Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy with multiple mini tracts in a single session in treating staghorn calculi

Percutaneous-based management of Staghorn calculi in solitary kidney: combined mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus retrograde intrarenal surgery

INTRODUCTION

Mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) are well-established techniques with little morbidity. The combined use of standard PCNL and the mini-PCNL or the RIRS technique was evaluated and compared to investigate their own role in the management of staghorn calculi in solitary kidney.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

23 patients received combined standard PCNL and mini-PCNL (group 1), and 22 patients received combined standard PCNL and RIRS (group 2). The treatment results and complications were evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

The mean operation time was 128.8 ± 9.1 min in group 1 and 109.8 ± 10.7 min in group 2 (p < 0.001). The decrease in hemoglobin level in group 1 was significantly higher than that in group 2 (3.5 ± 0.6 vs. 2.1 ± 0.5 g/dl, p < 0.001). The final stone-free rate was significantly higher (p = 0.038) in group 2 (90.9%) than in group 1 (65.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined standard PCNL and RIRS technique can extract the majority of staghorn calculi quickly by PCNL with EMS Lithoclast, and RIRS used simultaneously can reduce the need for multiple tracts and therefore reduce blood loss and potential morbidity related to multiple tracts, shorten the operation time and achieve a high stone-free rate.

Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy for simple and complex renal caliceal stones: a comparative analysis of more than 10,000 cases

PURPOSE

To determine whether minimally invasive PCNL (MPCNL) is as safe and effective in the management of complex renal caliceal stones as it is for simple renal stones.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 5761(41.2%) simple caliceal stones (isolated renal pelvis including isolated calix) and 8223 (58.8%) complex caliceal stones (renal pelvis accompanying two calices at least) that were managed by MPCNL between 1992 nd 2011. The safety, efficacy, and outcome were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

Stone burden was larger in complex caliceal stones (1763.0 vs 1018.6 mm(2), P<0.05). Patients with simple stones had significantly shorter operative time, less frequency of multiple percutaneous accesses, and less hemoglobin drop. They also had a higher initial stone-free rate (SFR) (77.6% vs 66.4%) after a single session of MPCNL (P<0.05). The differences diminished in the final SFR (86.7% vs 86.1%) after relook and/or auxiliary procedures (P>0.05). The complication rate (17.9% vs 19.0%) and blood transfusion rate (grade II) (2.2% vs 3.2%) were similar in both groups (P>0.05). Both groups had a low rate of high Clavien grade complications. Renal vascular embolizations (grade III), however, were significantly higher in patients with complex caliceal stones (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MPCNL is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with complex caliceal stones except there is a slightly higher frequency rate of embolization. There was a higher initial SFR in simple stones, but this difference diminished with secondary procedures.

Safety and efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy in treatment of calculi in horseshoe kidneys

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) in horseshoe kidneys (HKs) with calculi.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2006 to 2012, 35 renal units in 32 patients with calculi in HKs underwent MPCNL. Patients and stone characteristics, stone-free rates (SFR), and complications were evaluated. The composition of the stones obtained from operation was also analyzed by infrared spectroscopy.

RESULTS

The average age of patients was 38.2±7.3 years (range 14-72). The mean stone burden was 657±510.9 mm(2) (range 134.7-2460.1). The mean operative time was 93.4±17.6 minutes (53-152). The most popular access site was upper pole access (35/42, 83.3%). The SFR after initial MPCNL was 82.9% (29/35 renal units). Second-stage MPCNL was performed in 5 renal units, with a 91.4% (32/35 renal units) final SFR. Minor complications (Clavien grades I and II) were seen in six patients, and urosepsis requiring intensive care unit management in one (Clavien grade IVa). All were treated successfully.

CONCLUSION

MPCNL is a safe and effective treatment modality in HK stones with acceptable results, which was compatible to a normal anatomy kidney. However, further studies with a larger sample size are required.

Effect of multiple access tracts during percutaneous nephrolithotomy on renal function: evaluation of risk factors for renal function deterioration

PURPOSE

To assess the impact of multiple access tracts during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) on short- and midterm renal function, and to determine risk factors predicting renal function deterioration and/or recoverability.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing PCNL with multiple punctures were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative evaluation included dimercaptosuccinic acid and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid renography. Patients were classified according to baseline renal function into patients with normal (<1.4 mg/dL) serum creatinine (group A) and patients with elevated (≥1.4 mg/dL) serum creatinine (group B). Patients were followed with serial serum creatinine evaluations and a repeated renography at 12 months. Factors evaluated for possible impact on renal function changes included preoperative renal function, number of access tracts, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.

