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Yang J, Zhou X, Zhou X, Tian JY, Wubuli M, Ye XH, Li J, Song NH. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy guided by 5G-powered robot-assisted teleultrasound diagnosis system: first clinical experience with a novel tele-assistance approach (IDEAL stage 1). BMC Urol 2024; 24:17. [PMID: 38238690 PMCID: PMC10795412 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-024-01400-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To demonstrate the technical feasibility of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) guided by 5G-powered robot-assisted teleultrasound diagnosis system (RTDS) in a complex kidney-stone (CKS) cohort and present our preliminary outcomes. PCNL is highly skill-required, which hinders it popularization in primary medical units of remote regions. We designed an innovative tele-assistance approach to make PCNL easy to be operated by inexperienced surgeons. METHODS This was a prospective proof-of-concept study (IDEAL phase 1) on intraoperative tele-assistance provided by online urological experts via a 5G-powered RTDS. Total 15 CKS patients accepted this technology. Online experts manipulated a simulated probe to assist unskilled local operators by driving a patient-side robot-probe to guide and monitor the steps of access establishment and finding residual stones. RESULTS Median total delay was 177ms despite one-way network-connecting distance > 5,800 km. No perceptible delay of audio-visual communication, driving robot-arm or dynamic ultrasound images was fed back. Successful tele-assistance was obtained in all cases. The first-puncture access-success rate was 78.6% with a one-session SF rate of 71.3% and without complications of grade III-V. CONCLUSIONS The current technology based on 5G-powered RTDS can provide high-quality intraoperative tele-assistance, which has preliminarily shown satisfactory outcomes and reliable safety. It will break down a personal competence-based barrier to endow PCNL with more popular utilization. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was approved by ethics committee of the Xinjiang Kezhou People's Hospital and ethics committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and was registered on http://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2200065849, 16/11/2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China.
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture (Xinjiang Kezhou People's Hospital), Artux, Xinjiang, 845350, China.
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Jin-Yong Tian
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture (Xinjiang Kezhou People's Hospital), Artux, Xinjiang, 845350, China
| | - Muhetaer Wubuli
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture (Xinjiang Kezhou People's Hospital), Artux, Xinjiang, 845350, China
| | - Xin-Hua Ye
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Ning-Hong Song
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China.
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture (Xinjiang Kezhou People's Hospital), Artux, Xinjiang, 845350, China.
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Alken P. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy - the puncture. BJU Int 2021; 129:17-24. [PMID: 34365712 DOI: 10.1111/bju.15564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine what importance is given to the puncture and assistive technologies in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in the current urological literature. METHODS PubMed was searched for English publications and reviews for the keywords: 'percutaneous nephrolithotomy', 'percutaneous nephrostomy', 'puncture'. The search was limited to the last 5 years, January 2016 until February 2021. Based on 183 abstracts, 121 publications were selected, read, and reviewed. References, older or seminal papers were read and cited if they contributed to a better understanding. A total of 198 references form the basis of this narrative review. RESULTS The puncture is frequently referred to as the most crucial part of PNL. In contrast, the influence of the puncture on the failure rate of PNL and the specific puncture-related complications seems to be low in the single-digit percentage range. However, there are no universally accepted definitions and standards measuring the quality of puncture. Consequently, the impact of the puncture on general PNL complications, on stone scores predicting success rates and on learning curves evaluating surgeons' performance have not been systematically studied. Assistive technologies rely on fluoroscopy and ultrasonography, the latter of which is becoming the preferred imaging modality for monitoring the entire procedure. Needle bending, a problem relevant to all puncture techniques, is not addressed in the urological literature. CONCLUSIONS The importance attached to puncture in PNL in the current urological literature is subjectively high but objectively low. Some basics of puncture are not well understood in urology. Disciplines other than urology are more actively involved in the development of puncture techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Alken
