Management of large renal stones: laparoscopic pyelolithotomy versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Robotic pyelolithotomy for the treatment of large renal stones: a single-center experience over seven years

BACKGROUND

Urolithiasis prevalence varies globally between 1-20%, influenced by regional factors. Robotic pyelolithotomy (RPL) presents an interesting alternative to PCNL, considered the gold standard for symptomatic stones smaller than 20 mm, as it carries a risk of significant complications. However, studies on RPL are limited, especially in anatomically complex cases, where RPL proves to be particularly useful. The study aims to update and review outcomes of RPL in a high-volume robotic center.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 153 patients treated with RPL for staghorn kidney stones at a single center from February 2016 to December 2023 was conducted. Data including demographics, preoperative renal function, stone characteristics, operative and postoperative outcomes, and costs were collected. Stone-free rates (SFR) and complications were assessed at follow-up intervals up to 12 months post-surgery.

RESULTS

The study showed an initial 3-month stone-free rate (SFR) of 93.5%, which decreased to 83.5% at 12-months. This trend may reflect new stone formation rather than procedure failure. Sub-analysis revealed a significant difference in SFR between patients with pelvic and pyelocalyceal stones at each follow-up. Multivariate regression analysis identified in the pyelocalyceal group that higher BMI and larger stones were associated with higher failure rates at both 6 and 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

RPL is a safe and effective treatment for large renal stones, offering a high SFR and low complication rate. It is particularly beneficial in cases with complex anatomy or requiring concurrent renal procedures. However, patient selection is crucial, considering factors like stone location and size. Further research is needed to compare RPL with other treatment methods.

Robotic pyelolithotomy for treating large renal stone disease: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis

Robotic pyelolithotomy continues to gain attention as an alternative to percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for managing complex renal stones. We performed a single-arm meta-analysis and systematically searched the English-language literature published in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases up to June 2024. The risk of non-randomized bias was assessed using ROBINS-I, and the quality of the literature was assessed using MINORS (Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies). Merger parameters were calculated using Stata16/SE under a random-effects model. Five non-comparative single-arm studies were included in the meta-analysis. Results showed that the operative time for robotic pyelolithotomy was 168.10 min (95% CI 133.63, 202.56). The hospital stay was 2.63 days (95% CI 0.96, 4.29), and blood loss was 44.13 ml (95% CI 19.76, 68.51). The stone clearance rate was 87% (95% CI 79-93%). The incidence of minor postoperative complications (Clavien grade I-II) was 23.7% (95% CI 13.4-35.8%), and the incidence of major complications (Clavien grade ≥ III) was 7% (95% CI 0.3-20.7%).The safety and efficacy of robotic pyelolithotomy in treating complex renal stones are acceptable, but future large prospective cohort studies are needed to validate the treatment.

Comparison of Swiss LithoClast Trilogy™ and Pneumatic Swiss LithoClast™ in Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Terms of Stone Free Rate and Complications: A Single-Center Experience From a Stone Belt Country

Background Renal calculi therapy has advanced significantly in recent years, with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) emerging as a minimally invasive treatment modality. Mini-PCNL has been subjected to several modifications to achieve the best possible outcomes and reduce morbidity. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of Swiss LithoClast Trilogy™ and pneumatic Swiss LithoClast™ in managing renal stones with mini-PCNL. Methodology This descriptive retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Lady Reading Hospital, from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. A record of male and female patients aged more than 18 years who underwent mini-PCNL for renal stones was retrieved. The following two groups of patients were created: group A (n = 25) mini-PCNL with Swiss LithoClast Trilogy™ and group B (n = 26) mini-PCNL with pneumatic Swiss LithoClast™. The efficacy and safety profile of both groups was compared. Results A total of 51 patients were enrolled, with 25 in group A and 26 in group B. Groups A and B had mean ages of 45.2 and 47.5 years, respectively. Male participants outnumbered females in both groups, 72% (n = 18) in group A and 77% (n = 20) in group B. Group A had a mean stone size of 15.8 mm, and group B had a mean stone size of 16.5 mm. Stone-free rate on postoperative day one was 88% (n = 22) in group A and 84.6% (n = 22) in group B, with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). At the end of three months, 96% of participants in group A and 84.6% of patients in group B were found to be free of stones, and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Intraoperative hemorrhage occurred in 12% (n = 3) of group A and 15.4% (n = 4) of group B patients, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusions There were no significant differences in stone-free rates, complication rates, or intraoperative/postoperative complications between mini-PCNL with Swiss LithoClast Trilogy™ or Pneumatic Swiss LithoClast™.

