A prospective comparative study between minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy in supine position and flexible ureteroscopy in the management of single large stone in the proximal ureter

Application of virtual endoscopic imaging to parapelvic cyst incision by flexible ureteroscopy: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

A three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the kidney, parapelvic cyst and the collecting system was conducted using the 3D Slicer software. The reconstructed image was used to form a virtual endoscope to assist flexible ureteroscopic incision and drainage was performed with a holmium laser for treating parapelvic cysts. The effectiveness of this assistive technique was assessed.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. The clinical information of 59 patients undergoing flexible ureteroscopic incision and drainage for parapelvic cysts in two medical centers was collected. 3D Slicer software reconstruction and virtual endoscopic imaging were performed for 28 cases. Before the operation, the best point for incision on the collecting system's mucosa was assessed by virtual endoscope imaging. Propensity score matching was adopted for the reconstructive and non-reconstructive groups.

RESULTS

After matching, the reconstructive group and non-reconstructive group both had 21 cases each. The operation time in the reconstructive and non-reconstructive groups was 38.81±5.01 and 51.00±18 minutes, respectively. Statistically significant differences existed between the two groups (t=7.024, P<0.001). No statistical significance was found in postoperative fever, immediate postoperative C reactive protein (CRP), length of postoperative hospital stay and cyst diameter three months after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The operator was provided with a more direct and real vision when 3D Slicer software reconstruction was adopted via virtual endoscopic imaging to assist flexible ureteroscopic parapelvic cyst incision. This helped reduce the operation time. Further follow-ups and observations are required to assess the long-term efficacy of flexible ureteroscopic parapelvic cyst incision.

Comparison Between Retrograde and Antegrade Ureteroscopic Laser Lithotripsy for the Management of Medium-Sized Proximal Ureteral Stones: A Randomized Prospective Study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to present the outcomes of retrograde and antegrade ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy in the treatment of proximal ureteral stones ranging in size from 10 to 20 millimeters in diameter.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From March 2023 to December 2023, 70 patients were included in this prospective randomized double-arm interventional study. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (35 patients) had semi-rigid retrograde ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy, and Group 2 (35 patients) had semi-rigid antegrade ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy.

RESULTS

In terms of length of hospitalization, there was a statistically significant distinction between the groups that were evaluated (p = 0.001). Group (1) showed a statistically significant distinction in Hb and HCT levels before and after the procedure (p < 0.05), whereas Group (2) showed a similar difference in Hb, creatinine, and HCT levels before and after the operation (p < 0.05). The antegrade group had much more hemorrhage than the retrograde group. Reduced hemoglobin (p = 0.008) and hemoglobin saturation (p = 0.029) were most noticeable in the antegrade group. Regarding stone-free rates (SFRs), no statistically significant difference was noted between the groups (p = 0.643).

CONCLUSION

Both retrograde and antegrade ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy are dependable and successful for the treatment of proximal ureteral stones. For medium-sized proximal ureteral stones (10-20 mm), retrograde ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy may be the first option due to its shorter hospital stays, decreased bleeding rates, blood transfusion needs, and temporary rise in serum creatinine.

Comparison of percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureterorenoscopy in the treatment of single upper ureteral calculi measuring 1 to 2 centimeters: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy and safety of micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) and flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) in the treatment of single upper ureteral calculi measuring 1 to 2 centimeters.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective analysis that combines a review of medical records with an outcomes management database. A total of 163 patients who underwent MPCNL and 137 patients who had FURS were identified between January 2017 and December 2021. Demographic data, operation time, hospitalization time, stone-free rate, and complication rate were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Preoperative general data of sex, age, BMI, serum creatinine, time of stone existence, stone hardness, stone diameter, preoperative hydronephrosis, and preoperative infection of the MPCNL group have no statistically significant difference with that of the FURS group. All MPCNL or FURS operations in both groups were successfully completed without any instances of reoperation or conversion to another surgical procedure. Patients who underwent MPCNL had a considerably reduced operation time (49.6 vs. 72.4 min; P<0.001), but a higher duration of hospitalization (9.1 vs. 3.9 days; P<0.001) compared to those who underwent FURS. The stone-free rate in the MPCNL group was superior to that of the FURS group, with a percentage of 90.8% compared to 71.5% (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant disparity in the rate of complications between the two groups (13.5% vs. 15.3%; P = 0.741).

