Urolithiasis
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The exposome is the assembly and measure of all the exposures of an individual in a lifetime. An individual's exposures begin before birth and include insults from environmental and occupational sources. The associated field is called exposomics, which relies on the application of internal and external exposure assessment methods. ⋯ Examples include athletes, teachers, heathcare workers, and cab drivers. Occupational kidney stones have received scant attention and may represent a neglected, and preventable, type of stone. An exposomic-oriented history would include a careful delineation of occupation and activities.
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
The efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy under general versus regional anesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) under regional anesthesia (RA) vs. general anesthesia (GA). A systematic literature search in the electronic databases (Cochrane CENTRAL, Medline and EMBASE) was performed up to April 2014. Twelve trials, including 1954 patients, met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. ⋯ However, there was no difference between RA and GA groups with regard to stone-free rate (OR, 1.09; 95 % CI, 0.86-1.37) and postoperative complications associated with PCNL (OR, 0.95; 95 % CI 0.58-1.54). Our results show that PCNL under RA offers several potential advantages over GA in terms of surgical duration, hospitalization period, fluoroscopy time, blood transfusion, postoperative pain, and analgesic requirements, but both anesthetic techniques appear to be equivalent with regard to the stone-free rate and complication rate. Along with the suggested favorable hemodynamic profile and lower cost, RA may prove a better alternative than GA.
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
The efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy under general versus regional anesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) under regional anesthesia (RA) vs. general anesthesia (GA). A systematic literature search in the electronic databases (Cochrane CENTRAL, Medline and EMBASE) was performed up to April 2014. Twelve trials, including 1954 patients, met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. ⋯ However, there was no difference between RA and GA groups with regard to stone-free rate (OR, 1.09; 95 % CI, 0.86-1.37) and postoperative complications associated with PCNL (OR, 0.95; 95 % CI 0.58-1.54). Our results show that PCNL under RA offers several potential advantages over GA in terms of surgical duration, hospitalization period, fluoroscopy time, blood transfusion, postoperative pain, and analgesic requirements, but both anesthetic techniques appear to be equivalent with regard to the stone-free rate and complication rate. Along with the suggested favorable hemodynamic profile and lower cost, RA may prove a better alternative than GA.
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There are an increasing number of healthcare smartphone applications ('apps') available. Urolithiasis presents a major healthcare burden. Patients are increasingly keen to educate themselves regarding the diagnosis and management of their condition. ⋯ We conclude that urolithiasis apps have future potential to inform both patients and healthcare professionals on stone management. However, inaccuracies in the recommendations made by some apps can be misleading or even harmful due to a lack of specialist involvement. We recommend improving the usefulness of these apps by seeking a 'quality stamp' from recognised urological organisations and greater clinician involvement in future app development.
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Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is an established treatment for renal stones. Although non-invasive, it can cause significant pain and anxiety during the procedure. Our purpose was to review the literature to look at the effect of complimentary therapy in patients undergoing SWL and whether it led to a reduction in the requirement of analgesics and anxiolytics. ⋯ No major or minor side effects were noted. Complementary therapy for SWL can help lower analgesia requirement and the anxiety associated with it. However, it does not have any effect on the SFR.