Comparison of RLP and PCNL for large pelvis calculi with CKD

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effect and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (RLP) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for large pelvis calculi with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between June 2017 and July 2021, 62 patients with CKD and large renal pelvis calculi (>4 cm2) were treated with RLP. Another 62 patients receiving PCNL served as controls. The perioperative parameters were compared. All patients were followed up for at least 6 months with the stone-free rate and the recovery of renal function evaluated.

RESULTS

Significantly longer operation time (101.47 ± 9.25 vs 62.55 ± 7.54 min), less drop in hemoglobin level (0.90 ± 0.38 vs 2.13 ± 0.80 g/dl), staged operations (0% vs 12.9%), postoperative fever (3.23% vs 16.13%) and delayed bowel movement (3.23% vs 14.52), and shorter hospitalization time (3.90 ± 1.66 vs 4.72 ± 1.80 days) were observed in the RLP group (p < 0.05). The stone-free rates were 100% in the RLP group and 88.7% in the PCNL group at the 3-months follow-up (p < 0.05). The serum creatinine level was significantly lower in the RLP group at 24 h (2.81 ± 1.18 vs 3.00 ± 1.15 mg/dl) and 1 week (2.08 ± 1.13 vs 2.34 ± 1.01 mg/dl) postoperatively (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although associated with a longer operation time, RLP is a safer and more efficient surgical option for CKD patients with large pelvic stones than PCNL.

Place of urolithiasis in the spectrum of urological pathologies, practices and use of endourological procedures in the management of calculi of the upper urinary tract: results of a survey of referral centres in Africa

Our aim was to determine the current trend of endourology in the management of upper urinary tract calculi in Africa reference centres. We conducted an online multiple-choice questionnaire survey involving 46 centres from 27 countries using a structured well-designed Google Form (®) questionnaire. The questionnaires were distributed to the head of service through their emails. The questions collected demographic data about the centre, the epidemiology of urolithiasis, diagnostic means and management of upper urolithiasis, especially access to endourology procedures and their practices. Descriptive analyses were performed. The participation rate was 77.9%. Urinary lithiasis was one of the three main pathologies encountered in 42/46 centres. 33 centres had easy access to CT scanners and 34 had operating theatres equipped with endo-urological surgery equipment. Of these 34 centres, 30 perform endourology for the management of upper urinary tract stones. Rigid ureteroscopy is the main technique used by the centres. It is the only endourology technique used for stone management by 12 centres (40%). 7/30 (23.3%) have the option of performing rigid ureteroscopy, flexible ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The frequency of procedures varies widely, with 43.3% rarely performing endourological surgery. Seventeen centres have their operating theatre equipped with a fluoroscope and 6/42 centres have extracorporeal lithotripsy. Open surgery is still used in 29/42 centres (69.1%). Laparoscopy is available in 50% of centres, but none reported performing laparoscopic lithotomy. In Africa, urinary lithiasis plays an important role in the activities of referral centres. Modern management techniques are used to varying degrees (not all centres have them) and with very variable frequency. Open surgery is still widely performed as a management. Rigid ureteroscopy is the main endourological technique. It is essential to develop the practice of modern urology in Africa, mainly endourology.