RESULTS

There were 102 patients 21 to 65 (mean 39.9) years who completed the study. Fifty patients (group A) had normal preoperative serum creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which showed no statistically significant change 12 months after PCNL. Fifty-two patients had baseline renal impairment (group B), and they experienced statistically significant worsening of the serum creatinine level and GFR at 12 months postoperatively (P<0.001). Ten (19.23%) patients in group B had a significant deterioration of GFR more than 25%. Independent risk factors for this poor outcome were elevated (≥1.4 mg/dL) preoperative serum creatinine level, diabetes, and hypertension.

CONCLUSION

PCNL with multiple tracts carries a risk of adversely affecting renal function. Preoperative baseline renal impairment, diabetes, and hypertension are risk factors for significant renal function deterioration after the procedure.

Prospective randomized controlled trial comparing laser lithotripsy with pneumatic lithotripsy in miniperc for renal calculi

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The energy source used for stone fragmentation is important in miniperc. In this study, we compared the stone fragmentation characteristics and outcomes of laser lithotripsy and pneumatic lithotripsy in miniperc for renal calculi.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After Institutional Review Board approval, 60 patients undergoing miniperc for renal calculi of 15 to 30 mm were equally randomized to laser and pneumatic lithotripsy groups. Miniperc was performed using 16.5F Karl Storz miniperc sheath and a 12F nephroscope. Laser lithotripsy was performed using a 550-μm laser fiber and 30 W laser with variable settings according to the need. Pneumatic lithotripsy was performed using the EMS Swiss lithoclast. Patient demographics, stone characteristics, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

The baseline patient demographics and stone characteristics were similar in both groups. The total operative time (P = 0.433) and fragmentation time (P=0.101) were similar between the groups. The surgeon assessed that the Likert score (1 to 5) for fragmentation was similar in both groups (2.1 ± 0.8 vs 1.9 ± 0.9, P=0.313). Stone migration was lower with the laser (1.3 ± 0.5 vs 1.7 ± 0.8, P=0.043), and fragment removal was easier with the laser (1.1 ± 0.3 vs 1.7 ± 1.1, P=0.011). The need for fragment retrieval using a basket was significantly more in the pneumatic lithotripsy group (10% vs 37%, P=0.002). The hemoglobin drop, complication rates, auxiliary procedures, postoperative pain, and stone clearance rates were similar between the groups (P>0.2).

CONCLUSION

Both laser lithotripsy and pneumatic lithotripsy are equally safe and efficient stone fragmentation modalities in miniperc. Laser lithotripsy is associated with lower stone migration and easier retrieval of the smaller fragments it produces.

Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery for large calculi: simultaneous use of flexible ureteroscopy and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy overcomes the disadvantageous of percutaneous nephrolithotomy monotherapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is considered the standard procedure for the removal of large renal calculi. The development of the "minimally invasive PCNL" (mini-PCNL) has reduced the complications of the surgery; it also appears to be associated with less morbidity than the conventional PCNL (con-PCNL). This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of endoscopic intrarenal surgery, using the prone-split leg position, using flexible ureteroscopy and mini-PCNL (mini- endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery [ECIRS]) by retrospectively comparing this technique with mini-PCNL and con-PCNL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total, 161 consecutive patients who were observed for the follow-up of large renal calculi between February 2004 and January 2013 were selected for mini-ECIRS (60), mini-PCNL (19), or con-PCNL (82). Mini-ECIRS was performed with patients in the prone split-leg position via 18F minipercutaneous tract and 14F ureteral access sheath. The mini-PCNL was performed via 18F percutaneous tract and con-PCNL performed via the 30F tract. Mean size of the renal calculi removed via mini-ECIRS, mini-PCNL, and con-PCNL were 39.2, 38.4, and 34.6 mm, respectively.

RESULTS

Average surgical time for mini-ECIRS was shorter than that for mini-PCNL and con-PCNL (120.5 vs. 181.9 vs 134.1 min, respectively; P<0.001). The stone-free rate for mini-ECIRS was significantly higher than that of the other procedures (initial rates 81.7% vs. 38.9% vs. 45.1%, respectively; P<0.001; rates after further treatment 86.7% vs. 61.1% vs. 61.0%, respectively; P=0.002). Only one patient in the mini-ECIRS group needed blood transfusions. The decrease in hemoglobin during mini-ECIRS and mini-PCNL was significantly lower than that during con-PCNL (P=0.011).

