Use of Volume Rendered, Maximum Intensity Projection Images to Assess Whether the Medial Calyx Synonymous with the Posterior Calyx

Interior definition of the calyceal orientation suitable for percutaneous nephrolithotripsy via mobile software

To date, there is no paper on defining the puncture of a kidney from the interior view of the pelvicalyceal system (PCS) to alleviate its performance. The objective of this study is to define the usefulness of the Rubik's Cube method determining calyceal orientation from inside via mobile software for the percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL). Over September 2019-September 2020, 25 patients with indications for PCNL were enrolled in this single-arm study. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT)-urography. Primary endpoints were the duration of renal cavity puncture, number of attempts and success rate. Complication rate ordered according to Clavien-Dindo classification was analyzed as a secondary endpoint. The stone-free rate was 91%. The same experienced urologist performed all procedures through the single-access PCNL without puncture site reposition. The puncture was made through the upper, middle, and lower calyx in 9, 12 and 4 cases, respectively. The mean duration of cavity puncture was 2.8 ± 1.1 min. The mean number of attempts to reach desirable calyx was 1.4 ± 0.6. It should be noted that there were no cases with three and more punctures. The overall complication rate was 28% (7/25) when only one patient experienced ≥ 3 Grade. The proposed Rubik's Cube method facilitates preoperative planning of PCNL and makes that procedure easier for specialists and safer for the patients.