A huge staghorn renal stone: Is there still a need for open surgery to protect against further damage to the kidney? A case report

INTRODUCTION

Staghorn calculi (SC) occupy the renal pelvis and calyces and are common in females linked to repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs). Judicious surgery planning reduces the chance of further damage to the kidney due to renal SCs. Open stone surgery (OSS) is one of the various operative techniques to remove such huge stones with one operative intervention and protect the kidney from ongoing functional damage.

CASE REPORT

A 47-year-old male patient presented with right-sided renal colic pain, and on further investigations, he was diagnosed with a large renal stone responsible for substantial renal function impairment on the same side. The SC measured 8 × 4 cm with another stone in the lower calyx. thinner parenchyma, and only 16% relative function. Therefore, open surgery was selected over less invasive approaches because multiple lithotripsy (ESWL) sittings may have been required in less invasive options.

DISCUSSION

SCs, which can be complete or partial, often result in renal impairment. Hence, it is crucial to implement a proactive therapeutic approach that includes a thorough evaluation of the stone's size and position, the patient's choice, and institutional capacity. Complete elimination of SCs is preferred to maintain maximal renal function. Based on clinical, technical, and socioeconomic considerations, open pyelolithotomy or OSS was chosen over percutaneous nephrolithotomy for SC removal in the discussed case.

CONCLUSION

The ability to remove large stones in a single intervention with open pyelolithotomy has been very effective due to its distinctive clinical presentation and pathological abnormalities.

Analysis of Nephrolithiasis Treatment in Highest Reference Hospital-Occurrence of Acromegaly in the Study Group

BACKGROUND

Urolithiasis is one of the most common diseases of the urinary system, the incidence of which is assumed to be up to 100,000 cases per million (10% of the population). The cause of it is dysregulation of renal urine excretion. Acromegaly is a very rare endocrine disorder that causes a somatotropic pituitary adenoma producing higher amounts of growth hormone. It occurs approximately in 80 cases per million (about 0.008% of the population). One of the acromegaly complications may be urolithiasis.

METHODS

Clinical and laboratory results of 2289 patients hospitalized for nephrolithiasis in the highest reference hospital were retrospectively analyzed, distinguishing a subgroup of patients with acromegaly. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the prevalence of the disease in the analyzed subgroup with the epidemiological results available in up-to-date literature.

RESULTS

The distribution of nephrolithiasis treatment was definitely in favor of non-invasive and minimally invasive treatment. The methods used were as follows: ESWL (61.82%), USRL (30.62%), RIRS (4.15%), PCNL (3.1%), and pyelolithotomy (0.31%). Such a distribution limited the potential complications of the procedures while maintaining the high effectiveness of the treatment. Among two thousand two hundred and eighty-nine patients with urolithiasis, two were diagnosed with acromegaly before the nephrological and urological treatment, and seven were diagnosed de novo. Patients with acromegaly required a higher percentage of open surgeries (including nephrectomy) and also had a higher rate of kidney stones recurrence. The concentration of IGF-1 in patients with newly diagnosed acromegaly was similar to those treated with somatostatin analogs (SSA) due to incomplete transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In the population of patients with urolithiasis requiring hospitalization and interventional treatment compared to the general population, the prevalence of acromegaly was almost 50-fold higher (p = 0.025). Acromegaly itself increases the risk of urolithiasis.

Development and Validation of the Prediction Model of Sepsis in Patients After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and Sepsis Progresses to Septic Shock