CONCLUSION

Mini-ECIRS is better than monotherapy with mini-PCNL or con-PCNL. The study results show that mini-ECIRS is a safe, efficient, and versatile procedure that can be effective for the management of renal calculi.

Retrograde, antegrade, and laparoscopic approaches to the management of large upper ureteral stones after shockwave lithotripsy failure: a four-year retrospective study

PURPOSE

We compare the success rate and complications of retrograde ureteroscopy, laparoscopic ureterolithotomy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the management of large upper ureteral stones.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 73 patients with large (≥1 cm) upper ureteral stones at two institutions from January 2010 to May 2013. Twenty-two patients underwent retrograde ureteroscopy (group ULS), 30 patients underwent percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (group PCNL), and 21 patients underwent laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (group LS) for removal of upper ureteral stones. CT, intravenous urography, and ultrasound were performed 1 week and 1 month after surgical removal.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in age, sex, or stone size among the three groups. Mean estimated blood loss and mean hospital stay showed a statistically significant difference among the three groups. Success rates in the PCNL, LS, and ULS groups were 100%, 90.5%, and 77.3%, respectively. The procedures of two patients in group LS were converted to open surgery because of the inability to find the ureteral stone in one patient and an adhesion too difficult to dissect in the other. The procedures of two patients in the ULS group were converted to LS, and those of three patients were converted to PCNL because of severe edema impaction at the site of the stone, a sharply angulated ureter obstruction, upward migration of the stone (seven patients), and intraoperative complications (two patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous antegrade nephrolithotomy is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for patients with large upper ureteral stones that has several advantages over retrograde ureteroscopy and laparoscopic ureterolithotomy. Thus, percutaneous antegrade nephrolithotomy is recommended as a safe and good treatment option for large upper ureteral stones. A combined procedure (e.g., ureteral push-back and percutaneous removal) can be considered in some patients.

Comparison of percutaneous nephrolithotomy, shock wave lithotripsy, and retrograde intrarenal surgery for lower pole renal calculi 10-20 mm

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for 1- to 2-cm lower pole kidney stones.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was based on data collected from the files of patients between January 2007 and May 2012. The files of 383 patients (221 SWL, 144 PCNL, 38 RIRS) were evaluated. The groups were compared for stone size, success rate, and complication rate using the modified Clavien grading system.

RESULTS

The stone burdens of the groups were similar (p = 0.36). The success rates were 76, 94, and 73%, respectively, in SWL, PCNL, and RIRS. The highest stone-free rate was in the PNL group (p < 0.05). When the complication rates were evaluated using the Clavien grading system, they were determined to be 13% in PCNL, 3% in SWL, and 5% in RIRS. Especially GII and GIII complications were more common in the PCNL group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PCNL seems to be the most successful but most invasive method. However, with relatively low complication rates, SWL and RIRS are other techniques to keep in mind. To determine the first-line treatment, prospective randomized studies with larger series are needed.

Risk factors for systemic inflammatory response syndrome following percutaneous nephrolithotomy

The aim of this study was to analyze the pre- and intraoperative risk factors that affect the development of postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Medical records on 317 adult patients with the complete data who underwent single-stage PCNL and followed at our center were retrospectively studied. Patients' data were collected through a database which was collected prospectively. All patients' vital signs were recorded hourly in the postoperative period and were divided into two groups as patients developing SIRS and not developing SIRS. There were 202 men and 115 women with a mean age of 48 ± 13.7 (range 19-82) years. There were 53 (16.7 %) in the SIRS and 264 (83.3 %) patients in the non-SIRS group. Preoperative positive urine cultures (UCs), intraoperative positive renal pelvic urine cultures (RPUCs), and stone cultures (SCs) were strongly correlated with the development of SIRS (p = 0.001). In the SIRS developers' group, preoperative UCs, intraoperative RPUCs, and SCs were positive in 33.9, 22.5, and 28.6 % of patients, respectively, but only 9.8, 3.3, and 4.2 % for the corresponding specimens in non-SIRS group. Positive preoperative UCs, intraoperative RPUCs, and SCs are important factors indicating the development of postoperative SIRS. Appropriately treated preoperative urinary infections may not prevent infected urine at PCNL. RPUCs and SCs may be the only way to identify the causative organism and direct antimicrobial therapy, so we recommend collecting RPUCs and SCs routinely to identify the offending organism and guide treatment.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal stones following failed extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy: different performances and morbidities

