While #urolithiasis is typically managed as an independent condition, a new study suggests that it should be treated as part of Metabolic Syndrome, which is associated with high blood pressure, diabetes and lipoidemia.

Asst Prof Dr. Ben H. Chew, M.D., advises #urologists to approach kidney stones more holistically and prioritize patients’ overall health. Adopting the DASH diet is a simple yet effective way for patients to lower their risks of both stone recurrence and other metabolic diseases. #Urologists can give effective dietary recommendations and help patients be disease-free, not just stone-free!

Read more here on: Metabolic Syndrome Negatively Impacts Stone-Specific Quality of Life

Maximizing operating room (OR) efficiency can help hospitals achieve cost savings, boost team morale, and even increase patient satisfaction. How can we work smarter and improve the patient experience?

As researchers from Mayo Clinic recently discovered, the answers may lie in a data-driven process review. By applying the Six Sigma methodology to their workflow analysis, the team at Mayo Clinic identified staff lateness as a major challenge that could be resolved by optimizing OR team sizes and staggering surgical start times. Implementing such changes eventually helped them reduce OR turnover time to just 20 minutes!

How are you increasing efficiency in your workflow?

Read more here on: Improving Operating Room Efficiency Using the Six Sigma Methodology

Self-removal stents are a safe and economical option for healthcare providers*, but several members of our kidney stone community have expressed worries about removing a stent at home. Reasons include a lack of experience with self-removal stents and misconceptions that stent removals should be done in-office.

#Urologists, what are some of your best tips for removing a stent at home?

*Source:

Patient removal of ureteral stent with extraction string is safe and economical

Kidney stones in children are often an indication of serious anatomical and blood disorders. Worried parents in our community have been consulting multiple specialists about their children’s kidney stones!

A recent study by Önal et al found that various disciplines adopt different approaches when presented with pediatric kidney stones. This results in conflicting decisions that may impede therapeutic outcomes. #Urologists, it may be helpful to develop a multi-disciplinary team for your pediatric patients!

63% of physicians have reported at least one symptom of burnout, according to a new study led by Dr. Tait Shanafelt. This marks the “biggest increase of emotional exhaustion ever”, due to a mix of old and new factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and diminishing opportunities to engage in quality patient interaction. Healthcare institutions can help by connecting physicians with their most meaningful activities.