Background: To study the predictors of sepsis and the progression of sepsis to septic shock in patients after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and to establish and validate predictive models. Methods: The patients were assigned to either the development cohort or the validation cohort depending on their hospital. In the development cohort, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to screen independent risk factors for sepsis after PCNL and sepsis progression to septic shock. Nomogram prediction models were established according to the related independent risk factors. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to estimate the discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the prediction models, respectively. The two sets of models were further validated on the validation cohort. Results: In the development cohort, the risk factors for sepsis after PCNL were diabetes, urine nitrite, staghorn calculi, HU value, albumin-globulin ratio, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein/albumin ratio. The pre- and postoperative white blood cell counts were risk factors for the progression of sepsis to septic shock. The area under the ROC curve value for predicting sepsis risk was 0.891 and that for predicting septic shock risk was 0.981 in the development cohort; in the validation cohort, these values were 0.893 and 0.996, respectively. In the development cohort, the calibration test p values in the sepsis and septic shock cohorts were 0.946 and 0.634, respectively; in the validation cohort, these values were 0.739 and 0.208, respectively. DCA of the model in the sepsis and septic shock cohorts showed threshold probabilities of 10%-90% in the development cohort; in the validation cohort, these values were 10%-90%. Conclusion: The individualized nomogram prediction models can help improve the early identification of patients who are at higher risk of developing sepsis after PCNL and the progression of sepsis to septic shock to avoid further damage.

Is There Still a Place for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Current Times?

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and its miniaturized modifications are usually considered the standard surgical options for large (>20 mm) staghorn and infected stones. Moreover, PCNL is a viable alternative to retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for smaller stones (<20 mm) in the presence of anatomical malformations or inaccessible lower pole stones. However, due to the advancements in laser and scope technology, RIRS is expanding its indications with the potential benefits of lower complications and a shorter hospital stay. Methods: A literature search using the PUBMED database from inception to June 2022 was performed to explore the current role of PCNL in endourology. The analysis involved a narrative synthesis. Results: PCNL confirmed its role in the treatment of large and complex stones; moreover, miniaturized PCNL has become more competitive, gaining space among classic indications of flexible ureteroscopy. Conclusions: considering all the evaluated subgroups, we can conclude that PCNL is an old fascinating procedure and is here to stay.

Open surgery versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy for management of staghorn calculi

BACKGROUND

For urologists, treating staghorn stones remains a difficult challenge. Various studies have evaluated the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and open surgery in different populations but these results were controversial. Here, we aimed to compare and evaluate the results of open surgery and PCNL in the treatment of staghorn stones.

METHODS

This retrospective descriptive study was performed to compare the results of open surgery and PCNL in the treatment of staghorn stones in 2013-2021. A total of 360 participants were studied among the population. Demographic data of patients including age, gender, and comorbidities were obtained. We assessed variables including type of stone, serum creatinine, degree of hydronephrosis, and urine culture before the operation. All participants in our study were informed of the two surgical alternatives.

RESULTS

The mean length of hospital stay in PCNL patients was 3.88 ± 1.76 and in open surgery patients was 5.858 ± 2.12 (P = 0.003). In 30 patients (13.9%) in the PCNL group and 27 patients (18.8%) in the open surgery group, bleeding necessitating blood transfusion was the only intraoperative complication. 309 patients (85%) had no residual stones at the time of discharge from the hospital, which was 81.9% (177 cases) in patients treated with PCNL and 91.6% (132 patients) in the open surgery group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Staghorn calculi can be managed effectively with open surgery or PCNL. Given the reduced postoperative complication rate and higher stone-free rate, we believe open surgery is better technique for complicated staghorn stones with a high burden.

The fight between PCNL, laparoscopic and robotic pyelolithotomy: do we have a winner? A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide an updated comparison between the currently available minimally invasive approaches (PCNL, laparoscopic [LP] and robotic pyelolithotomy [RP]) for the management of large renal stones.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

An electronic search of the current literature was conducted through the Medline and NCBI PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Collaboration Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials databases in March 2021. Studies about minimally-invasive treatment for kidney stones were considered. Inclusion criteria were: studies evaluating patients with large renal calculi (≥2 cm); the comparison of at least two of the three approaches (PCNL, LP, RP), reporting data suitable for meta-analysis evaluation. Patients with concomitant management for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJ-O) were excluded.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Overall, 17 reports were considered for qualitative and quantitative synthesis, for a total cohort of 1079 patients, of which 534 with PCNL, 525 treated with LP, and 20 with RP. Of those, 16 compared PCNL with LP, while only 1 study compared LP with RP. PCNL mean operative time was statistically significantly shorter than LP and RP while mean estimated blood loss was statistically significantly higher for PNCL. No statistically significant differences were recorded among the three surgical approaches. Finally, PCNL demonstrated slightly, albeit statistically significant lower stone free rate when compared with LP.