The purpose of this study is to summarize the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for renal stones following failed extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), and to investigate the effect of previous SWL on the performances and morbidities of subsequent PCNL. Sixty-two patients with a history of failed SWL who underwent PCNL on the same kidney (group 1) were compared to 273 patients who had received PCNL as first treatment choice (group 2). Patient demographics, stone characteristics, operative findings, and complications were documented and compared. Groups 1 and 2 had similar patient demographics and stone characteristics. Mean time to establish access was comparable in both groups (10.5 ± 4.2 vs. 9.6 ± 4.5 min, p = 0.894). Time required to remove stones and total operative time were longer in group 1 (71.5 ± 10.3 vs. 62.3 ± 8.6 min, p = 0.011 and 95.8 ± 12.0 vs. 80.6 ± 13.2 min., p = 0.018, respectively). Group 1 had lower clearance rate compared to group 2 (83.9 vs. 93.4 %, p = 0.021), while postoperative complications were similar in both groups. Scattered stone fragments buried within the tissues made the procedure more difficult for stone fragmenting and extracting, which lead to longer operative time and inferior stone free rate. However, the PCNL procedure was safe and effective in patients with failed SWL. The risk of complications was similar and clearance rate was encouraging.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with scoliosis: our institutional experience

It is challenging to treat renal stones in patients with scoliosis. The present study was designed to study the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL, 18 Fr) and standard tract PCNL (24 Fr) in patients with scoliosis. Twenty cases treated with mPCNL and 18 cases with standard tract PCNL were included in the present study. Laboratory data included preoperative routine complete blood count, serum creatinine, urine bacterial culture, etc. KUB, intravenous urography or CT scanning was done. Fifteen had lumbar and 23 had thoracolumbar scoliosis. Pulmonary function test was performed in all cases. Demographic and clinical details, operative characteristics and complications were studied and compared between two groups retrospectively. The stone burdens of two groups were averagely 754.4 and 816.2 mm(2), respectively (P = 0.194). Pulmonary function test indicated that 18 (47 %) out of 38 patients had decreased function for surgery and anesthesia. The stone clearance rates were 55 and 67 %, respectively, after the first session (P = 0.522). The requirements of auxiliary treatments including second-look PCNL procedure or SWL (shock wave lithotripsy) were not significantly different for both groups. All patients from both groups achieved final stone clearance after auxiliary treatments. Complications of urinary collecting system injury or fever were observed in one and two cases in each group, respectively, (P = 0.548). There were no injuries to neighboring organs or pneumothorax. The requirement of blood transfusion for four cases in mPCNL group and three cases in the standard tract PCNL group, respectively, indicated no significant difference between two groups (P = 0.999). We are able to successfully and safely perform both mPCNL and standard tract PCNL in patients with scoliosis in our hospital. Compared with mPCNL, standard tract PCNL is even more efficient due to its shorter operative time.

Prevention and treatment of septic shock following mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a single-center retrospective study of 834 cases

PURPOSE

To explore the risk factors, prevention, and management of the septic shock following the mini-percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (mini-PCNL).

METHODS

A total of 834 consecutive patients who underwent mini-PCNL from June 2004 to April 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. The causes, prevention, and treatment of septic shock following mini-PCNL were assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty out of 834 patients developed septic shock, and 17 patients recovered without complications. Three patients progressed to multiple organ dysfunction syndromes and expired. Multivariable analysis showed that the following variables were independently related to septic shock following mini-PCNL: female, with an odds ratio (OR = 1.055E8, P < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 4.192, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Female and diabetes mellitus are the risk factors for septic shock following mini-PCNL. Perioperative preventive measures can reduce the incidence of septic shock. Early recognition and timely bundle treatment may decrease the mortality.

Chinese minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy for intrarenal stones in patients with solitary kidney: a single-center experience

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience with Chinese minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Chinese MPCNL) to manage patients with intrarenal stones in solitary kidney, and evaluate the safety, efficiency and feasibility of this technique.

METHODS

Forty-one patients with intrarenal stones in solitary kidney underwent Chinese MPCNL in our department from March 2009 to February 2011. Demographic characteristics, operative parameters, number of tracts, stone-free rates (SFRs), stone analyses, hemoglobin levels, nephrostomy tube removal time, hospitalization time, and complications were evaluated. Serum creatinine (Scr) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured preoperatively, postoperatively at 1 month, and each follow-up visit. The 5-stage classification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was used according to the National Kidney Foundation guidelines.