CONCLUSION

Both MPCNL and FURS are viable and secure surgical choices for individuals with solitary upper ureteral calculi measuring 1 to 2 cm. The FURS procedure resulted in a shorter duration of hospitalization compared to MPCNL. However, it had a comparatively lower rate of successfully removing the stones and required a longer duration for the operation.There were no substantial disparities observed in the complication rate between the two groups.FURS is the preferable option for treating uncomplicated upper ureteral calculi, whereas MPCNL is the preferable option for treating complicated upper ureteral calculi.Prior to making treatment options, it is crucial to take into account the expertise of surgeons, the quality of the equipment, and the preferences of the patient.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

No.

A Comparative Analysis between Flexible Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy and Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Treatment of >15 mm Non-Obstructing Proximal Ureteral Stones

BACKGROUND

The proper surgical modality for large non-obstructing proximal ureteral stones is disputed. We compare effectiveness and safety of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURL) and tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (TPNL) in treatment of upper ureteral stones larger than 1.5 cm.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of patients who performed FURL or TPNL for upper ureteral stones between June 2016 and November 2018. Comparative analysis was conducted regarding demographic parameters, stone free rate, postoperative pain and complications.

RESULTS

This study included 58 patients treated with FURL and 60 patients treated with TPNL owing to upper ureteral stones larger than 1.5 cm. Stone size was similar in the FURL and TPNL groups (17.6 ± 2.6 vs. 18.0 ± 2.1 mm, p = 0.194). The overall 3-month stone clearance rate was 95.8% for FURL versus 96.0% for TPNL (p = 0.575). There was no difference between the FURL and TPNL groups for hospital stay (p = 0.280) and postoperative complications. On the other hand, patients treated with FURL had longer operative time (p = 0.012) and less postoperative pain (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Both surgical techniques were considered feasible and effective surgical procedures in the treatment of large upper ureteral stones.

Primary impact of simultaneous use of double devices through one-working channel when performing flexible ureteroscope with ureteral access sheath for single ureteral stone: In bench and retrospective clinical study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare the simultaneous use of two devices versus a single device through a single working channel in flexible ureteroscopy using a ureteral access sheath for single ureteral stones.

METHODS

In a bench study, the time to (i) set laser fiber, (ii) exchange laser fiber and nitinol basket through working channel, and (iii) pull out the device from working channel were measured 10 times in each step. In a clinical study, 156 patients who underwent flexible ureteroscopy with a ureteral access sheath for a ureteral stone in middle and upper ureter between April 2019 and November 2021 were assessed. One device was used at a time for 79 patients (S-Group) and two were simultaneously used for 77 (D-Group). Surgical outcomes and complications were compared.

RESULTS

In the bench study, the mean time to change from laser fiber to basket and from basket to laser fiber through the working channel were 26.1 ± 3.7 s and 23.6 ± 2.0 s (p = 0.084), respectively, which were significantly longer than the laser setup time (p < 0.001). In the clinical study, although the stone-free rate was not significantly different between the groups (S-Group 89.8%, D-Group 93.5%; p = 0.412), the median operation time was significantly shorter (p < 0.001) and the rate of postoperative stenting was significantly lower (p = 0.002) in the D-Group. There were no significant between-group differences in intra- and post-operative complications.

CONCLUSION

The simultaneous use of two devices through a single working channel is safe and could help save the time needed to exchange the laser fiber and nitinol basket.

The effect of ideal urine culture time on urinary infections after flexible ureteroscopy: A match-pair case-control study

AIMS

To investigate the effect of the ideal period (Δ-day), which is a period between the sterile urine culture and initiation of flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS), on postoperative urinary tract infections (UTI) in our tertiary referral centre.