CONCLUSIONS

PCNL, LP and RP may be safely and efficiently used to manage large renal stones. All three procedures showed reasonably low rate of complications with a satisfactory stone clearance rate.

Comparison of single-step renal dilatation and serial renal dilatation in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A retrospective case-control study

Background:

Access to the pelvi-calyceal system and subsequent dilatation of the tract are among the initial important steps in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). In this study, we share our experience with single-step renal dilatation when compared to multiple serial renal dilatation in PCNL.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective study wherein 35 patients who underwent PCNL by single-step renal dilatation by appropriate size Amplatz Dilator were compared with 35 patients who underwent multi-step serial renal dilatation using serial metallic Alken dilators. These patients were analyzed on the basis of demographic profile, total intra-operative time, fluoroscopic time, intra-operative and postoperative complications, stone clearance, requirement of blood transfusion, duration of hospital stay, and follow-up.

Results:

There were no significant differences in the demographic profile among the patients in these two groups. The mean total operative duration and fluoroscopic duration were less in single step renal dilatation group, and these have been found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of other complications – incomplete stone clearance, bleeding and hematoma formation, requirement of blood transfusion, duration of hospital stay, and follow-up.

Conclusion:

Operative duration and rate of radiation exposure are significantly less in PCNL by single-step renal dilatation; however, there is no statistically significant difference in the rates of other complications.

THE FUNCTIONAL STATE OF THE RENAL PARENCHYMA AFTER VARIOUS VIDEO ENDOSURGICAL METHODS OF TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH LARGE AND COMPLEX KIDNEY STONES

The work is based on the analysis of literature data devoted to the problem of preserving the functional state of the kidneys with various video endoscopic methods of surgical treatment of large and complex kidney stones. The purpose of the review is to highlight the likelihood of deterioration in the functional state of the kidneys in the postoperative period. A detailed analysis of postoperative outcomes in various minimally invasive methods of treatment of patients with large and complex kidney stones was carried out, with an overview of the possibility of using dynamic nephroscintigraphy as a method of objectively assessing the functional state of the kidneys.

The characteristics and influencing factors of fever in postoperative patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A retrospective analysis

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is commonly used for the treatment of upper urinary calculi in clinical setting, and fever is a common complication after PCNL. It is necessary to evaluate the risk factors of fever in patients undergoing PCNL, to provide insights into the management of PCNL.Patients who underwent PCNL in our hospital from January 2018 to August 2020 were included. The clinical data of postoperative fever and no fever patients were collected and assessed. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyze the risk factors for fever in patients undergoing PCNL.A total of 276 patients undergoing PCNL were included, the incidence of postoperative fever for patients undergoing PCNL was 19.39%. No significant differences in the gender, body mass index, alcohol drinking, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, intraoperative blood infusion, length of hospital stay between fever patients, and no fever patients were found (all P > .05). There were significant differences in the age, diabetes, size of stones, duration of surgery between fever patients, and no fever patients (all P < .05). Age ≥60 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.143, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.101∼3.264), diabetes (OR 2.218, 95% CI 1.176∼4.642), size of stone ≥2 cm (OR 1.428, 95%CI 1.104∼2.055), duration of surgery ≥100 minutes (OR 1.334, 95% CI 1.015∼1.923) were the risk factors for fever in patients with PCNL (all P < .05). Escherichia coli (48.44%), Staphylococcus aureus (18.75%), and Candida albicans (10.93%) were the top 3 pathogenic bacteria of urine culture.Fever is one of the common complications after PCNL. Patients with high-risk factors should be given full attentions and take corresponding preventive measures targeted on risks.

