Society of Interventional Radiology Quality Improvement Standards for Percutaneous Nephrostomy in the Pediatric Population

CT-guided Percutaneous Microwave Ablation Combined with Local Radiotherapy or Chemotherapy of Malignant Pulmonary Tumors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of CT-guided microwave ablation (MWA) combined with 125I seed implantation or bronchial arterial infusion (BAI) chemotherapy in the treatment of malignant pulmonary tumors.

METHODS

A total of 56 patients who underwent MWA, MWA combined with 125I particle implantation, or MWA combined with BAI chemotherapy for advanced lung cancer or metastatic lung cancer from January 2015 to June 2021 in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were enrolled. Among them, 21 patients were treated with MWA (MWA), 18 with MWA combined with 125I seed implantation (MWA+125I), and 17 with MWA combined with BAI chemotherapy (MWA+BAI). The short-term outcomes, complications, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score (Zubrod-ECOG-WHO, ZPS), survival, and factors related to survival were compared between the three groups.

RESULTS

The response rate of the MWA group (9.52%) was significantly lower than that of the MWA+125I group (50.00%) and MWA+BAI chemotherapy group (47.06%), and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The incidence of complications in the MWA, MWA+125I, and MWA+BAI chemotherapy groups was 47.62%, 55.56%, and 52.94%, respectively, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Three months after the treatment, the ZPS of the MWA+125I and MWA+BAI chemotherapy groups was significantly lower than before treatment and significantly lower than that of the MWA group in the same period; the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The median survival time of the MWA+125I group was 18 (9.983, 26.017) months and that of the MWA+BAI chemotherapy group was 21 (0.465, 41.535) months, both of which were higher than that of the MWA group [11 (6.686, 15.314) months]; the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Cox regression analysis was performed on the factors related to survival and revealed treatment mode as a protective factor [HR = 0.433, 95% CI = (0.191, 0.984), p = 0.046]. Other factors, such as gender, age, and tumor size, did not independently affect survival.

CONCLUSION

CT-guided MWA combined with 125I seed implantation and MWA combined with BAI chemotherapy are safe and effective for the treatment of advanced lung cancer and metastatic lung cancer, and can control tumor progression and prolong survival time.

Percutaneous Nephrostomy in Neonates and Young Infants

PURPOSE

To describe a single-center experience of placing percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) tubes in neonates and young infants aged ≤3 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated PCN placement during a 19-year period. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, indications, procedure details, catheter-related adverse events, and outcomes. A total of 45 primary PCN insertions were attempted in 29 children (median age, 11 days [range, first day of life to 3 months]; median weight, 3.5 kg [range, 1.4-7.0 kg]). Salvage procedures resulted in 13 secondary catheters in 6 children. The most common indication was ureteropelvic junction obstruction (40.0%), and the most common urinary tract dilation classification was P3 (88.9%).

RESULTS

Technical success for primary placements was 95.6%; both technical failures were due to loss of access in the same patient. Of primary placements, 76.7% were electively removed, 6.9% were dislodged but not replaced, and the remaining 16.3% required salvage procedures. Mechanical adverse events occurred in 20.9% of primary and 53.8% of secondary catheters, including partial retraction, complete dislodgement, and occlusion. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occurred in 18.6% of primary and 15.4% of secondary catheters. Urosepsis occurred in 2.3% of primary and 7.7% of secondary catheters. Median primary catheter dwell time was 41 days (range, 1-182 days) and median secondary catheter dwell time was 31 days (range, 10-107 days).

CONCLUSION

PCN placement in neonates and young infants has a high technical success rate, although not without particular procedural and management challenges of catheter malfunction and UTI.

Approach to nephrostomy tubes in the emergency department

BACKGROUND

Nephrostomy tubes are commonly placed for urinary obstruction, urinary diversion, or future endourologic procedures. While the technical success of nephrostomy tube placement is high, nephrostomy tube complications may occur.

OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW

Limited literature exists regarding the complication of nephrostomy tubes and their approach in the emergency department. This review summarizes the existing literature and provides a framework for emergency providers regarding the evaluation and management of nephrostomy tube complications.

DISCUSSION

Nephrostomy tube failure, caused by kinking, dislodgment, or migration can manifest with obstructive signs and symptoms. In well appearing patients, asymptomatic bacteriuria is common and should not be treated. However, in the presence of infectious symptoms, patients should be treated similarly to complicated cystitis or pyelonephritis. While gross hematuria is common following catheter placement, prolonged hematuria, or the return of hematuria after previous resolution should trigger investigation for hematoma formation or a delayed presentation of an intraoperative vascular injury. Finally, clinicians should obtain laboratory testing, advanced imaging, and specialty consultation if serious complications are suspected.

CONCLUSION

This narrative review highlights general nephrostomy tube care, minor complications, and troubleshooting in the emergency department. The majority of these minor complications can be managed at the bedside without specialty consultation. However, in patients with more serious complications including dislodgement, obstruction, infection, bleeding, and pleural injury, laboratory assessment and advanced imaging to include ultrasound and computed tomography with specialty consultation are essential in the patient's evaluation and management, particularly in cases of immune compromise and worsening renal function.