Mini access guide to simplify calyceal access during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A novel device

Techniques for fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous renal access: An analytical review

Percutaneous renal access is a key step for a successful percutaneous nephrolithotomy. It involves the use of fluoroscopy, ultrasonography, or a combination of both. Over the years, various techniques have been proposed for fluoroscopy-guided access, and this article reviews the different techniques along with the anatomical principles for fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous renal access. A literature search was performed using "PubMed" for relevant literature describing the various techniques for fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous renal access. Each technique was analyzed in regard to how it describes selecting the skin site for puncture and determines the angle and depth of puncture. The advantages, limitations, and variations of these techniques were also studied. Each technique has its advantages and limitations. No study has compared all the techniques either in vivo or in vitro. Only a comparative study would establish the superiority of one technique over the other. Until this is done, endourologists should be well versed with the existing techniques.

Therapeutic effects of visual standard channel combined with F4.8 visual puncture super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy on multiple renal calculi

Objective:

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of visual standard channel combined with F4.8 visual puncture super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP) on multiple renal calculi.

Methods:

The clinical data of 46 patients with multiple renal calculi treated in Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from October 2015 to September 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 28 males and 18 females aged from 25 to 65 years old, with an average of 42.6. The stone diameters were 3.0-5.2 cm, (4.3 ± 0.8) cm on average. F4.8 visual puncture-assisted balloon expansion was used to establish a standard channel. After visible stones were removed through nephroscopy combined with ultrasound lithotripsy, the stones of other parts were treated through F4.8 visual puncture SMP with holmium laser. Indices such as the total time of channel establishment, surgical time, decreased value of hemoglobin, phase-I stone clearance rate and surgical complications were summarized.

Results:

Single standard channel was successfully established in all cases with the assistance of F4.8 visual puncture, of whom 24 were combined with a single microchannel, 16 were combined with double microchannels, and six were combined with three microchannels. All patients were placed with nephrostomy tube which was not placed in the microchannels. Both F5 double J tubes were placed after surgery. The time for establishing a standard channel through F4.8 visual puncture was (6.8 ± 1.8) min, and that for establishing a single F4.8 visual puncture microchannel was (4.5 ± 0.9) min. The surgical time was (92 ± 15) min. The phase-I stone clearance rate was 91.3% (42/46), and the decreased value of hemoglobin was (12.21 ± 2.5) g/L. There were 8 cases of postoperative fever which was relieved after anti-inflammatory treatment. Four cases had 0.5-0.8 cm of stone residue in the lower calyx, and all stones were discharged one month after surgery by in vitro shock wave lithotripsy combined with position nephrolithotomy, without stone streets, delayed bleeding, peripheral organ damage or urethral injury.

Conclusion:

Combining visual standard channel with F4.8 visual puncture SMP for the treatment of multiple renal calculi had the advantages of reducing the number of large channels, high rate of stone clearance, safety and reliability and mild complications. The established F4.8 visual puncture channel was safer and more accurate.