Comparison of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and retrograde intrarenal surgery in the management of large renal pelvic stones

BACKGROUND

To compare the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LP) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in the management of large renal pelvic stones.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included patients who presented with a single renal pelvic stone sized ≥20 mm and who were treated primarily by LP or RIRS. The patients were grouped based on the surgical procedure they underwent. We retrospectively examined and compared the age, the longest axis, and the surface area of the stone, operation time, hospitalization time, complications, and stone-free rates of the two groups.

RESULTS

Of the 156 patients included in the study, 44 had LP, and 112 had RIRS. Patients who received LP (13 males, 31 females) had a median age of 54 (18-79) years, while those who underwent RIRS (46 males, 66 females) had a median age of 54.5 (18-79). Patients who received LP were found to have larger median stone size (30 mm vs 24 mm, P = .003), longer operation time (100 minutes vs 70 minutes, P = .007), lower complication rate (2% vs 8.9%, P = .063), longer median hospital stay (3 days vs 1 day, P < .001) and better stone-free rate at the third month (90.9% vs 67.9%, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

LP is a safe and efficient procedure that could be used as an alternative to RIRS in managing large renal pelvic stones.

Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy for treatment of large renal stones: a meta-analysis

Background

We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LPL) versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for treating renal stones larger than 2 cm.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SinoMed, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for studies that compared the surgical outcomes of LPL and PCNL. We conducted a meta-analysis of the retrieved studies, expressed as weighted mean difference or risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

We included 25 studies (1831 patients). LPL was associated with a significantly higher stone-free rate, lower rates of blood loss, complementary treatment, blood transfusion, and complications, and less reduction in hemoglobin level compared with PCNL. LPL and PCNL were similar in terms of duration of hospital stay, conversion rate, changes in glomerular filtration rate and creatinine level, and mean time of postoperative analgesia. However, LPL was associated with a longer operation time than PCNL.

Conclusion

LPL appears to be more effective and safer than PCNL in patients with large renal stones, by increasing the stone-free rate and reducing blood loss, complementary treatment, blood transfusion, and complications compared with PCNL. LPL may thus be a useful modality for treating patients with large renal stones.

A Multi-institutional Review of Single-access Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Complex Staghorn Stones

BACKGROUND

With the heterogeneous distribution of novel surgical technologies and variable physician training, there is a need to re-evaluate contemporary outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for complex staghorn stones.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate contemporary outcomes of guideline-supported treatment for patients with staghorn kidney stones using single-access PCNL in multiple North American centers.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We performed a multi-institutional retrospective review of staghorn stones managed from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2019, inclusive. We excluded patients with more than a single percutaneous access per renal unit and those who underwent a concomitant contralateral procedure.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Safety (Clavien-Dindo complications) and efficacy in terms of a strictly defined stone-free rate were examined for single-access PCNL performed on staghorn stones with a Guy's stone score of 3-4.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

We evaluated 301 patients meeting the inclusion criteria with an average age of 57 yr (range 18-87). All stones had a Guy's stone score of 3 (36.2%) or 4 (63.8%). The mean (± standard deviation) stone burden was 191.4 ± 49.8 mm². Of the 297 patients (98.6%) who underwent computed tomography on postoperative day 1, 132 (44.4%) showed no residual stone, 111 (37.3%) had a largest fragment <4 mm, and 54 (18.2%) had a fragment ≥4 mm after primary single-access PCNL. Secondary procedures were performed in 117 patients (38.9%). Imaging at 3 mo demonstrated that 210/257 patients (82%) were stone-free. The overall complication rate was 17.9%, with 11 patients (3.7%) experiencing Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-access PCNL for complex staghorn stones is safe and effective. High stone-free rates with minimal morbidity are achievable with current techniques.