- Department of Urology, Klinik für Urologie und Urochirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
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Patel RM, Limfueco L, Tapiero S, O'Leary M, Cooper V, Parkhomenko E, Kaler KS, Okhunov Z, Regan D, Landman J, Clayman RV. Ureteroscopic Doppler Ultrasonography: Mapping Renal Blood Flow from Within the Collecting System. J Endourol 2020; 34:687-691. [PMID: 32212863 DOI: 10.1089/end.2019.0884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Herein we provide the first report regarding in vivo porcine renal forniceal, papillary, and infundibular blood flow at the urothelial level using a novel ureteroscopic Doppler transducer. Materials and Methods: Nephroureteroscopy was performed on 11 female Yorkshire pigs to map the forniceal, papillary, and infundibular blood flow. A Doppler transducer was mounted to a 3F 120 cm catheter; the probe was passed through the working channel of a flexible ureteroscope. Blood flow was categorized from 0 (no flow) to 3 (highest flow) based on auditory intensity. At each site, a holmium laser probe was activated until it penetrated ∼1 cm into each of the examined areas; bleeding times were recorded. Results: The frequency of the Doppler transducer signal was proportional to the blood velocity within the vessel with expected increased bleeding times confirmed after puncture with a holmium laser. Analysis demonstrated that the 6 o'clock position of the fornix had significantly greater blood flow than any other forniceal location (p < 0.001). The center of each papilla had the least blood flow (p < 0.001). Blood flow was significantly higher at the infundibular level compared with the caliceal fornices at all locations (anterior, posterior, upper pole, midkidney, and lower pole) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In a porcine model, a miniaturized Doppler ultrasound probe used during ureteroscopy demonstrated that the renal papilla had the least amount of blood flow whereas the infundibula had the highest blood flow. These data may serve to inform site selection during percutaneous nephrostomy placement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan M Patel
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Luke Limfueco
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Shlomi Tapiero
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Mitchell O'Leary
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Vinay Cooper
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Egor Parkhomenko
- Department of Urology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kamaljot S Kaler
- Southern Alberta Institute of Urology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Zhamshid Okhunov
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - David Regan
- Southern Alberta Institute of Urology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Vascular Technology, Inc., Nashua, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jaime Landman
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Ralph V Clayman
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
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Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy: is it still valid in the era of robotic endourology? Can it be more efficient? Curr Opin Urol 2020; 30:120-129. [PMID: 31990816 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000000732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of the article is to evaluate the actual role of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the management of urolithiasis based on the new developments of flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). RECENT FINDINGS In Western Europe, there is a significant change of techniques used for treatment of renal stones with an increase of FURS and a decrease of ESWL. The reasons for this include the change of indications, technical improvement of the endourologic armamentarium, including robotic assistance. Mostly relevant is the introduction of digital reusable and single-use flexible ureterorenoscopes, whereas micro-PCNL has been abandoned. Some companies have stopped production of lithotripters and novel ideas to improve the efficacy of shock waves have not been implemented in the actual systems. Promising shock-wave technologies include the use of burst-shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL) or high-frequent ESWL. The main advantage would be the very fast pulverization of the stone as shown in in-vitro models. SUMMARY The role of ESWL in the management of urolithiasis is decreasing, whereas FURS is constantly progressing. Quality and safety of intracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy using holmium:YAG-laser under endoscopic control clearly outweighs the advantages of noninvasive ESWL. To regain ground, new technologies like burst-SWL or high-frequent ESWL have to be implemented in new systems.