METHODS

After obtaining the approval of the local ethics committee, retrospective data were collected for all f-URS procedures performed between January 2017 and March 2019. Patients that developed UTI were matched in 1:1 proportion with patients that did not develop UTI based on their demographic and stone characteristics. The group of patients with postoperative UTI was compared with the control group.

RESULTS

A total of 916 f-URS cases that had all required data were analysed. Sixty-eight patients with postoperative UTI were determined and a total of 136 patients were included in the study after match-pair. We found that if the Δ-day is longer than 2 weeks, the possibility of postoperative urinary infection rates increases with statistical significance (P = .006). According to our subgroup analysis, postoperative UTI was more common if the Δ-day >14 days. ROC curve analysis provided a 14.5-day period as a cut-off value of Δ-day for postoperative UTI.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study is the first to examine the impact of the Δ-day for f-URS on postoperative UTIs. In brief, prolonging the Δ-day, especially if Δ-day >14 days, leads to an increase in the rates of postoperative UTI. We conclude that it is preferred to either perform the f-URS in the early period after the urine culture analysis or doing the urine culture analysis shortly before the surgery.

Suctioning semirigid ureteroscopic lithotomy versus minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy for large upper ureteral stones: a retrospective study

Background

To compare the safety and validity of a suctioning semirigid ureteroscopic lithotomy (Sotn-URSL) and minimally percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) in treating upper ureteral stone larger than 15 mm.

Methods

Between February 2018 and December 2019, 97 patients who had upper ureteral stone >15 mm were consecutively included in this study. Forty-six patients underwent Sotn-URSL and 51 underwent mPCNL by the same surgeon. The following parameters were retrospectively assessed: patient and stone characteristics, surgical details, perioperative outcomes, and stone-free rates (SFRs).

Results

No significant difference was observed in two groups for patient and stone characteristics, except that mPCNL group had a higher incidence of severe hydronephrosis (19.6% vs. 41.2%, P=0.021). Sotn-URSL group was similar to mPCNL group in terms of the mean duration of surgery (50.5±5.9 vs. 52.9±8.0 min, P=0.106) and the SFR after 1 month (91.3% vs. 98%, P=0.187). The hospital stay after surgery of Sotn-URSL group was significant shorter than mPCNL group (1.4±0.6 vs. 2.3±0.7 days, P<0.001), and postoperative complications in Sotn-URSL group was less, especially postoperative pain (P=0.044).

Conclusions

Both mPCNL and Sotn-URSL are suitable for upper ureteral stones with a diameter of >15 mm. Nevertheless, further well-designed studies with long-term follow-up are needed to confirmed the results.

In situ Management of Large Upper Ureteric Calculus by Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Era of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery

Purpose

The aim of the study is to demonstrate the ease and success of in situ management of large upper ureteric stones with mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Methods

This was a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Urology between January 2018 and June 2019. All patients underwent standard prone mini PCNL with 15Fr amplatz with 80 cases of fluoroscopic and 12 cases of ultrasound guided access. In three cases of tortuous ureters, wire was passed via retrograde catheter and retrieved via amplatz to straighten the ureter. Calculi fragmented with laser.

Results

A total of 77 patients were included in this study, 62 unilateral and 15 bilateral cases (92 renal units). The mean age was 45.4±13.7 years (range 17–71), male to female ratio was 61:16, the disease laterality (left: right) was 28:34. The mean stone size was 17.6±1.4 mm. Mean operative time was 22.4±1.5 min. 88% patients were discharged as day care. Complication rate was 6.5%, three patients had transient fever and two patients had distal migration of small fragments and they were extracted at the time of DJ stent removal by rigid ureteroscopy (100%).

Conclusion

We conclude that it is easy and effective to deal with large upper ureteric calculus when it is in a fixed position. In situ management of large upper ureteric calculus by mini-PCNL can be done safely and effectively as it is a fast procedure, prevents unnecessary manoeuvres, less complication rates and has good stone clearance rates.