PATIENT SUMMARY

This study confirms that single-access percutaneous nephrolithotomy provides excellent outcomes in the treatment of complex kidney stones. This surgical technique has both safe and effective outcomes that are reproducible across multiple centers in North America.

A comparative study of morbidity between percutaneous nephrolithotomy and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy for renal pelvic calculus

Objective:

In this study, our objective is to compare the morbidity (up to 3 months) between percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LPL) in patients undergoing surgery for renal pelvic calculus in our population.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective study done in a urology tertiary care center from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018, among patients who had undergone PCNL or LPL for renal pelvic calculus. The sample size was 70, with 35 cases in each group.

Results:

In LPL arm, there was a significant reduction in the day of the drain or nephrostomy removal (P = 0.013) and in the number of patients with persistent leak after removal of drain or nephrostomy (P = 0.048). Apart from this, the median of postoperative hospital stay was also significantly less in LPL arm (P = 0.00005). However, the mean duration of surgery was significantly higher in the LPL arm (P = 0.00001).

Conclusion:

This study shows LPL and PCNL morbidity results are almost comparable except in a few factors. However, this study was a retrospective analysis of our work and it needs high quality randomized controlled study to establish the difference among these two procedures among our population.

Risk factors for the fever after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a retrospective analysis

Background

It’s very common to see the onset of fever after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), it’s necessary to analyze the risk factors for the fever following PCNL, and to provide evidence for infection prevention after PCNL.

Methods

A total of 546 adult PCNL patients were included as study subjects and retrospective studies were performed. We collected clinical data of patients using a prospectively designed database. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the potential risk factors for the fever after PCNL.

Results

Of the included 546 PCNL patients, there were 82 fever patients and 464 no-fever patients following PCNL. Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis are the two most common infectious bacteria. Preoperative urinary tract infection (OR =4.38, 95% CI: 1.15–9.53), multiple access (OR =5.31, 95% CI: 1.23–10.75), diabetes (OR =4.97, 95% CI: 1.37–9.86), length of operation ≥60 min (OR =5.67, 95% CI: 2.24–13.42), estimated blood loss in PCNL ≥500 mL (OR=2.78, 95% CI: 2.32–3.61) were the independent risk factors associated with postoperative infection.

Conclusions

Effective control of urinary tract infection, reduction of access number, strict control of blood glucose, length of operation control, reduction of intraoperative bleeding should be considered as measures to prevent postoperative fever for patients with PCNL.

Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy in patients with previous ipsilateral renal stone surgery

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy in renal stone cases with previous renal surgeries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this prospective study, 190 consecutive patients with renal stones, who were candidates for transperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups. In group A, 163 patients without a history of renal surgery underwent standard laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, whereas in group B laparoscopic pyelolithotomy was performed in 27 patients with a history of kidney stone surgery including percutaneous nephrolithotomy or open stone surgery. All intraoperative data including the operating time and complications such as bleeding requiring transfusion were recorded. Postoperative data such as length of hospitalization, hemoglobin level alteration, and other complications were also recorded.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the preoperative data such as stone size, stone site, age, sex, and stone side between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the stone-free rate between the two groups (p = 0.4). There was no significant difference between the two study groups regarding the operating time, hospital stay, stone-free rate, complications, and transfusion rate.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy can be used as a safe and feasible treatment modality in the setting of previous renal surgery. The complications and stone-free rate of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy in patients with history of renal surgery are acceptable.

