The burden on a urologist of percutaneous nephrostomies and antegrade ureteric stents : should trainee urologists learn to perform these procedures?

Abstract

Background and Objective Renal obstruction is a common urological emergency potentially requiring urgent decompression by percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) or antegrade ureteric stent (AUrS), procedures performed by interventional radiologists, or retrograde stenting in theatre by a urologist. The study aimed to assess the burden of PCN / AUrS on the overall workload of a urology department and evaluate impact of procedural delays in terms of bed-occupancy and cost. The findings serve to explore whether formal PCN / AUrS training would be desirable for UK trainees in urology. Material and Methods Prospective study of all patients admitted under urology at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) between 20thOctober - 18thNovember 2018. Electronic records to retrieve data pertaining to admission, treatment provided, length of in-patient stay and delay awaiting PCN / AUrS. Results n=148 patients identified. n=22 (14.8% of total) primary admission reason and/or main treatment provided related to PCN / AUrS. 601 urology in-patient days occupied for all causes, 166 (27.6%) related to PCN / AUrS and 66 (10.9%) awaiting PCN / AUrS (delays cost �11,361 / month). Conclusion PCN / AUrS constituted a noteworthy proportion of all admissions and in-patient bed days in QEHB urology. Clinically non-urgent patients experienced notable cumulative delays whilst awaiting PCN / AUrS which adversely impacted bed occupancy. A suitably trained urologist competent at PCN / AUrS may positively address these issues. The findings merit consideration of a call for UK urology trainees to be trained in PCN / AUrS as part of CCT requirements.