23%) and shockwave lithotripsy (11%). 90% of respondent urologists purchased a new ureteroscope within the last five years (16% single-use scopes, 53% reusable, and 31% purchased both). 57% of the respondents stated that they would be interested in a ureteroscope that can sense intrarenal pressure, with an additional 30% stating they would be interested depending on the cost. 80% of responders purchased a new laser within the last five years, and 59% changed their lasering technique due to the new laser. 70% are performing primary ureteroscopy for obstructing stones, and 30% prefer pre-stenting patients for subsequent URS (on average after 21 days). 59% of responders insert a ureteral stent after URS, which is removed, on average, after eight days in uncomplicated cases and 21 days after complicated URS. Most urologists give analgesics, alpha-blockers, and anticholinergics for stent-related symptoms and less than 10% prescribe opioids. Conclusion Our survey revealed urologists' eagerness for the early adoption of novel technologies and adherence to conservative practice patterns focused on patient safety.

Preoperative patient optimization for endourological procedures: the current best clinical practice

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite technological advancements in endourological surgery, there is room for improvement in preoperative patient optimization strategies. This review updates recent best clinical practices that can be implemented for optimal surgical outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Outcome and complication predictions using novel scoring systems and techniques have shown to assist clinical decision-making and patient counseling. Innovative preoperative simulation and localization methods for percutaneous nephrolithotomy have been evaluated to minimize puncture-associated adverse events. Novel antibiotic prophylaxis strategies and further recognition of risk factors that attribute to postoperative infections have shown the potential to minimize perioperative morbidity. Accumulating data on the roles of preoperative stenting and selective oral alpha-blockers adds evidence to the current paradigm of preventive measures for ureteral injury.

SUMMARY

Ample tools and technologies exist that can be utilized preoperatively to improve surgical outcomes. The combination of these innovations, along with validation in larger-scale studies, presents the cornerstone of future urolithiasis management.

The regular use of calcium channel blockers before flexible URS appears to facilitate primary UAS insertion: a retrospective study in a single center

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of regular use of CCB before flexible URS for successful primary UAS insertion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 209 patients who underwent flexible ureteroscopy (URS) for upper urinary tract calculi between Jan 2021 and Dec 2021. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether calcium channel blockers (CCB) were used (n = 72) or not (n = 137). The following parameters were collected: age, sex, height and weight, BMI, stone location, stone burden, number of stones, operation time, hospital stay, hospital readmission, post-operative fever, post-operative SIRS rate, Clavien-Dindo grade, hospitalization costs, successful primary UAS insertion. We compared the two groups using Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U test and χ² test for quantitative and categorical variables, respectively. A logistic regression model was used to identify predictive factors of UAS successful primary insertion.

RESULTS

Compared with the non-CCB group, the CCB group had a higher successful primary UAS insertion rate (97.2% vs.85.4%, p = 0.008), and a lower hospital readmission rate (2.8% vs.12.4%, p = 0.021). In multivariate analyses, the regular use of CCB was the only predictive factor of successful primary UAS insertion rate (OR 6.32, 95% CI 1.41-28.29, p = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

The regular use of calcium channel blockers (CCB) before flexible URS appears to facilitate ureteral access sheaths (UAS) primary insertion.

Are adrenergic α1- antagonists beneficial for the access of retrograde ureteral access sheath or semi-rigid ureteroscope access? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

To evaluate the clinical benefit of preoperative adrenergic α1-antagonist therapy in the management of upper urinary calculi.

Materials and methods

Publications were searched for The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and MEDLINE until 1 March 2022 that related to the adrenergic α1- antagonist intake as adjunctive therapy before retrograde surgery. Dichotomous data were reported with risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and the continuous data were reported with mean difference (MD) with 95% CIs.

Results

There were nine studies with 867 patients included in this meta-analysis. Preoperative adrenergic α1- antagonists could significantly elevate the compared with the placebo. Higher successful access rate to the stone was found in patients who received preoperative adrenergic α1- antagonists than those who received the placebo (RR 1.24; 95% CI 1.17-1.33). Besides, the application of preoperative adrenergic α1- antagonists can also elevate 4th-week stone-free rate (RR 1.20; 95% CI 1.12-1.28), decrease postoperative analgesia (RR 0.30;95% CI 0.20-0.46) and result in a lower risk of overall complications (RR 0.38; 95% CI 0.24-0.61).

Conclusion

Preoperative adjunctive adrenergic α1- antagonist therapy is effective and safe in the management of retrograde surgery with a higher successful access rate and lower risk of severe complications.

Best Practice in Interventional Management of Urolithiasis: An Update from the European Association of Urology Guidelines Panel for Urolithiasis 2022

PURPOSE

The European Association of Urology (EAU) has updated its guidelines on clinical best practice in urolithiasis for 2021. We therefore aimed to present a summary of best clinical practice in surgical intervention for patients with upper tract urolithiasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The panel performed a comprehensive literature review of novel data up to May 2021. The guidelines were updated and a strength rating was given for each recommendation, graded using the modified Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations methodology.

RESULTS

The choice of surgical intervention depends on stone characteristics, patient anatomy, comorbidities, and choice. For shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), the optimal shock frequency is 1.0-1.5 Hz. For ureteroscopy (URS), a postoperative stent is not needed in uncomplicated cases. Flexible URS is an alternative if percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) or SWL is contraindicated, even for stones >2 cm. For PCNL, prone and supine approaches are equally safe. For uncomplicated PCNL cases, a nephrostomy tube after PCNL is not necessary. Radiation exposure for endourological procedures should follow the as low as reasonably achievable principles.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a summary of the EAU urolithiasis guidelines on best clinical practice in interventional management of urolithiasis. The full guideline is available at https://uroweb.org/guidelines/urolithiasis.