Management of unilateral staghorn renal stones with concurrent urinary tract infections by retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy with prolonged renal posterior lower segment incision

The present study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of the removal of unilateral staghorn renal stones with concurrent infections by retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (RLP) with prolonged renal posterior lower segment incision. Patients with staghorn renal stone and concurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) who underwent RLP with prolonged renal posterior lower segment incision as the primary, one-session treatment at our institution between March 2014 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Routine laboratory tests were performed and the patients received broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics from at least 3 days prior to the operation. All patients were examined pre-operatively by urinary ultrasonography, computed tomography or intravenous urography. UTI was confirmed by laboratory tests with or without radiographic evidence by an experienced urologist. All patients (18 females and 10 males) successfully underwent the procedures and there was no conversion to open surgery in any case. The mean age was 57.0±10.81 years (age range, 40–74 years) and the mean calculus size was 3.3±0.79 cm. The mean operation time, warm ischemia time and post-operative hospital stay were 114.4±12.09 min, 28.1±4.23 min and 5.8±1.42 days, respectively. The mean hemoglobin drop on day 3 following surgery was 0.5±0.38 g/dl and there was no requirement for blood transfusion in any patient. The mean change of serum creatinine levels between pre-operative baseline and post-operative day 3 or post-operative month 6 was 6.0±20.03 or −4.5±15.13 µmol/l, respectively. The stone-free rate was 100% at 3 days and at 6 months. Mild post-operative complications (Grade I or II) occurred in 6 patients, including temporary and constant elevated body temperature (>38.5°C). No severe complications, including urine leakage, sepsis, residual stones requiring auxiliary procedures, were noted and there were no circumstances requiring further surgical intervention in any of the patients. In conclusion, RLP with prolonged renal posterior lower segment incision is an effective and safe procedure for patients with staghorn renal stones and concurrent UTI, and its feasible application as a single-session monotherapy is particularly convenient considering the financial and medical situation, as well as the patients' preference.

Robotic pyelolithotomy for the treatment of large renal stones: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Few studies have reported robotic pyelolithotomy (RPL) series; furthermore, the most of all have reported small and single-center series. Herein we report our experience from 70 cases of complex kidney stones treated with RPL at our surgical center; this study reports the largest series of RPL in a minimal invasive experienced center.

METHODS

Between February 2016 and March 2018, 70 patients with complex renal stones (Guy's Stone Score: 4) underwent RPL and included in a prospectively maintained institutional database. Baseline characteristics, clinical data, perioperative data, postoperative data and stone free status were assessed by descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Of 70 patients, 72.85% presented renal pelvis stones. The mean maximum stone diameter was 33.1±14.5 mm (median 30 mm; interquartile range 22-40 mm). Mean total operative duration was 122.5±34.4 min (median 120 min; interquartile range 105-135 min). In two patients (2.8%), a grade III complications were noted; no major complications (grade IV-V) were noted. The complete SFR, after a single robotic procedure, was 92.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that RPL is a safe, reproducible and minimally invasive approach as treatment of large renal stones when endoscopic treatment failed or was not available. RPL permits to achieve an excellent stone free status, in a single definitive procedure.

Single-step dilatation in percutaneous nephrolithotomy, its safety and efficacy: A prospective, single-center study

Background:

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is gold standard technique for the treatment of renal calculi larger than 2 cm or complex renal calculi. Establishment of nephrostomy tract is the important step during PCNL. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of single-step dilatation in patients with renal calculi undergoing PCNL.

Methods:

This is a prospective, single-center study conducted between August 2014 and December 2017. Patient who underwent PCNL using single-step dilatation between the study period were included in the study. Demographic details, stone characteristics, operative time dilatation time, radiation exposure time, rate of complication and blood transfusion were recorded. Data was analyzed and reported using summary statistics.

Results:

A total of 332 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean (SD) age was 42.46 (15.53) years and 181 (54.52%) patients were male. Overall, stone clearance rate was 92%. The mean (SD) operative time was 62.74 (29.61) minutes, tract dilatation time was 2.18 (1.05) minutes, and the radiation exposure time was 12.68 (6.45) seconds. Blood transfusion was required in 12(3.6%) patients. No major complications were reported during post-operative period.

Conclusion:

Single-step dilatation technique is safe, economical and feasible technique with added advantage of lesser time of dilatation, lesser radiation exposure and lesser chance of blood transfusion.