Nephrolithotomy Performed Concurrently With Laparoendoscopic Single-site Pyeloplasty

Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and retrograde flexible ureteroscopy-assisted transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy for a huge ureteropelvic junction stone and multiple small renal stones: A CARE-compliant case report

RATIONALE

Concurrent kidney and ureteral stones are always complicated and a clinical challenge. Improvements in endoscopic equipment have led to the widespread adoption of retrograde intrarenal surgery, which has a good stone clearance rate. On the other hand, laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LUL) has been reported to be non-inferior to retrograde flexible ureteroscopy in stone-free rate and the need for axillary procedures, and to have a significantly lower rate of post-operative sepsis compared to retrograde flexible ureteroscopy. We describe a case managed with LUL followed by laparoscope-assisted retrograde intrarenal surgery (LA-RIRS) in a single operation for a large upper ureteral stone and small renal stones, which is usually challenging and requires axillary procedures.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The patient was a 66-year-old male with underlying hypertension and diabetes mellitus. He reported severe flank pain after receiving endoscopic management of concurrent right ureteropelvic junction stone and multiple renal stones about 1 month previously.

DIAGNOSIS

The residual stones were reassessed using non-contrast computed tomography before surgery. A 2.8-cm residual ureteropelvic junction stone and multiple renal stones with a maximum length of 1 cm were found. A second operation was considered to be necessary due to the deterioration of his renal function and refractory flank pain.

INTERVENTIONS

We performed LUL followed by LA-RIRS. Two surgeries were completed in a single operation. The Jackson-Pratt drain was removed 3 days after the operation.

OUTCOMES

After the surgery, no high-grade complications were recorded according to the Clavien Dindo classification. A follow-up kidney, ureter, and bladder radiograph performed 2 months after the operation revealed no residual stones. Renal echo revealed no obstructive nephropathy 1 month after double-J catheter removal.

CONCLUSION

LUL with LA-RIRS with a stone basket for renal stone extraction is a safe and feasible technique, and no step surgery or axillary procedures were needed in our case. If clinical cases with a huge stone burden over the ureter are indicated for LUL with concurrent small renal stones, LUL with LA-RIRS can be an alternative option.

Combination of Robotic Pyeloplasty and Percutaneous Renal Surgery for Simultaneous Treatment of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction and Calyx Stones

INTRODUCTION

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and the simultaneous presence of kidney calyx stones represent a challenge for renal surgery. We present a novel technique for the simultaneous treatment of UPJO by robotic pyeloplasty in combination with the percutaneous endoscopic treatment of kidney calyx stones by flexible nephroscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2018 and February 2020, 4 patients were diagnosed with UPJO and simultaneous pelvic or calyceal stones. UPJO was treated by conventional robotic pyeloplasty. After opening the renal pelvis, a flexible 16-French cystoscope was introduced via the 12-mm assistant trocar into the renal pelvis. The kidney calyx stones (n = 1-15) were removed endoscopically through a flexible nephroscope using a Dormia helical basket. Before suturing the anastomosis of the renal pelvis, a ureter stent was inserted.

RESULTS

After the procedure, all patients were stone free. Using the Clavien-Dindo classification, no complications were noted. The mean size of the calculi was 6.69 mm (range: 1-25). Up to 15 calyx stones (mean 3.46) were removed per patient. A complete stone clearance confirmed by postoperative X-ray imaging was achieved in all patients. The mean operative time was 149 min (range: 130-178). Mean hospital stay was 7 days (7-8). The urethral stent was removed after 4-6 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic management of UPJO and simultaneous flexible nephroscopy for removal of calyceal stones is an effective treatment in 1 session. Combining robotic surgery with flexible percutaneous renal surgery is a feasible, safe, and effective method of the treatment of UPJO and concomitant calyceal stones.

Comparison of the outcomes of laparoscopic pyeloplasty with and without concomitant pyelolithotomy

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the results of laparoscopic pyeloplasty with concomitant pyelolithotomy and compare results with a cohort of patients undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty without pyelolithotomy.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed records of 43 patients undergoing transperitoneal laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty between December 2012 and July 2018 at our department. Eighteen patients (42%) underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty with concomitant pyelolithotomy. The results of patients with renal stones were compared with 25 matched patients undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty without concomitant renal stones. Demographic data, operative and stone parameters were compared between the groups.

Results

The groups were similar regarding to demographic characteristics. All operations were completed laparoscopically with no conversions to open surgery. In 3 cases without renal stones and 15 cases with renal stones, transposition of the ureter due to crossing vessels was performed. The mean stone size was 13±5.24 mm, and the median number of stones was 1 (1-18). The success of laparoscopic pyeloplasty with and without pyelolithotomy was 93.3% and 92.9%, respectively, as confirmed by negative diuretic renogram at postoperative 3rd months. Overall stone-free rate after laparoscopic pyelolithotomy was 93.3%. Mean operative time was 222.6765.71 minutes vs. 219.11±75.63 minutes for the pyeloplasty with concomitant pyelolithotomy vs. pyeloplasty, respectively (p=0.88).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty with concomitant pyelolithotomy is a safe and effective intervention with associated good cosmetic results and high stone-free rates without significant increase in operative time or complications.

"Vaginal Delivery": A Novel Extraction Route for Large Renal Calculi Encountered During Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty

Background

To describe a simple, novel stone extraction technique using the transvaginal route for large renal calculi encountered during laparoscopic/robotic pyelolithotomy.

Methods

After a standard approach laparoscopic pyelolithotomy in a patient with a large (42 × 36 mm) pelvic calculus, Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty was performed. A transverse posterior colpotomy was performed laparoscopically with the assistance of the Colpassist Vaginal Positioning Device (Boston Scientific) and the calculus was extracted, intact, through the vagina with the aid of an endoscopic retrieval bag. The vaginal incision was then closed intra-corporeally. A systematic review on the topic was also performed.

Results

The stone was removed in its entirety through an occult vaginal incision. There were no complications reported and the patient was stone free at follow-ups.

Conclusions

This simple, novel technique is an easily reproducible method, for the removal of large urinary calculi during either traditional laparoscopic or robotic-assisted laparoscopic stone surgery in the appropriate female patient. It avoids the need for additional abdominal incisions or complex techniques involving lithotripsy which may be more complicated and time consuming. All previously published stone extraction techniques for large calculi (greater than 20 mm) within this systematic review are also critically appraised.

Ureteropelvic obstruction and renal stones: etiology and treatment

The simultaneous surgical management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) with concomitant renal stones has evolved the last 20 years; hence, the ideal minimally invasive technique is still controversial. Laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic operations allow precise surgical maneuvers and were thought to simplify the reconstruction steps of the procedure, especially in the treatment of complex cases with large stones. The aim of this study was to summarize the available perioperative and functional outcomes of minimally invasive available techniques. A non-systematic review of the literature was performed using a free-text protocol in the MEDLINE database. The terms used were "ureteropelvic junction obstruction," "renal calculi" and "renal stones." Furthermore, other significant relevant studies cited in the reference lists of the selected papers were also evaluated in the structure of this review. Currently, available evidence suggests that both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques offer excellent surgical solutions in the field of UPJO reconstruction and renal stones removal. In the hands of experienced surgeons, laparoscopic and robotic pyeloplasty with concomitant stone removal is a safe procedure with high stone-free rates and UPJ patency. Minimally invasive pyeloplasty should constitute the first choice of treatment for concomitant renal stones and ureteropelvic junction obstruction.