Comparison of retrograde ureterorenoscopy (URS) and percutaneous anterograde ureteroscopy for removal of impacted upper ureteral stones >10mm in the elderly population

PURPOSE

We aimed to compare the success and complication rates of the anterograde and retrograde Ureterorenoscopy (URS) for impacted upper ureteral stones in patients > 65 years of age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data of 146 patients >65 years of age and underwent anterograde URS (n=68) in supine position or retrograde URS (n=78) for upper ureteral impacted stones>10 mm between January 2014 and September 2018 were collected prospectively. The groups were compared for success and complication rates, duration of operation, hospital stay, and ancillary procedures.

RESULTS

Anterograde and retrograde URS groups were similar for demographic and stone related characteristics. The success rate of the anterograde URS group was significantly higher than the retrograde URS group (97.1% vs. 78.2%, p=0.0007). The complication rates were similar for the two groups (p=0.86). Clavien grade I and II complications were observed in 3 patients in each group. The mean hemoglobin drop was 0.5 g/dL in the anterograde URS group and blood transfusion was not performed in any of the patients. The mean duration of operation was 41.2±12.5 minutes in the mini-PNL group and 59.6±15.1 minutes in the RIRS group and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.02). The median duration of hospitalization was 1 day for both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Performing anterograde URS in supine position provided better success rates and similar complication rates compared to retrograde URS. Based on these results anterograde URS shall be considered as one of the primary treatment options for management of impacted upper ureteral stones in the elderly population.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy in the treatment of upper urinary tract stones: a meta-analysis comparing clinical efficacy and safety

BACKGROUND

Upper urinary tract stones is the most common diseases in urology. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and ureteroscopic lithotripsy (fURL) are common treatment, but both their efficacy and safety are controversial. Thus we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PCNL and fURL in the treatment of upper urinary tract stones, providing a reference for clinical work.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and CNKI were searched through Apr. 1, 2019 to identify eligible studies. Data were analyzed by using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0 software. Pooled relative risks (RRs) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed or random effects methods. Publication bias and sensitivity analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs), fifteen cohort studies involving 1822 patients were included. Stone-free rate of PCNL was significantly high than that of fURL (RR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.12; P = 0.0004). The decline of hemoglobin in PCNL was significantly high than that of fURL (WMD: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.54, 1.61; P < 0.0001). The number of blood transfusion was significantly greater in the PCNL compared to the fURL (RR: 5.04; 95% CI: 1.78, 14.24; P = 0.002). The incidence of postoperative bleeding or hematuria showed greater significantly difference in the PCNL compared to the fURL (RR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.55, 4.75; P = 0.0005). Operation time, fever, infection, perforation, requiring drug analgesia was not significantly different between two surgical procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

In the treatment of upper urinary tract stones, the stones clearance rate of PCNL is higher than fURL, and the safety of fURL is higher than PCNL.

Is plasma sterilization the modality of choice of sterilization today for endourological procedures such as ureterorenoscopy and retrograde intrarenal surgery? A single-center retrospective evaluation of 198 patients

Introduction:

The prevalence of infective complications among patients undergoing Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) for renal stone is 1.7%-18%, including fever, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis. The infectious complications of RIRS can be minimised by strict aseptic precautions and plasma sterilization. The Sterrad Next Generation (Sterrad NX) System, a low-temperature sterilizer represents the next generation of low-temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizers. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of plasma sterilization among patients undergoing ureterorenoscopy (URS) and RIRS. The primary endpoint of this study was incidence of septicemia or related complications. Till date, there is no study on the incidence of infection rate in RIRS in relation to a specific mode of sterilization.

Material and Methods:

This is a retrospective study comprising of 198 patients undergoing URS and/or RIRS. The parameters studied were incidence of post-operative fever, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), pyelonephritis or septicemic shock.

