Renal puncture access via a nonpapillary track in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: an in vitro porcine kidney experience

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy non-papillary puncture trends. A review of the literature

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard of treatment for large renal calculi. Papillary puncture is the mainstay of treatment for large renal calculi, but the non-papillary has been introduced and gained some interest. The aim of this study is the investigation of trends of non-papillary access for PCNL over the years. A review of the literature took place and 13 publications were included in the study. Two experimental studies investigating the feasibility of non-papillary access were found. Five cohort prospective and 2 retrospective studies for non-papillary access and 4 comparative studies between papillary and non-papillary access were included. Non papillary access is a technique that has been proved as a safe and efficient solution that keeps up with the latest endoscopic trends. A wider use of this method could be expected in the future.

Advances in percutaneous renal puncture: a comprehensive review of the literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) constitutes the gold standard procedure for patients suffering from more than 2 cm renal stones. The puncture is a very critical step of PCNL, affecting manoeuvrability of the nephroscope, possibility to remove stone fragments, risk of bleeding and radiation exposure. The aim of the current review was to discuss the advances in percutaneous renal puncture.

RECENT FINDINGS

Following technological evolution in medicine, there was a consistent development in the puncture techniques, aiming at the improvement of its efficacy and safety. The use of specific agents can improve ultrasonic guidance, making the challenging step of gaining access to the kidney easier for the experienced surgeon and more accessible for the resident urologist. Future developments in the electromagnetic and three-dimensional (3D) technology may establish a high level of accuracy with decreased rates of related complications, even in the hands of beginners.

SUMMARY

The advances in percutaneous puncture can lead to improved safety and accuracy of this procedure decreasing the radiation exposure and the complication rate.

Comparing the outcomes of papillary and non-papillary access in percutaneous nephrolithotomy

BACKGROUND

Some publications have recently been released on the safety of non-papillary access (NPA) in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) by a Greek group. The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine the outcome of NPA during two years in a referral center.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was conducted on PCNL operations performed from January 2020 to April 2022 in Labbafinejad Hospital. In cases in which obtaining papillary access (PA) was not obtainable after several attempts and NPA was obtained, or in cases in whom after entry to the pyelocalyceal system, a NPA was observed, the cases were categorized in the NPA group (n = 67). The control group (PA) was composed of patients who had undergone PCNL with papillary access with similar stone bulk (n = 67). The primary endpoints of interest were hemoglobin drop and transfusion frequency. The secondary endpoint included: stone free rate (SFR), operation duration, and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 134 patients were enrolled during the study period which included 33 female patients (25%). The mean ± SD age of patients was 49.6 ± 13.2 years. The frequency of transfusion and residual stones was not different between NPA and PA groups: 6 (9%) versus 8 (11%), P = 0.29; and 16 (24%) versus 12 (18%), P = 0.26. Likewise, the operation time (87.6 ± 25.8 versus 90.2 ± 22.6 min, P = 0.45), and the frequency of intraoperative and postoperative complications were not different between the NPA and PA groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of this prospective study did not reveal a higher frequency of residual stones, transfusion, or complications in the NPA group. Nevertheless, our study is not powered enough to reveal complications of low frequency including delayed bleeding.