Patient Perspectives

Burst wave lithotripsy (BWL), an innovative new technique, may be a more efficient and accessible option in non-invasive kidney stone treatment.

According to a human study led by @UW’s Jonathan Harper, MD, 90% of stones were fragmented into pieces smaller than 2mm in under 10 minutes, with negligible tissue injury. Unlike ESWL, BWL uses short harmonic bursts of ultrasound energy to fragment stones, potentially eliminating the need for sedation or anaesthesia.

Read more here: Using sound waves to break up kidney stones – First human study shows promising results

Many patients from our community are suffering from extreme pain caused by ureteral calcifications. Calcifications can be caused by displaced #kidneystones lodged in the ureteral walls when passing. However, it may also be indicative of other severe diseases such as tuberculosis, schistosomiasis and even tumors*. To uncover the causes of ureteral calcifications, urologists can consider conducting a urography.

*Source: Calcified Renal Masses

According to Sirikan Rojanasarot, Ph.D., and Amy E. Krambeck, M.D., the use of stents with extraction strings for uncomplicated ureteroscopies is a safe and economical option. Leaving a string in place allows patients to remove their stents independently, eliminating the need for additional procedures while maintaining similar outcomes.

Presenting self-removal stents as a safe and economical option can help #urologists allay patient concerns and save on healthcare resources.

Source:

Read more here: The Economic Burden of Cystoscopy-Based Ureteral Stent Removal in the United States – An Analysis of Nearly 30,000 Patients

Early surgical intervention is important for removing obstructive kidney stones. However, when dealing with smaller stones, it may be better to leave them alone.

According to Innes et al, early intervention of smaller stones (<5mm) leads to a 14% increase in treatment failure compared with spontaneous passage*. Patients who are older, female, prone to hydronephrosis and have proximal stones are also at higher risk of treatment failure.

Sources:
Which Patients Should Have Early Surgical Intervention for Acute Ureteral Colic?

Despite growing patient demand, urology has consistently struggled to recruit and retain female urologists. A recent interview in the Urology Times suggests that gender biases may be a driving factor.

According to Dr Jennifer Miles-Thomas, M.D., female urologists are often the subject of offensive comments and gender-stereotypic perceptions at work*.

Listening actively and developing a retention strategy are some ways that urology practices can help women tackle these unseen barriers!

*Source:
Dr. Jennifer Miles-Thomas addresses the gender gap in urology