Results:

Out of 198 patients, incidence of post-operative fever was 3.5%, SIRS was 1.7%, pyelonephritis was 0.7% and septicemic shock was 0%. This is statistically significantly low septicemia rate among patients undergoing URS and /or RIRS as compared to the available literature. No health hazards of plasma sterilization were noted. No damage to the endoscopes or instruments was noted.

Conclusion:

Sterrad NX based on hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (HPGP) technology is highly efficacious, safe and the modality for sterilization of instruments, including heat labile instruments such as semi rigid, flexible and chip on the tip endoscopes and other EndoUrology armamentarium.

Flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy with PolyScope for senile patients with renal calculi

The present study reported the clinical experience of using a PolyScope with holmium laser lithotripter in managing renal calculi in senile patients. Between December 2013 and December 2016, 157 senile patients (69.1±6.1 years old) were treated with PolyScope holmium laser lithotripsy for renal calculi at Xin Hua Hospital (Shanghai, China). The mean stone digitized surface area was 154.2±57.7 mm² (range, 55.8–478.3 mm²). A thorough medical history investigation, and laboratory and radiological examination were followed by proper preoperative management. The PolyScope was then passed into the renal cavities following the position of the ureteral access sheath, with laser energy maintained at 1.0–2.0 J, frequency 10–15 Hz. The demographical and operative information of senile patients were compared with that of the 332 non-senile patients operated at the same period time. The average operative time was 54.6±13.2 min (range, 37–124 min). No major complications, including ureteral perforation or sepsis were encountered. The single session stone-free rate (SFR) was 81.5% and the overall SFR was 89.2%, similar to that of the non-senile group. PolyScope combined with holmium laser lithotripter is safe and effective in managing renal calculi in senile patients compared with non-senile patients, with considerately high SFRs and low complication rates.

Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy versus Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for Upper Urinary Stones: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) are both alternatives for PCNL to treat renal calculi. This study is aimed at comparing the stone-free rate (SFR) and other surgery parameters of two approaches for treating upper urinary calculi. We performed this meta-analysis in September 2016 by searching studies about mini-PCNL and RIRS for treating upper urinary calculi in various databases, and RevMan v.5.3 was applied. Three randomized controlled trials and ten nonrandomized trials were included, involving a total of 1317 patients. Meta-analysis showed that mini-PCNL group led to a higher SFR [odds ratio: 1.96; 95% confidence interval: 1.46–2.64; P < 0.00001] but brought a larger postoperative decrease in hemoglobin levels compared with RIRS. RIRS provided a shorter hospital time. There was no significant difference in operation time. Higher postoperative complications were detected in the mini-PCNL, but the difference was not significant. Grade I and III complications did not vary between two procedures, but grade II complications were of lower incidence in RIRS group. In the light of these results, compared with RIRS, mini-PCNL provided significantly higher SFR and efficiency quotient for managing calculi; however, it resulted in higher incidence of postoperative complications, larger hemoglobin drops, and longer hospital stay.

Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy improves stone-free rates for impacted proximal ureteral stones: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Urinary stones are common medical disorders and the treatment of impacted proximal ureteral stones (IPUS) is still a challenge for urologists. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MI-PCNL) and ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URL) in the treatment of IPUS via a meta-analysis.

Methods

We collected studies using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from 1978 to November 2016 and analyzed them using Stata 12.0 and RevMan 5.3. Odds ratios (ORs) and standard mean difference (SMD) were calculated for binary and continuous variables respectively, accompanied with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All study procedures followed the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Five prospective studies were included in our meta-analysis, with 242 MI-PCNL and 256 URL cases. MI-PCNL was associated with a longer postoperative hospital stay than URL (SMD, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.27 to 5.55). However, no significant difference was observed in operative time (SMD, -0.38; 95% CI, -3.15 to 2.38). In addition, MI-PCNL had higher initial (OR, 11.12; 95% CI, 5.56 to 22.24) and overall stone-free rates (OR, 8.70; 95% CI, 3.23 to 23.45) than URL, along with lower possibilities of surgical conversion (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.49) and postoperative shock wave lithotripsy (OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.18). Regarding complications, no significant differences were observed between MI-PCNL and URL (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.93 to 2.10), except for hematuria (OR, 4.80; 95% CI, 1.45 to 15.94).