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Kaler KS, Cooper V, O'Leary M, Valley ZA, Lee TK, Patel RM, Landman J, Clayman RV. Laser Endoscopic X-Ray-Guided Intrarenal Tract: Comparison Among Renal Access Modalities in the Porcine Kidney. J Endourol 2019; 33:719-724. [PMID: 31184211 DOI: 10.1089/end.2019.0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction and Objectives: Laser endoscopic X-ray-guided intrarenal tract (LEXIT) is a recently described holmium laser retrograde access technique for creating percutaneous access during a percutaneous nephrolithotomy. We compared bleeding, ease of access, and the time to achieve access for each of the following three modalities: LEXIT, retrograde Lawson puncture wire, and antegrade 18-gauge nephrostomy needle access in the porcine kidney. Methods: Eight pigs underwent an average of five nephrostomy accesses per kidney under simultaneous laparoscopic vision at 5 mm Hg insufflation pressure. Data collected included: access time (seconds), bleeding intensity (scale: 1 [no bleeding] - 10 [severe bleeding]), bleeding duration (seconds), accuracy of caliceal entry, and surgeon comfort with the technique (scale: 1 [very easy] - 10 [very difficult]). Results: A total of 64 nephrostomy accesses were obtained. The speed of nephrostomy access with LEXIT was significantly faster than the nephrostomy needle and Lawson wire (p < 0.001). Bleeding intensity (p = 0.002) and severity (p = 0.001) were lower with the Lawson puncture wire, followed by LEXIT and then by the nephrostomy needle. LEXIT was rated as easier in acquiring access within the upper pole (p = 0.003) and interpolar calices (p < 0.001). Histopathology demonstrated no difference in parenchymal damage between LEXIT and nephrostomy needle (p = 0.18); however, LEXIT was associated with significantly increased peri-tract thermal injury, although within a narrow focus of 1.6 mm (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Among the three renal access techniques, LEXIT provided the fastest access times and greatest ease of access specifically for upper pole and interpolar calices. Also, bleeding with LEXIT was significantly less compared with the standard antegrade nephrostomy needle access. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that the holmium laser resulted in focal thermal tissue effects similar in range to the blunt tissue trauma caused by the 18-gauge nephrostomy needle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamaljot S Kaler
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, California
- Department of Surgery, Section of Urology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Vinay Cooper
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Mitchell O'Leary
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Zachary A Valley
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Thomas K Lee
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Roshan M Patel
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Jaime Landman
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Ralph V Clayman
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, California
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Kaler KS, Parkhomenko E, Lin CY, Valley ZA, Kim WK, Okhunov Z, Patel RM, Landman J. A New Twist on an Old Technique: Lawson Retrograde Endoscopic-Guided Nephrostomy Access for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Prone Split-Leg Position. J Endourol Case Rep 2018; 4:190-194. [PMID: 30515460 PMCID: PMC6275554 DOI: 10.1089/cren.2018.0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A minority of urologists performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) achieve their own nephrostomy access. In an effort to simplify the access part of PCNL, we herein describe our initial experience with endoscopic-guided retrograde percutaneous access in the prone split-leg position. Case Presentation(s): After informed consent, a confirmed negative urine culture, and 1 week pretreatment with tamsulosin, four carefully selected PCNL patients underwent endoscopic-guided retrograde access in a prone split-leg position using the Lawson catheter. In all the four patients, we achieved endoscopic-guided retrograde upper pole access in the prone split-leg position. A single Clavien 3B complication occurred. Total fluoroscopy time for the PCNL averaged 162 seconds (51–283). Complete stone-free rate at 1 week based on CT scan was 25%, and a stone-free rate defined as <4 mm was 100%. Conclusion: Endoscopic-guided retrograde percutaneous upper pole access can be established efficiently with a modified Lawson technique in the prone split-leg position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamaljot S. Kaler
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, California
- Department of Surgery, Section of Urology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Address correspondence to: Kamaljot S. Kaler, MD, FRCSC, Department of Surgery, Section of Urology, University of Calgary, 7007 14th Street SW, Suite 6638, Calgary, AB T2V 1P9, Canada
| | - Egor Parkhomenko
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Cyrus Y. Lin
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | | | - William K. Kim
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Zhamshid Okhunov
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Roshan M. Patel
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Jaime Landman
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, California
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