Wideband Doppler Ultrasound-guided Mini-endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery as an Effective and Safe Procedure for Management of Large Renal Stones: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of wideband Doppler ultrasound-guided mini-endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (mini-ECIRS) for large renal stones. This study included 41 patients with large renal stones (>30 mm) treated by mini-ECIRS using a retrograde flexible ureteroscope and miniature nephroscope by wideband Doppler ultrasound guidance in the modified Valdivia position from January 2013 to September 2015. Surgical parameters, including the stone-free rate, operative time, complications (especially hemorrhagic complications), and hemoglobin drop were recorded and analyzed. Univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for a hemoglobin drop of ≥1 g/dL. The mean stone size, including staghorn calculi in 41.4% of cases, was 45.5 ± 14.7 mm. Percutaneous access into the calices using wideband Doppler ultrasound was successful in all cases. The mean total operative time was 158.4 ± 51.3 minutes. The mean mini-ECIRS time (from first percutaneous puncture to end of procedure) was 106.2 ± 36.0 minutes. The initial stone-free rate was 73.2% (n = 30). The final stone-free rate after auxiliary treatment was 97.5% (n = 40). The mean hemoglobin drop was 0.54 ± 0.65 g/dL. Three (7.3%) postoperative modified Clavien grade II complications occurred. Univariate analysis revealed no significant risk factors for a hemoglobin drop of ≥1 g/dL. Wideband Doppler ultrasound-guided renal puncture is safe and feasible. Wideband Doppler ultrasound-guided mini-ECIRS is a beneficial, versatile, and safe treatment option for management of large renal stones of >30 mm.