Conclusions

MI-PCNL is optimal and should be considered as the preferred treatment method for IPUS, as it has better efficacy and a safety profile similar to that of URL. However, further high quality studies with larger sample size are required in future.

Bilateral Simultaneous Ureteroscopic (BS-URS) Approach in the Management of Bilateral Urolithiasis Is a Safe and Effective Strategy in the Contemporary Era-Evidence from a Systematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Ureteroscopic treatment of urolithiasis has become safer and more effective in the modern era. With a rise in the incidence of bilateral urolithiasis, management dilemma of staged single-side ureteroscopy versus bilateral simultaneous ureteroscopy (BS-URS) is often debatable. This review evaluates the current evidence base for bilateral simultaneous ureteroscopic approach in the modern era.

RECENT FINDINGS

A systematic review was conducted from 1990 to June 2016 including all English language articles reporting on outcomes of BS-URS for urolithiasis. Data was split into two periods: period 1: 2003-2012 and period 2: 2013-2016, and analysed using SPSS version 21. A total of 11 studies (491 patients) were identified from a literature search of 148 studies with mean age of 45 years and a male: female ratio of 2:1 and a mean operative time of 69 min (SD = ±15). The initial and final stone-free rate (SFR) was 87 and 93%, respectively. Post-operative stents were placed in 89% of patients with a mean hospital stay of 1.6 days (SD = ±0.5). Overall, there was a significant negative association between case volume (procedures per month) and complication rate (p = 0.045). Mean hospital stay was significantly longer in period 1 (1.9 days, SD = ±0.5) than period 2 (1.3 days, SD = ±0.3) and complications were also significantly higher in period 1 (47%) compared to period 2 (12%) (p < 0.001). There were six studies examining holmium laser (HL) lithotripsy and three examining pneumatic lithotripsy (PL). There were significantly more complications after PL than HL; however, their SFR was similar. Our review shows that the complication rates and hospital stay are significantly reduced in the contemporary data suggesting an improving trend in outcomes following BS-URS. Simultaneous bilateral ureteroscopic treatment of urolithiasis is safe and effective in the modern era. Safety is increased in centers with increased number of procedures performed and with laser lithotripsy.

[Flexible ureterorenoscopy vs percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal stone management: Retrospective study]

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of renal stone fragmentation by flexible ureterorenoscopy (URS), compared to percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients treated between 1998 and 2010 by URS and PCNL for intrarenal stone were reviewed. Patients' and stones' characteristics were analyzed. The preoperative parameters were reported as well as the procedure's efficiency and its complications. Success was defined by the absence of residual lithiasis visualized on renal imaging at 6 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 531 patients included, there were 159 PCNL and 372 URS. The mean duration of hospitalization after PCNL was 8±4.6 days and 3±1.7 days after URS. The mean stones' size was higher in the PCNL group (19.9±7.5mm) than for the URS group (9.7±5.6mm; P<0.0001). The stone-free rate was significantly better in the PCNL group for stones measuring between 10 and 20mm (P<0.0001) and for stones of more than 20mm (P=0.017). Postoperative complications were significantly more frequent (27 %) and more severe (8.8 % vs Clavien III and IV) in the PCNL, than in the URS group, respectively (P=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

PCNL is a successful technique for renal stone fragmentation. However, URS seemed more tolerated despite a lower stone-free rate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Comparison of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy for the treatment of intermediate proximal ureteral and renal stones in the elderly