RESULTS

The initial stone-free status was achieved in 35 (85.4%) patients after Chinese MPCNL. The mean follow-up time was 16.9 ± 4.7 months (range: 12-24), and the final SFR improved to 97.6% after auxiliary procedures. Among all patients, complex stones were detected in 26 (63.4%) patients, and 9 (22.0%) required multiple tracts. The mean operative time and mean hospitalization time were 71.3 ± 23.5 min (range: 40-139) and 6.1 ± 0.5 days (range: 5-11), respectively. During preoperative period and postoperative period (1 month), Scr were 132.1 ± 41.3 umol/L (range: 78.2-231.4) and 108.9 ± 30.7 umol/L (range: 71.6-136.9), respectively (P<0.05), while GFR were 74.9 ± 24.2 ml/min (range: 35-110) and 83.9 ± 27.4 ml/min (range: 65-110), respectively (P<0.05). According to CKD classification, the renal function was stable, improved, and worse in 29 (70.7%), 11 (26.8%), and 1 (2.5%) patients, compared with the preoperative levels. No patient progressed to end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience with Chinese MPCNL demonstrates that it is safe, feasible and efficient for managing the intrarenal calculi in solitary kidney with a low complication rate. At long-term follow-up, renal function stabilized or even improved in the majority of patients with solitary kidney.

Staghorn morphometry: a new tool for clinical classification and prediction model for percutaneous nephrolithotomy monotherapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Staghorn stone volume and its distribution within the collecting system, "staghorn morphometry," predicts the requirement of tract and stage for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) monotherapy. The purpose of the study was to develop a CT urography staghorn morphometry-based prediction algorithm to predict tract(s) and stage(s) for PCNL monotherapy and classify staghorn accordingly.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective case-control design of 94 units was used. CT software calculated the total stone volume (TSV) with absolute volume and percentile volume in the pelvis, planned entry calix, favorable and unfavorable calix. Entry calix was the optimum calix chosen, keeping the relations of the ribs and adjoining viscera that could clear maximum stone volume. Unfavorable calix was defined as having an acute angle from the entry calix and infundibular width of ≤ 8 mm. A prediction model with odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) was constructed on univariate and multivariate regression factors.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, TSV (P=0.013), unfavorable calix stone volume (0.007), and percentile distribution of stone in pelvis (0.026), pelvis and entry calix (<0.001), and unfavorable calix (0.001) predicted tracts while total stone (<0.001), pelvic stone (0.0046), and unfavorable calix stone (<0.001) volume and percentile volume in pelvis (0.04), pelvis and entry calix (0.005) and unfavorable calix (P<0.001) predicted stage. Multivariate analysis showed that unfavorable calix stone percentile volume predicted tract (area under the curve [AUC] - 0.91) while TSV and unfavorable calix stone percentile volume (AUC - 0.846) predicted stage. The OR-based prediction model suggested a need for single tract and stage PCNL vs multiple tract and stage PCNL for TSV and unfavorable calix percentile stone volume of (<5,000 mm(3) and 5%) and (>20,000 mm(3) and 10%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The model predicts the tract and stage for PCNL monotherapy. Staghorn morphometry differentiates staghorn into type 1 (single tract and stage); type 2 (single tract-single/multiple stage, or multiple tract-single stage), and type 3 (multiple tract and stage).

Ultrasonography-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the treatment of urolithiasis in patients with scoliosis

We examined the surgical outcomes of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) in scoliotic patients with complicating urolithiasis. Two patients with scoliosis were hospitalized for MPNCL due to upper tract urolithiasis. Calyx puncture was performed in the prone position under ultrasonographic guidance. The renal access route was established using a set of 8F to 16F dilators, and a transpyelic ballistic lithotriptor was used to fragment the calculi. The stone burdens in the 2 patients were 410 mm(2) and 500 mm(2). The entire operative time was 40 to 70 minutes, and the mean time of establishing percutaneous access was 20 minutes. The calculi were completely removed by single-session pneumatic lithotripsy. The 2 patients recovered from MPCNL uneventfully, and the follow-up radiologic examinations identified no stone residual or recurrence. MPCNL is a minimally invasive modality that is effective and safe for the treatment of urolithiasis in patients with scoliosis.