Is there a superiorıty of the stone volume measured in 3-d non-contrast tomography (3-D NCCT) to the stone area in predicting the stone-freeness of the retrograde intrarenal surgery success (RIRS)

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the predictive effect of preoperative measurements of stone volume (SV) against stone area (SA) on stone-free status (SF) following retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). 
 
 Methods: We retrospectively examined the medical records of 68 RIRS patients with renal calculi who were eligible. Patients having non-contrast computed tomography ( NCCT ) before and subsequent to RIRS were included, however staghorn stones and inability to access were omitted. SF status was determined by the absence of visible stones on the NCCT three months after RIRS. Using a software reconstruction tool using 3-D NCCT, a radiologist determined stone load characteristics, such as SA and SV. Using a logistic regression model, the assessment of potential SF status determinants was conducted. 
 
 Results:Age, stone density, quantity and position of stones, usage of access sheath, failed prior Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL), and procedures were not substantially linked with non-SF status, however gender (p = 0.014), SA (p