PATIENT SUMMARY

The European Association of Urology has produced guidelines on the best management of kidney stones, which are summarised in this paper. Kidney stone disease is a common condition; computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used to diagnose it. The guidelines aim to decrease radiation exposure to patients by minimising the use of x-rays and CT scans. We detail specific advice around the common operations for kidney stones.

European Association of Urology Section of Urolithiasis and International Alliance of Urolithiasis Joint Consensus on Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for the Management of Renal Stones

BACKGROUND

Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) has become the preferred treatment modality for nephrolithiasis. However, because of ongoing uncertainties regarding the optimal perioperative management, operative technique, and postoperative follow-up, as well as a lack of standardization for outcome reporting, consensus is needed to achieve more uniform clinical practice worldwide.

OBJECTIVE

To develop recommendations for RIRS on the basis of existing data and expert consensus.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A protocol-driven, three-phase study was conducted by the European Association of Urology Section of Urolithiasis (EULIS) and the International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU). The process included: (1) a nonsystematic review of the literature to define domains for discussion; (2) a two-round modified Delphi survey involving experts in this field; and (3) an additional group meeting and third-round survey involving 64 senior representative members to formulate the final conclusions.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The results from each previous round were returned to the participants for re-evaluation of their decisions during the next round. The agreement threshold was set at 70%.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

The panel included 209 participants who developed 29 consensus statements on the following topics of interest: (1) perioperative infection management; (2) perioperative antithrombotic therapy; (3) fundamentals of the operative technique; and (4) standardized outcome reporting. Although this consensus can be considered as a useful reference for more clinically oriented daily practice, we also acknowledge that a higher level of evidence from further clinical trials is needed.

CONCLUSIONS

The consensus statements aim to guide and standardize clinical practice and research on RIRS and to recommend standardized outcome reporting.

PATIENT SUMMARY

An international consensus on the best practice for minimally invasive surgery for kidney stones was organized and developed by two international societies. It is anticipated that this consensus will provide further guidance to urologists and may help to improve clinical outcomes for patients.

The efficacy of adjunctive alpha-blockers on ureteroscopy procedure for ureteral stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Urolithiasis cases are a common condition, and the number is still growing today. The prevalence of urinary tract stones globally currently ranges from 2-20% with a recurrence rate of around 50%. The present study aims to investigate the efficacy of adjunctive alpha-blockers in improving the success rate of ureteroscopy (URS) procedure for urolithiasis.

Methods: We reviewed articles obtained from MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Elsevier from 14 August to 9 September 2020, comparing alpha-blockers as adjunctive therapy, versus either a placebo or no drug at all, in post-URS urolithiasis patients. There were no restrictions on the type of URS and alpha-blockers given to patients. The quality of studies included was assessed using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias Assessment for Randomized-Controlled Trials.

Results: Forest plot analysis emphasizes the statistically significant difference among the group, where the adjunctive alpha-blocker group had pooled relative risk (RR) of being stone-free, readmitted due to initial URS failure, having an overall complication, having haematuria, getting their ureteral mucous injured, and suffering a colic episode was 1.71 (95% CI, 1.11–1.24), 0.50 (95% CI, 0.25–1.01), 0.41 (95% CI, 0.27–0.61), 0.42 (95% CI, 0.22–0.79), 0.31 (95% CI, 0.13–0.73), and 0.21 (95% CI, 0.06–0.69), respectively.

Conclusions: Alpha blockers minimize the frequency and duration of ureteral contractions, allowing smooth stone expulsion. With this knowledge, it is expected to help clinicians decide the importance of adjunctive alpha-blocker administration.

Infection-related hospitalization following ureteroscopic stone treatment: results from a surgical collaborative

Background

Unplanned hospitalization following ureteroscopy (URS) for urinary stone disease is associated with patient morbidity and increased healthcare costs. To this effect, AUA guidelines recommend at least a urinalysis in patients prior to URS. We examined risk factors for infection-related hospitalization following URS for urinary stones in a surgical collaborative.

Methods

Reducing Operative Complications from Kidney Stones (ROCKS) is a quality improvement (QI) initiative from the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MUSIC) consisting of academic and community practices in the State of Michigan. Trained abstractors prospectively record standardized data elements from the health record in a web-based registry including patient characteristics, surgical details and complications. Using the ROCKS registry, we identified all patients undergoing primary URS for urinary stones between June 2016 and October 2017, and determined the proportion hospitalized within 30 days with an infection-related complication. These patients underwent chart review to obtain clinical data related to the hospitalization. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors for hospitalization.

Results

1817 URS procedures from 11 practices were analyzed. 43 (2.4%) patients were hospitalized with an infection-related complication, and the mortality rate was 0.2%. Median time to admission and length of stay was 4 and 3 days, respectively. Nine (20.9%) patients did not have a pre-procedure urinalysis or urine culture, which was not different in the non-hospitalized cohort (20.5%). In hospitalized patients, pathogens included gram-negative (61.5%), gram-positive (19.2%), yeast (15.4%), and mixed (3.8%) organisms. Significant factors associated with infection-related hospitalization included higher Charlson comorbidity index, history of recurrent UTI, stone size, intra-operative complication, and procedures where fragments were left in-situ.

Conclusions

One in 40 patients are hospitalized with an infection-related complication following URS. Awareness of risk factors may allow for individualized counselling and management to reduce these events. Approximately 20% of patients did not have a pre-operative urine analysis or culture, and these findings demonstrate the need for further study to improve urine testing and compliance