The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) and minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPNL) for the treatment of renal and/or proximal ureteral stones sized 1-2 cm in the elderly (≥60 years). Between January 2010 and March 2015, 184 consecutive mPNL and fURS were performed to treat intermediate renal and/or proximal ureteral stones in geriatric patients. The records were retrospectively reviewed and outcomes were compared. Although no significant difference was found in the complication rate between two groups, a statistical trend (p = 0.059) in favor of fURS was observed. In addition, multivariate analysis demonstrated that mPNL, preoperative positive urine culture and lower hemoglobin were independent risk factors for postoperative complication (p = 0.016, p = 0.021, p = 0.001, respectively). And fURS was significantly associated with less hemoglobin drop, red blood cell transfusion, analgesics requirement, postoperative hospital duration, and charges of laboratory tests, medical examinations and medications (p = 0.019, p = 0.037, p = 0.006, p = 0.000 and p = 0.007, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.001, respectively), while higher costs of operations (p = 0.008). Receiver operating characteristic curve suggested a preoperative hemoglobin of 106.5 g/L as the threshold for predicting red blood cell transfusion after mPNL. The overall one-session stone-free rate of fURS at 1 month was lower (p = 0.006), while it was similar for solitary stone between two groups. Comorbidity and previous stone surgery did not affect postoperative complication and stone-free rate. This study shows that mPNL is more effective for multiple stones, but fURS is associated with potentially less complications and postoperative hospital stay. Furthermore, preoperative hemoglobin level and urine culture can be used to predict postoperative complication risk and they may be helpful in choosing treatment methods for the elderly.

Retrograde intrarenal surgery with holmium-YAG laser lithotripsy in the primary treatment of renal lithiasis

INTRODUCTION

retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) appears as a safe and effective technique as well as a good therapeutic alternative to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

descriptive study in 50 patients surgically treated between November 2012 and April 2013. Demographic, operative and postoperative data as well as early and late complications data were collected. The minimum follow-up of patients was one year. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia. Flexible ureteroscopy with ureteral access sheath and laser fragmentation were employed. Surgery success was defined as stone free rate in postoperative control test and at three months after surgery (simple radiography, abdominal ultrasound or CT without contrast).

RESULTS

mean age was 51.1±15.5 years old. The highest-frequency location was the lower calyceal group (26%), single stones were described in 58% of patients whilst multiple lithiasis were found in the 42%. Regarding the stone burden in 44% of the patients was low (<2 cm), and high (>3 cm) in 22% of the patients. The stone clearance rate was 89.7±17.5. Average surgery time was 96.6±35.2min. Complications were reported in 4 patients (8%), all of them early ones and minor in nature.

CONCLUSIONS

RIRS is an effective and safe option whose results are comparable to ESWL and PCNL. RIRS can be considered as first-line treatment. These results are corroborated by numerous studies. To strengthen these findings, prospective studies focusing on quality of life, length of stay, complications and cost-effectiveness of different treatments are needed.

Improved effectiveness and safety of flexible ureteroscopy for renal calculi (<2 cm): A retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

We discuss the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopy for renal calculi with a burden of <2 cm, as well as the prevention and treatment of complications.

METHODS

A total of 108 renal calculi with flexible ureteroscopy and holmium laser treatment were retrospectively analyzed. The stone-free rate was evaluated. The effectiveness, safety, surgical technique, incidence of complications, and relevant treatments were analyzed.

RESULTS

All patients underwent only one lithotripsy procedure. The success rate of flexible ureteroscopy was 97.2% (105/108). Among the 105 cases, the total lithotripsy success rate was 97.1% (101/105). The total stone-free rate after 8 weeks post-operation was 94.3% (99/105), the stone-free rate of the lower calyx was 85.7% (30/35); it was 98.6% (69/70) in the middle-upper calyceal and renal pelvis. The incidence of complications was 12.9% (14/108). None of the patients had serious adverse outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Flexible ureteroscopy represents an optimal treatment option for selected renal calculi with burden of <2 cm. The effectiveness and safety of flexible ureteroscopy can be further improved through reasonable preoperative evaluation and advances in surgical techniques, as well as a better understanding of the inducement and treatment of complications.